Techdy is hoping to transform the iPad mini into a dedicated gaming device with the Game D, which is both a case and a controller for the tablet. Game D fits onto the mini like a standard Apple Smart Cover, but provides a d-pad and four action buttons designed for games.

Game D is the project code name for a revolutionary Gaming Device specifically made for iPad mini. It is the most powerful yet the most portable gaming device ever made. It attaches to iPad mini magically as a gaming add-on or as a smart cover. It is designed for both portable gaming and arcade gaming. It is an open source gaming device. It opens up unlimited possibilities to all Gamers and Developers.

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The aluminum alloy Game D case can be mounted onto the back of the iPad mini with magnets to provide a controller for handheld gaming, or set on a flat surface to be used as an arcade-style platform in both landscape and portrait modes.

At this point in time, the prototype Game D is designed to work with the games that support iCade, but an open source game developer kit will be made available in the future.

Techdy is currently running its own crowdfunding campaign, offering reservations for the Game D at $39. A Pro version priced at $59 includes backlighting, dual analog thumbsticks, and vibration. If the 30-day funding campaign is successful, the developers plan on adding a joystick.


The Game D is still in prototype mode and Techdy plans to let community supporters decide on a final name, custom colors, and an app user interface design.

Reservations for the Game D can be placed on the Techdy website. Orders made during the funding period are set to ship before August 2013.

Top Rated Comments

Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
160 months ago
hand gestures and motion sensors seemed to be working just fine.

Nobody said they weren't. What this new accessory will provide, however, is a wealth of
more opportunities for tactile feedback.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Carouser Avatar
160 months ago
Apple might have good reasons for not having a game controller for iOS yet, but the continual push for various such controllers makes me think it would take off if there was some consistency (and clarity!) about support. On that note, it's good to see Techdy is working with iCade.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gatearray Avatar
160 months ago
Why not Kickstarter????

Because doing it this way makes it easier to scam you out of your money. :)

They are selling this for $39? How on earth can an independent company bring this to market at such a low price? Good luck to anyone who donates their money to this fantasy.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SteveJobs2.0 Avatar
160 months ago
My thoughts exactly?!

I'm actually intrigued by this, if I could trust them to do a good job at it, I'd really like a controller with physical buttons for my iPad mini.

I don't get why this is on some Kickstarter-clone instead of Kickstarter. Is it because they're not US based or something?

So that when they run away with the money there isn't a well-embellished US company to cover the theft. Also no chance of suing. Then again, I might be cynical.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
APlotdevice Avatar
160 months ago
hand gestures and motion sensors seemed to be working just fine.
Depends on the kind of game; For things like racing and puzzle games, sure those work fine, but for genres like platformers and fighting games you really need a d-pad and buttons.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UnfetteredMind Avatar
160 months ago
Nice shot of the Mac SE (SE/30?) sitting there in the vid (although not connected and running). I wonder if it's older than these guys :p
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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