New details on Razer’s Kazuyo controller have been shared by MacFormat, giving insight on the accessory’s unique features, including fully remappable buttons and a slim hard-shell case design. Although not pictured, the report also suggests that the final version of the controller will come with full-sized analog sticks for enhanced control.
While photos of the accessory were originally leaked last month, the controller appears to have gone through a slight redesign since then, now featuring a more rounded design which appears to surround an iOS device with a more secure fit.
Furthermore, the report also notes that Razer will ship an accompanying app with its controller that will act as a storefront for compatible games and allow users to tweak various settings, namely button assignments and sensitivity. The app will also be able to act as a unified interface for a user’s purchased games and offer promotions and listings for special deals.
The Razer Kazuyo will join a growing market of iOS game controllers, which currently includes the SteelSeries Stratus, Logitech PowerShell and MOGA Ace Power, and will soon include Mad Catz’s C.T.R.L.i controller as of later this month.
At the current point in time, multiple games offer iOS 7 controller support, including titles like Rayman Fiesta Run, Bastion, and Asphalt 8: Airborne. Additional developers have also pledged to build controller support into their apps now that hardware is available to consumers, as more iOS games appear to be receiving updates that enable it.
Top Rated Comments
This is a really good question.
It looks like Apple's gamepad rules ("Requirements for Games That Support Game Controllers") (https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/ServicesDiscovery/Conceptual/GameControllerPG/IncorporatingControllersintoYourDesign/IncorporatingControllersintoYourDesign.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40013276-CH4-SW11) might be too restrictive. If an iOS game wants to support a thumbstick, the developer has to support all 3 cases: (a) no gamepad, (b) standard gamepad without thumbstick, and (c) extended gamepad with 2 thumbsticks. What would B mean for an FPS that wants to use 2 thumbsticks?
As a side note, I'm antsy for an Apple TV that can play iPhone games using a standalone Bluetooth game controller. Seems like a no-brainer for Apple.
Why are so many of these products being designed without analog sticks?
I realize that's an added layer of complexity and cost, but some games would truly benefit from the addition I'm sure.
"Although not pictured, the report also suggests that the final version of the controller will come with full-sized analog sticks for enhanced control."
I think the key is that only some games would benefit from it. Personally, I mostly play 2D platformer style games so a few buttons is all I need. Prior to 3D games taking off with the N64 and PS1, remember that most consoles didn't have joysticks (the NES, SNES, and Jaguar all lacked them, as did SEGA's early consoles).
I see no point in a controller without analog sticks.
Until they release a decent one with analog sticks and bluetooth instead of snap in mechanisms I'm staying away from this.