Apple Begins Selling New Accessories, Including Updated Rotor Riot Game Controller for iPhone and iPad

Apple today began selling an updated version of the Rotor Riot game controller with newly added "Home" and "Options" buttons. The controller, designed for use with the iPhone and iPad, is priced at $49.99 on Apple's online store and delivers in one to two days.

2021 rotor riot game controller iphone
Rotor Riot is advertised as the only Lightning-connected, full-sized game controller available today. The direct Lightning connection ensures low latency and eliminates the need to wirelessly pair the controller to an iPhone or iPad, and the controller also lacks a battery since it is powered directly by the device it is connected to. The controller's built-in Lightning connector allows for pass-through charging of the iPhone or iPad during usage.

The controller continues to come with an optional "Zero Gravity device holder" in the box for use with the iPhone 6 and newer. A full list of devices compatible with the controller is available on Apple's online store.

The controller otherwise looks similar to the previous version, with analog left and right joysticks, digital A/B/X/Y buttons, digital L1 and R1 bumpers, analog L2 and R2 triggers, digital L3 and R3 clickable thumb-sticks, and a digital d-pad.

Other items added to Apple's online store this week include Mophie's portable MagSafe stand for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models, new AirTag key rings from OtterBox and Incase, a 128GB flash storage stick from SanDisk with both USB-C and Lightning connectors, an Incase sleeve for the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, and more.

Popular Stories

imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Second Generation AirTag Feature

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new...
Apple Creator Studio

Apple's Next Launch is Today

Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available. Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
Apple Logo Spotlight

Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months. Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...

Top Rated Comments

fbr$ Avatar
55 months ago

The direct Lightning connection ensures low latency and eliminates the need to wirelessly pair the controller to an iPhone or iPad, and the controller also lacks a battery since it is powered directly by the device it is connected to.
My DualShock 4 works via USB-C cable on both my iPad Pro and MacBook Pro. It also has an internal battery and works via Bluetooth on any device, including my iPhone.

I don't see any advantage in a controller who only works via Lightning cable.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Neepman Avatar
55 months ago
I really dont get the lightning port / cable hatred. Its a billion times more robust and less subject to wear than USB-c. I would rather have the cable break that the internal tongue of the USB-c port. A lot of people are going to be in for a rude awakening a few years into their USB-c power ported devices.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Xenomorph Avatar
55 months ago
Lightning port. Oof.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
55 months ago
$49.99 not a bad price.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TinyMito Avatar
55 months ago

Lightning port. Oof.
Yeah why???

Xbox has USB-C.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pro Apple Silicon Avatar
55 months ago

I really dont get the lightning port / cable hated. If a billion times more robust and less subject to wear than USB-c. I would rather have the cable break that the internal tongue of the USB-c port. A lot of people are going to be in for a rude awakening a few years into their USB-c power ported devices.
Well I guess that's debatable. Which is the more fragile design? Internal tongue, or internal contacts? Either of them can fail over time for different reasons.

I think the reason why Lightning is annoying people now is because it is holding back the "all in" move to USB-C that many people want to make. It is much like Netflix not being a part of the TV App. You can't have an "all in one" solution when the biggest player is missing.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)