GameBone Pro Gives Your iPhone Dedicated, Physical Controls, But You Probably Won’t Own One

Gaming Gear — By Jeffrey L. Wilson on June 23, 2009 at 8:23 pm

I had my reservations in the beginning, but the Apple iPhone/iPod touch has proven itself a surprisingly robust gaming platform. The only problem? Not all titles are conducive to touch inputs. Enter the GameBone Pro, an 8-way D-pad with 4 face buttons and 2 shoulder buttons that looks to give gamers true tactile sensation – - if it’s supported.

The Super NES-styled controller has the ability to make nice with your handheld via Bluetooth or the 30-pin connector, and it rocks speakers, mic, and an audio jack. A built-in lithium battery allows the GameBone Pro to charge the iPhone/iPod – - pretty awesome right? Well, there is a darkside.

See, developers have to craft games designed specifically for the GameBone Pro, which creates the inevitable chicken/egg scenario. Will developers bother with it if nary a soul one owns one? Will anyone own one if there aren’t any games available? The answers are not easy, friends.

The GameBone Pro is scheduled to be released in September, but pricing is still up in the air. Why? To quote the official website:

What are currently open to pricing suggestions from the public. We want to ensure our customers get the best value possible and our distributors/resellers receive a decent margin as well. Please feel free to suggest a recommended price for our GameBone Pro.

Any wagers on if this will actually come to market? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

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Tags: gamebone pro, iphone, ipod