Joypad app turns iPhones into NES-type control pads
updated 01:20 am EDT, Tue October 4, 2011
Syncs directly with iPad, Mac, PC
A company called Joypad has released a self-title free app for the iPhone that turns it into a Wi-Fi, ad-hoc or Bluetooth synced controller for some popular retro-style games, including Super Mega Worm, Vertex Blaster and others. The app offers multi-button presses, five controller layouts (with support for additional ones), accelerometer and multi-player support as well as options for retro gaming. Joypad supports select iOS as well as Mac or Windows games.
The program now has 12 games that support it and is now offering a Unity SDK which should enable support for many higher-end iOS games along with some level of Apple TV support. The free version of the app sports its own NES, Game Boy Advance, SNES, Genesis and N64 style d-pad and buttons, while optional add-ons (usually $1 each) provide accurate NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA, Famicom, Master System, Genesis and N64 controller skins. Players can buy all eight of the retro controller layouts for $6, or the deluxe app (which removes ads as well as provides all in-app purchases unlocked) for $12.
Current iOS games supported by the program include Stardash, Arcade Jumper, Meganoid, Super Drill Panic, Ghost Ninja: Zombie Beatdown, Ninja USA, Lars, Vertex Blaster, Super Mega Worm, Plum Crazy, Emerald Mine and Space Falcon Reloaded Free. Mac games with Joypad support include Boxer (a DOS emulator for Mac), Ninja USA for Mac, Mos Speedrun and Space Falcon Reloaded. Game developers are encouraged to download the SDKs to add support for the Joypad to their own games.
