There's a lot to be said for the utility of the iPad's touch screen controls, but the lack of any solid 'buttons' or 'joysticks' is still a deterrent for some potential iOS players looking for a more traditional gaming experience. A New Jersey design firm by the name of Ten One Design is hoping to bridge that divide with the Fling Tactile Game Controller.
Essentially a portable 'nub' for the iPad, the Fling is an analog joystick that can be attached by suction pads to augment whatever virtual touch screen controls the game has to offer. In this position, Ten One Design promises that the Fling becomes invisible once the iPad is illuminated, leaving one to enjoy the extra level of tactile control without being distracted by something that looks like a slimy alien symbiote at the bottom of the screen.
Watch theFlingdo its thing below:
Going by the video alone, the Fling appears to be an eloquent solution to making iPad gaming more arcade gamingfriendly, but it also relies on game designers shaping their controls in a way that the Fling can imitate. Also, carrying around a portable joystick may be a bit of a nuisance, but seeing as none of the rumours surrounding the iPad 2 hint at a built-in button solution by Apple, this might be the best way to lure moremore hands-onconsumersto iOS gaming.
The Fling sells for $24.95 and will be available for pre-order on January 6th.
Jan 4, 2011
