Games

GameKlip pairs Android smartphones with PS3 controllers

GameKlip pairs Android smartphones with PS3 controllers
GameKlip in action - with Samsung phone and PS3 controller
GameKlip in action - with Samsung phone and PS3 controller
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GameKlip in action - with Samsung phone and PS3 controller
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GameKlip in action - with Samsung phone and PS3 controller
GameKlip as seen from multiple angles
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GameKlip as seen from multiple angles
GameKlip viewed from the side, showing angle of screen when attached to PS3 controller
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GameKlip viewed from the side, showing angle of screen when attached to PS3 controller
GameKlip in action - playing Grand Theft Auto III on Samsung smartphone
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GameKlip in action - playing Grand Theft Auto III on Samsung smartphone
GameKlip has a wired solution for those who need one
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GameKlip has a wired solution for those who need one
GameKlip in action - with Samsung phone and PS3 controller
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GameKlip in action - with Samsung phone and PS3 controller
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Handheld games consoles such as the impressive PS Vita, though still popular, are in danger of being sidelined by increasingly capable smartphones and the games that are available to play on them. There is one problem with this transition however: the control system on touchscreen phones and tablets leaves a lot to be desired. Which is where GameKlip enters in to the equation.

GameKlip is a simple solution that brings two existing products together in a way that makes them look as though they were always designed to operate in unison. GameKlip is essentially nothing more than a plastic clip that attaches an Android phone to a PS3 controller, but its simplicity cannot take away from its usefulness.

The GameKlip hooks on to a PS3 controller and the Android phone is then slid snugly into place above the shoulder buttons. Once connected the whole thing looks more like a dedicated handheld games console than two devices forced uncomfortably together. The PS3 controller offers native analog input and emulates both touch and hardware controls. While it may not make you any better at Angry Birds, it will offer a more intuitive method of controlling the more complex games that are increasingly being ported to Android and sold through Google Play.

GameKlip as seen from multiple angles
GameKlip as seen from multiple angles

Each GameKlip is manufactured to fit a specific phone, with versions to fit popular devices kept in stock. Versions for other Android phones can be forged on demand. This made-to-order approach means each GameKlip will only fit the make and brand of phone specified. If you buy another phone, which most of us do every one or two years, you'll likely need to buy another GameKlip. Another note to remember is that you have to remove your phone from its case in order to fit the GameKlip in place. While the inventor of the GameKlip is confident that once inserted into the bracket the phone is safe from falling, the risk still remains.

The Sony Playstation DualShock3 controller and the phone connect wirelessly thanks to the Sixaxis Controller app from Dancing Pixel Studios, but your phone needs to be rooted in order for it to work in this way. Thankfully there is a compatibility checker available on Google Play. Those who own phones that either aren't rooted or aren't compatible have the option of going the wired route, with a USB cable included for those willing to pay a little extra. Unfortunately only the Samsung Galaxy S3 has so far been tested to work with the PS3 controller using this method. Which is something of an oversight.

A version for the Xbox 360 controller is said to be being worked on, while "GameKlip Tablet" for 7-inch devices is at the prototype stage. GameKlip for Android phones is available to buy now for a range of different devices, priced at US$15 for the wireless version, $23 for the wired version (plus shipping).

GameKlip's promo video (below) provides a closer look at this simple but effective piece of hardware.

Source: GameKlip via Phandroid

(This model has been replaced!) GameKlip™ Real controller. Real games.

View gallery - 6 images
5 comments
5 comments
Daishi
I do think this is a really good idea but an adjustable version would be cool too.
Derek Jackson
This is the start of the end for consoles. With PowerVR Series 6 in the new iPhone you can play games using a hamdheld controller and stream them live from your phone to your big screen TV.
David Burch
It may be the end for consoles, but it's definitely the end of handheld gaming devices.
Jovon Wilson
Not the end of consoles. Who wants to look at a little screen all the time? Ps Vita is a step in the future where portability meets stability. The PC games did not eliminate consoles or vice versa. Every niche has its pros/cons and individual support. The Vita is great and for its purpose, can only be replaced by smart phones when smart phones begin to be able to let you play games you started on your ps system, xbox, wii or pc and port them to said smart device. Now gaming glasses may replace the tv game use and maybe a smart, portable device of the future will also double as the home gaming or entertainment system. Maybe Sony or Microsoft already has this idea in play: "infiltrate this smartphone gaming market to stay in step with current trends". This would mean that the platforms would stay in play but maybe the only thing that is replaced is the actual device itself, so your phone can be your phone, computer AND home console that connects to your tv, with the backing of Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo...... So in the future either these companies will make devices or there would be an app for that on most phones. I'm skipping way ahead now in the future of possibilities......I just see it happening. The PC will as we know it not exist. The new PC will not stand for, "Personal Computer" but "Portable Computer". So it seems as we just walked into the future, it is actually the death of "PC" gaming and NOT consoles. The Consoles will be rebranded into your portable devices, the new PC. Microsoft and Sony both make computers and gaming systems. With sales in laptops and gaming systems increasing and desktops decreasing, the trends will lead to the abolishment of the desktop in favor of the new PC. The new PC will replace laptops even, eventually. Blu-Ray technology is nice but the new systems will not need antiquated discs anymore. Why when you can store the same high quality video on a technology like Micro SD cards? Everything I'm saying is on topic, this is about things getting smaller. The only thing our portable devices cannot do is provide a larger viewing platform on their own however projector phones/devices have been developed for mobile applications where you cannot plug in your device to a tv or monitor. Tv glasses which already exist will provide you with mobile wide screen ability and maybe even home tv/gaming use. Yes it seems a lot will change. Your new PC will sync with your home network/AI system as soon as you come in, automatically. You'll be able to access info and abilities from your device from anywhere in your home.......get online, watch tv and play games, from any location, using tv's, monitors, glasses, 3D projectors or whatever but you'll be able to play or have access anywhere in the home. Yes, Playstation, Xbox and Wii will still exist in the future, they'll just be hiding in your phone. ;-)
Muhammad Junaid
i need to purchase it in local market of UAE but till now couldnt find it plz someone help me to find this product