23 replies to this topic

[warpig]

I didn't see this posted anywhere, so here it is...



http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/02/i-just-fell-in-love-with-icades-new-retro-nes-style-gamepad-for-iphone-and-ipad/

[Jumpman]

That's cool that they are adding in controllers more like the ICP, but the NES controller here in the states is probably my least favorite controller ever(the colecovision is a good runner up though). The squared corners have to be the dumbest design choice of all time. Once you get your callouses, you should be alright though

Chris

[milkshake]

the nes controller is freaking awesome! probably one of the best pads ever!! its the reason we have the DPAD in the first place (well at least the famicom version anyway).

however the 4 red button layout is not good it should be diamond based like all other consoles (its like that for a reason - makes it easier to hit the buttons you want).

[Gruso]

All respect to the NES pad, but the SNES design was the evolution it had to have. Going the boxy route these days is just sacrificing ergonomics for the sake of retro charm, IMO.

Edited by Gruso, 13 February 2012 - 11:55 PM.

[Offkilter]

I can't imagine Nintendo will not be a little upset about the design of this controller... The buttons and d-pad are basically an exact copy and I wouldn't be at all surprised if those in the prototype are from an actual NES controller.

[Caine]

however the 4 red button layout is not good it should be diamond based like all other consoles (its like that for a reason - makes it easier to hit the buttons you want).

Indeed. You have to twist your thumb into a weird position to hit the buttons like this.

Though I absolutely like the nostalgic look of the controller, comfort wise, we can do better these days.

[Craigix]

£16 sounds pretty damned impressive (although it has no nubs of course).

[spinal]

I always preferred the d-pad on the master system, perfect for diagonals

[Craigix]

So it turns out:

"At the moment the Bluetooth gamepad is little more than a hand-made prototype with some AA batteries taped to the underside and a sticker printed on the office InkJet slapped on the front."

I predict a price rise.

[Gadgetoid]

I predict a price rise.

It'll be $25 in the US, and £50 in the UK.

But, yeah, I'd tend to agree that their price is somewhat optimistic. Either that, or all 8-bitty controllers will be hand-made with InkJet stickers.

[milkshake]

why would it be £50 in the uk and only $25 (£15 ish) in the US?

[Gadgetoid]

why would it be £50 in the uk and only $25 (£15 ish) in the US?

I thought you lived here... that should be obvious

Although it was somewhat of an exaggeration, it's likely to be £25 here at an absolute minimum.

[lord_zargon]

US displayed prices almost always exclude tax, UK prices almost always include it. That tax difference usually covers the exchange rate and the slightly higher prices of goods in the UK. That is why you will often see items that are, for example, advertised as $100 in the US, end up being advertised as £100 in the UK.

Its also worth noting that living costs in the US and UK vary massively, too. So it may appear as though those in the States pay less, but its balanced out in other areas where Americans will pay more than we do. Fuel costs (not just cars, but energy prices), mortgages, rents, bills, taxes (business taxes, council taxes, income taxes) - too many variables to list here. It all works out about the same whether you live in the UK or US.

I tend to just exchange the $ for the £ in prices and you can't go far wrong .

[milkshake]

lets not forget healthcare!
we are very lucky in the UK that we dont need to pay for healthcare.

[Craigix]

Yes, I often read the UK-expats website forums and they move to the USA/Australia expecting to save a fortune then just complain about the cost of living.

I always notice when you see those comparison charts the USA price never includes the taxes (VAT) and they are very selective.

Anyhow, I doubt the price for this controller, the BT chip will be $9.50 alone unless they are using a real bargain basement one.

[Pickle]

lets not forget healthcare!
we are very lucky in the UK that we dont need to pay for healthcare.

But you just pray you dont have to use it right ;-)

[Craigix]

lets not forget healthcare!
we are very lucky in the UK that we dont need to pay for healthcare.

But you just pray you dont have to use it right ;-)

I think most people in the UK use the health service several times a year.

When it's free you just pop in for various small reasons.

I had my knee Xrayed to make sure I'd not damaged the bone recently.

[spinal]

lets not forget healthcare!
we are very lucky in the UK that we dont need to pay for healthcare.

What on earth are you talking about? Last time I checked, some of my national insurance pays for that 'free' healthcare. Although it's probably fairer to say that both NI and income tax end up in the same government bank account.
If it were free, I'd be demanding back that 7%(ish) extra tax I've been paying my whole working life.

[milkshake]

you know what I mean dont be silly, yes you still pay for it overall but your actual wages (after tax's and NI) is yours and you dont have to provide it yourself.

also if you were unemployed you would still be helped via the NHS so yes we are lucky!

[Exophase]

USA prices aren't given with taxes, but sales taxes are only around 7-10% (it varies depending on state - a few states don't have it at all!).. nothing like UK VAT. What was that, 17.5%?