BluetoothController
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'Fortnite' now lets you use a Bluetooth controller to play on your phone
Epic Games is helping to level the playing field for Fortnite players on mobile with its latest patch. The update brings support for Bluetooth controllers to iOS and Android versions of the hit battle royale game (as promised back in November). Switching from touchscreen to an external gamepad should make the experience less fidgety on the go. And that could be critical when you're locked in a cross-play battle with PC and console players.
Intellivision’s Amico is the latest retro console revival
Intellivision, the video game maker that didn't survive the '80s, is back and ready to build something new on top of gaming nostalgia. After teasing the idea earlier this year, the company has announced plans for a new console called the Amico -- one part retro console and one part family-friendly modern gaming system. Intellivision plans to release it with a mix of classic titles and new originals in 2020.
I need one of 8Bitdo's incredibly tiny Switch controllers
It's generally quiet on the hardware front at E3 2018, cardboard arcade cabinets aside. There are always people shopping for controllers, however, and 8Bitdo is adding to its generally excellent third-party Bluetooth controllers with the Zero 2, a retro-styled controller with motion controls, glossy color options and even a slot for your keychain. And it's actually small enough to warrant attaching it to something.
PowerA's Moga Power controllers charge your phone while you play (hands-on)
Since we saw PowerA's Moga Pro controller at CES earlier this year, the company has shown that it's keen to evolve its product line based on early adopter feedback. Its two latest Bluetooth Android controllers -- the Moga Pro Power and the more petite Moga Hero Power -- bring some added functionality to PowerA's lineup while building on the successes (and shortcomings) of the previous iterations. In addition to enhanced ergonomics and an improved grip, Moga's newest offerings also boast multiplayer support and the ability to charge your phone while you play. The latter might be PowerA's ace in the hole, but do the upgrades make for an even better mobile gaming experience? Read on to find out. %Gallery-196005%
Gametel Bluetooth mobile controller lands stateside for $49.99
We were awash in skepticism when we first heard of Gametel's Bluetooth controller for Android and iOS, but then we laid our hands on one at CES 2012. At the time, it'd been available in Europe for awhile, and we were told to expect it on the shores of America by Q1. Gametel missed that mark, but the gamepad's finally for sale in the US and can be had for $50. That half a hundred gets you nine hours of battery life along with a d-pad, four standard buttons and two shoulder triggers for your tactile gaming pleasure. Sound good? You can pick one up at the source below.
iCade 8-Bitty hands-on (video)
It's still about two months out, but when the 8-bitty hits shelves it might just become our favorite member of the iCade family. 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. As a production quality controller, though, it should be the perfect handheld button mashers for those of you with a taste for the retro. The boxy, rectangular 8-bitty may be wireless and the final version will likely sport six buttons -- still, you can't help but be whisked back to your days spent blowing into dusty Contra cartridges and tapping out the Konami code. We gave the early prototype a quick try and the D-pad and red buttons feel just like their '80s inspiration. Unfortunately they're not quite as responsive yet, but we're figuring there's still some kinks to be worked out before it ships this Spring. The 8-bitty should be launching exclusively with ThinkGeek for between $25 and $30. Check out the gallery below and the video after the break.Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Gametel bluetooth controller for Android and iOS hands-on
Last time we saw the Gametel Bluetooth controller, it was an Android-only affair, but here at CES, the company informed us that it now works for iOS and PCs, too. It's been available in Europe for €58 for awhile now, and Gametel will be bringing it stateside sometime soon -- Q1 is what we were told. Given its price across the pond, you can anticipate it costing north of $60, though economies of scale being what they are, that price may drop precipitously should it prove popular in the US. We got a little handsy with the thing, and found it to be a surprisingly sturdy affair. You see, it attaches itself to your handset with a plastic spring-loaded clamp, and despite feeling a bit flimsy, it held the phone quite securely as we shook it to and fro. It's definitely a nice alternative to touch gaming in our opinion, though it's not perfect. We wish the backside shoulder buttons were positioned at an angle because they were difficult to press with a phone attached. See what we mean and more in the gallery below. Sean Cooper contributed to this report.
