GameGripper
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Game Gripper going Bluetooth, just needs a little funding (video)
The Game Gripper is one of the smartest accessories we've seen in a long time, a cheap and squishy little controller that clips on over your phone's keyboard and enables proper gaming glory. But what if your phone doesn't have a keyboard? The iControlpad is finally shipping, but soon there'll be another option: a Bluetooth Game Gripper approaches. It acts just like a Bluetooth keyboard so should offer easy compatibility and, with its spring-loaded clamp, should hang on to just about any slab you stick in there. The only problem? You can't buy one yet. The device is going the Kickstarter route and is looking for a whopping $30,000 in funding before things get going. But, it is at least only a $47 pledge to get yourself one of the first Bluetooth Game Grippers that roll off the presses -- or stamps or molds or whatever it is these things roll from.
Game Gripper continues its evolution with a new Epic 4G model, Genesis button layout (video)
Sweet, sweet Game Gripper. You make smartphone gaming a rather less cramping experience, and now you're spreading joy to the fourth generation. Owners of Sprint Epic 4G can now get their Gripper on, and can do so with a lovely new Genesis-inspired layout that offers two rows of three buttons plus a D-pad -- and then another four buttons for good measure. It's rather excitedly demonstrated after the break and, like the earlier models, will set you back $14.99. Now, if only we could get handset makers to start adding shoulder buttons on their cellies.
Game Gripper makes grand entrance on Nokia's N900 (video)
Say what you will about Nokia's strategy (or lack thereof), but there's no denying that the N900 is one capable gaming machine. Thus, it makes perfect sense for the blokes at Game Gripper to mold a controller specifically for that very handset, no? We've already spent a fair amount far too much time with our made-for-Droid edition, and if you're looking to boost your enjoyment level when playing NES ROMs, you can toss your pre-order in this very second. The company's offering the complete Game Gripper N900 for €14.95 ($20), or the button set alone for €3.95 ($5), with initial shipments expected in around a fortnight. Head on past the break for a taste of that aforementioned Mario action.
Game Gripper review
We love an innovative fix to a problem, and so were immediately smitten by the Game Gripper when we saw it in action. It's a little keypad that slaps on over the keyboard of your Motorola Droid or Milestone, turning it into what looked like perhaps the most perfect blend of smartphone and portable gaming machine we'd ever seen. (Sorry, N-Gage.) Naturally we had to try it, and the Gripper's creator, Hyrum Fairbanks, was kind enough to send us one to test -- even customized to match the Engadget Mobile color scheme. Is it worth the measly $15 he's charging for the thing, and is it good enough to execute a hadouken? Read on through to find out. %Gallery-91440%
Game Gripper puts your Droid's D-pad where it belongs (video)
There's nothing better than a simple solution to a complex problem, and for Droid owners that problem is a keyboard that's not exactly well-suited for gaming. Having a D-pad is great, but having it on the wrong side is a bummer. The Game Gripper moves it over to a more appropriate position on the left and adds another eight buttons to boot, instantly converting one of the best Android handsets on the market into one of the best gaming handsets. From what we can tell the Gripper buttons simply press the keys below on the keyboard and, while we're guessing resulting button feel doesn't live up to professional gamer standards, we're decidedly intrigued -- especially for $15. If you're not convinced, check out the demo video after the break, but be prepared to be humming the Super Mario World theme to yourself all day before clicking that play button.
