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CES: ZAGG Debuts iPhone 5 Integrated Dual Analog GamePad And Protective Case

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The Apple iPhone has seen an assortment of traditional game controller solutions from iCade, Gameloft and other companies, but iFrogz (a ZAGG brand) may have nailed it with the Caliber Advantage for iPhone 5. Just announced at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, the Caliber Advantage sports two analog sticks, a D-pad, face and shoulder buttons.

From what I've seen it's an elegant design that incorporates itself into the iPhone 5 by doubling as a slim protective case, sliding out from beneath and automatically powering on. The analog sticks seem responsive and somewhat resemble the Circle Pad from Nintendo's 3DS.

The case/controller uses the Bluetooth 4.0 LE spec, which the company says increases responsiveness and accuracy.

“The Caliber Advantage is a game-changer for the mobile platform," said Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing for ZAGG. "Everyone from hardcore gamers to casual players will enjoy and appreciate the control and function of the Caliber Advantage. We are committed to bringing creative product solutions to gaming with not only this revolutionary gaming controller, but also a full line-up of gaming specific audio products.”

Companies like SteelSeries, PowerA and Nyko have made aggressive pushes into the Android side of the smartphone gaming market, while products like the iCade 8-bitty and Gameloft's Duo Gamer have tried to fill the gaping void on iOS. The real obstacle is getting developers to pledge support for these peripherals on iOS, as it takes extra coding (man hours and money) to map controls from a touch-based environment to a gamepad.

iFrogz has a small but important pool of developer support from Electronics Arts, Epic Games, and Chair (Infinity Blade II), and they're currently working with other devs and publisher before the product launches. Game support is the big unknown here, but the Caliber Advantage itself looks like a fantastic accessory for the iPhone 5 mobile gaming enthusiasts. Until Apple finally developers a controller of their own -- or at least a standard for 3rd party game makers -- solutions like this may fit the bill.

Estimated MSRP for the Caliber Advantage is $69.99, and is expected to launch during the first half of 2013. I'd expect several more key developers to pledge support before it hits the market.


Check out our complete coverage of CES 2013 here. Follow my Instagram stream for live photos and drool-worthy gadgets from the show floor, or my Twitter feed for the latest in tech.