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The iPad goes hand-in-hand with gaming. Not only has the technology advanced enough that rich MMO-style games are capable on Apple’s tablet, but the 10-inch gadget is the perfect size for tabletop arcade gaming.
We recently told you about some fantastic controllers that turn your iPad into a veritable living room game console. You can connect a real joystick to the touch screen, or connect a retro style controller through Bluetooth to relive your sweaty-palmed youth.
Today, we have a couple of cabinets that may not be particularly useful, but they sure do make your iPad look good and provide a conversation piece at your next get together.
iCade ($99.99) This retro tabletop cabinet was the first to hit the market when the iPad came out in 2010. The size of Apple’s tablet inspired the creative team to come up with a gaming cabinet that turns your gadget into a virtual arcade game that you can play at home. It features a joystick and eight different button controls for compatibility with more than 500 games. The cradle that the iPad sits on is specially designed to comfortably house all generations of iPad, so when you upgrade your tablet, you don’t have to update your love of arcade games. For an even more retro style design, order the iCad directly from ThinkGeek. It is the same cabinet with an exclusive ThinkGeek design.
Discovery Bay Duo Pinball for iPad ($59.99) If you are a fan of pinball games, you may want to invest in an enclosure that lets you use the sides of your iPad as flipper buttons. The Pinball Game Controller lets you angle your iPad at an optimal viewing angle and it features side buttons so you can flip with lightning speed as you earn top scores on Pinball HD and other Gameprom pinball games. Just connect your iPad to the stand and download one of Gameprom’s pinball games. Connect the device and the side buttons will replace the screen’s button controls so you can play like you would on a tabletop pinball game. The Pinball Game Controller comes with one of five Gameprom games for free and you can add more through in-app purchases.
Atari Arcade ($59.95) This joystick controller is less of a tabletop cabinet and more of a game device. However, it fits into our list because it houses the iPad while you play your games. It is a pared-down version of the iCade, if you will. This controller is compatible with Atari’s Greatest Hits, which includes 100 classic Atari games, including Asteroids, Centipede and Missile Command, plus home cartridge games like, Yar’s Revenge, Warlords and Basic Math. The Atari Arcade connects to your iPad using a 30-pin dock, so make sure you have an adaptor if your using an iPad mini or fourth-generation iPad.
Thomas & Friends Steam Team Station for iPad ($32.99) Since when was gaming only for the grown ups? We can’t forget the gamers-in-training who will someday overpower our own lifelong passion for D-pads and joysticks. Your little one will get a kick out of this Thomas The Tank Engine iPad enclosure. It looks like a train station and includes six different interactive cards that, when plugged into the display stand, turns your iPad into a train adventure. Once you’ve connected your iPad using sound technology, download the Steam Team Station app, place one of the six interactive cards in the slot, and let the fun begin.
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ThinkGeek Now Shipping iCade 8-Bitty – Retro Wireless Game Controller
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