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Add-on to turn iPhone into games console

Kind of

A picture has emerged of what's claimed to be a Belkin clip-on gaming case for the iPhone that, if legit, gives the handset more of a PlayStation Portable look'n'feel.

Belkin_Joypod_01

Is the Joypod Belkin's attempt at cracking into iPhone gaming?
Pic courtesy Touch Arcade

Actually, it looks rather like the ill-fated Gizmondo gaming handheld. Let's hope this one fares better.

Details of the so-called “Joypod” appear to have been seen on an overseas Belkin website, which was captured by tech website Touch Arcade. The screen grab shows the Joypod clamped around the iPhone, allowing users to control games through a thumb-operated joystick on one side and four PlayStation-style buttons on the other.

Joypod_pencil

How Joypod works

It’s thought the gaming accessory fits onto the iPhone by encasing the handset in equal halves. The JoyPod’s top half probably snaps onto the four-button bottom half, with the iPhone held between the two portions. The unit communicates with the Apple phone through the docking port.

Joypod appears to be coated in a rubbery surface – a must for non-slip gaming. It’s not known if the device will come bundled with any games, or whether it will require titles to be written to specifically to support it.

Pictures shows the phone’s iTunes library, suggesting it can be used to control more than just games.

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