GameBone iPhone control peripheral updated, coming to iPad

It's been the best part of a year since we heard anything about the GameBone Pro iPhone controller peripheral, but it seems the device has been redesigned and is now on the horizon once again.

Developer 22Moo says, “Many are wondering what has happened to the GameBone Pro and its SDK since last years announcement. Since mid 2009 we have been busy redesigning the device from ground up - thanks to the thousands of constructive comments we had received from around the world.”

The comments from this particular part of the world - those attached to the original story on Pocket Gamer - included, “I wouldn't be seen dead with that goofy-looking piece of crap stuck to the bottom of my iPhone”, and “looks kinda stupid to me”.

Thankfully, it looks like an very thorough redesign - it doesn't even look like a bone any more. 22Moo has also chopped the 'Pro' off the name, so it's now just called the GameBone.

The device still includes stereo speakers, omni-directional MIC, and a built-in lithium battery, but the Bluetooth and shoulder buttons are gone. In their place is Apple authentication (so you won't need a jailbroken device), a kickstand, and a rear battery capacity indicator.

Interestingly, it seems there are going to be two different models, as iPad support is promised - possibly with the first release of GameBone in the last quarter of 2010.

Why do you need something like a GameBone, when iPhone games are designed for touchscreen and accelerometer? Simple: not all of them are, retro games in particular being often ill-suited to the fancy new technology. Sometimes a game just calls for a good old-fashioned D-pad.

That's why we're pleased to learn that Manomio - purveyor of vintage games on iPhone - will support the GameBone with its library from launch. That means IK+, Flashback, and a host of other C64 and Amiga games will be playable.