Today at CES 2017, Kanex announced its new GoPlay Series of portable wireless game controllers for iOS and tvOS. The first release in the series, the GoPlay SideKick, is a pocket-sized wireless gaming controller that works with the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
The GoPlay SideKick is MFi-certified, and hence will work with most of the games available on the App Store with built-in support for MFi controllers. The SideKick features a 20-hour rechargeable battery and features Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity to your iOS or tvOS-powered devices.
One of the more unique characteristics of the GoPlay SideKick is its portable size. In fact, it’s small enough that Kanex is including a clamshell case to protect the controller.
But the case has a special function, in that it features a notch that allows you to use it as a stand for your iPhone or iPad. Kanex says that this allows for a console-like experience while gaming on the go.
The GoPlay SideKick features a traditional controller layout, with a D-pad, four pressure-sensitive front face buttons, shoulder-mounted left and right trigger buttons, and dual analog sticks. There’s also a menu button, and four LED indicators on the front face.
Kanex has slated the GoPlay Sidekick for a February 2017 release, with other models in the series to come afterward. The controller is launching with an MSRP of $59.95.
We look forward to going hands-on with the controller once it’s available. It reminds me of the Steel Series Stratus, which Jordan reviewed back when it launched for $99, but the Kanex controller comes in at much more palatable introductory price point.
