Ion Audio iCade Mobile review: Ion Audio iCade Mobile

Ion Audio, maker of the iCade iPad arcade cabinet, have made a phone accessory called the iCade Mobile that initially sounds like a fun idea. Hold that thought, now ask yourself: what would make such a peripheral fun? Such a device should be very small, as elegantly designed as the iPhone itself, and compatible with all your myriad iPhone games.

The iCade Mobile is none of these. The $70 black plastic device is long and heavy, not to mention thick (and expensive). With an iPhone inserted, you have a handheld device that feels as large and long as an Atari Lynx (remember those?).

The iCade Mobile has no analog stick, either: its controls are relegated to a standard directional-pad, four buttons on the right side, and two sets of left/right shoulder buttons, one of them on each side being trigger-shaped. As far as compatibility, you're limited to a hodgepodge group of ever-growing games that work with iCade products -- so, no, this device isn't universal, and won't let you suddenly play Street Fighter flawlessly.

Back when the iCade arcade cabinet was released, half of its undeniable appeal came from its clever design. It's a curiosity: a desktop arcade cabinet isn't necessary, but when it works with old-school retro games, it's fun to show off. The old-fashioned joystick and buttons make sense.

In a handheld form, a D-pad is not sufficient. Unless the iCade Mobile is meant to evoke nostalgic memories of early handheld game systems, most people would expect at least one analog pad -- preferably, two -- to play modern games like shooters. The set of supported iCade games are largely '80s classic arcade games or modern indie games with a retro flair; simple twitch titles. The iCade Mobile works well with these games, although the button construction quality feels cheap, like a knockoff PlayStation controller.

The $70 price of the iCade Mobile is way too high: after all, you can buy a Nintendo DSi for $100. It's too high to be a mere novelty, too. The iCade arcade cabinet gets away with it because it looks far cooler, is made of better materials (an arcade-quality joystick), and suits what it's made for: old arcade games. Old arcade games don't even play all that wonderfully on the iCade Mobile, because the loose-feeling D-pad, while responsive, just doesn't feel as great for games like Defender or Joust.

Pairing via Bluetooth is a pain at first: you have to press all four shoulder buttons and then enter a numerical code via the D-pad and buttons, each of which has a number embossed on it. Once it's paired, all you have to do is turn it on next time. The iCade Mobile uses two AA batteries (included), but you have to unscrew the back of the unit first.

The rubber housing for your iPhone or iPod Touch (an included extra rubber backing fills spare space for the thinner Touch) feels cheap and stretches awkwardly and unevenly around the phone. It's sturdy once inserted, but you can't access side volume or standby/sleep buttons. A swivel lets you orient the iPhone in landscape or portrait mode.

Word of warning: although the iCade has more than 100 games that support it, not all of those work for the iCade Mobile. I realized that when I found I couldn't play Super Crate Box. I'm sure more games will include updates for iCade Mobile compatibility, but right now it's frustrating.

As a novelty item for the mobile gamer who has everything, the iCade Mobile could be a clever but expensive gift. It isn't anything more than a novelty, and it certainly doesn't turn an iPhone into a PlayStation Vita alternative. If you really care that much about buttons, go buy a Vita or PlayStation 3DS instead.