Android has had its share of video game controllers to the point where it’s at a place that’s just a hair shy of perfection. Apple’s iOS on the other hand hasn’t been as blessed by way of video game controllers. There was an attempt by a few companies like TK who took a swing with the DUO but it only worked with a handful of games. More recently, MOGA and Logitech launched their iOS controllers but they only work with iPhone 5/5S/5C and iPod Touch. All iPad owners were out of luck.
In comes Signal with their RP One controller that promises to work on any device running iOS 7. That includes earlier Apple devices like the iPad 2 and iPhone 4. The RP One connects through Bluetooth and supports any game out that’s compatible with a controller. Signal also promises that the RP One will work with future iOS releases so gamers won't have to worry about having to buy a new one when Apple releases new updates.
The RP One felt sturdy and had a bit of weight to it. The silhouette borrows from the Xbox 360 controller which is a smart move considering that no one has ever gone wrong with that design. More importantly, it responds to movement with no lag at all. For the demo, the RP One was tested on Wave Splitter running on an iPad Mini. Controlling the jet ski felt very console-like with the analog sticks and buttons falling right into typical gameplay.
What’s most interesting though are the four LEDs on the front lower part of the RP One. “They’re for multiplayer,” said Signal’s Director of Business Development. “In fact Apple just made it mandatory that any controllers made to work with iOS support multiplayer. There aren’t any games that have it yet but we had to just put it in there.”
Maybe when the RP One hits retail later this year,we’ll see a new crop of games that will support true multiplayer and even co-op play. Even without three other buddies playing at the same time, the RP One will still be well worth the $100 price tag.
