The Phonejoy mobile game controller has finally started shipping to its Kickstarter backers, bringing the feel of handheld console gaming to mobile devices. Phonejoy was hoping to ship the bluetooth controller by January 2013, but had a few minor setbacks due to hardware constraints. That wait is over, and early Kickstarter backers should expect to receive their devices soon.
The Phonejoy is a Bluetooth controller for iOS and Android devices up to 6 inches and provides a D-pad on the left, and gaming buttons on the right. The unit expands via a nifty slider mechanism, with your mobile device situated in the middle. The controller currently works with around 150 iOS and Android games, with more compatibility coming in the future.
The Phonejoy can be ordered directly from Phonejoy for $69.90, and will hit retailers such as Amazon, Newegg and eBay on April 8th.
Phonejoy Game Controller for Android and iCade Shipping to Excited Kickstarter Backers
HONG KONG, March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Phonejoy is the world’s first game controller that can nearly expand to triple its length allowing for easy attachment to almost any smartphones. The product that has been in development for over two years, is now finally shipping to early bird Kickstarter backers.
Phonejoy is a Bluetooth game controller for Android, iCade and PC that offers a full set of physical game controls similar to that of a home console. Thanks to the device’s EasySlider mechanism, Phonejoy can retract to a pocket-sized form factor so that it can be taken anywhere, whether along your daily commute, works breaks or even your vacation. With Phonejoy you can have an amazing console experience wherever you go!
The startup company had raised nearly $70,000 on Kickstarter back in January, 2013 The team behind Phonejoy was hoping to ship last year already, but like other hardware companies, Phonejoy had experienced their share of unexpected delays. “Developing Phonejoy has taught us a lot about the importance of finding the right partners early on and especially managing the expectations of our backers,” says Martin Kessler, Founder of Phonejoy.
Early bird Phonejoy backers have now finally started to receive their rewards. For many it seems the long wait has paid off, as the response has been overwhelmingly positive on the Kickstarter comments and App Store review pages. Phonejoy has made good on their promise to deliver the best and portable game controller there is for Android phones. The company is also trying to make good on the unexpected delays and has included extra goodies such as a carry pouch with all delayed rewards. In Phonejoy’s latest efforts an Affiliates Program, the “Phonejoy Gamepad Tycoon Program”, exclusive to Kickstarter backers has been launched so that sharing the news of Phonejoy can reap some real monetary benefits to Kickstarter backers.
Kessler explains: “Most of our team members have grown up with handhelds such as Nintendo’s Gameboy and Sega’s Game Gear. Nowadays modern smartphones are just as capable as dedicated handhelds sans the advantages of precise, physical controls. With Phonejoy we have been trying to change this. We have always wanted to have mobile gaming without any compromises and with Phonejoy we have finally accomplished that! It’s taken us much longer than we anticipated but we are proud that we have created a game controller that meets the high standards of many hardcore gamers!”
Besides the Phonejoy Controller the company also freely distributes a companion app on iOS and Android that allows game controller owners to discover the newest and best compatible games.
Priced at $69.90, orders of Phonejoy are now being taken at http://getphonejoy.com . Commercial availability is slated for 8th April 2014. The game controller will also be available through major online retailers such as Newegg, Amazon, and eBay.