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Gamevice makes controllers that snap on an iPhone or iPad to turn it into portable game consoles, but their clumsy design leaves room for improvement.
Gamevice was one of the first companies to create dedicated controllers for mobile devices, and their approach was incredibly new. The vice-like controllers grab each side of the iPhone or iPad and make them more similar to a Sony PSP or Nintendo Switch.
The recent 2022 redesign updated the controllers’ design language and features, but they remain almost identical to previous models. The iPhone controller will feel familiar to anyone who has used a Razer Kishi controller because it was built with Gamevice as a partner.
The iPad controller is unique in that it is one of the only “vice” controllers built for that size class. Since it uses a Lightning port for the interface, it is only compatible with Apple’s 10.2-inch iPad and older devices such as the 10.5-inch iPad Pro.
gamevice controller design
The Gamevice controllers are very similar despite the significant difference in size. The iPad controller is an inflated version of the iPhone controller, but the analog sticks are in different positions.
Gamevice for iPhone design
The Gamevice for iPhone folds around the outer edges of an iPhone to grip the device. One side has a Lightning connector to connect to the iPhone, and the other side needs to be pulled to the side with some elastic resistance.
Gamevice for iPhone is securely attached via the Lightning port
The iPhone feels secure inside the Gamevice controller, but devices smaller than the iPhone 13 Pro Max may need an adapter to ensure that the device fits properly.
When the controller is not in use, it folds into a small square shape and is fastened by a panel that clicks into place. Unlike the Backbone One controller, the separator that holds the controller sides connected is a thin bit of stretch.
The Gamevice for iPhone folds into a compact form for storage
The controller buttons, triggers and joysticks are all well built and feel good in the hand. Again, this controller looks like a repainted Razer Kishi, so fans of that controller will find this one identical in design and performance.
The joysticks sit diagonally apart to mimic the Xbox controller style. However, the way you hold the controller is different from an Xbox controller, as there are no handles, so you will find that you adjust your hand to reach the joystick properly.
Gamevice for iPad design
The first thing to note about the Gamevice for iPad is its size. The big grips are huge compared to the iPhone controller or even standard controllers. One side of the Gamevice controller is almost the same size as a Sony Dualsense controller.
The Gamevice for iPad is large to ensure a good grip on the device
It appears that the significant size is due to the device to which the controller connects. The 10.2-inch iPad is not small at all, and the controller design requires a lot of surface to grip for a stable mounting.
When the iPad is mounted to the Gamevice controller, the weight and footprint increase significantly. This does not make it unusable, but you will find that your hands and arms will be exhausted long before the battery.
Like the iPhone controller, the Gamevice for iPad uses an elastic band to make the controller edges grip the iPad. However, when the iPad is not in the controller, there is no way to efficiently fold or store the controller.
The big band does not fold so the Gamevice for iPad can not be easily stored
The button placement and style are identical to the iPhone controller, but since there is more space, they are slightly larger. The joysticks are placed on the extreme sides of the controller, directly opposite each other.
Use the Gamevice controllers
The experience of using a Gamevice controller is identical regardless of the device used. Connect the controller over Lightning, and the iPhone or iPad recognizes the controller immediately.
Gamevice has a launch application that highlights available game streaming services, Apple Arcade titles, and App Store games. The launcher does not seem to be aware of what games are installed or available to the user, so it works as a basic guide rather than a useful game library.
Both controllers have a lightning port for charging and a headphone jack for wired audio.
Use the Gamevice for iPhone
Going from a controller in storage to a game should be as simple as possible to eliminate friction. The Gamevice controller is a bit cumbersome at this point.
First, you need to remove any casing on your iPhone. If you are using a smaller iPhone, the included size adapter will need to be available.
Then you need to unhook the strap mechanism on the controller and connect it to your iPhone. This is a strange mechanism as the switches have to be pushed away from each other, not pinched.
It’s a bit cumbersome to unfold the Gamevice and connect it to the iPhone
Once the iPhone is securely mounted in the Gamevice controller, you are ready to play. But since the launcher utility does not track which games are installed on your device, you need to go to your game folder and start the game manually.
We wanted to take note of this experience as it is very different from the similar price Backbone One controller. While the backbone can not fold up so small for storage, the user just needs to insert the phone, pull the controller out and around the phone, and you are ready to go.
On top of that, the Backbone launcher opens from a dedicated button on the controller, and it remembers which games were installed.
The controller feels good to hold on to if it is a little thick. The buttons respond, and the triggers move smoothly when pressed.
We are not a fan of the right analog stick due to the awkward angle, but that may be due to personal preference over bad design.
Since it is a wired controller connection rather than a Bluetooth connection, there is no worry about delay or missed input. This is especially critical when playing streaming games such as on Xbox Game Cloud or Stadiums.
We enjoyed the console-like experience of playing with a controller connected directly to our device.
Use the Gamevice for iPad
The iPad controller is set up similar to the iPhone one, and it’s simpler as it can not be folded up for storage. The iPad slides right in, and the controller turns around without any issues.
The Gamevice for iPad feels good in the hand, but the overall design is bulky
The controller feels bulky, but not too heavy in your hand. We played “Diablo” and “Asphalt 8” comfortably without any problem.
The button layout takes a bit of getting used to as they are packed close together on the large controller. We found that we had reached far below the d-road when we searched for it. The joysticks are well placed for the larger design and sit where your thumbs naturally rest.
Need to buy a Gamevice controller
If you are looking for a game controller, then the Gamevice controllers are excellent options. However, we believe that the hardware performance for the iPhone does not match what other companies in the space are doing.
The Gamevice for iPad and iPhone are great controllers, but not the best in class
The Gamevice for iPad is the only controller we can recommend for the Lightning-equipped iPads. Others exist, but Gamevice has the best design and functionality to date.
We would like to see the Gamevice application improve with some awareness of what the user has downloaded or what subscription services they are using. Of course, users can always download another application that better suits their needs.
- iPhone Controller has a compact design for storage
- Buttons respond
- Lightning connection and pass charge
- No delay due to wired connection
- Gamevice application does not contribute to the experience
- No screenshot button
- bulky design
- Gamevice for iPad does not fold for storage
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Where to buy the Gamevice controllers