SteelSeries has announced a new iOS 7-compatible gamepad, the Stratus. Unlike rival gamepads, the Stratus isn’t a case, but rather a physically separate product that connects via Bluetooth. The unit sports a D-pad, two analog sticks, four pressure-sensitive face buttons, and four pressure-sensitive shoulder triggers.
A protective cover can double as an extended grip. Up to four Stratus pads can be used simultaneously, but few iOS games support more than two players locally. Battery life is rated at 10 hours. Significantly, because the Stratus doesn’t occupy a device’s Lightning port, this makes it possible to play games on a TV by connecting an iPhone, iPad, or iPod to it using Apple’s AV adapter. AirPlay isn’t an option for gaming due to input lag.
Compatible games so far include titles like Bastion, Dead Trigger 2 and Asphalt 8: Airborne.
The controller costs $100, but is only available for pre-order.
