iCade Review

Think Geek and ION Audio have teamed up to take your iPad and iPad 2 into another gaming dimension with the iCADE Arcade Game Cabinet ($99.99). The cabinet uses 2 AA batteries, and utilizes Bluetooth technology to communicate with the iPad.  The cabinet was easy to assemble and came complete with an Alan wrench, hardware, cabinet sections, buttons, joystick, an instruction manual, Quick-start Guide, and 2 AA batteries. The initial Bluetooth pairing was quite easy to set up and the directions are clearly marked under the lid of the cabinet.  As for the games that can be played on this unit, you can download a free Atari game here, and for an additional $14.99, you can download 99 other Classic Atari Games.  As I played Centipede and Asteroids, I felt like I was back in my favorite 80’s arcade.   The unit has a sleek retro design, and the cabinet is well built and sturdy, and resembles the colorful full size video games of my youth. The arcade 8 way joystick and full size controls offered an authentic gaming experience. The iPad fits vertically in the cabinet and most of the Atari games are played in vertical mode.  The iPad can lay in the cabinet horizontally with the top open if the game selected is played in landscape mode.  The iPad rests on a small lip, and is not docked. The iCade API is open to developers. As time goes on, additional compatible games will become more readily available. There is a non-official list of compatible games located under the supported apps section here. The iCade is a great gift idea for the gamers in your life who love old school video games. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)

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