The Gamevice proves the value of a handheld, but only if the price is right

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The rise of cloud gaming services means that phones and tablets have the potential to be prolific gaming devices. But a device like the iPad is not really comfortable to use with touch controls. Enter the Gamevice for iPad, a new controller accessory from the company of the same name that turns the tablet into a portable gaming device.

The Gamevice is a full-scale version of the company's iPhone and Android attachment, slightly modified to work with non-Mini Lightning-based iPad models. This is a plastic controller grip with a rubber back, which can be adjusted to fit a few different iPad models. The Gamevice has bumpers, triggers, two analog sticks, and a button layout comparable to an Xbox controller. It comes with a pass-through charging port, but does not require charging per se. It also adds a headphone jack to the iPad.

The Gamevice is a large controller clip that turns an iPad into a portable gaming device.

A Once attached, the Gamevice works with any iPad game with controller support. This includes Apple Arcade games, as well as any game on cloud gaming services, such as Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, Google Stadia, etc. Since it's a tethered controller, it has virtually no input lag or latency issues. Gamevice is the same company that worked on the Razer Kishi, so it's a comparable product.

Is it worth buying for iPad owners? Does it compare to similar handhelds, such as the Switch and Steam Deck? Is there even a point in comparing the two? Respectively, I say yes, in a way, and yes - up to a point.

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Gamevice's goal is to turn the iPad into an oversized Switch-like console. This makeshift handheld, combined with the many cloud-based gaming and streaming services, gives gamers the means to both play and access hundreds of games. It's not a unique claim in this market - the Switch and the Steam...