Why Apple should draw on the Pippin for a new iPhone gaming controller

Apple has had a rough time with gaming over the years. You don’t need to look far to see the proof, such as underwhelming support for developers, games that come out on iPhone and Mac years after they debut on consoles and PC, and more. However, it’s not for lack of trying. I’ve been a Mac user since 2006 and an iPhone user since 2007, so I’ve witnessed a bunch of moments when games and storefronts like Steam have arrived on these devices to much fanfare before being left to fester. Then the cycle would repeat. I remember when Half-Life 2, Portal, and others arrived on the Mac in 2010, until support for these games was abandoned in 2021. I’ve witnessed emulators come to the best iPhones and iPads, and plenty of subscription apps offering a bunch of games and then disappearing soon after. However, one thread that consistently goes through all of these announcements, efforts, and apps is how I’ve played these games over the years. Granted, I’ve used my Mac’s keyboard to play a bunch of games on macOS, but using a controller just feels right, especially when playing games like Fortnite, Tekken, and Portal. Continue reading Why Apple should draw on the Pippin for a new iPhone gaming controller MORE FROM POCKET TACTICS: Best portable gaming consoles, Best gaming phones, Best Android phones

Jun 14, 2025 - 03:40

Why Apple should draw on the Pippin for a new iPhone gaming controller

Apple has had a rough time with gaming over the years. You don’t need to look far to see the proof, such as underwhelming support for developers, games that come out on iPhone and Mac years after they debut on consoles and PC, and more. However, it’s not for lack of trying.

I’ve been a Mac user since 2006 and an iPhone user since 2007, so I’ve witnessed a bunch of moments when games and storefronts like Steam have arrived on these devices to much fanfare before being left to fester. Then the cycle would repeat. I remember when Half-Life 2, Portal, and others arrived on the Mac in 2010, until support for these games was abandoned in 2021. I’ve witnessed emulators come to the best iPhones and iPads, and plenty of subscription apps offering a bunch of games and then disappearing soon after.

However, one thread that consistently goes through all of these announcements, efforts, and apps is how I’ve played these games over the years. Granted, I’ve used my Mac’s keyboard to play a bunch of games on macOS, but using a controller just feels right, especially when playing games like Fortnite, Tekken, and Portal.

Continue reading Why Apple should draw on the Pippin for a new iPhone gaming controller

MORE FROM POCKET TACTICS: Best portable gaming consoles, Best gaming phones, Best Android phones