Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i is an iOS 7 controller with Xbox heritage (hands-on)
Best known for its range of console and PC gaming accessories, Mad Catz has made huge strides over the past year to cater for mobile gamers. After it launched its M.O.J.O. Android gaming console in June, the peripheral maker has emerged at Mobile World Congress with C.T.R.L.i, its first controller to feature native support for iOS 7. While it's still in the prototype stage (so new, we're amongst the first to see it), the C.T.R.L.i was fully playable when we discussed specifics with Mad Catz's representative, allowing us to experience an almost final version of the gamepad before it launches publicly in April.
If the C.T.R.L.i looks familiar, that's because it's basically the same controller that ships with the M.O.J.O. Android box and its award-winning MLG Pro Circuit controller for Xbox 360. Swapping consoles for handhelds, Mad Catz has introduced a spring-loaded mount to cater for Apple's current iPhone range and any larger devices it may or may not decide to launch in the near future (cough, 5-inch iPhone, cough). The clip is fixed with a tiny screw, allowing iPad gamers to play wirelessly without fear of a giant clip obstructing their view.
In the past, iOS 7 controllers have been called out for their high price and low build quality, but in our short time with the C.T.R.L.i prototype, we were impressed with how stable the controller remained while we played, and our iPhone looked to be in no danger of falling out. When Mad Catz makes the Bluetooth-enabled gamepad available in early Spring, it'll come in black, white, blue, red, orange and will carry an $80 price-tag. That's cheaper than the most MFi devices already on the market, but we're still looking for that golden sticker price to make it a real impulse buy.
Steve Dent and Chris Velazco contributed to this report.
