Feb 10, 2011 19:51 GMT  ·  By

Given the fact that smartphones in general and Apple's iPhone in particular have managed to establish themselves as some very serious contenders on the portable gaming market, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that plenty of accessories designed to enable an improved level of gaming control have emerged, one of the latest we've come across being the iControlPad.

What's really interesting to mention here is that the iControlPad is not exactly a “new” product, per se, since it's actually been around for a few years, but never managed it to officially make it to the market.

Anyway, what this thing does is connect via Bluetooth to any supported smartphone (primarily the iPhone 4, but also the iPhone 3GS, iPod touch, Motorola Backflip, LG Optimus S, LG Ally, Blackberry Touch, Samsung Intercept, HTC Dream, T-Mobile G1) and enable users to control the games via the built-in buttons, that include a Digital Dpad, 2 Analogue nubs, 6 face buttons and 2 rear buttons.

The enhanced level of compatibility mentioned above is possible due tot the fact that the iControlPad sports an interesting side clamp system allowing it to attach to almost any phone.

Furthermore, as an extra bonus, the device's internal 1500 mAh battery can also charge one's phone via USB when playing.

The company also reveals the fact that the iControlPad will be somewhat of a limited-edition product, with just around 6000 units being scheduled for manufacture.

Pricing for the controller (set to start shipping at some point in February) depends on the whether you want the whole package or not, the device itself selling for $59.99 / £37.99 / 42.99 Euro, while extra sides retail for $14.99 / £9.99 / 12.99 Euro, and the entire package (including a pair of extra slides) is available at around $74.99 / £46.70 / 54.99 Euro.