iCade

According to Anandtech, Apple has an internal program to develop physical controller accessories for gaming on iOS devices. Although it's not clear whether or not Apple's mystery product will see release, this isn't the first time we've heard the news.

A patent revealed by Patently Apple on April 1, 2010 was not an April Fool's joke. Apple filed the patent in September 2008, including several different gaming accessories that could be used with a mobile device.

ThinkGeek has announced their newest retro wireless game controller for the iPhone or iPad. The 8-Bitty is an NES inspired eight button controller that works with all iCade games. It requires two AAA batteries and is small enough to fit in your pocket. The controller will be available later this year for $24.99 exclusively at ThinkGeek.

The 8-Bitty is also compatible with the Atari Classics collection and other retro gaming apps. Check out a list of compatible games below.

At last year's CES Ion Audio launched the retro iPad gaming cabinet known as the iCade. Although the product started life as an April fool's joke at ThinkGeek, the maker of the iCade is now adding even more fun gaming accessories for iOS device owners.

iPhone and iPod touch owners are no longer left out of the loop thanks to the iCade Mobile, a portable game control pad that connects directly to the iOS device. The mobile version will connect via Bluetooth, adding a D-pad and buttons to the iPhone for $80.