8bitdo is running a Kickstarter campaign for AP40, their Bluetooth controller that can control games on iOS and Android, PCs and Macs. The company currently has a large selection of products centered around the Retro Receiver, a device that plugs into game systems and gives a new controller experience.
The AP40 unit is being released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apple, and consists of two different pieces. The controller itself will work with any of the Receivers made by the company, and this AP40 Receiver works specifically with Apple IIc, Apple IIe, Apple IIgs computers. The shape and feel of the controller is that of a 1980s video game system but the color scheme is the familiar 1976 Apple rainbow, with the familiar leaf flourish that acts as the USB plug.
AP40 has a D-pad, Select and Start buttons, X Y A B buttons, and two joysticks. The top of the unit has four toggle buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2) and the bottom has a power switch, and a manual slider switch. Gaming enthusiasts who use the Raspberry Pi and RetroPi can also use the AP40 controller with their games, treating the unit like a standard Bluetooth controller.
The Apple IIc Retro Receiver itself is a 48 x 34 x 16 millimeter aluminum enclosed unit with a 9 pin connector for the Apple computer and a micro USB connector on the other side. A stand also comes with the unit that will display the controller when not in use and can also hold a phone so the user can control mobile games with the controller. 8bitdo partners with Ion Audio to offer several iOS games. The campaign is selling the receive and controller as separate pieces or together as a group.
Hardcore gamers never fail to surprise me at their loyalty to a certain gaming platform and the constant desire to go back to the favorite games of their youth. It’s great to see a company that’s constantly inventing new ways to bring new equipment and control to existing games. A two minute google search showed plenty of places where Apple IIe computers could be purchased, and I’m assuming that Apple enthusiasts have a much better pipeline to keep their machines up and running. 8bitdo guards its technology well and doesn’t offer any open source code or detailed technical specs, but offer detailed user instructions and product support. This campaign has met its goal and will end on October 26, 2016. First units are expected to ship in January 2017.