SteelSeries Gets Into iOS Gaming with Stratus Controller

By Alex Davies
published

SteelSeries was at CES 2014, and we got a chance to meet with them to check out some of their latest gaming peripherals. The first, which you can check out in the video below, is their new Stratus Wireless Gaming Controller.

OS 7 is the first version of iOS that had embedded controller support, and since its release a number of vendors have announced controllers for Apple’s mobile devices, such as the Moga Ace Power and Logitech PowerShell. However, unlike those controllers that enclose your iPhone, the SteelSeries Stratus is a separate wireless controller with familiar layout that looks like a miniature mash-up of a PS3 and Xbox controller.

In the video, Travis from SteelSeries a quick overview of the Stratus, and shows it in action, controlling GTA: San Andreas on an iPad Mini. Since the Stratus is a separate device, and not something that integrates with your phone, we think it’s definitely more suited for using with larger devices like the iPad, rather than your phone. Imaging being squeezed into coach on a long flight, and being able to prop up your iPad on the tray table to get a couple of good hours of GTA in before you land. That would take the edge off. Another cool feature, which we were sadly not able to test out in person, is that you can hook up to four controllers to one device for some multiplayer action. Of course, there’ll need to be more games released for iOS that support split-screen first to make this work.

Another challenge is getting developers on board to support the Stratus but according to SteelSeries this isn’t something we have to worry about – they already list a number of popular games like GTA, Call of Duty Strike Team, Limbo and Riptide GP2 as having Stratus support, and we are sure there will be more to come.

Unfortunately, there are no official plans to bring the Stratus to Android since it’s specifically designed to work with iOS 7’s controller support, but Travis told us to stay tuned. SteelSeries is a strong supporter of Android gaming, having already released the similar Android compatible Free Mobile Gaming Controller, so perhaps there will be an updated Stratus with Android support in the future.

The Stratus can be pre-ordered from SteelSeries now for $99, but there is no word on the actually release date as of yet.

Alex Davies
5 Comments Comment from the forums
  • jasonelmore
    Looks really cheap and really small. Controllers like this for android are $20, however Apple Tax rear's it's head again thanks to proprietary API's and Licensing Fee's
    Reply
  • wemakeourfuture
    Looks really cheap and really small. Controllers like this for android are $20, however Apple Tax rear's it's head again thanks to proprietary API's and Licensing Fee's
    Nice try with your B.S. that isn't based on any truth just bias.I guess going to box stores and buying charging wires, screen protectors and cases don't cost the same for iOS and Android?Here's their first controller: http://shop.steelseries.com/us/controllers/steelseries-free-mobile-controller.htmlNote how it works for Android, computers and iOS devices. It's $59.99.Their newest model which is for iOS 7 also has newer technology and features which differentiate itself from the previous model and adds to the cost.
    Reply
  • FastGunna
    So that's what happens when you cross a dual shock with a NES controller.
    Reply
  • spookyman
    Why are Android Controllers so crappy
    Reply
  • elcentral
    its just a downer when most of the best games for android and ios are 7-10 years old pc games :s its to easy for mobile game makers to create crap with minimum effort, and still sell allot of copies. why are not more point and click adventures on these devices its a match in heaven!
    Reply