The previous design was a lot sleeker, and placed the controls on the side. But it didn't have those awesome nubs. A test run of those units were shipped to selected people in February, and early feedback, plus a "sleepless night", lead to the updated, bigger look.

You'll need to Jailbreak your iPhone, but the iControlPad is supported by some of the biggest iPhone devs (including ZodTTD's PSX and GBA emulators). If you're interested in placing a pre-order, sign up for the newsletter over at: [iControlPad]

The final version will be black, but contain the same layout and button count as the image above. No details on when it's heading to production, but it is, so we're excited. [Zodttd via Engadget]

The GAU-17, as this gatling gun is called, drops from the belly of the Osprey when needed. The crew chief—not the pilot—uses the gamepad and a targeting monitor to fire it. The targeting monitor—which also corrects targeting automatically for angle and speed—is connected to a sensor which houses a CCD camera, IR camera and laser range finder.

The GAU-17 is not limited in one axis, but covers the entire field of battle, moving all across 360 degrees. However, since the Osprey engines move from horizontal to vertical orientation depending on the maneuver, the targeting software limits the fire range so the rotors can't get damaged. The pilot can also activate a mode that fixes the gun in a forward configuration, allowing for traditional targeting without having to use the gamepad. [Defense Tech]

Actually, with the USB port right on the back, this wheel could make for a pretty snazzy DIY add-on to existing hardware. If only it were mini USB, the modders could really have some fun. Pick yours up for $20. [Brando]

Product Page [Via Red Ferret]

It doesn't have the extra customizable keys that some other gaming pads we've seen do, but the addition of the O, B and K keys (which is in a strange place, we might add) does add a little something extra over the standard QWERTY keyboard. Audio keys on the side and a USB connector rounds out the rest of the functionality.

Available now for $34.99. – Jason Chen

Retro, chic, stupid, fashionable, all of the above? The JC-U1906T gamepad from Elecom is essentially all of that. It has a nice NES controller feel but with worse buttons that seem to be labeled in some kind of unknown language. The only buttons that are understandable are "Auto" and "Clear" and everyone knows those buttons are crucial for PC gaming. This might be a good pad if you are a emulator whore who really needs to feel retro-like, but for anyone else, just stick to a traditional gamepad, or better yet, the Xbox 360 controller. – Travis Hudson

The latest Fashionable USB PAD from Elecom [Akihabara]

Placing 41 gaming keys within split-second reach of your left or right hand, the Fang allows you to assign commands such as switching weapons, changing armor, or casting spells so you won't have to fumble around your main keyboard in the heat of battle. Better yet, you can print out your different layouts (you can custom define profiles for each game) for easy reference.

The buttons are soft and "cushy", the software is easy to use, and the price is quite reasonable at $35. World of Warcraft and Quake players alike could benefit from the Fang. – Jason Chen

Fear the Fang—Ideazon's Portable Gamepad [ExtremeTech]

Some things are a joke. The J-Mat "gaming system" from XaviX along with all their other "gaming systems" are probably the epitome of the word "joke". First off, their company name sounds like the next pill that will get your johnson up from Merck. The J-Mat is basically a toned down 1988 Nintendo Power Pad. The graphics that go along with the game are on par with NES and the gameplay is downright horrible. John forced me onto the J-Mat to try it out so you won't have to. The game was something about Jackie Chan and how he runs through a city doing absolutely nothing. You have to run in place until you find some random sign in the road. When you find the sign, you jump over by jumping in place. Woohoo. Real fun. Other feats included going around the sign, under the sign, and not running into the fucking sign. Oh, and at random times, Ninjas popped out and you'd have to slam your feet down on the pad to kill them. Do yourself a favor and avoid anything made by XaviX. You'll thank me later.

Product Page if you dare [XaviX]

Love games, but hate the controls? Fear not; The Foldable game pad is here
[Phoneyworld]

Kyocera Candid KX16 offers Mobile Gaming with Alienware Gamepad Module [Mobile Mag]