Help Gamepad (MicroUSB or Bluetooth) for Incredible?

[Bing]

I've tried asking this elsewhere, but it seems likely that that forum is not going to get replies on this topic.

I was wondering if anyone know of any gamepad solutions from the Incredible? I love my ROMs, but playing A Link to the Past (and other SNES) games on a touchscreen sucks (for me). At the same time, I don't want to lug around a PS3 controller (as was suggested in this Ask Engadget question ) just so I can play some Chrono Trigger on the metro, so I'm a bit torn. I'm looking for a solution which meets the following requirements:

• Small (gotta fit in a pocket at least, better still if it fits on my keyring or in my jean's coin-pocket)
• Connects to my phone (via microUSB to prevent need for a battery, or possibly bluetooth)
• Enough buttons for SNES gaming (d-pad, 4 standard, 2 shoulder + start and/or select)

I've seen the following already, but I felt like none of them really quite fit the niche I'm looking for:

• Buffalo Micro USB Gamepad for when Size Matters Seems great for a purse, but as a guy it seems like it would bulge in my pockets.
• BGP100 Bluetooth GamePad - Review - Bluetooth, yes, but otherwise large and awkward.
• Making a Nintendo SNES controller into bluetooth; using an MSI BGP100 - Could custom build an SNES controller, but seeing as that would be larger than my phone itself, I'm not sure it's worth it.

Anyone have any tips here?

 

[rushmore]

I do not think a USB input device is possible, since I think the Inc does not have USB host (wish it did). Bluetooth could be possible. There is a device like the Wii Mote that works for the N900, but not sure about the Inc.

Bluetooth controllers are a rare breed, except for the PS3 controller.

 

[Asterdroid]

Yup. It exists. MSI BGP100 bluetooth gamepad. I beta tested the drivers for it, and they're now working for the Incredible. GamePro is the driver application available here.


Works awesome. No lag. I was playing F-Zero on my lunch break today.

 

[tuanster1119]

Yup. It exists. MSI BGP100 bluetooth gamepad. I beta tested the drivers for it, and they're now working for the Incredible. GamePro is the driver application available here.


Works awesome. No lag. I was playing F-Zero on my lunch break today.

Are there any issues or quirks?

 

[Steven58]

Please don't continue to post here. I'm having this and the other post in the "support" sub-thread deleted in favor of your posting in the gamepad thread, per your request, Bing.

 

[Asterdroid]

I had some issues testing the older versions, but the newest beta, which is now the newest release hasn't given me any problems at all.

The only thing I don't like about the gamepad itself is that the tactile response of the directional pad leaves a little to be desired, but it's not too bad. The rest of the buttons feel great.

Other than that, the only downside I've found is that I go through more AAA batteries now

Edit: Gah. Sorry Steven I didn't see your post before I made mine.

 

[Steven58]

Edit: Gah. Sorry Steven I didn't see your post before I made mine.

no prob

 

[Bing]

Please don't continue to post here. I'm having this and the other post in the "support" sub-thread deleted in favor of your posting in the gamepad thread, per your request, Bing.

Thanks Steven, but I meant that the other one was the one I wanted to close (since it seemed like this was a better place for this topic than "Support and Troubleshooting").

I appreciate the help though! I hope it's OK I'm still posting here then!

---

In regards to the BGP100: I mentioned it in my first post, and my issue with it is more that it doesn't seem very pocket-friendly. I also linked to the SNES controller mod in my first post, which seems like a nice BGP100 alternative, but again: pocket-friendly it is not.

 

[Asterdroid]

Thanks Steven, but I meant that the other one was the one I wanted to close (since it seemed like this was a better place for this topic than "Support and Troubleshooting").

I appreciate the help though! I hope it's OK I'm still posting here then!

---

In regards to the BGP100: I mentioned it in my first post, and my issue with it is more that it doesn't seem very pocket-friendly. I also linked to the SNES controller mod in my first post, which seems like a nice BGP100 alternative, but again: pocket-friendly it is not.

It's actually very pocket friendly, at least in my opinion. It's smaller than it looks, and it folds up very nicely.

 

[ChiTownJim]

Yup. It exists. MSI BGP100 bluetooth gamepad. I beta tested the drivers for it, and they're now working for the Incredible. GamePro is the driver application available here.


Works awesome. No lag. I was playing F-Zero on my lunch break today.

That's pretty cool, I think the only reason I'd get it though would be once the TVout comes out playing old NES and SNES games on my big screen from my phone lol
I have about 20 nes games on my phone and have maybe played them for atotal of 20minutes , phone gaming has never been a big thing of mine

 

[mozetti]

Has anyone had success using the other bluetooth controller, the Zeemote JS1, on the Incredible? I noticed that the GamePro software should support the JS1, but I couldn't find anything definitive on the GamePro forums about it.

I just don't like the form factor of the MSI gaming pad and would rather have the Zeemote. Any help?

 

[Bing]

I do not think a USB input device is possible, since I think the Inc does not have USB host (wish it did).

rushmore, as someone who isn't well versed in this fine a level of hardware/software, what is a USB host? Is it a driver which could be added to the Incredible without (or with) root access?

I have an idea for a very neat (but hopefully simple) gamepad which could fit around most Android phones via the microUSB port, but I'm wondering if it's just a pipe dream if things are a lot more complicated than I'd originally thought.

 

[tuanster1119]

Great info here, one other question. Is the MSI controller large enough to use the incredible in landscape mode? Does it even matter?

 

[Bing]

Great info here, one other question. Is the MSI controller large enough to use the incredible in landscape mode? Does it even matter?

tuan, based off the stuff I've seen I would say no, not in landscape mode.

Does anyone know what the "USB host" rushmore was talking about is?

I've got a design sketched up for a microUSB gamepad which would work on the Incredible which I might look into prototyping, but seeing as that can run $100s, any technical background info would be great.

 

[Asterdroid]

Great info here, one other question. Is the MSI controller large enough to use the incredible in landscape mode? Does it even matter?

No, sadly. That's the only thing I don't like about it. It's a reasonable trade-off, though, as it is very portable.

And honestly, it doesn't really make much of a difference since these games were made for older TVs/displays that weren't widescreen. The display is only a tiny bit larger in landscape mode.

 

[150_cav]

holy cow that controller is $25

not trying to be a tight wad but it seems a bit over priced, surely there is a cheaper way

 

[mozetti]

tuan, based off the stuff I've seen I would say no, not in landscape mode.

Does anyone know what the "USB host" rushmore was talking about is?

I've got a design sketched up for a microUSB gamepad which would work on the Incredible which I might look into prototyping, but seeing as that can run $100s, any technical background info would be great.

"USB Host" is the USB mode that allows the device to "mount" devices attached to the USB port. The Inc's USB port doesn't have the "USB Host" functionality. Without the "USB Host" functionality, the Inc can only be a peripheral device attached to something else. If it had "USB Host" functionality, then other devices (USB sticks, portable hard drive, gamepads) could be attached to the Inc as peripherals.

You can't add it in after the fact. It needs specific hardware to work.

 

[Piercing Heavens]

holy cow that controller is $25

not trying to be a tight wad but it seems a bit over priced, surely there is a cheaper way

That is the cheapest price for a controller you will find that works with a mobile phone.

 

[MrTissues]

If someone made an app for a Wiimote to sync with an Android phone, wouldn't it be possible for someone to do the same with a PS3 controller?

 

[Asterdroid]

Theoretically, any bluetooth controller can work with this phone. It's just a question of someone developing the software/drivers for it.

I'm very happy with the BGP100, though. The fact that my phone fits inside of it, essentially turning it into a gameboy/gamegear is a HUGE selling point for me. Maybe it's just me, but I have no interest in propping my phone up with a kickstand so I can use a game controller to play on it.

 

[rushmore]

That is the cheapest price for a controller you will find that works with a mobile phone.

Moot anyways, since sold out. BTW, other places that have it want at least $40 PLUS shipping.

In any case, ironic to use a controller that is bigger than the device itself. From a gamer perspective, Inc needs a keyboard. Not to mention a bluetooth controller drains more juice than USB voltage draw on a phone.

Still, I can see the goodness of this when at the house, hotel or something, if you have the external cables. Instant old school game system

Bing,

Sorry I missed your question, but it was answered anyways

 

[Asterdroid]

Can't wait for that 3500 mAh battery

 

[Bing]

No worries rushmore, I was just very very hopeful.

I agree with Asterdroid that putting your phone inside of the gamepad is a huge plus, but I hate the BGP100's form-factor. I'd prefer buttons like those found on the SNES (in terms of placement, tactile feedback, etc.), rather than contorting my hand in some odd shape.

This is the design I came up with for a controller:

Sketch:

With details:

I think it's the "perfect" idea for a gamepad, but if it needed to be bluetooth it would severely drain battery life, and would complicate the hardware needed inside the device (upping the cost as well).

 

[SingJsong]

I've tried asking this elsewhere, but it seems likely that that forum is not going to get replies on this topic.

I was wondering if anyone know of any gamepad solutions from the Incredible? I love my ROMs, but playing A Link to the Past (and other SNES) games on a touchscreen sucks (for me). At the same time, I don't want to lug around a PS3 controller (as was suggested in this Ask Engadget question ) just so I can play some Chrono Trigger on the metro, so I'm a bit torn. I'm looking for a solution which meets the following requirements:

• Small (gotta fit in a pocket at least, better still if it fits on my keyring or in my jean's coin-pocket)
• Connects to my phone (via microUSB to prevent need for a battery, or possibly bluetooth)
• Enough buttons for SNES gaming (d-pad, 4 standard, 2 shoulder + start and/or select)

I've seen the following already, but I felt like none of them really quite fit the niche I'm looking for:

• Buffalo Micro USB Gamepad for when Size Matters Seems great for a purse, but as a guy it seems like it would bulge in my pockets.
• BGP100 Bluetooth GamePad - Review - Bluetooth, yes, but otherwise large and awkward.
• Making a Nintendo SNES controller into bluetooth; using an MSI BGP100 - Could custom build an SNES controller, but seeing as that would be larger than my phone itself, I'm not sure it's worth it.

Anyone have any tips here?

Unrelated to a controller, but how does playing games with the touchpad feel, especially with action games? Could you just go into a little more detail with it? I really want to buy NESoid but also don't want to get a controller accessory.

 

[Bing]

Unrelated to a controller, but how does playing games with the touchpad feel, especially with action games? Could you just go into a little more detail with it? I really want to buy NESoid but also don't want to get a controller accessory.

For me, it's basically impossible to play any games which require fast movement. Zelda, Mario Bros, Contra all are impossible without physical buttons, for me. Hence why I'm looking for a solution.

A Gameboy Micro which could sync to the Incredible would be awesome too (though 2 buttons short of the SNES gamepad).