Handheld game consoles like the PS vita and the DS have always been popular; and as new technology advances, so do the different varieties. However, one invention has surfaced that will give new hand held game console designers a run for their money; the GameKlip.

Those of us who have a smartphone and enjoy playing games on the move will understand that some of the more advanced games are a little harder to play through the touch screen. Even on larger sized tablets, there is still a lot left to be desired with manoeuvrability and ease of use. This is where the new GameKlip comes in.

The GameKlip is a device that allows you to connect an Android smartphone to an existing PS3 controller. It is essentially a plastic clip that hooks onto a PS3 controller with a case that the Android phone can slide into.

From here, the phone and controller connect via wireless with help from the Sixaxis Controller app from Dancing Pixel Studios. The only downside to this is that the phone needs to be rooted for it to be compatible. Another way to achieve connectivity is the wired version where you pay a little extra for the usb cable that connects the two devices together. By connecting to the controller in either of these ways, you are able to play games through both the touch screen and the controller.

There are various sized GameKlips on the market as each phone has slightly different sizes and people want to feel that their phone is secure in the device when playing games through the controller. When ordering a GameKlip you must be careful to specify which phone you will want it for, and if you buy a new phone later on, you will need to buy a separate one for the best fit.

GameKlip are also currently working on an Xbox 360 controller version and are at the prototyping stage for 7-inch devices such as the tablets. Current prices for the GameKlip range at US$15 for the wireless and $23 for the wired (not including shipping.)

More information can be found at Phandroid.

Via Gizmag