size-full" title="CES 2011" src="https://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2011/01/ces2011_bug2.jpg" alt="CES 2011" width="210" height="120"> The iCade — yup, that’s the same “product” name as the ThinkGeek gag version — looks like a miniaturized version of any typical arcade machine. The top flips open, you slide the iPad in, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity does the rest. Using the joystick and eight arcade buttons on the front console panel, you’ll be able to play games (at least from the outset) through the free iCade app.

Of course, gag gifts that appear on ThinkGeek have a weird way of coming to fruition. (Remember the saga of the Tauntaun sleeping bag?) Well, when Fred Galpern, Ion’s gaming product manager, saw the imaginary iCade pop up on ThinkGeek’s site last year, he called up the site’s brass and proposed they work together to make the dream a reality. Eventually, Atari was brought on board as a partner in supplying games for the unit — at launch, only Asteroids will be available — although Ion says it will release a developers kit, so we’ll hopefully see a slew of iCade-compatible games by year’s end.

Oddly enough, even though the fake iCade retailed for $150 on ThinkGeek, the real iCade will undercut that by $50, despite knowing in advance that thousands of people would gladly pay such a price point. But $100 is all you’ll need to plunk down at Ion Audio or ThinkGeek (yes, the site will be selling an exclusive ICade that looks like the April Fools’ version) if you want to relive some ’80s gaming glory days on your iPad.

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com

Authors: Erik Malinowski

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