Joypad has launched a pair of updates that not only bring the full version of Joypad’s controller to the App Store for free, but also upgrade previous customers of the paid version to an Elite app that’s currently built with the same features. So why the change? Joypad’s free version will feature ads, and offer paid upgrades to various controllers. The Elite version is an ad-free controller, that will give users of the virtual NES controller free upgrades to the latest virtual knobs and buttons the creative crew can come up with. The Joypad Elite version is $11.99 in the App Store, and customers of the previous paid version have been automatically updated to Elite status. Huzzah! New customers can download the free version, and use the controller without having to pay a dime.

Joypad Connect (the app required to run Joypad on a Mac or PC) now offers two additional configurations for Minecraft and Portal 2, taking advantage of the built in accelerometer for mouse control. It could be my network, but the accelerometer to mouse controls felt a little janky, and if you plan to test out the new features you definitely have to turn the sensitivity down in Minecraft. It’s playable and fun (the select button is used for your inventory, B for jump, and A for hacking), but for the most part the mouse integration is really finicky.

Hazelmade is also launching an SDK so you can add Joypad support to your game! The SDK goes beyond Joypad’s current button interfaces and allows you to create virtual analog sticks, custom layouts, Wifi & Bluetooth connect-ability, multiplayer support, and more with “just a few lines of code”. It’s currently in Alpha, but your next great game on the iPad or Mac can be accompanied by the Joypad controller, which users can use for free.

I’ve provided the download links below so you can take a gander - this is a great update for paid and free users alike, and if you haven’t given Joypad a try, the free version is just like the previous Pro version.

Joypad for iPhone

Joypad Elite for iPhone

Joypad SDK (for developers)