When I first heard about the Joypad Legacy app, I admit that I was skeptical.

It's a (now) free app that allows a PC or Mac gamer to turn their iPhone into a fully customisable handheld controller.

It sounded too good to be true.

But after giving it a whirl, I can now see it becoming an indispensable part of my desktop gaming.

Two steps to freedom

In order to make use of Joypad’s software, you need to download Joypad Legacy to your iPhone and then Joypad Connect to your PC or Mac.

Once both are downloaded and installed, make sure both devices are on the same wireless network and launch the desktop version. When it’s up and running, launch the app on your iPhone and the desktop version should automatically detect it.

Once connected you can pick a pre-selected controller configuration for popular games like Portal 2 or Minecraft. If you’re more enterprising, you can create a custom controller configuration for almost any game you can run on your PC or Mac.

Some developers have also integrated the code into their iOS games, enabling you to control those specially-enabled iOS games such as League of Evil 2 and Super Mega Worm on an iPad or Mac, using your iPhone.

Skins and more

The eight retro gaming skins offered by Joypad Legacy aren’t just for aesthetics- although older gamers will surely be happy with the look of the iconic NES controller on their iPhones.

Simple games like DarkRunner (which I used for my custom test) work just fine on a FamiCom/NES Retro two-button controller but more involved games call for the six button inputs of the Genesis controller (eight, if you count Start and Select).

While Joypad Legacy isn’t a game itself, it will change the way you game on your PC or Mac at home with its simple, easy to configure controllers and a seamless interface.

If you’re looking for a way to give your keyboard and mouse a rest while gaming, Joypad Legacy might be the perfect solution for you.

You can find out more from the website.