Turn your mobile screen into a true gaming console.
At launch, mobile gaming was hampered by virtual controls, lacking tactile precision and immersion. Gamevice, in collaboration with RKS Design, sought to bridge this gap by creating a detachable physical controller that seamlessly integrates with devices via Thunderbolt/USB-C, delivering console level performance without latency.
“From ambition to execution, RKS has delivered us an award-winning solution, both on time and in budget!”
Founder and Chairman, GameVice
Research & Strategy
Key Outputs
- User research revealing demand for tactile control and immersive gaming
- Emotional mapping to balance professionalism with fun
- Competitive landscape assessment bridging consoles and touch only devices
- Opportunity Areas & Design Criteria
We began with immersive research into mobile gamers’ environments, observing gameplay settings, frustrations, and ergonomic pain points. Applying RKS’s Psycho‑Aesthetics® framework, we positioned Gamevice in the “enriched” quadrant: combining performance and emotional resonance to appeal to both serious and lifestyle gamers.
Industrial Design & Branding Design
Key Outputs
- CAD for detachable controller with low latency hardware docks
- Ergonomic grip prototypes ensuring comfort during extended gameplay
- Visual design language that reinforces a premium gaming experience
RKS designed a durable, ergonomic controller that attaches to devices with a high speed interface. Featuring dual analog sticks, face buttons, D pad, and shoulder triggers, Gamevice’s symmetrical layout feels familiar to console gamers. A compact, modular design allows users to carry and attach devices fluidly without bulky cases.
UI/UX Design Development
Key Outputs
- UI/UX templates for pairing and firmware interactions
- Iconography reflecting gaming culture
- Instructional flows guiding users through device attachment and usage
Though the physical controller drove interaction, we designed companion UX elements, such as firmware update workflows, compatibility indicators, and branded onboarding experiences that improved usability and engagement.
Engineering & Prototyping
Key Outputs
- Prototypes with full analog sticks, triggers, and minimal input lag
- Engineering documentation for precise mechanical and electronic layouts
- Internal test reports benchmarking latency against industry standards
We engineered high speed connectivity (Thunderbolt / USB‑C) and precision hardware integration to eliminate latency. Button actuation, analog sensing, and robust mechanical design were validated through iterative prototyping, ensuring durability and performance across multiple device types.
Key Outcomes and Results
Key Accomplishments
- Successfully launched; sold through Apple Stores and global retailers
- Evolved into multiple product lines, including Flex models for iOS and Android, still in production
- Featured at E3 and endorsed by major press as a pioneer in mobile console gaming
Gamevice set a new precedent in mobile gaming peripherals, proving that with intuitive industrial design and engineering rigor, smartphones and tablets could offer console grade gameplay. This project showcases RKS’s ability to:
- Transform user friction points into commanding product advantages
- Seamlessly integrate hardware, software, and emotional resonance
- Launch a new product category that continues to shape mobile gaming
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