Steelseries Stratus XL lets you play iOS games with a full-size controller

Steelseries has kicked off E3’s hardware announcements with the Stratus XL, a full-size gaming controller for iOS devices. Compatible with all iPhone, iPad and iPod models running iOS 7, the Stratus XL connects over Bluetooth and gives gamers a welcome alternative to touchscreen controls.

The Stratus XL expands the Stratus range, which already includes a pocket-sized Stratus compact controller. The new model has a lot in common with an Xbox 360 controller, with colour-coded A, B, X and Y buttons, four shoulder buttons and a pressure sensitive directional pad, but has both analogue sticks at the bottom of the controller like a PS4 DualShock 4.

The Stratus XL should last for around 40 hours of gameplay using two standard AA batteries and the power switch to keep power drain to a minimum when you aren’t playing. There’s a battery life indicator on the underside of the controller to warn you when it’s time to change the batteries.

“We have been working for well over a year now on perfecting the wireless controller experience for iOS devices,” SteelSeries CTO Tino Soelberg said of the new controller. “The Stratus XL was designed to meet their demands, delivered with the premium features and top-to-bottom quality expected from SteelSeries.”

The Stratus XL should be going on sale around the world later this year, although Steelseries has yet to announce a firm release date or price. If you’ve been waiting for a full-size controller to enjoy games on your iPhone or iPad, you can find out more information at steelseries.com/stratusxl.