While considering the validity of using my laptop as a truly mobile emulator and games console, I realised a lack of network connectivity might be a problem. I noticed in windowed mode the desktop would occasionally get confused and start switching between spaces (Mac OS X) but who wants to play in a small window anyway? On a rather busy wireless network with an ageing, struggling router the slight delay was noticeable at times but there's a workaround for that. I tested performance in Snes9x mostly and with full-screen mode enabled it's probably the most fun I've had on an emulator in years.

The software is surprisingly light, and shouldn't take long to download or install on either device. While it's downloading (and installing) you should grab the Joypad Legacy iPhone app from the App Store. Head on over to the Joypad Legacy website and download Joypad Connect for Mac or PC. The setup for this rather awesome freebie couldn't be simpler. The software means you can turn any Windows or Mac OS X laptop into a portable emulator or games console wherever you are. A lack of physical feedback means this isn't suitable for 'serious' gaming (whatever that means) but for emulators and brainless arcade games it does the job quite nicely. Using a Mac or Windows PC and a couple of iPhones, it's surprisingly easy to turn your handheld iOS device into a touchscreen gamepad. While looking for a solution I came across Joypad for iPhone, and the now slightly outdated Joypad Legacy app. While searching for a way to play a few multiplayer games I hit a snag - a distinct lack of controllers. Recently I have been away from home, with only work, an iPhone and a MacBook Pro to entertain me.

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