There are quite a few games for iOS that make your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad feel like a pretty hip version of a Game Boy. You don’t play them for hours on end, but they’re good for wasting time now and again. Having said that, calling an iOS device a “gaming console” still feels like a reach. Gaming consoles like XBox and PS3 give you more a lean back experience, meaning you’re probably plopped down on the couch playing them and not touching a screen.

A company called 60Beat aims to change that with the release of its new iOS accessory, the GamePad.

There’s no doubt that gaming consoles are a massive market, with 1.7 million of Microsoft’s Xbox flying off of the shelves last November. I’m actually quite surprised that Apple hasn’t come out with its own controller, but that could very well be something it’s working on for 2012, along with new iPads.

The 60Beat GamePad plugs into the headphone jack of your device, and can only be played with compatible games. Unfortunately, 60Beat only lists two games that are compatible with its GamePad, Aftermath and Bugdom 2. While that might scare you away from its $50 price tag, the company does promise more of a selection by February.

Check out this demo of the GamePad:

As it goes for any device, the library of games compatible with the add-on will make it or break it. If you’re wondering how you’ll be able to hear the sound from the games with the GamePad plugged in, it comes with an audio splitter that will require headphones or an external speaker.

While the GamePad does negate the coolness factor of the touchscreen features on iOS devices, the fact that you can put your slim iPad in a stand on a table and sit back for video game playing is a neat look towards Apple’s future. You can’t put your Xbox in a backpack and easily set it up on the go, can you?

➤ 60Beat GamePad

Not only is it the most popular music player in the world, but we’re excited to announce it’s now also the most popular portable game player in the world.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that with iOS5, iPod Touch users will now be using iMessages, which is a much discussed SMS killer. Apple’s own messaging system is an extremely powerful step to own many of our daily mobile tasks.

There are millions of apps on the App Store and companies like EA have had great success porting their games to the iOS devices. This is a trend that will continue, and with games like Angry Birds consistently publishing hits, we don’t think this will change anytime soon.

The new iPod Touch is available October 12th.

Prices for the refreshed iPod Touch are:

64GB, $399.
32GB $299.
$199 for the 8GB

Read our full Apple roundup here, and read all of the Apple announcements here.

According to a TUAW report, there is a source sharing information that Apple may no longer be manufacturing the iPod classic and shuffle as early as this year. This could make way for a full on push of the iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone as the core Apple mobile products.

The iPod classic was the last hard-drive based iPod, and seeing it go is a final transition to flash-based memory. The shuffle was really popular with runners and cyclists because of its smaller form factor and screen-less design, as well as younger consumers because of the price-point.

The shuffle also has been applauded for bringing a whole new generation into the Apple stable of products. Because of their rainbow of colors, they were attractive to teens as an accessory and not just a music device. Now we’re just left with the nano.

This is also the last of the iPod devices to not have a screen, so clearly Apple wants anyone and everyone using an Apple device to have access to the app store, which is a huge moneymaker for them and for developers.

We’re told that the iPhone 5 is hitting stores on October 14th, but we’ll learn more at the official Apple event on October 4th.