Apple Patents DualShock-Style Game Controller

Filed in March and published today, the patent GR has discovered lists various inputs and interactions between iPhones, iPods and Apple TVs, including FIG. 6, which "is a schematic of a video game controller for the standalone media player of FIG. 4 or a video game system".

[Morrigan-Aensland]

Well they didn't want to follow Nintendo and copy a Xbox controller

To be on topic though, I wonder if apple is considering making a console

[bicfitness]

It says "contro (typo?) video game system" in the patent pictures. Make of that what you will.

[Abash]

Very smart of Apple, all game controller's have their share of faults but the DualShock design is still the best

[Redgehammer]

I disagree, the Dual Shock causes my thumbs to cramp; whereas, my 360 controller allows me to game day and night. The 360 comtroller just feels more ergonomical, and far more sturdy. Of course, that is just my thoughts and gaming preferences.
That apple controller looks painful to use.

[user5467007]

@Abash

So true

The DS controler is good with all types of games while the Xbox 360 controler is only better with FPS, like it was designed just for that genre in mind.

I'd say the DS is still the best controler out there today.

[krisq]

Ha! I have exactly the same issue but other way around. Can't play on 360 pad for longer than an hour or I'm getting cramps. There is a reason for this though. I'm playing since first Playstation launched in Japan so this is at least for 17 years. DualShock is like my third hand. Cant't imagine a better shape.

[SoundGamer]

Apple iPlay or iGame. Something like that. Will cost almost $2,000 and people will buy 100000000 of them because it has an apple logo on it.

Called it years ago.

*sigh*

[xursz]

Agreed, Xbox controllers work great for FPSs but feel unnatural in most other instances.

[HappyGaming]

I don't get why people say the 360 controller is more ergonomic and doesn't cramp their thumbs?

Since when did humans have one thumb that was longer than the other?

But I guess it must fall down mostly on what you are used to as both of them are ergonomical and I can play on the DS3 for hours without ever getting cramps with my gigantic hands.

[SuperLupe]

No use argueing, of course the Dualshock is the best controller ever, ypu're on N4G.
If it was still the same plain PS controller with no sticks from 1996 it would still be the best anyway.

[JD_Shadow]

You DO realize that some people actually do think that the DS is better than the XBox one, right? And that it's not necessarily a fanboyish gesture to think that, right?

Honestly, I'm not sure why people are just NOW making this much fuss about the DS's design when it's been around for more than a decade. What's different about it now that wasn't there before?

[Biggest]

More people are being born with a longer left thumb since 2005 I believe. Also, there has been an outbreak of thumb cramps for the last 10 years. The lamestream media never talks about it though. They spend too much time on that "reality" junk.

[Bzone24]

The people saying you get thumb cramps and that you need a longer thumb on one hand to play with a 360 controller, you do know how to hold the controller right? Same can go for the DualShock, you need to hold the controller right. If you can't do that, I just don't know about you.

[Proxy]

Well, if someone get sued for violating this patent it wont be hard to prove prior art.

[ConstipatedGorilla]

Am I the only one who's thumbs always slide off the DS' analog sticks? The 360 have indentations for your thumbs in them to prevent that. Seems kind of like a no-brainer to me.

[Autodidactdystopia]

Heres what I think

http://tts.imtranslator.net...

yeah

[Jack Meahoffer]

Anyone remember the Apple Pippin?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

I just don't think they'd try again with a "traditional" console controller. Maybe could see some kind of attachment to an iPhone or iPad with physical buttons before a regular controller.

There's talk of the "post-touch" world. I'm hoping for a direct brain interface soon. Perfect virtual reality. Apple or Google would probably be the ones to do it first.

[ThanatosDMC]

Remember when some people were saying that the giant xbox controller was the best? Then they changed it to a smaller version like the Dualshock then they say it's the best? Funny people.

[DeadlyFire]

You guys didn't read all of the patent at all.

Apple TV controls your game console and can tap into any wireless device. Can play your games on any Mac device using your own gamepads. Mario, Halo, Killzone all likely to be playable on your iMac/Mac, Ipad, and etc. At least that is what I am thinking.

If you read down the patent with all the figures. There is one of a Xbox 360, as well as one showing iMac with Mario on the screen.

[BattleAxe]

Sony needs to get their lawyers together and get them ready to file a law suit for patent infringement. Time to take a bite out of the apple.

[Sono421]

Ok tell me this N4G, why can I give someone a bubble for them saying something intelligent but I can't take away a bubble for someone being a complete moron? That doesn't make sense. If this was an option I can tell you so many of people's bubble numbers would drop.
I know this seems completely off topic but after reading some of these comments I just started to wonder.

[insomnium2]

To tell the truth ANY controller can be the best for you. It's all about getting your hands used to the thing. I play games on so many consoles and I have NEVER fealt that my gaming is not 100% on some platform due to the controller. It seems absurd to me.

Atari Jaguar has one of the weirdest controllers ever but it wasn't that long ago I fired it up for my AvP appetite. I finished the effing game with marine and never even thought about the controller once.

I don't get this hate MS supporters are so fast to plague people with. It's like either you love the x360 controller or get out. The controller is one of the oldest BS claims since the beginning of this gen. Without the original hate (due to inferiority complex) we would not be talking about this today. One more feather for the xbox team huh?

It has everything to do with fanboyism. The controller is an effing physical object. It's not like your hands won't get used to it. My hands have used to controllers on: Jaguar, Gamecube, Nes, SNES, Sega megadrive, xbox, x360, PS-platforms, all handhelds ever created that I've owned. To say this or that controller doesn't fit your hands is PURE BS 99% of the time. The 1% is for people who have physical disabilities (a missing finger etc.).

[Redgehammer]

It is the location of the Dual Shock thumbsticks that cause me the most problems. I will never use a D-pad on any controller as the primary input. The position of the 360s thumbsticks are much more alligned with my personal physiology. I also don't believe that it has anything to do with the length of the thumbs. When I drop my hands to my lap, my left thumb falls into the perfect position for the 360's left thumbstick, as does my right thumb on the right stick. As the comment sections of N4G consistantly illustrate, we are all humans, but that does not make us the same.

[DonMingos]

this is an iDualshock. I wonder what it has to patent about

[jrbeerman11]

Apple will sue Sony when they release PlayStation 4 for copyright infringement. They are copyright whores.

[Exoil]

@jrbeerman11:
You're right on the spot brother!
There are patent trolls, and then there is Apple.

Apple sure is the new Microsoft..

[Abdou23]

Don't think they will make a console, it's just a controller to play on Ipad/Apple TV.

[Mr Vengeance]

I think your right mate, consoles don't suit Apples business model - minor upgrade, annual release.

[ATi_Elite]

Apple make a console Blah ha ha ha How absurd of you to even think that.

I'm sure Apple will Stream Games through Apple TV and work in conjunction with Apple Air Play.

(then you can buy an App and use your iPhone as the controller)

[yabhero]

Considering the WiiU pro controller has the shape of a 360 controller and that's it but the joystick button layout is more PS, its like a mix of both... just look at the sticks on the WiiU Pro... lined up like PS. i think it's stupid to say copy because they copy Nintendo a lot and Nintendo used the shape which MS doesn't own

[morkendo23]

hmmm, look kind of fishy. eh,wow look like a Dual shock controller.

[rustyspoon80]

Sorry to post an unrelated reply but this story has got it completely wrong.
Apple have patented the tech to allow the iPhone/pad to be able to emulate other controllers:-
http://www.computerandvideo...

[Feralkitsune]

Love how apple tries to sue Samsung for making touch phones, yet they're making patents for shit that is directly coping Sony.

[doctorstrange]

Oh shit

[bicfitness]

My thoughts exactly.

[Sev]

Sony and MS better hurry the fuck up. Or else Apple is going to give them some serious competition.

[INehalemEXI]

mmhmm.

[WeskerChildReborned]

@Sev, i don't think Apple will be competition. I'll just find it annoying cause Apple is basically tryin to take over everything.

Just stick with your phones and tablets Apple!

[Calm Down Sunshine]

Sony, MS & Nintendo are all safe. Apple is no competition in this market.

Can you imagine the restrictions on an Apple console? Devs complain enough as it is with the current consoles.

[Patriots_Pride]

MS and Sony - Meh WiiU is weak souse next gen can wait a year or 2.

Apple - Hi guys! got bored on being on top of the cell phone and tablet market so thought I join you fellas to see what all the fuss was about.

MS and Sony - :(

[Rockstar]

@ HorseArmor

That's funny because you're likely not far off with the last part of your comment

[Bgibbs]

@Patriots_Pride

In what world is Apple on top of the cell phone market? Last I checked Android had 61% of the market WORLDWIDE, as well as 50%+ in the US.

[jrbeerman11]

@Bgibbs

Your kinda right, if you look at OS vs OS. But comparing separate companies against each other... ie Nokia, Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola etc..... Apple is #1.

But to agree with your point yes its pretty much Android>Iphone>Blackberr y>Windows

[arkard1]

Actually this year Samsung has been outselling Apple. This is why Apple has to resort to suing everyone. They do not know how to inovate anymore and just try to sue people to get their money.

[yabhero]

First mistake was thinking Wiiu was weak...

[alexcosborn]

Wow, that looks just like a DualShock!

[SilentNegotiator]

If they took the papers away from Sony and the officials, crossed out "Sony" and "Playstation" and replaced them with "Apple" and "Pippin 2", I wouldn't have know the difference.

That IS a Dualshock, but with a "1" and "2" button.

[ALLWRONG]

Apple does that a lot and Apple fans claim it's innovation.

Iphone copy Samsung
Ipad copy MS Tablet (2002)

Ipod and Apple store are the only thing that is really theirs. Well that and overpriced electronics.

[kneon]

Actually the iphone copied LG and I had windows tablets back in the early 1990's

[Veni Vidi Vici]

Actually, the Ipod wasn't even their idea. There were all kinds of MP3 players coming out before Apple released their Ipod. I think Creative even had one that was hard drive based for large capacity(large for back then at least). Apple just took the idea and made it more responsive and user friendly. Apple isn't nearly as innovative as people claim.

[edgeofsins]

Everyone copies each other in ways. At least Apple doesn't make cheap ripoffs. They always release products that get the job more then done.

[jrbeerman11]

@edgeofsins

your right about apples quality.

But the biggest difference between Apple and other companies that copy each other is that Apple sues everyone's heads off if it goes the other way.

[Calm Down Sunshine]

Example:

[ExCest]

Now Apple is going to sue Sony for copying them.

[ZoyosJD]

Hey, click the link and look at page 50.

predicted response:

OMG its a 360!!!!11!!one!!!1!!eleven

After reading the patent, it obviously has nothing to do with a apple console, only a means of wireless comunication with as many devices as possible.

There is everything in that patent: from the DS controller, to the 360, to DVRs, to audio systems.They are simply trying to make it so you can use your iphone to control all the devices in your house.

[dbjj12088]

I guess Apple prefers the Dualshock to the 360 controller or the Wii U Pro controller.

[YodaCracker]

It's just like I'd expect from Apple - style over comfort. After I bought an iMac, I used the Apple mouse that came with it and it was very poorly designed. Way too small, not shaped to fit the human hand at all. I just bought a cheap replacement mouse and it is ten times better, and way cheaper than the Apple mouse.

[glennco]

apple mice have always sucked but look good. apple notebooks have always cooked but look good. apple doesn't care about good tech, just stylish tech. the world puts image above all else, this is why apple kicks ass.

[tiffac008]

Yeah that mouse with the "nipple", that was one of the weirdest mouse I have ever seen or used.

[cervantes240]

This controller could create an even bigger base for iOS games.

[SnakeCQC]

i hope sony presses charges for all the bs patent shit apple has been doing

[NovusTerminus]

I agree, it made me mad to watch them running around banning the Galaxy S. And everyone is just letting them go.

I really hope Sony does that, puts Apple in their place.

Also, why is this controller wired?!

[Patriots_Pride]

Apple doing what they do best which is being patent trolls.

Can not believe the have the rights for slide to unlock and tablets with oval shaped edges.

[SnakeCQC]

why hasnt anyone at android sued over the drop down notification that apple blatantly stole???

[ame22]

..and the Apple sheep will still allow Apple to outsell everything else on the market.

[Megaton]

The world's most overpriced game console incoming.

[Summons75]

with the second generation with little no no improvement coming 6 months after

[BrunoM]

An with the Iconsole S one year after that with 125mb more ram whoooioo woo

[Relientk77]

Its true because its Apple

[Summons75]

Good luck with the lawsuit apple

[greenpowerz]

Two American console companies duking it out. Games Studio Race, here we come. The Name alone will keep an Apple console alive long enough to give them a shot at survival against giants as the first Xbox with MSFT. Hopefully this is some sort of MAC or Ipad accessory.

About the worst design I have ever seen for a controller(No palm support making it unstable for serious gaming)

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Interesting but not 100% sold on this saying Apple is making a console. I think its more likely they are making a gamepad accessory for the Ipad.

[JBSleek]

*sigh*

Apple isn't going to get into the traditional console business because that isn't good business for them and would take unnecessary resources for them. Apple has assured us that it isn't for them to release something that competes directly with consoles.

But that Apple TV which will come out in a couple of years is a different story and will become a major player in the gaming scene bringing 650,000 apps to an audience and more hardcore games being able to come with Unreal Engine.

When Apple enters a market it changes drastically.

Phones-

Everyone laughed at them five years ago when they had an all touch screen phone. Now it is the standard for phones along with what they did with iTunes and Apps.

Tablets-

They are not the inventor but they are the innovator as they were able to bring up peoples interest in tablets and people wanting one. Now last year alone around 70 million tablets were sold.

This controller if even used as many companies make out patents but don't use them seems like a good fit with their new TV to be rumored and would be an instant player in the market.

[ame22]

A gaming future led by Apple is not a bright one.

[CanadianTurtle]

There have been many other things like this where companies have had blue prints of their new console. Even Sega were making a DreamCast2, and 2 versions of it apparently. But they never came out.

But apple is a different story. If they can cash in on phones and ipods, I'm sure they have a big enough audience for console gaming.

[TruthbeTold]

Not that it makes me happy, or that I would as of now support them, but if Apple gets into the dedicated gaming console business, all of our current favorites are in trouble to at least some degree. One out of the current big 3 probably won't even survive unfortunately...

[LOL_WUT]

I would definitely buy an Apple console.

[BlackTar187]

why? please explain why you would please

[rezzah]

Probably because it would say "Apple".

[glennco]

only cool people understand

[NoFanboyRequired]

I'd buy one if it wasn't overpriced. Why? Because everything they make is reliable as hell.

Just bought a 27inch imac and the thing is a beast. I have windows 7 on it of course! ;)

[BlackTar187]

Fanboy the iphones are barely reliable they crash restart freeze up all the time. I don't run apple computers but the phones they make are awesome but the flaws are glossed over by stary eye'd fanboys.

[mechlord]

@NoFanboyRequired

Sorry bro, reliability prize would have to go to SONY

[NoFanboyRequired]

I wouldn't be so sure about that. PS1 and PS2 had major problems. Same with their Playstation 3D TV. My aunts been through 3 Sony Vaio's in 4 years.

That's not very reliable imo...

[lorcraven]

Apple games, like other games, but three times the price and ten times the pretentiousness.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

Wow.. Apple is a big business with a lot of influence. They have more cash than M$..
http://articles.businessins...

[Gridloc]

iPads or iPhones streaming game content to apple tv. Using a controller to play these $1 - $6 games on your TV definatley shake things up in the gaming world. If they make a deal with Sonys gaikai service they will be a major player in low cost gaming. Only time will tell.

[Gridloc]

I highly doubt they will come out with their own console. Apple tv bundled with the controller will sell like hot cakes.

[CouldHaveYelledUiiW]

This (Next-GEN) is going to be a "Death Match" Gen.

Somebody's Gaming Division or Gaming Company may die.

[NastyLeftHook0]

its good they picked the best design.

[Qrphe]

Apple would not release a gaming-dedicated console. This controller would probably just be an add-on for one (or all) of their products (TVs, tablets, phones, ect).

[dafegamer]

so the rumors about apple launching a console next gen are true huh?

[mushroomwig]

Not really, Apple have said time and again that they're not interested in joining the console market. More than likely this is an add-on for their other products.

[Jadedz]

I find that weird, because the Wii U's game pad control features that technology.

I believe this is Apple's response to Nintendo's Wii U console, and they believe Nintendo has infringed upon their so called, "turf."

[edgeofsins]

I'm going to guess that they will probably release newer Apple TV boxes that have app support for this controller.

[-Gespenst-]

How are they able to patent this? Surely they can't get by Sony...?

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Author didn't read the patent. This is NOT a patent for a controller. It's for an interface between devices.

[IQUITN4G]

The Duelshock are enjoyed by people mostly that have used them since they can remember and likely wont have given the 360 pads a real go. The xbox pad fits better in the hand regards to it's actual shape and isn't edged like the same designed PS pad- amazing pad shape when it first came out but it's very edgy shape does need addressing. The bs argument not to fix what isn't broken is a joke considering these pads just needs refining in this regard

People also just don't like change which leads them to the rather daft conclusion that the ps pad is perfect in every regard

The Gamecube pad felt pretty fantastic too with a very moulded to hand shape but had an unusual button layout which was understandably not univerally liked

[Hicken]

So you think there's no reason the controller hasn't changed much over nearly two decades? While the successor to every other system since has had a new controller, the biggest change to the PS controller was dualshock, a feature added in the 5th generation(we're nearing the end of the 7th, by the way).

According to you, the controller's popularity has nothing to do with it being a great controller, and everything to do with it being something people are used to. But what sense does that make? How would it have made it this far without people LIKING it?

As for the 360 controller, I'm no fan. I DID like the original Xbox controller for reasons I can't understand, and I also didn't dislike the Dreamcast or Gamecube controllers. But, for me, the 360 pad is all wrong. You can spout all the "ergonomic" and "fits your hand" crap you want; it doesn't fit ME.

Anyway, I certainly hope this backfires in Apple's face.

[IQUITN4G]

hmm well the ps pad fits almost perfectly well as ever it did in fact but it could be more refined concerning it's straights. i'm guessing your hands don't concave then. It really does fit very well though but not as well as it could. Just how it is

[BrutallyBlunt]

"Anyway, I certainly hope this backfires in Apple's face."

Of course you do since it threatens other systems like Vita. So instead of a world full of competition this fella would love Sony to rule once again. That's why 1-he attacks others who criticize Sony or say anything negative about them and their platforms, 2-downplays and/or attacks the competition namely Microsoft because he feels very threatened and vulnerable, 3-dismisses smartphones and tablets as game platforms even though the world around him has changed and consumers often are no longer interested in just dedicated game devices.

Whatever happened to people being optimistic about the future or a willingness to expand their horizons? There's enough content out there for anyone to enjoy but still we have this selfish vision where we must continually back only one company. What a disgrace of instead being a gamer we've succumbed to being a loyal slave. I don't think i'm the only one out there who has enjoyed some IOS games while also enjoying Playstation 3 games and Nintendo DS games and PC games and so on. It's just crazy how some people have sheltered themselves into a corner.

[Satish13]

Well Mac OSX since Snow Leopard has had native support for the six axis and dual shock 3 through bluetooth. might be in "cahoots"

[chadwarden]

If apple can get away with suing samsung for making devises that barely have any resemblance to an apple device, this should be easy picking for sony.

[young7yang]

Well apple has successfully copied the Dual Shock from PS3

[ziggurcat]

this isn't terribly surprising, really... people have been speculating about an apple game console for a while now.

and really, apple had technically already released a console - it was the pippin.

[TotalHitman]

I love the Gamecube controller. Although, I was about 8 or 9 the last time I held one. It might be too small now. At the time, it was really nice to hold.

[SegataShanshiro]

Finally! The Pippin 2 is coming out! I was getting really bored of marathon anyway!

[archemides518]

1. they are clearly ripping off or even infringing sony dualshock

2. this is a reaction to ouya

[Smokingunz]

Wrong, 360 has the best controller. Anyhow, I guess this is apple's beginning of a console take over, or maybe not lol. At least people and most importantly apple, are starting to realize that they need a physical controller to game! If apple mite as well just come out with their own console and get it over with, but at the end of the day, no matter what apple does, controller, console or whatever, they can't compete with the big boys. This controller is only going to make it easier to play iPod games. Apple and their products arnt stealing away console gamers, both tablet and console players have their own nich audience.

[AIndoria]

Wrong. The best controller is what fits best in /YOUR/ hands and what you feel most comfortable with. I have small hands and so DualShock is the best controller for /ME/. You have big hands so the 360 controller is best for /YOU/. Don't force your opinion on others if you can't take it.

[InTheLab]

Apple iConsole- $899

Apple iConsole2 8gig- $999 new wifi version release a year later

Apple iConsole3 16gig- $999 wifi, camera

Apple iConsole4- $1199 wifi, camera, 4g

Apple iConsole5- $1299 wifi, camera, 4g, plays games

[Slapshot82]

This is Apple's answer to Ouya!

[DontShoot-Me-Bro]

Apple already have a games console.

It's called iPad.

Now they have a controller for it.

[annus]

Seriously, what better way to market the iPad than to claim that they can do everything the OUYA does, but all on the move, no TV required. I know the price difference is there, but if there is already a market for iPads and OUYA, I am sure this could turn more sales for Apple.

[ThatOneGuyThere]

This is a patent for means for the iPhone/iPod to communicate wirelessly to game consoles, appleTV, dvrs, and tvs. You will see a little 'N' looking symbol on all of the devices in the images, that symbol is referring to the near field communication device within electronics.

[AlaaAlii]

They'll probably release a console every year.

[TBONEJF]

After they copied the NOTIFICATION BAR from Android their stealing this control concept from SONY SIX AXIS. someone is going have to stop APPLE from these bogus patents their never going to use. and this looks exactly like the PS3 SIX AXIS controller. APPLE is the biggest PATENT TROLL in the tech world

[360ICE]

Well, that's stupid. Everyone rips off everyone these days. Welcome to free market 101, btw. If someone gets a good idea, say mobile phone apps for iPhone, it's probably inspired by earlier, less succesful ideas or equally succesful ideas that have earlier only been found on other platforms. Then other people take that idea, say Android, and modify it, say like Widgets and other features tying apps together in Android, if that catches on the original maker of the original idea is likely to adopt that idea and build on that. That's how the world evolves.

If you want to live in a world of intelectual monopoly, or a mitigated variation thereof, you're very welcome to travel to... well, there's no such place.

[TBONEJF]

yeah pretty soon we will see APPLE suing SONY and trying to ban their controller

[MYSTERIO360]

ah i know this is off topic but you watched swat kats i haven't seen that in years, they were awesome

[brettski]

Apple sucks

[KMCROC54]

Damn you Bill Gates & your check book.

[eyesofmorning]

Ballsy move to patent something that looks IDENTICAL to what Sony Came up with years ago... But who is suprised, considering Apple seems to end up in patent battles with pretty much everyone

[brianunfried]

Steve Jobs is rollin' over in his grave.

[360ICE]

Omg, why are everyone getting cramps from using the controllers they like less? Osteoporosis much?

[RurouniKaze]

Shits about to get real

[Alcohog]

Is that really it in the picture? lol and they sue people over accusations of copying? lolwut?

[ab5olut10n]

I get that it's now cool to hate Apple, backlash is inevitable, but they do make quality products with intuitive UI's. I think they could produce a quality console easily, and price it extremely competitively due to their insane cash on hand. Could be what the industry needs.

[sandman224]

Oh if apple made a console. I would be one a fanboy. Apple does it right.

[Subzero200]

the same controller again?

[Akin0]

They're patenting a universal remote control app for the iphone/ipod. The iphone/ipod can act as a controller for a video game console.

[spektical]

sony should sue apple, because the controller looks the same, similar to apple suing half the world, because they thing they invented the tablet.
- taste of their own medice

[Scholla]

Oh oh! Is Apple jumping into the console fray? It's on!

[LowTechGamer]

They didn't patent a Dual Shock controller. This is about a RFD system used to pair a controller easily to a Apple device.

[AIndoria]

Well...considering apple got away with suing Samsung, now's the Sony's Chance. SUE THEM.

But wait, we have a new console for you. Just $2000 and it comes with a premium new display for $1799! Isn't that lovely?

[MYSTERIO360]

It looks like maybe Apple are setting themselves up for a copyright infringement lawsuit from Sony.

[cliffyboy21]

if apple did come out with a game system how much would it cost? about 900 dollars? sounds about right lol

[Bladesfist]

They also managed to successfully patent square icons. The US Patent rules are so flawed.

[ShiftyLookingCow]

By any chance, does that N stand for Newton?

[dorron]

It would be funny if Sony started some kind of legal action against Apple for copying the controller...just like Apple does with Samsung everytime they release a phone or a tablet.

[_LarZen_]

Apple ftw!

[Brandon_2535]

It was only a matter of time.

[alb1899]

For fighting games is better DS and for FPS is better 360 thats why i buy tekken for ps3 and CDMW for 360.

[abzdine]

imagine PS4 made by Apple and Sony!!

[mysterym]

I love the misinformed comments :)

Actually this is just one of a few slides released. Another one shows an exact copy of the 360 which leads me to believe that Apple are actually planning on interfacing with the 360 and dual shock, and not actually copying them.

Won't be suprised of the 360 ends up using this for smartglass via iphone\ipad - i.e. talking directly to the console rather than via a router to improve latency.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012...

[Crazay]

I hope Sony takes their asses to court and stops them from making and selling this because it looks too similar to their Dualshock controllers.

[_LarZen_]

You do know that Sony "copied" their controller from Nintendo's N64?

[abzdine]

DualShock and N64 controller have nothing in commom other than buttons and a grey color. N64 doesn't even have an R3 equivalent.

[BlackTar187]

what part did they copy? I see no resemblance in n64 and dual shock.

Provide something to make sense of what you said please

anyone who says analog was a copy i mean come on analog is a step forward its not really copying.

[mastershredder]

The story is wrong.

At least Kotaku managed to correct their mistake of jumping the gun and not actaully reading the associated information.

From Kotaku:
Correction: This story originally stated that Apple had patented a controller of its own. It was then edited to reflect that Apple was working on allowing third-party controllers to connect to its devices. The document in question actually involves Apple devices mimicking the functions of existing game controllers to be used in their stead. The article has been updated to reflect this information. We regret the error.

[Plagasx]

"There's a storm coming..."

[PersonMan]

I love Apple, but they shouldn't start making consoles.

[corrus]

This looks like PS3 Controller

[ufo8mycat]

Whoever thinks the DS is ergonomic is a friggen moron and has NO IDEA on the natural position of the thumbs.

Let me ask you something, when you go and shake a persons hand, is your thumb pointing towards them (where the 360 left analog stick is) or to the side (DS3 analog).

Unless you have some kind of abnormal joints in your thumb, they should be pointing pretty much towards them (natural relaxed position), just like where the 360 left analog is.

The grip is wrong on the DS3 as well, it was meant to be cradled by between your fingers, leaving a partial part of your palm with no resting place (bad for wrists).

Compared to the grip for the 360 controller, your whole hand has support.

[Kos-Mos]

Thanks usa for your laws.

[turgore]

Why can't any gaming company split a dualshock controller in half, and add a gyro sensor in each. That way you have all the buttons that you normally use AND motion controls.

[thedizzle23]

why wouldn't apple be thinking of making a gaming console?haha

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

part of me whats to know what an apple console would be like. And the other part of me wants to kill it with fire or acid..

Damn you valve you should made a console like pc! Now apple will rule everything and systems will be more closed by corporations... oh well :)

[Over726]

PS3 controls have a longer life span

[extermin8or]

Wow and they sue samsung for having their devices look similar (a design samsung actually used for an mp4 player YEARS before the iphone ever got shown to the public)

[lonix]

Uh oh. Now Sony will get sued for patent infringement

[rsebes]

Come on people, Game Revolution is the winner here. This is a false title to up their ratings. People need to actually read and learn critical thinking skills. Thanks to most of you for keeping with the flock.

I have probably already lost one-third of the commentators at this point so now I'll discuss the actual patent.

Apple hasn't patented a gaming controller, hinted at a console they are making, or implied anything of the sort other than a connecting technology. Using RFID chips to make pairing devices simple. This is after all what users really want is to perform tasks quickly and effortlessly.

Even a cave man could pair his Bluetooth headset with an iPhone using this technology (yes, like banging the two devices together like rocks)

I'll be interested to see how Micro$oft will combat this patent with their current patents on this type of technology and even more importantly to see how other companies would include this technology in their future devices. (with royalties being a part of that subject)