The lights are on
Apple has become a major player in video games, and a new patent filing shows that the company is thinking about the possibility of the iPhone communicating with existing video game systems and controllers.
Today, Apple filed patents on functionality relating to the iPhone and its AppleTV set-top box. The most interesting parts of the filing revealed possible plans to allow the iPhone to be used as a virtual controller for games, a remote for the Xbox 360, and the possibility that you could use conventional game controllers like the DualShock to play iPhone or iPad games.
The pictures below, taken from the filing, demonstrate the patents. In the first one, it appears to suggest that an iPhone be used as a virtual NES controller of sorts (in this case to play a Prince of Persia game). In the second, you see an iPhone being used as a remote control for the Xbox 360 (which seems in line with Microsoft's SmartGlass plans). Above, we see a PlayStation DualShock controller communicating with an iPhone.
As with many patents, there's a likelihood that none of these features ever makes it to consumers. Still, it's intriguing, especially for hardcore gamers put off by the lack of precise controls in touch-based mobile games.
Sources: Shacknews, IGN
Email the author Matt Helgeson, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.
Finally. This needs to happen.
Finally I can emulate FFVI on my PC, stream my desktop to my iPad, and use a controller to play. :) I want a new mobile FFVI Square!
Lame.
I agree with most people in saying this is pointless. If I'm on the go they why would I have a controller with me. I guess the only upside to this is that, if it happens then I have the option of doing it. Not that I would.
FAIL-DEA. But a better idea would be to model a controller AROUND the iPhone, you know, like the Circle Pad Pro?
Console games on an iPhone? If it could work, I'd like to take it for a spin, but, it seems too far fetch'd for me.
whats the point of an ipod controller opposed to the one that comes with console? plus another problem: bumpers and triggers.
I'd probably play a lot more games on my tablet if all of them allowed a wireless DualShock to work with it.
The tv iPhone connection isn't unlikely by I
dont think Apple can use Sony and Microsoft
hardware without a legal agreement
I would like a controller for my iPad.
Wow they are finally trying to do that!? I've been jailbreaking for a while now and they can already do that! plus youy can even use wireless controllers to play on your Apple device! Pce out thx for reading my comment
More over hype for something that isn't going to be famous.. *sigh*
It would certainly make moble gaming easier. Blukier, but easier.
Yeah, i dont really think id want my iphone as a controller. however using a controller for iphone games would be easier, but that would also defeat the purpose of the portability of iphone games. i dunno. im torn
#Team iPhone!
yet another reason to not be able to stand Apple. not the people that like/use it, just the company