Apple Could Level Up Into The Gaming Scene, As Seen In Game Controller Patents

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While Apple has made its case about iPhones and iPads being more than sufficient for gaming, it seems that the tech giant may be exploring the concept of good ol’ game controllers. That’s not so surprising, seeing as how it is most likely already building a mixed-reality headset as we speak.

Patents filed in the US and Europe that were recently seen by Patently Apple (via 9to5Mac) show that the iPhone maker has at least considered inventing three different designs.

The first, published by the US Patent and Trademark Office on March 31, outlines a foldable case that turns the iPhone into a gaming controller. The holder includes a secondary display that could serve as a notification screen, informing the player if their character’s health is depleting or if a friend wants to join a game, or flashing the usual alerts you’d find on an iPhone.

Screenshot via Apple / USPTO

Screenshot via Apple / USPTO

Another document, submitted to the European Patent Office and published on April 10, presents two distinct designs. First up, there’s an attachment resembling Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controls, which can be strapped onto the sides of an iPhone or iPad.

Screenshot via Apple / WIPO

Screenshot via Apple / WIPO

There’s also a Bluetooth version that appears more like a traditional video controller envisioned for all Apple devices.

Screenshot via Apple / WIPO

These designs are purely conceptual at this point in time, so you may want to hold that thought about playing Pokémon via an Apple-branded controller for now.

[via 9to5Mac and Patently Apple, images via various sources]