Author: random515
Title: Sony Files Patent For Universal Controller
Posted: Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Sony has filed a patent for a “universal game controller”.
The filing describes “an adaptable or universal game controller which can be used to emulate the controllers of popular game consoles, such as, without limitation, the PlayStation.TM. made by Sony, a controller made by Nintendo, X-box.TM. game controllers made by Microsoft, Amiga CD-32.TM. controllers, Atari Jaguar.TM. controllers, Gravis Gamepad.TM. controllers, Sega controllers, and Turbographics [sic] controllers…”
It seems that the controller would incorporate an LCD touch screen in order to lay various button configurations, simulating different controllers. The filing notes that up to three configurations could be stored in the controller.
As you might guess from the list of controllers above, Sony’s device could “be programmed to emulate the key layout of an older controller that may no longer be available.” The document also notes that the controller could be outfitted with rumble functionality, and could be battery powered to enable wireless gameplay. The LCD screen may also be used as an alpha-numeric keyboard.
This is certainly an interesting design, and if it comes to fruition, I think it could prove to be quite popular. It would eliminate the need to buy multiple controllers for each system you own for local multiplayer, and anything that stops you having to use a conventional controller to type using an onscreen keyboard is tops in my book. I hate doing that.
- By Ira Herbold
That's one hell of a controller... I wonder what it looks like... >.>