It looks like Apple is once again working to change the face of the technology world. Recent images have surfaced detailing a new patent filed by the corporate giant, which happens to be a new dual-stick controller that closely resembles Sony’s own Dualshock. In fact, it’s almost an exact copy of the Dualshock controller, featuring the same button set-up, including four face buttons, a directional pad, two sticks, and four triggers/bumpers, with start, select, and home buttons in the middle. While no details about the functionality of the controller have been officially released, the patent suggests wireless connectivity to all Apple devices, including the iPad, iPhone (and iPod Touch), and even Apple TV.
The company has tried to capture a more “hardcore” gaming audience in the past by using Apple TV to stream iOS games directly to any HD television, but the lack of a physical controller has always turned people away. Using only a small touch-screen for control input has a lot of limitations, but it seems that Apple is finally trying a new tactic to keep its hold on the gaming market. Whether or not it becomes a successful peripheral remains to be seen, as there is no word on a release date for such a device. Apple still has yet to officially announce their new controller, but many are speculating on what this could mean for the future of the company.
Ever since the release of the iPod Touch and iPhone, mobile apps and games have seen a huge increase in both interest and sales. While traditional game development can become very costly, mobile app development remains the simplest and most cost-efficient way for aspiring game developers to release their products. Due to the lower cost of production, these developers can then take more risks and experiment with new types of games while still remaining optimistic about potential profits rather than worrying about huge losses. The market has grown exponentially over a few short years, and the video game industry has seen some very successful games come out of it, the biggest of which is undoubtedly Angry Birds.
So what does this have to do with Apple’s new controller? With the success of mobile gaming credited entirely to Apple, it seems that the company may be taking the gaming side of things more seriously. The rumors of Apple entering the video game industry with a home console may not be so far-fetched now. The company currently provides a way to connect every aspect of your life in one technological network, from home entertainment through media streaming and top-of-the-line PCs to mobile entertainment and productivity, and adding a gaming peripheral for those who simply prefer the less-expensive app store is a great move. The Big 3 of the gaming industry may have to change their marketing tactics to compete with Apple’s “always connected” strategy in order to survive.
Explosion will have more details on the new Apple controller as they are released, but for now, check out the images below.
