Apple reportedly working on physical gaming controller for iOS devices

Apple’s Nintendo-DS like remote concept from 2010 patent

In their review of the third-generation iPad, AnandTech discusses the Apple mobile gaming market and one issue that seems to be arising now that iPads and iPhones are becoming faster, more powerful, and better devices for gaming: touch. The review notes how Android has the ability to be connected to physical game controllers, and that a gaming controller adds an important element to advanced gaming expieriences. With this in mind, Anandtech slips in a tidbit claiming that Apple is working on a physical gaming controller for iOS devices:

Although many casual Android/iOS games do just fine with touch, some are certainly better suited for some sort of a controller. While controller support in Android in its infancy at best, it’s more than iOS currently offers. I know of an internal Apple project to bring a physical controller to market, but whether or not it will ever see the light of day remains to be seen. As smartphones and tablets come close to equalling the performance of current game consoles, I feel like the controller problem must be addressed.

The report is quick to note that it is an “internal Apple project,” which may mean Apple has no market plans for such a device. However, Apple has patented a gaming controller (seen above) with camera and touch input methods. While the advanced additions of a camera and touch are present, a full mechanical series of buttons (such as a D-Pad) are also present. A remote such as the patented one would seemingly bring Apple’s current gaming hardware even closer to console like gaming. Coupled with AirPlay and the Apple TV, Apple may have a very bright gaming hardware future.