Apple Patents Twin Stick Controller

A post on Game Revolution points out today’s publication of a March-filed patent for a Dual-Shock-like controller from Apple. Apparently the controller—should it ever become something real—is meant to control the Apple TV as well as iPhones and iPod Touches. The post notes that the Apple TV is already capable of playing iOS games, but the system’s lack of, y’know, buttons keeps it from being considered as an actual contender in the home-game space.

Having a solid-looking controller like the one shown in the patent documents could go a long way toward legitimizing the Apple TV as an actual gaming option in the minds of many who belong to the company’s cult of followers. At a hundred bucks, and with some pretty impressive games being made for the iOS operating system, the Apple TV could actually become something of a desirable gaming machine. And with the outpouring of support for the Android-based OUYA system—also slated to cost about a hundred bucks when it’s planned to launch in March 2013—it’s not as if a home console with a version of a mobile operating system is crazy.

The main difference, I’d imagine, is the fact that the OUYA’s being billed as open and hackable, whereas anything coming from Apple would be anything but open. But with such a huge list of top-quality software available for the operating system, is a controller all Apple TV needs to become a brand new entrant into the budget console race? Did you even know there was a budget console race? I sure didn’t.

Via Game Revolution