Anandtech’s recent iPad review spells out a fascinating possibility (noted by AppleInsider) – an Apple-official physical game controller for iOS. In the review, the publication reveals that they have knowledge of an internal project for Apple to build such a controller.
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.
Several attempts have been made at creating a physical game controller – the iCade line of accessories (including the 8bitty controller) being among the more notable attempts. But all of these third-party solutions suffer from the same problem – a deep lack of third-party game support.
The idea of a physical controller developed by Apple themselves is extremely interesting – it would likely encourage more developers to add support for a physical controller. Touch Arcade reveals that Apple has even applied for a patent for a game controller.
Unfortunately, as will all Apple patents and internal projects, it’s unclear whether this will ever see the light of day. But the gamer inside of me holds on to the hope that this is more than just an old idea rotting away in Apple’s book of projects.
What about you? Would you buy an Apple-made game controller for your iPhone and iPad?
