Sony patents new controller design

Motion controls have their issues, but I think the biggest barrier to their adoption is that they don't come standard with consoles and typically require gamers to buy an extra motion only controller. Sony may be attempting to overcome that problem with a new hybrid controller that includes the typical features we expect from our controllers, but also offering a more refined motion control experience, something the Sixaxis failed at spectacularly.

The company recently published a patent for a "Hybrid Separable Motion Controller" on November 29 after originally filing for it during May 2011. As you can see from the drawings attached to the patent filing, the new controller is the love child of the DualShock and Move wand. The idea being that the controller can be split in two when motion gameplay is required and snapped back together when more traditional inputs are requires. The new controller will also include components like a magnetometer and accelerometer, plus vibration and audio playback from a built in speaker.

Sony has officially announced this device, but it's unclear if they plan to actually build it or not. It's not unreasonable to assume that this may be in the pack for the upcoming PlayStation Orbis (yes, I'm sticking with that prediction).

Source: The Sixth Axis

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