Sony files patent for universal game controller

Here’s a new one. We have heard before, of universal controllers. Remote Controls that control different house hold items. But, Sony is thinking of something that does the same thing for consoles. In short, a universal controller.

The patent describes it as a controller able to “emulate the controllers of popular game consoles, such as…the PlayStation, a controller made by Nintendo, Xbox game controllers made by Microsoft, Amiga CD-32 controllers, Atari Jaguar controllers, Gravis Gamepad controllers, Sega controllers, and Turbographics [sic] controllers.”

To achieve that, Sony’s concept involves a touch-screen LCD where the various gamepads’ controller layouts would be displayed. Only one configuration can be active at a time, but up to three can be stored in the controller. Other possible features are rumble functionality and speakers.

The filing reads further: “It may now be appreciated that among other advantages, the controller provides for backward compatibility so that it may be programmed to emulate the key layout of an older controller that may no longer be available.”

This sounds like it would be a really awesome break through by Sony. Maybe even better then the Ps3 3D thing that they got going on right now. But what do you guys think? You think this will be a fail by Sony, or a break trough?

Forum Discussion: Sony files patent for universal game controller