It seems that Microsoft is looking to make a splash in the handheld gaming market if an online patent is to be believed.
Filed last month, Digital Trends has discovered that the patent isn’t actually for a controller or device, but is instead a charging device for “removable input modules.”
From the looks of things, the device features two halves of a traditional-looking video games controller. Each of these halves will be able to attach to your smartphone.
Design-wise, it looks as though the end result is something akin to the Nintendo Switch, except that instead of a screen and JoyCons, you’re playing on your phone with added controllers wedged onto the sides.
In terms of the games you’re playing, it looks like you won’t be confined to your typical mobile titles. The patent suggests that the Microsoft device will control games streamed via Project xCloud.
Despite the patent being filed by Microsoft, there’s no mention of the Xbox branding anywhere in the application. However, thanks to the proposed button styles and the Microsoft name, it’s looking likely that this thingummy will be a part of the Xbox family.
Proposed features such as built-in speakers, a headphone jack, and wireless headphones support.
Yanko Design’s Sarang Sheth has used the patent information to create a mock-up of the potential design for the device, which you can check out below.
The website goes into some detail about the tech, writing: “Based on patented designs, these conceptual Xbox Cloud controllers give us an idea of what the real thing would feel like,
“Designed for immersive landscape gaming, the controllers come with two flippers that hold your phone gently but securely from the sides, while memory-foam pads make sure they don’t press any buttons,” they added. “These side flippers are ideal for phones with no bezel, because this makes sure the controllers don’t overlap the screen from the left or right. Both halves of the controllers connect to your phone via Wi-Fi to deliver a seamless gaming experience that’s absolutely lag-free.”
Featured Image Credit: Sarang Sheth/Yanko Design