Splitting Video Game Controller

Inspired by the previous post, I thought I’d serve up another crazy controller design.

This one takes your basic game controller and splits it into two. This is basically turning a Sony DualShock 3 controller into two Nintendo Wii Nunchuks.

The idea of a splitting controller isn’t new. A company called In2Game (now called Gametrak) showcased a prototype 4 years back that never came to market. The idea was to make an adaptable gamepad that can evolve into a Wiimote, with interchangeable items (like a tennis racket add-on).

My design is more focused on just utilizing the two configurations (combined/separated) to cover the gamut of regular and motion-based inputs. To make things easier, I designed the two analog sticks to swivel so that the player can grasp them in both configurations with ease.

The controller would be fastened together with magnets or some kind of interlocking mechanism.

I would love to use the split configuration for shooter games, especially when you are dual wielding. I also think it would be cool to use the analog swivel as a reloading mechanism (depicted above).

This could also be handy for those games with minimal button inputs (like Tetris), or as an option for people who just want a flexible style of play. Or even more interesting: to share controlling duties in a single-player game with a friend.