Samsung’s new Gear VR headset might be an absolute no-brainier for anyone rocking one of the firm’s 2015 flagship handsets.
However, judging to a patent filing, the Korean firm is looking to make it even more attractive by launching an official gamepad companion.
SamMobile has found a recently-granted patent application for a Bluetooth gamepad to be used in tandem with a “head mounted apparatus.”
You don’t have to be a virtual (or an actual) genius to figure out that means the Gear VR series or an as yet unannounced VR solution.
As you can see from the diagram above, it looks as if there’ll be a pair of D-Pads, as well as a thumb stick.
Also pictured within the discovered imagery are a pair of shoulder buttons, a micro USB charging port and a power button.
There are currently a few Bluetooth gamepads already supported by the Oculus-powered Gear VR.
There’s the Samsung EL-GP20, which was released alongside the Galaxy S4, as well as the Moga Pro and the Android version of the Steel Series.
Samsung released the consumer edition of the Gear VR late last week for the bargain price of $100 (around £62). It is compatible with the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge and Galaxy Note 5 handsets among others.
The company is yet to announce international availability but it’s expected to arrive before Christmas.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
