Nintendo mobile gaming controller would bring Mario to your iPhone

Shortly after unveiling its first iOS app, gaming giant Nintendo has strongly suggested it is preparing to debut new mobile hardware in the form of a gaming controller for Apple’s iPhone and iPad.
The news is the latest to trickle out from Nintendo’s annual shareholders meeting, and follows on from comments made by the firm’s Director of Manufacturing, Hirokazu Shinshi, that Nintendo NX production is going ahead with a view to a 2017 release.
Related: Nintendo NX news, rumours, specs, release date and price
At the meeting, Nintendo’s General Manager of Entertainment Planning and Development, Shinya Takahasi, revealed that a mobile gaming accessory was likely to be part of the company’s future plans as it explores new business opportunities.
“Physical controllers for smart device applications are available in the market and it is possible that we may also develop something new ourselves,” he said, as first reported by Polygon.
Why do we think it’ll be for the iPhone and iPad? Among other things, Nintendo has just launched Miitomo, its first ever mobile game, for Apple’s iOS and said it plans to debut no less than five apps for the platform in 2017.
Plus, the latest beta of the Apple TV Remote app for the iPhone features a new game controller mode.
As hints go, it seems like a strong shout as Nintendo continues to explore new avenues and projects.
Watch: Nintendo NX – Everything we know
Would you buy a Nintendo-made controller for your iPhone or iPad? Let us know in the comments below.