BusyDizzys

Considering the lengths the like of Sony goto for anything even breathing on there consoles (see LikSang,BleemCast and f*ck knows the 1200+ others), this seems a odd move. The new pad design described in the patent, goes on to say :

"This document describes an adaptable or universal game controller which can be used to emulate the controllers of popular game consoles, such as, without limitation, the PlayStation made by Sony, a controller made by Nintendo, X-box game controllers made by Microsoft, Amiga CD-32 controllers, Atari Jaguar controllers, Gravis Gamepad controllers, Sega controllers, and Turbographics controllers, one or more of which terms may be subject to trademark protection. For ease of exposition trademark symbols will not be further used herein."

Sort of relevant Sony related pic (See PS3 launch videos for why) :

I can see this being dragged about the copyright courts for a while yet, im pretty sure Sony would throw a spaz if M$ put Playstation controllers on a Xbox... oddly this is the 3rd time I have seen Amiga referenced in Sonys patents...

Orig. article : http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2010/02/19/sony_universal_controller_patent/