An add-on accessory, proposed in a newly-revealed Apple patent application, could theoretically make it easier to play some iPhone and iPod touch games. While the devices are popular for gaming, their use of touchscreen controls makes it difficult or impossible to play some of the more elaborate game types on handhelds like the Nintendo DSi or Sony PSP. The Apple accessory would add physical controls in the form of buttons, sticks and direction pads, enabling both more precise response and less cluttered screen space.
