The Apple Vision Pro gaming experience may soon change drastically. A newly discovered patent suggests Apple is developing dedicated controllers, a feature that could finally push the device into the mainstream VR gaming market. This shift could be exactly what’s needed to boost sales and position the Vision Pro as a true competitor to Meta’s Quest 3 and PlayStation VR 2.
Currently, Apple markets the Vision Pro as a “spatial computing” device rather than a VR headset. It focuses more on pass-through experiences, allowing users to interact with digital content while still seeing the real world. As a result, most of its games are mixed or augmented reality experiences, rather than fully immersive VR titles. However, this patent could change that by introducing handheld input devices specifically designed for Vision Pro gaming.
What the Patent Reveals
The patent, published in February 2025, describes “handheld input devices” designed to control a head-mounted device with a display that overlays virtual content onto the real world. While Apple has not officially linked this patent to the Vision Pro, the description strongly suggests its connection.
Right now, Vision Pro users can pair Bluetooth gaming controllers or use third-party VR controllers like Surreal Touch and ALVR. However, these workarounds often require a high-end gaming PC and a fast local network. This setup is far from the seamless experience Apple typically aims for. A native Apple-designed controller could fix these issues and unlock the full potential of VR gaming on the Vision Pro.
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The Potential Impact on VR Gaming
One challenge remains—the patent does not show buttons, triggers, or thumbsticks. Many popular VR games, such as Batman: Arkham Shadow or Arizona Sunshine II, rely heavily on traditional input methods. While the patent does mention haptic feedback, it’s unclear how effective this would be for more complex VR games.
Haptic feedback has proven valuable in rhythm-based games like Synth Riders, available on both Vision Pro and other VR platforms. On the Quest and PlayStation VR, haptic vibrations guide players as they interact with the game’s beats. In contrast, Vision Pro’s hand-tracking system lacks tactile response, making the same game feel less accurate. Adding haptic-enabled controllers could greatly improve gameplay precision and immersion.
Developers Weigh In
Not all developers see controllers as essential for Vision Pro gaming. Andrew Eiche, CEO of Owlchemy Labs, believes the industry needs to embrace controller-free interaction as a natural evolution of VR. His studio, known for Job Simulator, designs games that rely on hand tracking rather than traditional controls.
“Hand tracking is accessible to almost everyone. It’s intuitive, and you don’t have to fumble for buttons,” Eiche explains. However, he also acknowledges that controllers could be valuable add-ons for users who need precise input.
The Future of Vision Pro Gaming
If Apple releases official controllers, it could transform the Vision Pro into a serious VR gaming platform. While some developers see hand-tracking as the future, others recognize the importance of tactile input for fully immersive experiences. Whether Apple’s patent turns into a real product remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—gaming could be the key to the Vision Pro’s success.
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