Samsung Gear VR wireless controller shows up in new leak

Today's launch of the ZTE VR already has us thinking about VR accessories for our smartphones, and especially Samsung's Gear VR; both it and the ZTE VR share the distinction of not relying solely on a phone's internal sensors for head tracking, augmenting those with on-board gyroscopes. But head-tracking is just part of the VR-input equation, and a really engaging experience is going to require some sort of handheld controller. Google's building one for Daydream, and now we see what Samsung may be thinking, as a new Gear VR controller leaks.

As controllers go, this one doesn't immediately look like it was designed for VR. Instead of focusing mainly on hand tracking, which might offer more immersive interactions, this feels very much like a standard 2D gaming controller.

That said, there do appear to be a few concessions that make it a good fit for pairing with the Gear VR headset, most notable of which is a design that would allow the controller to pop right into the viewer for storage – where you'd normally attach your phone while in use.

While this may not be the most innovative VR-focused controller we've ever seen, we have to admit that it probably has its uses, especially for gamers more interested in using the Gear VR as a portable 3D screen for more traditional games.

The source behind these renders doesn't offer any info on a possible launch window nor what Samsung could be thinking in terms of pricing.


source: SamsungMania (Google Translate) via GSM Arena