Angled Arcade Controller Button Pad for Retro Ergonomics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer game controllers fail to seamlessly integrate contemporary game control principles with the nostalgic experience of retro arcade-style games, particularly in 'fight' games, lacking the desired ergonomic and functional features.

Innovation Solution

A computer game controller with a base and angled active button pad, featuring active buttons in arcuate rows and a pivotable lever, designed to enhance user interaction and control signals, mirroring both modern and retro gaming elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a controller uses conventional flat button layouts, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it fails to provide retro arcade ergonomics and user enjoyment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretro arcade ergonomicsVSAvoidcontroller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by tilting the button pad from a conventional flat plane to an angled surface (e.g., 15-45 degrees). This creates a three-dimensional configuration that mirrors retro arcade cabinet ergonomics, allowing players to press buttons at a more natural angle while maintaining the simplicity of the overall controller structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a controller integrates both modern and retro control elements, then it enhances gaming experience and nostalgia, but it increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol principle integrationVSAvoidcontroller design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges modern controller components (joystick, multiple button types including face buttons and shoulder buttons) with retro arcade styling elements (angled pad, circular button arrangement). This combination creates a unified controller that provides both contemporary control capabilities and nostalgic aesthetic/ergonomic features without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the button pad is angled obliquely, then user interaction precision and enjoyment are enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction precisionVSAvoidpad angle accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a range for the pad angle (e.g., 15-45 degrees) rather than requiring a single precise value. This parameter flexibility allows manufacturers to produce the angled pad within standard tolerances while still achieving the desired ergonomic effect. The angle can be adjusted during manufacturing without fundamentally changing the design, reducing the stringency of precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260021379A1Arcade-style game input device with angled active button pad

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC

AI summary

A wireless computer game controller has an arcade-style lever for controlling action in a computer game as well as action buttons reflecting contemporary game controllers and control buttons for controlling device operation. Active buttons are arranged on a pad that is angled up from bottom to top for comfort.