Siliconera has posted images of a recently filed Sony design patent application, for a new “hand held game controller” product.

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The post set-off speculation that the images are of the yet-to-be-revealed nunchuck-like attachment for the forthcoming PS3 motion controller; though, the lack of an analog stick makes it difficult to support this notion. At the 2009 Tokyo Game Show, the left analog stick of a current DualShock 3 controller was used to direct characters in Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition which features motion control integration.

A nunchuck without an analog stick wouldn’t satisfy the actual mechanic that’s missing from the standalone motion controller. It's also possible that the new controller is, in fact, a nunchuck device that isn't attempting to replicate the functionality of the Wii nunchuck mechanics and is actually designed for an entirely new application - maybe Sony’s working on an a secret nunchaku simulation game?

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Siliconera speculates the new controller is possibly a remote-like device similar to the Buzz! Quiz TV buzzers. The buttons on the Buzz remotes were stacked, which, in the split-second answer world of Quiz TV, wasn’t the most intuitive layout. Considering these are spaced evenly on the top of the controller, similar to the layout of the DualShock 3, it’s also possible this is an updated control scheme for future Buzz-like games. Though, when looking at the in-hand image, the device appears larger than necessary for a simple “buzzer” controller.

What else is Sony hiding in there?

Sony’s Motion Controller is slated for release in the Spring of 2009.

Source: Siliconera, Photo: Deviant Art