We at PC Gamer celebrate ingenuity. Our hobby thrives on the creativity and experimentation of ingenious minds. However, not every invention deserves the light of day.

Consider the US Patent Application Publication No. 2025/0229172 A1 for a multi-functional gaming input device that merges mouse and joystick functionalities. While it sounds innovative, it surprisingly offends aesthetic, ergonomic, and even spiritual sensibilities.

Innovative Patent Device Image credit: US Patent and Trademark Office

This proposed peripheral gained notoriety on Tumblr and from there, I traced it back through the USPTO’s database.

Device Illustration Image credit: US Patent and Trademark Office

This device combines a controller and mouse, but its unusual design leaves one questioning its usability. The patent claims it enhances gaming by mixing traditional inputs with mouse controls, yet it fails to provide a clear method for operating this unconventional blend.

There is potential merit in the mix of controller and mouse inputs (imagine no WASD for movement but retaining aiming precision). However, currently, the concept hasn’t caught traction among manufacturers.

While some patented ideas seem enticing, many aren’t practical. Just because you can conceive a new combination doesn’t mean you should.

If I stumbled upon this gadget at a thrift store, I’d be inclined to buy it, drawn in by its uncanny appeal.