Abstract: A gaming device that includes a handheld controller with a handle and a mechanism for connecting the handheld controller to a mobile device. The mechanism includes a substantially rigid arm and a connector. The arm is housed within the handle and is configured to pivot about a pivot point within the handle. The connector is attached to the arm at the end opposite the pivot point and is structured to physically and electrically pair the mobile device and the handheld controller. The connector is structured to pivot about the pivot point with the arm.

Abstract: A handheld game controller having a handle and a bumper assembly on the handle. The bumper assembly includes a bumper and a haptic actuator. The bumper is configured to accept touch inputs from a user. The haptic actuator includes at least one plate and a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to receive an electrical signal, convert the electrical signal to mechanical motion, translate the mechanical motion to the at least one plate, and cause the at least one plate and the bumper to vibrate.

Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device having a first handle, a second handle, a bridge coupling the first handle to the second handle, and a magnetic connector. The first handle includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface configured to accept touch inputs. The second handle includes a user-accessible, second hardware interface configured to accept touch inputs. The magnetic connector is configured to magnetically retain a mobile device to the game controller.

Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device having a first handle, a second handle, a bridge coupling the first handle to the second handle, and a magnetic connector. The first handle includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface configured to accept touch inputs. The second handle includes a user-accessible, second hardware interface configured to accept touch inputs. The magnetic connector is configured to magnetically retain a mobile device to the game controller.

Abstract: A video game audio controller includes a headset audio port configured to connect to an audio headset and receive a headset audio signal, a chat audio port configured to receive a chat audio signal from another controller, a game audio port configured to receive a game audio signal from a video game console, and control circuitry configured to sum the headset audio signal and the chat audio signal and to output the combined chat audio signal from the controller. A local chat audio gaming network can include a plurality of such video game audio controllers removably connectable with each other via one or more cables, wherein the combined chat audio signal is communicated in only one direction between the plurality of video game audio controllers.