WO2013038131A1

WO2013038131A1 - Device for operating a video game controller

Info

Publication number: WO2013038131A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000720
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edmund JEPHCOTT
Original assignee: Jephcott Edmund
Priority date: 2011-09-14
Filing date: 2012-09-14
Publication date: 2013-03-21
Also published as: GB201115935D0; GB2494669A

Abstract

A device for operating a handset-type video game controller including a joystick, the device comprising a base component including a steering wheel and a wheel linkage operatively coupled to the steering wheel, the wheel linkage including a first mating element; a controller receiving component adapted to receive a controller, the controller receiving component including a joystick linkage adapted to operatively connect a joystick to a second mating element; wherein the base component further includes a portion adapted to receive the controller receiving component; wherein the first mating element is coupled to the second mating element when the controller receiving component is received by the base component.

Description

Device for operating a video game controller

The invention relates to a device for operating a video game controller wherein the controller includes a joystick. Suitably, the device includes a steering wheel.

The device is designed, in particular, for use with vehicle driving games, most particularly car racing games. These games are at present controlled using either handheld controllers supplied with or for the game console (hereinafter controllers), or so-called "racing wheels", comprising a self-contained unit with its own control electronics, usually attached to an external surface such as a desktop.

The controllers supplied by the game console manufacturer contain high-quality, sensitive electronics but are designed for use with a wide variety of games, predominantly games in which human figures are manipulated. However, the control elements used for manipulating human figures are not optimized for controlling car racing games. This applies especially to the steering lever or joystick (hereinafter joystick) which, being a short lever operated by the user's thumb, necessarily has an action which is too high-geared to provide the smooth, accurate steering control essential for racing games.

Racing wheels generally provide lower-geared steering, which permits smoother control on corners but, because of the relatively large steering movements entailed, does not allow the rapid changes of direction required to control slides and to react quickly in racing situations. Furthermore, in duplicating the electronics of the controller, the racing wheel incurs extra cost.

In order to provide an authentic racing game experience, it is necessary for the steering action to be continuous and proportional to the user's movement of the steering control. In practice this means that, in the case of a controller, a steering joystick or similar continuously movable lever is a prerequisite, and not a push-button or buttons, which would not provide continuous or proportional steering control.

The present invention relates to providing a control means for racing games which utilizes the standard controller including a steering joystick, but operates the controller, in particular the steering joystick,_. indirectly in such a way that the steering and other control actions are modified to make them more suitable for racing games. In particular, the steering action is geared down. Arrangements which operate a controller indirectly via a steering wheel or like device are known. FR2885S33 A1 discloses a pivoted lever engaging at one end with the steering joystick and actuated at its other end by the handlebar of a motorcycle or simulated motorcycle, with further connections between brake and throttle controls of the motorcycle and the controller. However, this apparatus does not form an integrated unit and has to be installed on the motorcycle in a number of separate assembly steps, making it disadvantageously inconvenient in use.

US6811491 B1 discloses an adapter into which the controller is inserted so that user-operated controls on the adapter automatically align with controller controls. However, no joystick is present on the controller used in the main embodiment; in describing a further embodiment (Fig. 15) joysticks are mentioned but no means are disclosed for coupling joystick to steering wheel automatically or otherwise, so that this patent does not disclose a solution with a practical application to racing games using a joystick. US2010/298053 Al discloses a shell in which a controller including joysticks can be inserted for remote operation. However, in this disclosure only the control buttons of the controller are operated remotely, the joysticks being controlled by the user's thumbs.

US2006/258452 Al and US2004/104825 disclose adapters into which game pads including a screen function can be inserted so that their controls can be operated indirectly by the user.

However, with such game pads used in driving games, the steering is operated by push-buttons, not by a joystick, so that, as explained above, such game pads cannot be used to operate racing games with the steering precision required by racing game enthusiasts. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus whereby the steering joystick and other controls of an indirectly operated standard controller can be coupled to user- operated controls on a separate structure with a minimum of assembly steps.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device as set forth in claim 1.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The device for operating a handset-type video game controller including a joystick comprises a base component including a steering wheel and a wheel linkage operatively coupled to the steering wheel, the wheel linkage including a first mating element; a controller receiving component adapted to receive a controller, the controller receiving component including a joystick linkage adapted to operatively connect a joystick to a second mating element; wherein the base component further includes a portion adapted to receive the controller receiving component; wherein the first mating element is coupled to the second mating element when the controller receiving component is received by the base component.

In a preferred embodiment, the mating elements comprise a slot-and-pin arrangement, the slot having an open end for receiving the pin and being oriented in the receiving direction of the controller receiving component. As will be appreciated, the term "receiving direction" is intended to mean the direction in which the controller receiving component is displaced in order for it to be received by the base component. For example, where the controller receiving component is inserted into a slot defined by the base component, the receiving direction is the insertion direction. The above-mentioned indirect linkages between the driver-operated controls, in particular the steering wheel, and the controller controls, in particular the steering joystick, enable the ratios between movements of the driver-operated controls and the controller controls to be selectively adjusted in order to optimize the corresponding control actions in the game. Within the meaning of the invention, the steering wheel is any user-actuated rotatable element operatively connected to the steering mechanism. In relation to the present invention, the wheel is preferably a substantially rectangular, horizontally orientated element with the lower cross member omitted to allow access to the control panel. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is releasably securable to the controller receiving component, which in turn is releasably coupled to the base component which carries control elements, for example steering, accelerator and brake controls, operable by the user. The base component can be mounted in a stable manner such that the device can be conveniently operated by the user.

In an embodiment, the controller receiving component may be, for example a sliding drawer-like element or a hinged flap or like element normally attached to the base component, to which drawer or flap the controller is fastened with the drawer or flap open, and the above-mentioned mating elements then automatically mate when the drawer or flap is closed. Hereinafter, only the separate controller receiving component will be mentioned, but is understood also to refer correspondingly the above-mentioned alternative controller receiving components.

The controller receiving component may also include control elements for indirectly actuating control elements mounted on the control face of the controller. Within the meaning of the invention, the control face of the controller is understood to be the face which includes the buttons, switches and like elements used for menu selection and other functions required for operating the game, and from which the steering joystick extends. In an embodiment, the control face of the controller is oriented in a predominantly vertical direction when the receiving component is coupled to the base component. Suitably, the control face is located parallel to a control panel of the base component which faces the user in operation. In this configuration control elements, such as push buttons and the like, mounted on the control face of the controller are aligned with corresponding control elements mounted in the control panel of the base component, by means of which they can be actuated.

The controller receiving component further includes a steering control arm which is rotatable about an axis coaxial with the axis of rotation of the steering joystick of the controller and which engages with the steering joystick as the controller is inserted into the receiving component. The controller is then releasably secured to the receiving component.

Once the controller is received by the receiving component, the receiving component can be received by (e.g. inserted into) the base component, for example via guide channels. As the receiving component approaches the fully received position, the mating element connected via a linkage to the steering wheel automatically mates with the mating element of the linkage connected to the joystick. Movement of the steering wheel by the user therefore actuates the steering joystick of the controller. Because of the lever ratios incorporated in the linkage, the steering action is effectively geared down so as to be optimized for a racing game. The brake and accelerator functions of standard controllers are operable by lever elements located on the upper side of the controller when mounted in the base component. As the receiving component is received by the base component, these levers may also engage with elements connected to control means operable by the user. The receiving components may be specific to a respective controller of different game consoles or platforms, but may be universally compatible with a common base component in a manner to be explained later. This substantially reduces the overall cost of the system.

In an embodiment, the base component may either be supported in operation by attachment to a suitable surface such as a table top, or the device may include a folding or rigid stand. In the latter case the accelerator and brake controls may be operated by pedals mounted on the stand.

Apart from a portion for receiving the receiving component, the base component is substantially enclosed by a casing which is preferably hinged to allow access to internal control elements of the base component for purposes of adjustment, inspection, etc.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective rear three-quarter view of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a generic video game controller, from which some elements have been omitted;

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a controller inserted in an exemplary receiving

component according to the invention; Fig. 4 illustrates schematically a mode of insertion of a receiving component into a base component according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a mode of engagement of the steering arm of a receiving component with a steering linkage of a base component according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic side view showing a mode of interaction of accelerator and brake levers of the controller with a corresponding control mechanism of the base component; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanism for providing a non-linear accelerator ratio according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanism for provid

mechanical resistance to steering movement.

Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the device accord to the invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device 1 for operating a video game controller 10 according to the invention, showing a receiving component control panel 2, control buttons 3a- d, control levers 4, 5, a steering wheel 6, a control paddle 9, a base component casing 7 and a fastening element 8. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a generic video game controller 10 as applied to a racing game, showing a steering joystick 11, an accelerator lever 12 and a brake lever 13. A 2-axis switch 14, control buttons 15a-d and other control elements which are known per se and are not described in detail here are mounted on the control face 16 of the controller. For simplicity, some control elements not directly relevant to the invention are omitted.

Fig. 3 shows schematically the position of a generic controller 10, when mounted in an exemplary receiving component 20 according to the invention, in relation to a steering arm 23 of the receiving component 10. The steering arm 23 is pivoted by means of pivots 26, 27 above and below the controller concentrically with the pivot axis of the steering joystick 11 of the controller. Firmly attached to the steering arm 23 are a claw 24 or like element engaging around the head of the steering joystick 11 and a substantially vertical pin 25, made preferably of metal, for engaging in a corresponding slot of a fork 39 of a steering lever 38 of the base component (see Fig. 5). The upper pivot 26 of the steering arm 23 is supported by a bracket 29 extending forwardly from the control panel 2 of the receiving component 20.

In the context of this description, the front of the device is the side oriented away from the user in operation and the rear is the side oriented towards the user. The longitudinal direction of the device extends between the front and rear sides thereof. The basic structure of the exemplary receiving component 20 comprises a base board 21, a control panel 2 substantially perpendicular thereto (also shown in Fig. 1) and a latchable, preferably hinged clip 22 for retaining the controller positively in the receiving component, together with support elements for the steering arm 23.

The base board 21 and control panel 2 of the receiving component 20 are made, for example, of pressure-formed thermoplastic material while the steering arm 23 and claw 24, and similar precisely-dimensioned, high-strength control members, are made, for example, of suitable injection-moulded plastics material.

The steering arm 23 is configured to be. sufficiently rigid to avoid flexing or lost motion in the steering linkage, while the claw 24 is sufficiently resilient to allow snap-fitting over the head of the steering joystick 11 and sufficiently stiff to prevent flexing of the claw 24 during operation of the steering.

Fig. 4 shows schematically and in exemplary fashion an arrangement whereby the receiving component 20 can be inserted in the frame 32 of a base component 30 (shown only partially), slidable elements at the sides of the receiving component base board 21 being insertable in corresponding channel elements 31 mounted on the base component frame and the receiving component being latchable in its fully inserted position by means of, for example, spring-loaded catch elements 28 of a type known perse.

The direction of insertion of the receiving component in the base component, shown by the arrow D in Fig. 4, is substantially parallel to above-mentioned longitudinal direction of the device according to the invention.

The base component 30 (partially shown in Figs. 4-6) consists essentially of a frame element 32 into which the receiving component 20 is insertable, a preferably front-hinged casing which encloses the receiving component when inserted, apart from its control panel face, a steering column 34 mounted in support bearings 36a,b and carrying the steering wheel 6, and a base (not shown) for attachment either, via the fastening element 8, to a suitable external surface, or to a stand structure to be discussed later.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view showing an exemplary linkage between the steering column 34 and the claw 24. An arm 37 attached non-rotatably to the steering column 34 and extending downwardly therefrom is articulated, for example via a ball-jointed link, to a steering lever 38 offset laterally therefrom and connected via a pivot 40 to the frame 32 of the base component via a support bracket 47, which steering lever 38 has at its rearward end a fork 39 having a slot with parallel sides located in the longitudinal direction of the device 1, into the open end of which the pin 25, mounted on the steering arm 23 engages with a sliding fit as the receiving component 20 is inserted in the base component 30. Rotational movement of the steering column 34 therefore causes the steering lever 38 to swivel about the pivot 40 and to actuate, via the slot and the pin 25, the steering arm 23 and the claw 24 and therefore the steering joystick 11 of the controller (not shown here) about an axis (A in Fig. 5) substantially perpendicular to but offset laterally from the axis of the steering column 34.

The overall steering ratio may be modified to suit particular users and/or driving conditions by adjusting the position of the ball joints on the arm 37 and/or on the lever 38 by means, for example, of quick-release lockable ratchet-type connections so as to change the effective length of said arm/lever. To allow for adjustment of the ball joint along the lever 38, the arm 37 is adjustable along the steering column.

The mounting of the arm 37 may incorporate an overload release mechanism (not shown), for example a spring-loaded ball engaging in a detent, to prevent overloading of the steering linkage at full-lock.

The steering is advantageously loaded to a centre position, for example by means of a spring or springs 35 connected between a lever of the steering column 34 and the base component frame 32, as shown in exemplary fashion in Fig. 5. The tension of the spring/s may be adjustable and they may optionally be supplemented by a damping element or elements (not shown).

In order to enhance steering "feel" for the user, a primarily non-frictional mechanical resistance mechanism 53 may advantageously be coupled to the steering mechanism. An exemplary embodiment is illustrated schematically in Fig. 8. In this example, one or more rollers 51 or like elements mounted on arms articulated to the base component frame is/are spring-loaded, preferably adjustably, towards a track 52 comprising a series of closely-spaced detents which is connected to the steering mechanism. The roller or like element runs along the track, engaging successively in the detents, as the steering is moved. If a plurality of rollers or like elements are used, they preferably engage non-synchronously in the detents of the track. In deviation from the schematic illustration, the track is preferably curved concentrically with the steering column and integrated therewith.

Similarly, in order to provide the user with enhanced "feel" of the accelerator pedal, an analogous resistance mechanism may be provided in the accelerator linkage. In this case the resistance would be applied only to depression and not to lifting of the accelerator pedal. This one-way resistance may be effected, for example, by asymmetrically profiled detents in the track or by a ratchet-type mechanism known per se. A similar resistance mechanism may also be incorporated in the brake actuation linkage.

In order to transmit "rumble" effects generated in the controller by certain racing game situations to the steering wheel 6 and therefore to the user, the portion of the base component frame into which the receiving component slides, together with at least the rear support 36a of the steering column, may advantageously be mounted resiliently with respect to the main structure of the base component 30, for example by means of springs 33, only one of which is shown schematically in Fig. 4.

In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 5 the pivot 40 of the steering lever 38 is mounted directly above and coaxially with the pivots 26, 27 (see Fig. 3) of the steering arm 23 on an axis A shown by a broken line in Fig. 5, with the result that angular movement of the steering arm 23 is equal to angular movement of the steering lever 38 as the steering is turned. However, depending on the parameters of the game being operated, it may be desirable for the angular movement of the arm 23 to have a non-linear relationship to the angular movement of the lever 38, in order, for example, to decelerate the steering response at or near the straight ahead position and to accelerate the response as it approaches the full-lock position. This would mean that the steering would have a comparatively less "nervous" initial response to steering inputs, while still being able to move rapidly to full lock, than if the pivots 40 and 26, 27 were arranged coaxially. In this case the pivot 40 of the steering lever 38 would be offset rearwardly with respect to the pivots 26, 27, to an axis B. Conversely, in order to achieve a sharper initial response with slower movement to full-lock, the pivot 40 would be moved forwardly with respect to the pivots 26, 27, to an axis C.

The adjustment would preferably be effected by means of a quick-release slidable and latchable mounting of the pivot 40 both to the steering the lever 38 and to the pivot support bracket 47. The offsetting of the pivot 40 in relation to the pivots 26, 27 would in both the above cases have the result that the pin 25 would slide in the slot of the fork 39 as the steering is operated, to compensate for the now unequal lengths of the respective levers. Fig. 6 shows in a schematic side view a linkage whereby movement of control pedals may be transmitted to the accelerator and brake levers 12, 13 of the controller 10. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the accelerator and brake levers 12, 13 of the controller are actuated via respective rollers 41a,b mounted on levers 42a,b pivoted to the base component frame 32. The levers 42a,b are actuated downwardly by links 43a,b, for example pull-rods, wires or Bowden cables, operatively connected to pedals 44a,b, one of which is shown in Fig. 9.

Alternatively, the rollers 41a,b may be actuated, for example via Bowden cables, by paddles or like elements mounted on the steering wheel, in the case of a device without a pedal unit, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

As mentioned in the introduction, the receiving components for controllers of different consoles are designed in such a manner that the steering, accelerator and brake control elements of the respective receiving components automatically engage in the case of all leading game consoles and platforms with the corresponding elements of the common base component. This is achieved as follows:

The rollers 41a,b of the base component are positioned and dimensioned in such a manner that they automatically engage with the accelerator and brake levers of at least two of the different controllers when mounted in the respective receiving components, and the corresponding levers of further receiving components are coordinated with the rollers by intervening levers of the receiving components, for example. The slot of the fork 39 on the base component is positioned to align with the pin 25 of the steering arm 23 of one controller; a second controller is offset laterally when mounted in the receiving component so that the pin of the steering arm of that receiving component also aligns with the slot. In the case when the controller cannot be offset sufficiently to achieve this, the steering arm carrying the pin may be articulated laterally to a further control arm of the receiving component pivoted in a parallelogram-type linkage, or running in a curved track concentric with the pivot axis of the steering joystick 11 of the controller, which further control arm carries the claw-like element which engages with the steering joystick 11 of this controller. Fig. 7 shows schematically a mechanism whereby a non-linear lever ratio between, in particular, the accelerator pedal 44a and the accelerator lever 12 of the controller may be provided, in order, for example, to accelerate movement of the accelerator lever 12 in the early phase of accelerator pedal movement, or vice versa, depending, for example, on the power characteristics of the virtual vehicle concerned. In the example illustrated, a cam and roller mechanism is provided, the cam 45 being actuated via a lever 49 mounted on a transverse pivoted member 48 which is connected rigidly to the accelerator pedal 44a, and the roller 46 acting, via a crank 50 and the link 43a, on the lever 42a (Fig. 6) which actuates the accelerator lever of the controller. In the example illustrated, the concave cam profile would slow down the throttle response initially and accelerate it progressively towards the end of throttle pedal travel. A suitable convex cam would have the opposite effect. The geometry of such cam arrangements is known per se and need not be described in detail here.

The non-linear ratios made possible in this way enable traction to be optimized without resorting to "assists" provided in the game program, which dampen engine performance to suppress wheelspin, lessening the role of driver skill and the satisfaction obtainable from controlling a high-powered vehicle.

In order to provide alternative ratios, a plurality of cams, for example a concave cam as described above, a neutral cam which imparts linear movement to the roller 46 and a convex cam, may be connected rigidly side-by-side to form a pivoted cluster which can be moved laterally in relation to the roller in order to bring one cam or another selectively into engagement with the roller, using a selector mechanism known per se. The further control elements represented in Fig. 2, in particular the two-axis rocker switch and the control buttons 15a-d, are preferably actuated mechanically by means of push button or lever elements passing through the control panel of the receiving component.

For example, the 2 -axis rocker switch 14 (Fig. 2) may be actuated by a disc-shaped or cruciform element positioned close to the rocker switch when the controller is inserted in the receiving component, which element is connected rigidly to a lever 4 projecting rearwardly through the control panel and guided, for example, by a cruciform gate in the control panel (Fig. 1). The lever 4 is pivoted, for example via a self-centring integral hinge with two or multiple axes, in the region where it adjoins the disc or cruciform element, to a support element projecting forwardly from the control panel, in such a manner that upward movement of the lever 4, for example, causes depression of the upper element of the 2 -axis switch 14, in order to scroll upwards through a menu, for example. Lateral and downward movements of the lever 4 have corresponding effects in controlling the game program. The control buttons 15a-d, and further buttons of the controller might be actuated by a similar mechanism as that described above, but are preferably actuated, especially if some of these buttons are used for gear-change operations, for example by means of plungers passing through the control panel and through guide elements positioned close to the control face of the controller and operated by buttons 3a-d of the control panel, which may be spring-loaded in the direction away from the controller.

Up and down gear changes may be effected either directly by operating the respective buttons on the control panel or by means of, for example, a lever (not shown) mounted on the control panel and operatively connected to the relevant plungers. Alternatively, the gearchange controls on the controller may be actuated, for example electromechanically or via Bowden cables, by means of buttons or paddles mounted on the steering wheel, an electric power source being provided in the device in the case of electromechanical actuation.

In an embodiment, the device is designed to be fastened removably to a table top or like surface in known fashion. In a variant, it may be mounted on a stand composed of hinged and/or telescopic sections such that it can be adjusted vertically and horizontally and locked in position as desired by the user. The base of such a stand may have accelerator and brake pedals connected to the levers 42a,b of the base component mechanism, for example by Bowden cables or the like. The stand may also be collapsible for compact storage.

In a further variant the stand may be rigid, the pedals being connected to the levers 42a,b by simple links, as described with reference to Fig. 6. This variant has the advantage that it does not need to be set up before use, and that the base component can be positioned for economically optimized operation by a user seated on a seat of normal dining-chair height.

In a further variant, the casing of the device, in particular when mounted on a rigid stand, is configured to simulate in fully three-dimensional form a front section of a vehicle, in particular the nose section of an open-wheel racing car extending from the tip of the nosecone to approximately the front of the cockpit, as illustrated in exemplary fashion in Fig. 9. Rearwardly extending forearm rests (not shown), optionally designed to simulate sidepods of an open-wheel racing car, may be attached, preferably removably, to the casing of the base component.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a separate structure into which the controller is inserted for indirect operation, the principle of indirect operation via an interposed mechanical or electromechanical interface fundamental to the present invention also extends to include elements directly attachable to the controller which operate one or more control elements of the controller indirectly for the purpose of improving the control action, for example, a geared-down lever connectable to the steering joystick 11 of the controller. Such attachable elements therefore also fall within the scope of the invention.

Any commercially available controller which substantially replicates controllers supplied with or for game consoles, computers or other platforms and which incorporates means for mechanically or electromechanically gearing down the operation one or more control elements, in particular the steering joystick, of the controller, by means of gears, articulated levers or the like, likewise falls within the scope of the invention.

Although the operating principle of the present invention is applied in this specification primarily to generic controllers as illustrated in Fig. 2, it also extends to include any other device adapted to control video games, such as a keypad, provided this device includes a means such as a joystick for proportionally controlling the steering which could be operated indirectly by control elements of an external control unit into which the device is insertable, or by control elements attachable to the device for the purpose of operating the control functions thereof indirectly. Such control arrangements therefore also fall within the scope of the invention.

Similarly game platforms for use with the invention also extend to include direct streaming of games via the Internet or mobile phone networks.

List of references

1 Device

2 Control panel 3a-d Control buttons 4 Control lever

5 Control lever 6 Steering wheel 7 Base component casing 8 Fastening element

9 Paddle

10 Controller

11 Steering joystick 12 Accelerator lever 13 Brake lever

14 2-axis switch

15a-d Control buttons 16 Control face

20 Receiving component 21 Base board

22 Clip

23 Steering arm

24 Claw

25 Pin

26 Pivot

27 Pivot

28 Catch element 29 Bracket

30 Base component 31 Channel element 32 Base component frame 33 Spring 34 Steering column

35 Centring spring

36a, b Steering column support bearing

37 Arm

38 Steering lever

39 Fork

40 Pivot

41a. b Rollers

42a.b Levers

43a,b Links

44a,b Pedals

45 Cam

46 Roller

47 Bracket

48 Pivoted member

49 Lever

50 Crank

51 Roller

52 Track

53 Resistance mechanism

A Axis

B Axis

C Axis

D Direction of insertion of receiving component [to be inserted in Fig. 4]

Claims

Claims 1. A device for operating a handset-type video game controller including a joystick, the device comprising a base component including a steering wheel and a wheel linkage operatively coupled to the steering wheel, the wheel linkage including a first mating element; a controller receiving component adapted to receive a controller, the controller receiving component including a joystick linkage adapted to operatively connect a joystick to a second mating element; wherein the base component further includes a portion adapted to receive the controller receiving component; and wherein the first mating element is coupled to the second mating element when the controller receiving component is received by the base component.

2. A device according to claim \, wherein one of the first and second mating elements includes a pin and the other of the first and second mating elements includes a slot, the slot having an opening adapted to receive the pin and being oriented in the receiving direction (0) of the controller receiving component.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first mating element is carried by a first lever pivotally coupled to the base component and the second mating element is carried by a second lever pivotally coupled to the controller receiving component.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second levers are aligned

substantially parallel to the receiving direction (D) of the controller receiving component.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller receiving component is separate from the base component and the controller receiving component is insertable into the base component and is adapted to be secured therein.

6. A device according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the receiving direction (D) of the controller receiving component is substantially parallel to the plane in which the axis of rotation of the steering wheel is located.

7. A device according to claim 3, wherein the pivot axes of the first and second levers are substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the joystick in the steering direction when the controller is mounted in the base component.

8. A device according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the pivot axis of the second lever is coaxial with the pivot axis of the joystick in the steering direction.

9. A device according to claims 3, 7 and 8, wherein the pivot axes of the first and second levers are coaxial.

10. A device according to any preceding claims, wherein the wheel linkage includes means for selectively varying the ratio between movement of the steering wheel and movement of the second lever, such that the movement of the joystick actuated via the joystick linkage is variable in relation to movement of the steering wheel.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the pivot axis of the first lever is selectively movable and the pivot axis of the second lever is fixed, such that the effective length of the first lever can be shorter, equal to or longer than that of the second lever.

12. A device according to claim 10, wherein the pivot axes of the first and/or second lever are selectively movable in the longitudinal direction of the levers such that the effective length of one lever is variable in relation to the other, the relative movement being accommodated by movement of the pin in the slot, and the ratio of movement between the two levers is non-linear.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base component includes

accelerator and brake controls which are operatively coupled to the respective accelerator and brake controls of the controller when the controller receiving component including the controller is received by the base component.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the coupling between the accelerator and/or brake controls includes means for selectively varying the ratio of movement between the user operated accelerator and/or brake controls and the respective controls of the controller.

15. A device according to claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the couplings include means for selectively producing non-linear ratios between the movement of the user-operated accelerator and/or brake controls, and the movement of the respective control of the controller, the means including a cam-and-roller arrangement.

16. A device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the controller

receiving components adapted to receive controllers for different game consoles or platforms are provided such that the steering, accelerator and brake control elements of the respective controller receiving components automatically engage with the corresponding elements of a common base component.

17. A combination of a device according to any of the preceding claims with a handset-type video game controller.