[UPDATE: Kotaku's Jason Schreier claims that the Google controller design is not real and is a mock-up based on Google patents from 2014.]

In late January, Google filed patents for a video game console controller, marking just one step leading up to an expected March 19 reveal of a Google video game console announcement. Now the mock-ups of the Google game console controller have appeared online, perhaps giving fans a sneak peak of the March 19 event.

The controllers have a squared shape with somewhat sharp edges. They could even be described as similar to the Android console Ouya's controllers. The patent's controller examples have a much more rounded controller surface across the sides and back, though the pill-shaped faceplate and button placement is very much the same. The differences are in the sharp edging and corners on the grip. The patent's controller is perhaps more similar to the PlayStation's Dualshock 4 with regards to its handholds.

What the mock-ups do quite well is give the controller a polished, attractive paint job. The smooth grey finish and the red/blue/green/yellow color scheme with black accents are very sharp. Not only does it manage to capture standard button coloring strategies used by Xbox and others, but it also retains consistency with Google's logos and branding.

The ergonomics of the mock-up would definitely be in question with its odd corners and edging, but Google's patent looks much more aware of hand comfort. For a mock-up, it's an impressive piece and could easily be mistaken for the real thing.

google controller mock up

google controller mock up comparison

google controller mock up comparison

These images were mocked up by one Sarang Sheth of Yanko Design, based off of Google's patent filings. To say that Sheth is passionate about the possibilities of Google entering the video game market would be an understatement:

"Here’s a look at the Project Stream controller, a visualized concept based on Google’s patented design… a concept, if executed perfectly, that could tank Xbox and PS sales, and even kill the gaming laptop industry."

Sheth presumes that the controller, and likely Google's upcoming console announcement, will be Project Stream focused. That remains to be seen, as the nature of Google's video game plans has yet to be unveiled. Yet there's no denying that Google's entrance into the industry has the potential to shake things up beyond all expectation. If Google is truly going to introduce a streaming-only console, perhaps even beating Xbox to the punch, it could be a landmark moment that leads to a paradigm shift in the industry.

Expect more Google console and controller news on March 19 as Google gives a presentation regarding its video game future at the Game Developers Conference.

Source: Yanko Design