Nintendo patents inflatable accessory

Having cornered the markets for controllers you waggle about and stand on, Nintendo has patented a new device you operate while sitting down.

Siliconera found the evidence in the European patent database. As these images show the Wii Horseback Riding Saddle consists of a seat with a Wii remote-sized pocket. Tuck in your controller and its accelerometers will register movement on the seat, while the nunchuk is used as a set of reins or "a raised hand for balance as in Bronco riding, a lasso, a sword or other weapon".

According to the patent the seat would be inflatable and constructed similarly to "conventional inflatable exercise balls". "An advantage of an inflatable design is that it is compact to ship and store," do you see.

So what would it be used for? A virtual horsey, suggests the patent. Or how would you like to ride "bulls, camels, elephants, burros, dolphins, whales", not to mention "dragons, griffons, unicorns" and "giant eagles"?

The fun doesn't stop there - the seat could also be used to simulate "hang gliders or other aircraft, a magic carpet, a motorcycle, a jet-ski, land or sea exploration vehicles". What no Colonial Viper?

Nintendo has not commented on whether the Wii Horseback Riding Saddle will actually make it into the shops. Neigh.