Amazon game controller spotted, evidence of Amazon gaming set-top box?

Thanks to a new filing with the Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações — essentially the Brazilian equivalent of the FCC — we now have an image of an Amazon-branded game controller that suggests a gaming-capable set-top box isn’t too far off.

As you can see in the screenshot, the gamepad looks quite a bit like an Xbox controller, like we’ve seen from many of the Android micro-consoles such as the Ouya. There’s two thumbsticks, a D-pad, four action buttons, shoulder buttons and triggers. Additionally, there’s a home button, back and menu button and some media playback controls.

An image of an Amazon-branded game controller may suggest a gaming-capable set-top box isn't too far off.

It’s worth noting that the Brazilian filing was first spotted by Zatz Not Funny, which reports that its sources say the set-top box could arrive sometime this month or perhaps in April. Of course, it’s important to note that the existence of this controller doesn’t mean it is designed to be used with a set-top box.

For all we know, Amazon could simply be designing a self-branded controller for use with Kindle Fire tablets and other Android devices. That said, Amazon recently acquired gaming studio Double Helix, so it’s pretty obvious they are planning something big in terms of gaming.

What do you think, if Amazon could release console-quality titles alongside casual mobile games on a set-top box, would you be interested in such a device? With Nintendo’s Wii U facing less-than-amazing reception, could Amazon be preparing to take the company’s place in the family-friendly ‘lower-cost’ console market? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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