Nintendo has always been a bit of an odd duck. The history of their brand is peppered with weird controller designs, like the power glove, or that rocket launcher that everyone wanted but couldn't get their parents to buy for them. With the advent of the Wii, Nintendo has continued to bring innovative (and bizarre) new controller designs out to the fore.

Now it appears they've taken yet another step into uncharted territory. Siliconera reported today on a patent application from Nintendo for a horseback riding Wii controller. This controller takes the form of an inflatable seat with a pocket for the Wiimote to fit into. It senses movement using the accelerometer, and players can hold the nunchuck to stimulate either reins, a sword, lasso, or anything else game designers can come up with.

This controller isn't just for horseback riding, either. It can simulate dolphins, dragons, unicorns, jet planes, ski-dos, or whatever rideable animal or piece of equipment needed. This controller is a seriously awkward looking device, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited as hell to see it. Imagine being able to actually control your mount in combat during Zelda, or being able to swoop down on squadrons of enemies and burn them to death with fire from your dragon. This is definitely a bit of a 'niche' device, but it's a really cool niche device.