An Apple patent published today shows the iPhone being used a universal remote to pair NFC devices. NFC, or Near Field Communication, is a technology that allows devices to be paired through simple proximity, like paying at a store by tapping your iPhone to an NFC pad.

Interestingly, Apple's patent also shows a DualShock-style controller being paired.The controller might be able to interact with an Apple TV - which can currently mirror iOS and Mountain Lion-enabled games over AirPlay. It's yet to be seen whether this controller would interact with only mirrored games or if the Apple TV may be getting comprehensive app and game support in a future update.In Figure 45C, an iOS device allows you to pair a number of controllers to a videogame console, including the iPhone itself, which then displays a simple, digital gamepad.While it's unlikely that Apple is patenting a DualShock-style controller, Apple is likely going to allow the iPhone to pair all your NFC-capable game devices, and possibly use your iPhone for simple NES-style game input. The generic controller displayed in the document is most likely being used strictly as an example of what this NFC patent could be used for. It does not mean that Apple is patenting its own game controller, although it does prove that gaming applications are on the company's mind.NFC is shown on board a controller, as well as a range of Apple products that don't currently support NFC - from an iMac to an Apple Remote. The patent shows the iPhone being used in a variety of cases as a universal pairing device, which lets you pair your controllers by tapping them to your iPhone. This all but confirms the wireless technology will be coming to Apple products, like the New iPhone, which already supports credit card and gift card storage in iOS 6 through an app called PassBook.We've reached out to Apple, who has yet to comment. We will update as we know more.

Nic is the Editor of IGN Tech. He loves technology almost as much as corn dogs, Boyz II Men, and Halo: Reach. You can follow him on Twitter and IGN