Haptically-enabled modular peripheral device assembly

A method of generating a haptic effect in a modular peripheral device assembly that includes i) a handheld controller configured to sense at least one of motion and orientation of the handheld controller and having a first haptic actuator configured to generate a haptic effect at the handheld controller, ii) an assembly base that is attachable to and detachable from the handheld controller and that has a second haptic actuator configured to generate a haptic effect at the assembly base or at the handheld controller when the handheld controller is attached to the assembly base, and iii) a control unit located in at least one of the handheld controller and the assembly base, the method comprising:

• the control unit determining that a haptic effect needs to be generated for an application receiving input from the peripheral device assembly;
• the control unit determining whether the handheld controller is attached to or detached from the assembly base;
• the control unit selecting at least one haptic actuator of the first haptic actuator and the second haptic actuator to generate the haptic effect, the selection based on whether the handheld controller is attached to or detached from the assembly base;
• and
• the control unit activating the selected at least one haptic actuator to generate the haptic effect.

A modular peripheral device assembly, comprising:

• a handheld controller that includes,
• a user input component,
• a sensor configured to track at least one of motion and orientation of the handheld controller, and
• a first magnet of the handheld controller, located at an attachment region of the handheld controller;
• and
• an assembly base attachable to and detachable from the handheld controller, the assembly base comprising
• a first attachment region of the assembly base, forming a receiving portion at a surface of the assembly base,
• a first magnet of the assembly base, disposed at the receiving portion,
• wherein the receiving portion is shaped to receive the attachment region of the handheld controller,
• wherein the handheld controller is attachable to the assembly base via the first magnet in the handheld controller and the first magnet in the assembly base, and
• wherein the handheld controller is pivotable about the receiving portion such that the assembly is operable as a joystick when the handheld controller is attached to the assembly base.