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Further evidence has emerged that the iPhone 7 could double up as a handheld games console.

A patent, that was originally filed in 2008, shows a range of accessories that could add a gamepad, action buttons, a joystick and even a second screen to an iPhone.

According to the files, these accessories could be used wirelessly, connecting to a device via Bluetooth, or they could clip into place on the device.

The patent, called 'Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device' was filed in September 2008 but only awarded this week. It details a range of 'modular accessories' for phones that feature a gamepad (pictured), as seen on handheld consoles, including action buttons, a D-pad control and a joystick

The patent, called 'Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device' was filed in September 2008 but was only awarded this week.

It details a range of 'modular accessories' for mobile devices that feature a gamepad, as seen on handheld consoles.

Drawings published in the patent also show action buttons, a D-pad control and a joystick.

Another image features a second screen, with an additional camera and speaker, as well as a keyboard for typing. 

A number of these patent drawings bear a striking resemblance to the Nintendo DS.

And, the files claim the accessories could be used interchangeably or, in certain instances, together to expand the use of the phone.

'It is now common for people to grab their portable media player, cell phone, laptop, and other such devices on the way out the door in the morning,' said Apple in the application.

'The reasons for this popularity include the ever-increasing amount of functionality Apple is packing into [its] lines of iPhones, and related devices.

'[But], while the functionality of these devices has increased, their size has decreased. 

'The touchscreen provides almost the entirety of the user interface. 

'Unfortunately, while playing games can be fun on these devices, it can also be somewhat awkward.

'The same screen used for viewing an avatar's activities is used to control the avatar.'

It continues that this causes the user's fingers to block the action, which means that accessories are needed to have a more 'specialised' user interface.

This patent follows a similar filing that was awarded earlier this month.

Another drawing features a second screen (pictured), with an additional camera and speaker, as well as a keyboard for typing. These accessories could be used wirelessly, connecting to a device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or could clip into place on the device

The designs in the latest patent could make future versions of the iPhone resemble the Nintendo 3DS XL (pictured). The accessories could be used interchangeably to expand the use of the phone

The files revealed proposals for a spring loaded home button that pops up to become a joystick. 

It is believed the button would retain the current Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and that a single click would cause it to pop up and transform into a slightly elevated thumb joystick.

A simple push of the elevated home button back into a flush position with the body of the iPhone would then return it to its original state when done gaming.

A previous Apple patent (pictured) proposed a spring loaded home button that pops up to become a joystick

It is believed the button would retain the current Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and that a single click would cause it to pop up and transform into a slightly elevated thumb joystick (pictured)