One thing that we know about Nintendo’s NX console is that we know nothing. Only that the console will be anything like its predecessor Wii U. But a new patent filing by the company reveals about a controller and this could be a hint of what could come our way when the company reveals the console next year.
The controller design has an entire front as a touchscreen panel but will have the usual front-facing buttons which would be context aware. It would also have shoulder buttons on the top end which would give it a smartphone like interface and the physical controls will feel of traditional console controller.
The patent also reveals that the controller might have a LCD or OLED, even without glasses 3D technology much like 3DS. The body is too not gigantic like in Wii U and also has a card slot could take game data directly.
Also, the controller has potential use cases for technology like adding ambient fire effects around the analog sticks, and displaying guides for which direction to push the sticks in. It could also have non-gaming applications like the browser which could help other applications.
Sharp’s Free-Form Displays, IGZO LCD panels will be the first one which will be the shipped to company first are a revolutionary technology and can be cut into a wide variety of shapes. Mass production was reported to be planned for early 2016.
This is just at an application level for now and there’s no certainty that Nintendo create this design any time soon, or use it for its next console. The NX console may also have a separate unit which could be mobile and one may not have to be always stuck to the main console to play at all times.
With a slew of games lined up from the company next year, it is looking at reviving the old glory back and with Wii U being a drub, the NX console will be a make or break for the 126 year old company.