Nintendo can be secretive when it comes to upcoming projects, be it hardware or software. Just ask fans waiting for an update on the next Mario Kart. And although it usually keeps its community in complete secrecy until the right moment, sometimes tiny details slip through. That’s exactly the case with the latest Nintendo leak.
A Twitter user recently came across a peculiar patent filed by the Japanese video game giant. Although it is too early to draw conclusions fans have spotted some peculiar similarities between the patent and a legacy portable console.
RUMOR: Twitter User Discovers New Controller Patent https://t.co/rqK4Oec5wM pic.twitter.com/vEelQ01x2E
— GoNintendoTweet (@GoNintendoTweet) March 16, 2022
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Twitter user finds a mysterious Nintendo patent
Being the massive company it is, Nintendo has filed several prominent patents in its lifetime. The most famous example of this is the trusty D-Pad. Although the patent itself has expired, the evergreen tech continues to be a major part of the modern gaming industry. A more infamous example would be the Sanity system, a mechanic which jumbles the player experience depending on, you guessed it, their sanity.
However, this recent patent is a little different. It pertains to some variation of a controller that differs from existing Nintendo offerings. Significantly, the patent was reportedly filed in the summer of last year, but nothing has come of it yet. Could this be the design for the Switch pro controller? Is Nintendo doing an N64 throwback? It’s hard to say with no substantiated claims.
WTF! I just found this patent made by Nintendo in January. Switch Pro Controller!? pic.twitter.com/jTV3fav0bY
— дурнийтвіти5 🇺🇦 (@SillyTweet5) March 14, 2022
It is important to note that patents do not always result in a finished product. Case in point, the Sanity system, which is yet to find an implementation in a Zelda game. But it shows what ideas the company deems important enough to secure.
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The patent showcases a controller design that many have likened to the N64 controller; however, with significant differences. It lacks the typical prongs, Z trigger, and some of the face buttons. But the resemblance to the 1996 controller is uncanny. And netizens have noticed.
Literally just the n64 controller without the prongs and different button placements
— ⚡𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥⚡- 🆖 (@ChomperElectric) March 16, 2022
Comfort is a priority.
So basically it's like the N64 controller but with all it's prongs cut off. Must be real unconfy to hold then.
— Dread Metal Sonic💀🤖 (@MetalSonic_Real) March 16, 2022
Game Boy Advance for NSO confirmed?
GBA NSO perhaps???
— RogersBase (@RogersBase) March 16, 2022
A fair question.
What the actual fuck is that
— Conspiracy Geek 🏳️⚧️ (@SuperSaiyanOrk) March 16, 2022
Some heavy design inspiration for sure.
Thats litterally the n64 controller just a bit cut off
— Paul Kelly (@PaulFelixKelly) March 17, 2022
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Until more details arrive, it is hard to confirm what purpose the design might serve. However, there’s no denying that the discovery has led to some excited reactions from the community. Are you intrigued by the design?
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