It would be the most simple controller on the market since the Wii remote. That alone would make up for any (unfounded) hardcore gamer fears. People know smartphones and touchscreens. They are used to them. The very fact that hardcore gamers are scared to death by these images shows how much potential it has to capture the mass market.

Of course, we have no idea if that even is the controller at this point so it's all speculation anyway. 

Isn't being able to tactilely know where the buttons are important? This cannot be the controller for a home console. It would be insane.

I'm gonna wait for Nintendo to officially say something first, and I suggest all of you do that as well.

I would be extremely be extremely concerned right now but remember the Wii U gamepad prototype also had circle pads instead of sticks so hope to god that'll be the same case here.

Oh look, another failed novelty. It would be totally awesome if Nintendo focused on games and a solid piece of hardware to play them on.

^ this.

Nintendo is just aiming for the more casual crowd, they need to grow their fan base.

Damn, this is looking more and more legit. I don't like it at all. If it's true, then sorry, Nintendo, i'm done with you.

From what I've been reading, some people like it, some hate it. It might reach a new audience...one that's already interested in iphones and smartphones in general. It's too late Nintendo. I understand that we had the same reactions with Apple and how they ditched buttons on the phone for a touch screen only. But it turned out good. If this is real, which I think it is, we should wait and hear Nintendo out. If it's fake, which I pray to the almighty that it is...oh who am I kidding. This is real.

It's the console's controller, not the handheld https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/4bn6nm/nx_controller_pictures/d1apar3

perkele37 also says that it's not the final design of the controller either.