- Abstract:

An example operation apparatus includes: a direction input operation section provided on a front surface of a housing of the operation apparatus and at such a position that, in a state where the operation apparatus is held with at least one hand of a user, the direction input operation section is allowed to be operated with a thumb of the hand; and a rotation operation section which is provided on a surface different from the front surface of the housing and at such a position that, in a state where the operation apparatus is held with the hand or the other hand of the user, the rotation operation section is allowed to be operated with an index finger of the hand or the other hand and which is an operation section capable of being rotationally operated.

- details:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2015/0261321.html

- PDF with these pictures above and details:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20150261321.pdf

Maybe something for the NX?

Looks like a downsized gamepad. Seems like it might either be cheaper or portable... Could be the NX, but i notice there's no where to insert a game, which suggests this either operates like the gamepad or it doesn't use physical media.

So, they did reduced the screen size and made it cheaper and more compact.

Good.

Lack of 2 face buttons scares me

With only two buttons ?

So the theory about NX will be a remote control/ middleware for both 3DS and Wii U was true

This is patent only for shoulders buttons, so that picture of device itself does not mean nothing.

just a patent they are trying things out!!!

Ah that makes sense, I wondered why so much of it wasn't described.

Everyone is missing the point of the pattent. This isn't about the look or # of buttons, that pattent is about the part highlighted in the box in the last diagram, item 24. This also appears to be a direct connection to the earlier pattent shown. The emphasis in this pattent appears to be on a new type of motion and/or touch controls as they talk about rotation and touching the non-face surface. It also describes using it with one hand or two in this way.

I'd suggest Nintendo is envisioning a Wiimote-Gamepad hybrid of some kind, sporting a smaller form, one hand use but also a touch screen and dual analog. It also appears to have some new type of input mechanic. Certainly sounds promising!

Looks like my phone. If thosw button placement are final, I hope this controller is optional. Most Nintendo games can work with those buttons though.