http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1154552

I kinda actually speculated the NX controller might be something like this, this seems to confirm that the Sharp-Nintendo deal for free form LCDs is for gaming too, not for Quality Of Life. 

Certainly an interesting and unique concept, but it is too risky and very unconventional to replace button and a joystick. Please let this not be true

Yeah it's kinda my concern that they might replace a lot of buttons. Looks like it could still have an analog stick and some buttons (face) though. Though it's just a patent, obviously the final layout will be different. 

Also this points more and more to a NX release in 2016.

From the original Sharp-Nintendo freeform report:

http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/16/7406585/nintendo-said-to-use-sharp-free-form-displays

"Kyodo's report says that mass production of the Free-Form Display is set to begin early 2016."

That lines up pretty much exactly with other reports we've heard of NX mass production beginning in the 1st half of 2016.

it doesn't look like it will have much buttons and I certainly hope it does have joysticks. The only thing the could be good for is making the controller look cool (I'm assuming the screen isn't a touch screen), but that wouldn't be enough to warrant a controller that feels bad and has less traditional input

Hopefully they don't remove too many physical buttons, something like this would be ok, but even with this having an analog nub instead of a full size analog on the right side would suck

If they're removing physical buttons for touch buttons ... you dun fucked up Nintendo. 

Looks like it has two analog sticks and no actual physical buttons (besides the shoulder bumpers), wich makes button mapping very interesting and freeform on one hand, but sucks with regard to physical feedback.

I wonder if they can do some sort of haptic feedback/steam controller thing to rectify that.

In any case it seems like they are probably sticking with the second screen and trying to make it look sleeker and cooler.

WTF? does this mean they re doing away with physical buttons on their controller?

Time for the nintendo controller thats actually just a touch screen? >_>'

This is going to flop, alot of people really like the "feel" of a controller in their hands,

and haveing actual buttons to press is something most wont settle for not haveing.

*edit:  I like the concept and the idea & design options this gives though... im kinda torn on it atm.

Im not a fan of the gamepad as a controller either, but could use it if I had too in some games.

However if this gives more buttons, or enables better gameplay due to more buttons ect, I can see the reasoning for removeing physical buttons.

Will have buttons. All the other patents for the NX controller has buttons. The layout isn't for the specific design, just the use of freeform glass as the controller.

The problem with "virtual buttons" is how are you supposed to know what you're pressing if you're not looking down at the controller entirely?

There has to be physical buttons otherwise I don't see how functional this could be.