New Nintendo Controller Patent Features Rotational Shoulder Buttons

What't the last picture supposed to be? A Wii with a CRT-TV? lol

Not a bad idea, to be honest. You'd think someone would have thought of scrolling shoulder buttons before! Leave it to Nintendo.

Calling it. Part of a phone! A Ninty phone

That sounds so obvious. Why did no one think of it before?

let remember that the image is just prototyping so no need to worry about number of buttons or circle pads.

Lets just take a moment how awesome the shoulder "bumpers" being able to be pressed and roll? blasting through inventory and menus with a slight movement. I'm instantly thinking of the old Metal Gear Solid games with their scrolling inventory.

in before people jump to conclusions

That is a very good idea and I'm surprised it hasn't been done before. Hopefully you can click them in as well and they become the new ZL/ZR buttons. Add analogue back to your triggers Nintendo and you finally have a decent controller!

I have a feeling no one has done this before b/c getting it to NOT work when you wanted it to would be harder to implement. Nobody wants a menu constantly popping up b/c your finger on the wheel rotated it a fraction. And if it would only read while you held it in and rotated it, than that would be a pain as well. I think it would work better as a 2nd back button. I don't think I ever use L and R on the Wii U Gamepad, only ZR and LR, so if they were basically simply used as wheels but not buttons that might work ok.

But why in 2015 would anybody want to lesson the 4 face buttons to 2? That's a "what the?" design choice for me. Can never have enough buttons. Last time I remember seeing a design like that was the Dreamcast memory card VMU.

@rjejr this isn't a final design. If they work it into one of their controllers it'd most likely look differently from this.

EVERYONE START MAKING ASSUMPTIONS NOW!

Still using Gamepad screen= backwards compatibility suggested?

It looks like a tablet.

Nice idea you just snagged, Nintendo! I'm open to that.

On a separate note: Shall I be the one to state the obvious? Okay, here it goes. The patent doesn't require Nintendo to only use two face buttons. The only point of the patent is the scrolling shoulder buttons, and it has nothing to do with any lack of features.

It's a jump.....to conclusions mat......

@readyletsgo this is my thought too.aube not a phone but ATLEAST a smart device with gaming and buttons. Phone would be a bonus.

@Donutman yeah it just has a look of an iPhone or android device, shaping of it. I'm sure it's not a phone but ya never know, with Nintendo! Hey, that rhymed

Interesting. I think it's the sort of thing I'd need to have a go on before being able to fully form an opinion, much like that Valve controller with the touch pads replacing analogue sticks.

i dont get it. it looks like any other shoulder button. how am i suppose to click that with a thumb while holding the controller in one hand? and why would i even want to hold it in one hand?

I love the thingy tag.

Neat idea. If it turns out to be true, we can also expect the next Sony controller to have the same thing.

"That's it! I've lost all faith in the NX, all I wanted was a traditional controller, voice chat, achivements etc etc etc..."

A typical disgruntled gamer.

@6ch6ris6 I think if you hold it like a phone, your palm is on the underside and your thumb can scroll and click at the top button. Like holding a DS sideways for various games and applications.

@MrGawain I sure hope the NX is bc with the WiiU!

Sounds neat. I've thought for a while that 4 shoulder buttons are a waste.

@EllenJMiller Wow, that's really cool! Imagine using the scroll wheel to scroll through websites and such, instead of using the touch screen.

the only thing i'm taking away fro this is the comfirmation that the gamepad is indeed returning. i was afraid the NX wouldn't be able to support off-tv.

@Trapleton My first thought was "100 Classic Book Collection 2!" with the scroll used to change pages.

@rjejr That just sounds like me playing Splatoon and activating my special at the worst possible time when I'm trying to run. Push the dumb control stick in too many times for my liking.

@Megumi haha, nice.

@ECM ...........Are you someone I know? xD

I feel as though Nintendo ought to make the shoulder buttons more durable. Now I've not had issues with them but seeing as how people complain that the shoulder buttons aren't strong as the face buttons, that is something Nintendo ought to fix. Now having them to roll is something a bit worrying.

@rjejr I would assume they would iron that out, just like clickable analog sticks.

The more I see and hear the more I think that their new console will be that handheld and console hybrid.

I like the "thingy" tag. I think that tag should be used more.

@MadAdam81 Clickable analog sticks haven't been ironed out enough yet for some, right @Spoony_Tech

Now THIS sounds interesting, because this doesn't appear to be from any of it's previous or current hardware, unlike the last Patent we saw, which I think was just for a smaller, disc-less version of the current Wii U.

@rjejr Clears throat, Yes!

OMG THERES NO POWER PORT HOW DOES IT CHARGE>>>

guys... its a patent... theres a lot not in that diagram... that will most likely be on the final product

@EllenJMiller ohhhh ...duh. I was also so confused about holding it in one hand and using the thumb. That makes perfect sense now. Holding it portrait style and using the thumb to scroll and left hand for screen or something. Yeah now this seems like a rally cool idea.

A simple yet intuitive addition that gives the player more control.

This should be implemented, and if it works well, I could see it becoming the norm.

Just like the first time an analog could "click", it just makes sense.

Thank goodness we're still moving forward with better design each generation.

@manu0
Yes. You do realize that patent was obviously filed way back when CRTs were still the norm, right? Also, why is it that the CRT of all things is what you found laughable and not, you know, the seat controller?

@rjejr
Perhaps the clickable buttons are supposed to substitute for the second pair of face buttons. Its just a prototype after all, so they're just experimenting with whatever crazy idea pops into their heads.

Are we sure this is a game controller? What if it's another handheld to be the successor to the 3DS?

The design obviously isn't final, so maybe they hadn't decided where the card slot should be.

Wouldn't mind that. I am radically against Nintendo using yet another crappy gimmick but this sounds legitimately interesting. Hope they don't go back to the tablet design tho, yuck.

Screw the game pad, I like it and all, but you have to admit it has little to no use. All I see myself using it for is the internet browser, and wind waker. The NX needs to be a normal console with power, and good third party support (which thank god we've had news that the third party devs like the NX). I would be okay with a GameCube style controller coming back.

Interesting idea. I'm not sure it would be that useful for most games, but there's bound to be some that could really benefit from this. It's something I would need to try out first before completely deciding whether it's any good in practice.

They just like to patent stuff just to keep it on the table in case they do want to go further with it. It's nice to see that they're still thinking innovative, even if most of these patents don't come true.

@rjejr this would still be a concept, right? So, maybe more buttons on the final product. This could work. It reminds me of the controls on Sony's first Silent Hill game. The L1 & R1 were used for strafing or moving around a target. I believe the L2 & R2 were attacks. But if we have one button that could be depressed, response would be that much quicker.

I really hope the NX is a hybrid. Think about it, Nintendo would be able to produce double the games, and we wouldn't have those three month droughts during the summer. I love the idea of this, but I hope they have a way of locking it so it won't turn when you don't want it to. Other than that, I feel like this would be especially useful for Indie games using the gamepad (HYPOTHETICAL) to control mulitple characters on-screen. Sort of like, Get Close or Bumpie's Party! Glad Nintendo is still inovating.

Don't like this idea. If they wanted a new and better controlling, then they should have replace sticks with balls.

I'm guessing that the blurb is translated from Japanese because the language is pretty rough, albeit peppered with tech jargon. Quite surprised really because I would have thought precision of wording important with patents.

Why do people think talking about Nintendo randomly patenting random crap means anything? I mean Nintendo and many other electronic companies would legitimately patent something write on a used napkin. The literally mean nothing at all, especially when the product in question isn't even close to coming out like the NX. I mean seriously what the point of writing an article on this.

That actually sounds pretty cool.

Elegant! I'm excited to see what NX brings.

#Thingy

@rjejr To me, this looks more like a phone to go along with their mobile efforts, rather than an NX controller. If it is a phone/controller, then 2 face buttons, twin sticks, and shoulder buttons (any physical buttons at all, really) are actually a step up in my opinion.

Hmmm....interesting

I hope this console isn't a gimmicky mess

@Seacliff It could be any of those. This is just something to convey an image of a handheld or controller as the patented tech (the shoulder buttons) would appear on such a device. If you look at some older Nintendo patents, you will see that they have at times patented console accessories for already released consoles, yet drawn these consoles as plain bricks.

That being said, this could still be a hint for a basic concept for the controller/handeld they have in mind itself. Simplifying (less buttons etc. than the final product) makes sense. But drawing something else entirely makes less sense. So a screen is still likely, or has been considered at some point, I'd guess.

I have to wonder, what would scrolling shoulder buttons add to games? I mean yeah, it could be used for weapon selects in shooters, but what else?

Gimmicks, but who knows, it may be a good idea. I'm just worried about how long they would last, both Nintendo shoulder buttons (since DS) and a regular mouse weel are the worst examples of durability.

This is actually a very clever design choice. Scrolling though inventory, items, and menu screens/boxes will be a breeze. Their could also be some more clever implementations of this scrollable shoulder button as well.

Not a fan of the fact that the controller shown in the patent has a screen in the middle, nor do I like the two-face-button interface. Hopefully those were put there as generic drawing rather than as a specific design choice.

@Arcanum @EllenJMiller No, you scroll it with your index finger. Though it's a wheel type thing, it's still a shoulter button, and thus it's obvious you just use your index. It's in the article if you struggle through it...

Combine that with Gamecube style analog triggers with digital click, and we could have the ultimate controller. Also get either touchscreen or touchpad (neither are necessary though, unless this is a handheld we're talking about), plus stick clicks, paddle buttons under the controller, analog face buttons (kinda useless), and of course 9-axis motion controls and yeah. Also good build quality like the Dualshock 4.

This looks and sounds more like Nintendo's next portable then a console,Unless the hybrid rumours are true.

@rishisquid Someone asked about using it with one hand and clicking it with a thumb, I took that to mean holding the device sideways like some DS games require (and even a few Wii U games can use with the gamepad, like Dr Luigi)

$ony and M$ are prolly like "dude we need to get on a knock-off!"
lol just kidding,,
but yeah, nintendo continues to blow my mind.
like always!

If it wasn't for Nintendo and their ''gimmicky'' controllers we would still be playing with joysticks.Always the same complaints ''I don't want a gimmicky controller,I just want a normal one' but you forget who it was that created the modern controller and you can bet that motion and a second screen will be here to stay too.

@GotchaForce4 They're just... mouse wheels. Nothing mind blowing.

This is either a successor to the 3DS or a Nintendo NX controller. I will miss the top triggers and 4 buttons A B X Y since it looks to be going back to 2 buttons.

@OorWullie Gimmicks and innovation are two entirely different things. They tried new things that came from a need to improve. But Wii and beyond are just gimmicks that try to be wacky and "new" but in the end they are not going to be used the next generation. The Wii U Gamepad for instance is nothing more than a low res tablet that increases the price of the Wii U when that money could've been used for better hardware. It is not as comfortable or ergonomic as the GameCube controller. You want to play a tight game like Smash and the Wiii U GamePad just doesn't fit. Heck, the reason Brawl was slower and didn't have L-cancelling was because the Wiimote was just not a good controller for that. Not only this but the Wii U GamePad has digital shoulder buttons instead of analog, which is not ideal for Racing games. Most likely the reason F-Zero was not made for Wii U. Miyamoto himself says that they need a new control interface to make a new F-Zero because instead of making a controller that puts comfort first and wacky design second, they went for some wacky design out of an irrational need to stand out instead of a quality product. Don't even get me started on how much it cripples local multiplayer and how it's not even purchasable on the market.

Scroll wheels don't work well for precision movement, and doubling up analog inputs as buttons (ie clicky sticks) is tiring and frustrating, between the extra force needed to differentiate between inputs and the care needed to press the button without moving the analog all over.

On paper, this sounds like a fairly terrible idea to me.

What about the motion controls for Splatoon?The game is much better for having it,Touchscreen for Super Mario Maker?It wouldn't be possible without it.Well it would but it would be extremely clunky to play.These gimmicks are giving Nintendo new tools to bring us unique software that you wouldn't find on any other console,it might have taken them a while to make use of them but in the last few months they have.Starfox will be the same,the Gamepad will make it a better game.Then what about pointer controls for Metroid Prime 3,were they just wacky for the sake of being wacky? The only reason they didn't take off and become the norm in all FPS is because the current market have too much of a closed mindset.There would be uproar from Sony and Microsoft fans if they forced motion in their controls even though the majority who have tried pointer or motion controls will tell you it's a far better way to play than dual analogue.

I'm pretty sure I remember this being in one of the Revolution controller mockups on 4colorrebellion 10 years ago.

...found it! https://web.archive.org/web/20121013012805/http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2005/06/17/revolution-mockups/
Near the bottom of the page; number 23 in Revolution Controller Mockups. Or here's the link right to the picture: https://web.archive.org/web/20150918040758/http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/8143/wtf1td4pu.jpg

I always thought that was a pretty cool idea. Get the amount of clickiness on them right and it could work really well.

@Yorumi So this is just a worthless gimmick? And what other controllers are also gimmicks?

@Adamario Good memory, I remember seeing that controller and thinking it would work well. If Nintendo could have incorporated the motion control of the wii mote into that set up I think it would have been a better option than the Wii mote and nunchuck. I really disliked the Wii Mote and how it felt like it was forced upon me as it spoiled some great games.

As for scrolling shoulder buttons as long as they are clickable I think they could work, but agree with others who think this patent relates to a mobile device for 1 key reason to hold the device in one hand and operate wheel with your thumb would indicate the device is vertical and the other hand is utilizing the touchscreen - also due to position of scroll wheels to operate them one handed the screen must use gyro to auto rotate as scroll wheel would need to be in a position that right or left handed people could operate comfortably.

@Seacliff What if is...both? mindblown

@readyletsgo Which would be an AT&T exclusive for years like the original iPhone lol

Neat idea. Not exactly groundbreaking, but I do think it'll be a worthwhile improvement, it would make navigating menus a whole lot easier. I'm honestly surprised no one's done it before, that seems like something Microsoft or Sony would come up with.

@Yorumi If this is a gimmick, then the first analog stick was also a gimmick.

Ok then
I'm playing Call of Duty 10 or whatever version will be, I want switch to automatic or manual with my R Scroll Button, Good I like it!
I wanna switch spells or mana with my L Scroll Button any SquareEnix game Yes I like it!
I'm playing a sniper version game I just want zoom in with L Scroll Button and shoot with my R Scroll Button, Hell Yeah!
Mario Kart 9 R Scroll Button switch Mushrooms, Star, Turbo Flower, Yes I like it!
So many things you can do is limited possibilities but save you the anoying click button scroll. With just one button you can do backward and forward.

Well done will be a success! I wanna try it!

Thanks Nintendo!

@MrMario02 Basically is for items, is limited but useful this concept at least is save the anoying click button or add more buttons is make simple change items is really clever idea that's just think out of the box!
Zoom in, Zoom out Sniper Mode, Change items any RPG game,
Mario Kart 9 change the time to attack your opponent mean you can store mores teams like Mushrooms, Star and Turbo Flower at once and just switch.
Star Fox change of view left or right if someone is fallowing you.
Zelda charge weapons, switch items.

In my view of point if Nintendo is make it this NX will be successful to third party developer because is making something easy for them a simple control with useful stuffs!

@MrMario02 Basically is for items, is limited but useful this concept at least is save the anoying click button or add more buttons is make simple change items is really clever idea that's just think out of the box!
Zoom in, Zoom out Sniper Mode, Change items any RPG game,
Mario Kart 9 change the time to attack your opponent mean you can store mores teams like Mushrooms, Star and Turbo Flower at once and just switch.
Star Fox change of view left or right if someone is fallowing you.
Zelda charge weapons, switch items.

In my view of point if Nintendo is make it this NX will be successful to third party developer because is making something easy for them a simple control with useful stuffs!

@Koopa-King
YES!
Just have analog triggers in your next console Nintendo, like in the Gamecube-controller. That way, people who missed a lot of Gamecube games could finally have them on eShop.

It does seem a better design idea than adding a third pair of shoulder/rear buttons. I can't think of many games that use 8 buttons and those that do often do so to the game's detriment since it's hard to keep track of all that crap between plays (Samurai Warriors 3, I'm looking at you).

The Wii showed that effective button chording was often more intuitive and made for better design than assigning different functions to every last button press. I'm all for the less is more approach and a scroll wheel seems like a better idea than using two face buttons for the same rapid inventory scroll or special weapon selection.

It's got to be a small controller to be able to be held in one hand and control those buttons with a thumb... Much smaller than the Wii U's Gamepad, anyway.

It looks like a small controller about the size of a cellphone. Maybe NX will have a much smaller and manageable gamepad that can be taken anywhere for mobile gaming.

This is definitely a neat idea.

Interesting. I remember my first Sony Mobile phone had a scroll dial that was amazing for scrolling through text ( this was before sony became Sony Ericsson and went back to being just sony)- also anyone who has used a MiniDisc recorder, scroll dials were the bomb!.... I feel so old!

I hope this is for some new handheld, separate to their next home console. I'm very much over the creating a 'solution to a problem which doesn't exist' approach Nintendo take with their controllers lately.

Mouse wheels can be accurate due to a variety of styles. Either the rotational movement of the thumb, or the tips of the fingers, or the underside of the philange joints can be used to good effect. However... In all of those instances, your hand is aligned with the elbow bent outward, to simulate pulling and pushing movements. If this design were used on controller shoulder buttons, then your fingers would inevitably feel constricted by the limited range of movement attributed to the fingers and wrists with a straightened extension of the arms.

In other words... Rollable shoulder buttons would not be ergonomic. Bad idea.

They should just build upon the GameCube controller's analog shoulder buttons, translating the depth and force the buttons are pushed to simulate in-game actions. For example, in a Zelda title while aiming the bow and arrows, the depth of the shoulder button could determine how far the bowstring is pulled (power), and the force with which the button is either held (less pressure in the arrow shot) or quickly pressed (more pressure in the arrow shot) could determine accuracy.

I love this! Touch pad could point at WiiU backwards compatibility, the two button controls seem like a reference to the NES! The scrolling shoulder buttons might take the place of X and Y buttons and could allow wider and more unique games on the console! I hope this is real!

@DoctorWily Do you think they would still try a phone after the Amazon Fire phone debacle?

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/amazon-takes-170m-loss-fire-phone/

And MS - Nokia write down?

http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/8/8910999/microsoft-job-cuts-2015-nokia-write-off

Doesn't seem like a good market to try and get into.

Amazon unveiled 7 new Fire products today, but no phone. And the Fire TV gaming edition even comes w/ Shovel Knight, seems like a shot across Ntinedo's bow.

http://smile.amazon.com/ref=nav_logo

This seems like it can very interesting idea. Can't wait to see the final version.

Rotational shoulder buttons sound great, but why not combined with four face buttons?

Apparently, the NX is a GamePad for the Wii U that you can actually play on the go.