Patent

A newly published patent has been discovered which shows a 'Touch Pen Attachment' for the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con.

As spotted by Siliconera, the patent reveals what essentially appears to be a new design for the already existing Joy-Con strap, this time with an added stylus-like nib sticking out of the top. As you can see, the rest of the Joy-Con strap looks identical to those already available for the system and would have the ability to slide onto the Joy-Con itself as usual.

The patent goes on to reveal some potential uses for such a device, and this is where things get really interesting. Examples include an idea where the Joy-Con would be able to use HD Rumble to vibrate in response to certain portions of the screen being touched, and another which shows how the controller's buttons can be used at the same time to affect the function of the stylus itself.

Interestingly, this would suggest that you'd be able to use both the touchscreen and input buttons at the same time with the same hand - something not yet possible with the console.

Screenshot 2020 01 20 At 09.54.40
Screenshot 2020 01 20 At 09.55.00

The patent was first published on 16th January 2020 but was filed back in June of last year, so Nintendo had this idea in mind before the release of the recent standalone stylus. It's worth pointing out that a patent is just that, however; while it would be cool to see this product hit the market one day, it's not guaranteed and it may well never be seen or spoken of again. Time will tell.

Can you see Nintendo releasing this one day? Excited by the possibilities it could bring to Switch? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

[source pdfaiw.uspto.gov, via siliconera.com, nintendoeverything.com]