Recent filings have revealed multiple new patents and images related to the Nintendo Switch. What is interesting is what these images seem to reveal about the system.
– Images / text pertaining to HMD (head-mounted display) / VR
– Touch panel / touchscreen mentioned
– Gyro support is apparently in
– Shows two full controllers / four half JoyCons being connected at once
– Alternate JoyCon configurations with actual d-pads
– Shoulder buttons on JoyCons (L/R)
– Seems to confirm right JoyCon has an IR sensor (ie pointer)
– Both JoyCons have rumble motors
– NFC is in the right JoyCon
– The grip controller is basically a battery pack
– Seems to show fan in the Dock
– Seems to further suggest USB-C
– Console mode and portable modes mentioned where portable mode has less capability than docked mode
– One portion of the patent essentially talks about a sleep mode
This is extremely interesting and lines up well with what Laura Kate Dale already leaked about the system. It seems the Switch will have a lot more to it than we realize. Touchscreen could and IR Sensors could indicate Wii and DS Virtual Console, while the fact that Nintendo is interested in pursuing VR raises a few possibilities. That USB-C is seemingly confirmed is also great news and we have seeming confirmation that the Switch is more powerful when docked.
Check out some of the images below.