Images have popped up, once again, for that U-shaped Nintendo controller. This time, the button layouts are altered but still retain the form of the letter U which is still pretty awkward. Speaking of awkward, Nintendo has been using the principle ever since the N64 controller. What's weird at first becomes a standard later.
As posted by idigitaltimes.com, new pictures have surfaced the internet describing the latest rumored update for the mysterious U-shaped Nintendo controller. Ever since April, news about this weird controller have been spreading, you can also watch the video (below this article) about its commentary broadcasted on the said month. The source also says that the diagram(s) was taken from the European Union Intellectual Property Office, if proven the patents are right, there are changes to the layouts, especially the button placements. You may view the image here.
Since Nov.7, the patent was registered and has been published, according to the EUIPO. Other than that, game journalists and gamers alike are left in the dark as there are no other information for the weird U-shaped Nintendo controller available as of this writing. iDigital Times also says that if this is the same controller that went viral in April, it will be made of aluminum alloy and will also be hollow. Based on its looks, the primary use of the controller is for exercise and fitness which aligns Nintendo's philosophy on Quality of Life products.
What will the controller be used for?
Since the Wii U, Nintendo's current console flagship, has been confirmed to be discontinued, there's no other speculation left but to have this controller be used for the upcoming Nintendo Switch. With that said, it is possible that this controller maybe an add-on for the basic console package and will come with bundled games that are designed for it. Much like the Kinect and games bundles for the Xbox 360.
Why this would revolutionize the way we control video games?
I wrote something about N64's controller paving the way to modern controllers by introducing long prongs, the Z-trigger, and the analog stick. If you'd read the previous sentence again, you'll notice that they are present on the current console controllers in form of left and right thumb sticks, secondary trigger buttons, and the traditional prongs. I remember that back then, the controllers looked too big and awkward to use but ultimately it helped set today's controller standards.
Years later, Nintendo introduced motion to the controller via the Wii. The console has revolutionized the way controllers are used. Instead of traditional buttons, it has a sensor inside that detects movement. Paired with a sensing camera, the Wii U pioneered motion-based games. Too bad the Wii U didn't follow its success. After Wii's success, Microsoft and Sony followed with their Kinect and PS move add-ons.
Today, another round of images triggers the wildest imaginations of gaming fans. The weird U-shaped controller may look and feel weird when launched but other companies will be on the lookout for its other practical uses and apply it to their own. Just like what happened to the N64 and Wii.
