The Nintendo Switch 2 promises to be one of the most innovative gaming consoles ever. The original Switch wowed fans with the hybrid nature of the console. Gamers could play their favorite games from the comfort of their home or on the go. One of the other innovative features of the Switch was the Joy-Con controllers. These were unlike any controller ever created and had many unique features. Naturally, fans are wondering what new features the controllers will have for the next-gen console. A recent patent filing may have given us a clue, and it may be game-changing.
Nintendo Switch 2: New Joy-Con Feature Incoming?
The Joy-Con controllers on the Nintendo Switch 2 may be able to predict the future. You read that right. According to a recent patent filing, the Japanese company has developed a system that can track the direction and position of a player’s finger when it is near buttons. The system would then be able to make predictions of future inputs. Depending on the game, this could be huge for gamers. Here is a picture of the patent which is in flowchart form.
There are a lot of words, but here’s the main idea of the patent. Nintendo hopes to track where a player’s finger as it comes in contact with a button on the controller. Then, when the player moves to another button, the system can automatically perform inputs based on what order the buttons are being pressed. Think of it as a very complex version of Google’s autofill feature. Based on your search history and the search history of others, Google can predict what you are looking for. This could help gamers with certain attack sequences or repetitive in-game tasks like crafting, buying, or selling.
A Window Into The Thinking
It is worth noting that this patent does not mean the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature this technology. Patents aren’t an admission of a working technology but merely a reserving of the idea. However, even if this doesn’t come to fruition, it does give us a window into what Nintendo is thinking about. They are looking into how to make certain tasks in games easier. Many games feature tedious, repetitive actions. If the studio can help make those actions easier, it will increase the quality of the game.
It is another example of the studio being on the cutting edge of many technologies. They have always tried new things when other companies have stuck to what has worked in the past. The Wii featured a remote-like controller, while the Wii U had a controller with a full-blown screen. The original Joy-Cons had technology never seen before, and whether or not the predictive technology is in the second iteration doesn’t matter. Nintendo will make sure they are pushing the boundaries yet again.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a lot of press lately. Everyone is trying to predict when the console will launch, what games will be playable, and what new features will be seen. Any time a new console is set to hit shelves, it is an exciting time for gamers. What do you think of the predictive technology? Would this help your gaming experience or be a potential annoying hindrance? The only way to find out is to try them when they come out!
