Nintendo NX Controller Could Have Detachable D-Pad, Patents Say

                                                      New updates have been made to Nintendo’s patent featuring a controller with detachable parts, which supports the rumor that the company’s upcoming console, the NX, will have a more freeform design.

Nintendo Life reported that the updated patent shows a D-pad input can be easily added or removed from the top right corner of the controller.

Another figure shows the multiple control schemes can be switched in or out with multiple configurations. Nintendo has not confirmed any details about its next gaming console, but the updates do support the idea of the NX being portable and having a flexible design.

These images are not final, or even any indication of the future designs that will be implemented. It is possible that these could even be samples.

The patent is dated October 2013 for its first filing, and was published in 2014.

Previous reports have indicated that the NX will feature detachable controllers. The accessory could have buttons, a rotating dial, or other inputs.

The NX was first announced by Nintendo in March 2015 at a press conference. The company described its project as a representing a “brand-new concept”. Nintendo also confirmed a release date for the NX of March 2017.