Nintendo's New Patent Hints at a Solution for Joy-Con Drift in Switch 2

The Latest Buzz: Nintendo Files New Patents

September 7, 2023, marked a significant day for Nintendo fans as the company filed a series of patents in the United States. These patents cover various aspects of a new console, fueling rumors about the much-anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch. But what caught everyone's attention was a particular patent detailing a joystick technology that could be a game-changer—literally.

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Hall Effect Joysticks: The Future of Nintendo Switch Controllers?

The patent in question describes a joystick that employs a magnetic field to transmit its movements to the controller. This is a hallmark of Hall Effect joysticks, a technology that could revolutionize the way we interact with Nintendo's next-gen console.

As part of the latest patent filing, Nintendo filed a 17-page document that was focused on a new controller-input system. This was originally filed on May 11, 2023 and recently released on September 7th. The abstract cover page can be found below. For those of you that love to read long-form legal documents on a Sunday, read through the long-form Nintendo patent filing from earlier this year.

U.S. Patent Application Publication - AOIK et al. | Image: U.S. Patent Office; Nintendo CO., LTD

Why Hall Effect Technology Matters for Joy-Con Drift

If you've owned a Nintendo Switch, you're probably all too familiar with the dreaded Joy-Con drift. This issue causes your in-game character to move without any input from you, and it's been a significant pain point for many players. Nintendo even started offering free repairs for affected controllers, but the problem persisted.

The root cause of Joy-Con drift lies in the potentiometer joysticks used in the original Switch. These joysticks rely on physical electric contacts to send signals, which can wear down over time. Hall Effect joysticks (article image credit to Gulikit), on the other hand, use magnetic fields, eliminating the possibility of physical wear and tear. The patent describes a joystick that sends signals based on the strength of the magnetic pull from the nearest sensor, offering a more durable and reliable solution.

What Could This Mean for the Nintendo Switch 2?

The big question now is how Nintendo plans to implement this technology. Will it be a standalone set of Joy-Cons for the existing Switch? An upgrade to the Switch Pro controller? Or will it be a key feature in the upcoming Switch 2?

While we'll have to wait for official confirmation, the patent strongly suggests that Nintendo is taking the Joy-Con drift issue seriously and is actively working on a solution. Given the timing and the details, it's not a stretch to think that Hall Effect joysticks could very well be a standard feature in the next iteration of the Nintendo Switch.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Step Forward

Nintendo's new patent is more than just a piece of paper; it's a promising step toward solving one of the most frustrating issues that have plagued the Nintendo Switch since its launch. If implemented correctly, Hall Effect joysticks could not only eliminate Joy-Con drift but also set a new standard for console controllers.

So, while we wait for more news on the Nintendo Switch 2, this patent gives us something to be genuinely excited about. It's not just about better graphics or faster processors; it's about creating a more reliable and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone. And that's something we can all get behind.

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