One of the biggest stories of the month was the release of what appeared to be a photograph of the next Nintendo console's controller. Matching patents produced by Nintendo, the controller appeared real, but was met with widespread skepticism.
Today, two new images of the device built for Nintendo NX have surfaced. This time the controller is in a black configuration with the exact same shape and design of the white model seen last week. It similarly has a sensor bar, 3.5mm jack, stereo output, and a camera placed on the bottom side, with the charging port on top, although unlike last week's leak it has a "Confidential Property" sticker on the bottom.
The source of the leak, who posted on Reddit, shared the following details about the controller:
- Only the upper 'nubs' of the sticks move. The bottom part is static (kind of like the circle pad, but it moves along the bottom 'sphere'.
- The rollers on the top feel and look pretty much identical to a mouse scroll-wheel. Though I do don't believe this will be the final design.
- Haptic feedback is feels like Apples 'taptic' engine. Not like regular rumble.
- 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom.
The controller has been received with overwhelming negativity by the gaming community. Many have shared that it looks uncomfortable to hold, and its oval-shaped body with two joysticks protruding and reliance on virtual face buttons wouldn't be optimal for most gaming experiences. Nothing is certain until gamers get their hands on it for themselves, but for now Nintendo's design philosophy for Nintendo NX appears troubling.
Speaking of design philosophy, these leaked controllers add credence to rumors that the Nintendo NX will be a device that allows for both home console and handheld styles of play with its efficient screen integration that makes it appear not too dissimilar to Sony's Vita.
Based upon what we've seen it appears that this is the real Nintendo NX controller, although it may see some minor adjustments between now and its rumored Fall 2016 release, for better or worse.
