A brand new patent listing filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office -- spotted by Twitter user ZhugeEX -- has appeared and shows off a single-screen handheld device that may be linked to the upcoming Nintendo NX console .
There's nothing on the patent that specifically says "Nintendo," but the company's approach to design and user interface is obvious to see from the illustrations, like the image of a handheld device that’s similar to a mobile device with built-in speakers on the ends as well as a vibration system. It’s also uncanny how this image in particular shows how players will hold the device.
Eerily like holding a smartphone, right?
With Nintendo’s jump into the mobile gaming space with apps like Miitomo and the upcoming Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing games, not to mention Pokemon Go, it would make sense for a handheld device to link to the NX console for on-the-go gaming.
Other images in the patent listing show how games will look on the handheld device with a touchscreen mechanic that allows players to use a simple A and B button and directional pad. Another image shows a menu screen that looks like a Zelda menu option. Weapons appear on the left side of the screen with what could be Link’s sword, hammer, bow and bombs.
Considering the upcoming Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will launch for both the Wii U and Nintendo NX in 2017, these images could indeed be for the NX.
Finally, we have an image at a classic-looking Nintendo handheld device with a circle pad and classic A,B, X and Y button format. Could this be the rumored new handheld device that will replace the 3DS? Or will this be a hybrid device?
So many questions, but with the Nintendo NX scheduled for a March 2017 release and more information promised to come later this year, fans won’t have to wait long to find out what’s going on at Nintendo.
Of course, these patent filing may not be used at all but it’s interesting to think about what the NX might include.
But we want to hear from you, let us know what you think of these new patent filings in the comments section below.
