Nintendo Has Filed a Patent For This Strange Hinged Joy-Con

Nintendo has filed a patent in Japan for a new type of hinged Joy-Con, though its uses remain unclear.As reported by Polygon, the application from Japan’s official patent database contains illustrations showing the top half of both the left and right Joy-Cons folding down – even when attached to the Switch.

However, the patent doesn’t give any hints on why Nintendo is experimenting with a new design two years after the Nintendo Switch

launched. Some on Reddit have theorised the new shape is crafted to make the controllers more comfortable, with one commenter suggesting, “it looks like the joycon itself is permanently bent for ergonomics, but the rail is hinged so it can still be slid onto the console without ruining the shape of the controller when detached.”

The Joy-Cons are soon to be a key part of a new motion control fitness program that Nintendo has been teasing. A short video last week revealed an experience that looks fairly similar to the old Wii Fit, though we’ll find out more details about it on September 12.

First Look at a “New Experience” for Nintendo Switch – Wii Fit Successor?

Elsewhere, Nintendo has recently released a new and improved Nintendo Switch with a longer battery life and the catchy name “HAC-001(01).”

Alysia Judge is a writer and presenter. Chat to her on Twitter @alysiajudge.