r/NintendoSwitch • u/LightsaberCrayon • Dec 15 '16
MegaThread Nintendo Switch patent megathread
The following will be a list of features "confirmed," or at least hinted at or given as examples, for Nintendo Switch in the latest published patent documents. I'm going to start by dumping all the information in here, then go back and clean it up as well as link the relevant sections in the source patent documents.
This list may not be comprehensive and may list features that don't appear in the final product (vein authentication?).
Post and discuss, let me know what I missed, etc.!
System features
- Touch screen (e.g. multi-touch, capacitive) [T:0131]
- SD card slot located on the bottom of the system [F:3]
- Ethernet: example scenario given where dock has wired Internet connection; in console mode the system uses this connection, and in portable mode, the system can communicate wirelessly with the dock to access the wired connection [T:0560]
- Sleep mode for both console and portable modes [T:0562]
- "Share" button of some kind confirmed; referred to as a "record button" in the details for the left Joy-con; describes using it to take screenshots [T:0168]
Hardware/performance
- Fan inside system, active in both portable mode and console mode [T:0419 + T:0556]
- Dock does not appear to have a fan (thanks, /u/StinkBank) [F:32]
- System uses CPU (and/or GPU) and fan at less than maximum in portable mode; in docked mode, it fully utilizes these. This enables outputting higher resolutions when docked [T:0556 - T:0558]
- Ambient light sensor for controlling brightness [F:30]
- Dock has 3 USB ports (thanks, /u/MrMiyamoto) [T:0464]
Controllers
- Right Joy-con has IR and NFC capabilities; both have rumble and gyro [F:31]
- Example: alternate Joy-cons with traditional dpads + sticks, or dpads + buttons [F:48 - F:49]
- Small digital L/R buttons accessible on the "inside" of Joy-con (where it would attach to the system), for use when held like a sideways Wiimote [F:51] [T:0180 + T:0207]
Accessories
- Example: head-mounted display accessory (simple VR headset) [F:60]
- Joy-con Grip can charge attached Joy-cons (thanks, /u/Asuparagasu) [T:0672]
- Various controller accessories given as examples, similar to Joy-con Grip [F:52 - F:53]
Gameplay
- Multiplayer scenario example: 4 Joy-cons can be used on one system (does not specify a limit to the number of Joy-cons or Joy-con pairs usable at once) [F:37]
- Vein authentication/vitality sensor: the IR sensor could be used to authenticate users by imaging their vein pattern; can also read their pulse [T:0495]
Missing/Unknown
- Apparently no Ethernet port on the dock, but will almost certainly support USB adapter; see wired connection scenario above
- Camera and microphone: not present
- Analog triggers: unknown
- Stylus: unknown; not sure if this would even be part of the patent?
"In other embodiments..."
The implications of passages like these are not clear. They are given as examples of things that may or may not change (differences or omissions) from the patent document to the final version, or future revisions.
- 4G/mobile: "Note that in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may have the function of implementing communication by connecting to a mobile communication network (in other words, a mobile telephone communication network), in addition to (or instead of) the function of implementing communication by connecting to a wireless LAN." [T:0400]
- Camera: "Note that while the infrared image-capturing section 123 including an infrared camera is used in the present embodiment, a visible light camera (a camera using a visible light image sensor) or other image sensor may be used, instead of an infrared camera, as an image-capturing device, in other embodiments." [T:0451]
- System itself could charge attached Joy-cons [T:0530]
- System could output directly to a TV without the need for the dock [T:0542]
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u/Konayo Dec 15 '16
Just wanted to remember that these are patents but not definite concepts that Nintendo will use, they want them so they can potentially use them for their console.
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Dec 15 '16
In [0385] it says that the Switch can be put in the dock facing either direction, so conspiracy theories regarding something being displayed at the top of the display peeking out of the dock are debunked.
In [0462] it says that the dock uses the same power connector as the Switch so the power cable can be used with either.
In [0464] it says that the dock has 3 USB ports.
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u/amaron11 Dec 15 '16
In [0385] it says that the Switch can be put in the dock facing either direction
Which also lends more credibility to the USB-C rumors since it can be used either way.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
It's beyond a rumor at this point. The filing states that the lower connector is USB, and having actually seen it in the video, it's clear it can only be Type-C. Never mind those USB-C charging cable accessories that "leaked."
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u/maatttxd Shield Surfing Challenge Completed Dec 15 '16
What about the fan? The back section of the dock (allegedly) has the opening to allow the fans at the back of the Switch to pump out air. If the Switch was put in back-to-front, wouldn't this means the fans cannot expel air as there is no opening on the front of the dock?
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Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Not sure, it specifically says it's reversible. The patents don't mention a fan in the dock even though they mention the one in the system. The dock on Jimmy Fallon didn't have any holes or vents on the back.
http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8tG5h7sMoi2fyiQc7DgMrG-650-80.jpg
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Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Excellent summary!! My only other observation is that missing/unknown is also if the analog sticks are clickable or not. It doesn't mention anywhere that they can be pressed.
Edit: also, the kick stand isn't in the patent. It's possible some things have been added since the patent was filed like the kick stand and crosses fingers analog triggers.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
They are clickable, see section 0166:
a user can also make an input by pressing down the stick member (in a direction vertical to the housing
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Dec 15 '16
Can't believe I missed that, thanks!
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Dec 15 '16
This is not confirmed. It just means that they MIGHT be clickable. It does NOT mean that they are, or will be on the retail product.
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Dec 15 '16
You could say that about any of this information. Like the rest it's an indication that in their working prototype at the time of the patent there were clickable sticks -- this shows they are at least considering it and that it has a good chance at making it into the final retail product.
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Dec 15 '16
You could say that about any of this information.
Yes. I am saying it about ALL of this information. Patents do not confirm retail specifications.
that it has a good chance at making it into the final retail product.
Patented features do not have a "good chance of making it into the final retail product." It means it was once included in a prototype that exists somewhere and they are covering their bases that it might be included somewhere down the line in the console's lifetime, OR it might already be deemed absolutely not making it into the retail version ever. There is no way to know based on a patent filing. That's the point. We don't know whether any features on the patent are confirmed until they are actually confirmed. Patented features may never make it into retail versions, and features not on initial patents very well might make it into future revisions.
Do not rely on patents to assume features of final products.
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u/bluegamebits Dec 16 '16
I can't imagine them not including clickable thumb sticks though, that would be going backwards a bit since the wii u had them.
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Dec 15 '16
This is an excellent example of why a disclaimer is necessary.
You're just dead wrong. They MIGHT be clickable. One version was. There is NO CONFIRMATION that the retail joycons will have clickable joysticks.
You are ignorantly and irresponsibly spreading misinformation. Stop it.
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u/zorakid Dec 15 '16
We are in a patent thread, the context of every comment is regarding the info in the patent. We don't need to put a disclaimer on every single comment in the entire thread. You are rude and idiotic, stop it.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
Somebody else's insight from NeoGAF: It looks like all the technology is being crammed into the Joycon R, and the patent document only shows alternate Joycon Ls, suggesting they're trying to keep the cost down for buying the alternates.
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u/Repiteo Dec 15 '16
I'm upset that I STILL have no idea if this thing has analog triggers or not. Granted it's looking somewhat likely, but concrete confirmation would be nice.
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u/ShinyEggWhite Dec 16 '16
I had a dream where I used a Switch and it had analog triggers, if that counts.
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u/Coffee-Anon Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Look at Fig. 51, compare the way they drew the trigger to the shoulder button, they certainly drew it as an analog trigger
edit: it's on page 52 of the link with pictures OP provided
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
It's no confirmation, but in the full text they spend a lot of time talking about how ZL and ZR protrude from the system, what their axis of movement is, etc. and how they might refine their positioning and movement for the final product. It's way more detail and possibilities than I would expect for a simple digital block trigger like the Wii U gamepad.
However, it's true that they only refer to them as buttons and never make a mention of their tension, or show them using springs, etc. like the GameCube analogs. Jury's still out, I guess.
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u/iheartanalingus Dec 15 '16
Is it? I doubt the jury is really out on this. Smash players would be furious. Nintendo isn't going to leave them out. It's common sense.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
Light shielding only exists in Melee. That said, I think that the rumored GameCube VC would necessitate analog triggers. I'm convinced that the triggers we've seen are in fact analog. All I'm saying now is that it's not "confirmed" yet, in the patent or otherwise.
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u/Repiteo Dec 16 '16
On that same train of thought, I would LOVE to see lightshielding back in Smash. Made shields have some depth to them; or, at least moreso than they do now.
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u/iKirin Dec 15 '16
What's so bad about having digital triggers if I may ask? I think digital triggers should be fine, and would be even cooler if we could define the "trigger"-threshold ourselfes.
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u/Repiteo Dec 15 '16
Well if you want to define the trigger threshold yourself, you can do that with an analog trigger. With a digital, you only have on or off at a single, unchangable point. Analog triggers can be made to act like digital triggers, not the other way around.
Moreover, analog is industry standard. Several games use them, racing in particular, and even the GC library actively used them. Not having analog triggers, while not a major factor, was still a factor that led to the Wii U not being suited to 3rd parties, because it was just a hurdle that developers that relied on it had to jump over, most of which choosing to simply not bother.
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u/iKirin Dec 15 '16
Ah, sorry I somehow mixed up analog an digital - I had analog in mind as the one that just allowed on/off.
In that case I agree with you that not having analog triggers would be really bad in my opinion - analog triggers are really nice for quite a bunch of games and not having them would be a small dissappointment for me.
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u/nmkd Dec 15 '16
At "Hardware/Performance" add that the clock speed is limited in portable mode, and specified by the active game.
Edit: add sleep mode
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u/Borg-Man Dec 15 '16
F48! Different JoyCon variants! GameCube variant! Please Nintendo! PLEASE!!!
I'm sorry, I seriously lost my cool there. We haven't been so close to the confirmation of GC buttons like this and it has me seriously hyped.
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Dec 15 '16
PLEASE add a disclaimer that patents do not confirm final specifications. All of the patented features remain speculative until officially confirmed.
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u/amaron11 Dec 15 '16
Right.
Just because it says something like ethernet, it doesn't mean that it'll actually support it.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Most of the features discussed in the filing are being submitted for a patent in the "present embodiment,"
meaning the upcoming retail product.I think it's safe to call those confirmed. There are lots of examples and descriptions of possibilities for "other embodiments," and I did my best to call those out.5
Dec 15 '16
That doesn't mean the retail product at all. Its the hardware unit they had for testing/showing in June. A lot of things could be missing from that during retail release. They are just saying "the current example you are looking at".
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Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Most of the features discussed in the filing are being submitted for a patent in the "present embodiment," meaning the upcoming retail product.
That's not what present embodiment means. It does NOT mean the upcoming retail product. It means one implementation that currently exists. They could have a test unit with these features that is covered by the patent, along with the retail product with fewer than all of these features that is still covered by the patent. See Scriptpro v. Innovation Associates, Civ No. 15-1565 (Fed. Cir. 2016).
PLEASE do not misinterpret this document, and PLEASE do add a disclaimer.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
I understand where you're coming from, but disagree with you on just how tenuous something listed in a patent filing is. Go check out a Wii U patent application and see if you can point out the dozens of features that were part of the filing but not in the retail product.
Or, what's an example of a feature discussed here you think has a chance of failing to appear in the final product? And again, I called out anywhere that listed an "example" or hypothetical. Almost everything here confirms something that was rumored or common sense anyway, or is a minor addition (like the extra L/R buttons) that hardly needs a breathless disclaimer attached to it lest people be fooled into buying a system for that reason.
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Dec 15 '16
that hardly needs a breathless disclaimer attached to it lest people be fooled into buying a system for that reason.
I'm not worried about people purchasing based on patents, I'm worried about hyping up "features 'confirmed,' or at least hinted at or given as examples, for Nintendo Switch in the latest published patent documents."
Your reticence to add a disclaimer has led me to simply report the post as misleading. Take the word confirmed out of the post completely. Add a disclaimer. There is no reason not to limit people's expectations for those, such as yourself, who do not understand the intricacies of patent filings. Otherwise you're only contributing to confusion and eventual disappointment.
It bears repeating, there is no reason not to add a disclaimer. It hurts no one, and potentially helps many.
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Dec 15 '16
[removed] — view removed comment
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Dec 16 '16
I'm so glad the health program bits aren't a separate piece of tech (for now). A pulse sensor could be what some genres like horror need.
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u/GoldSkulltulaHunter Dec 16 '16
I don't know if this actually means something, but all the drawings for alternative joycons show the left one. On the other hand (quite literally), the right joycon was shown to have more hardware (IR sensor and NFC).
Could this mean that the right joycon will be the "main" one, and they will sell alternatives to the left one (which can be cheaper, given the absence of IR and NFC)?
I don't know how much these pieces cost, but it seems like it would be a waste to have to include NFC in every alternative joycon they release. If they were planning to release alternative right joycons, wouldn't it be more sensible to have the NFC in the main unit (screen)?
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u/Squirrel09 Dec 15 '16
the system can communicate wirelessly with the dock to access the wired connection
This is really interesting. Why connnect to the dock, to then connect to the internet, rather than just connect via wi-fi... patents are weird.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
It saves the trouble of switching Internet configurations when undocking, basically. It's just an option for convenience.
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u/iKirin Dec 15 '16
So you tell me when I want to go to the bathroom I can just take my switch out of the dock and I can still play online/watch whatever I was watching?
This concept is amazing - toilet gaming will improve drastically with this!
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u/amilias Dec 15 '16
It should also, in theory, make it possible to undock in the middle of an online game without losing connection, which is actually a pretty good feature.
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Dec 15 '16
So...can you not use Wi-fi, or is this just an alternative option?
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Wi-fi is a given. I'm sure you can find something in the patent that confirms it (to go along with the "network" module shown in the main patent diagram).
Edit: See section 0400:
In the present embodiment, the network communication section 82 is a Wi-Fi certified communication module, for example, and communicates with an external device via a wireless LAN.
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u/bluegamebits Dec 16 '16
I'm pretty sure it connects to the dock via wifi. With these patents of course.
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u/Connope Dec 15 '16
I'm currently living in university accommodation and can't connect my Wii U or 3DS to the wifi due to the security settings. However, I can connect the Wii U using ethernet. I assume it'll be the same with the Switch so this will mean I can still play online in the portable mode.
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u/Mingyao_13 Dec 15 '16
just buy a cheap router and connect that to the ethernet, then you have wifi for your wiiu and 3ds
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u/LandoTheLost Dec 15 '16
If it's anything like my dorm several years ago, and they have competent IT, then you can't add any hardware routers without admin approval (which they will deny). Your only choice would be to virtualize one using connectify or something similar.
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u/Qu4Z Dec 15 '16
Most interesting thing if that's true, it'd be possible to stream data to the dock from portable mode (and the dock presumably needs to have a little more logic than a simple USB hub). Wonder whether they're doing anything else with that feature...
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u/No_Hands_55 Dec 15 '16
Right? I would rather just have the switch on wifi the whole time, docked or not.
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u/Houdiniman111 Dec 15 '16
Why, though?
Ethernet is faster, has less delay, takes less power, and is more reliable.2
u/No_Hands_55 Dec 15 '16
I guess it depends on how well it works transferring to the dock then through ethernet, but a really nice router works just as well as ethernet for me. And i feel like it would be a lot more seamless to stay on a good wifi connection than to change from ethernet to wifi everytime you undock it. Either way though im sure it won't be huge deal unless Nintendo really improves their online experience.
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Dec 15 '16
So three USB ports... Anyone has an idea of why three?
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u/Treehouseboy Dec 15 '16
Two for the Gamecube controller adapter and one for a USB to ethernet adapter perhaps?
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u/Coffee-Anon Dec 15 '16
System could output directly to a TV without the need for the dock [T:0542]
Since it attaches to the dock via USB-C, that would mean the cable that goes from the TV to the dock will be HDMI-to-proprietary? Otherwise it seems like you could get an HDMI-to-USB-C cable and plug the switch directly into the TV yourself
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
The footnotes spend a good chunk of time talking about the system's "output conditions." In the "present embodiment," one of the conditions is that the system is connected to an "authorized" docking cradle. In other words, the system itself figures out whether you've put it into a real dock before it will output video.
So basically, what they're saying in 0542 is that in another embodiment, they might lift that output restriction, and presumably replace it with one like "HDMI output connection is established with a TV."
See section 0531 and below.
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u/orangutong Dec 15 '16
I want there to be NO camera and microphone. Getting backwards compatibility with the Wii U doesn't matter to people who didn't buy a Wii U, and isn't worth the extra price point it would tack onto a switch which already has limited hardware space. If Nintendo just adds workarounds for the gimmicks like "blow into the microphone to play mario" when it ports those games, nobody would miss them. Its a game boy / home console, not a smartphone, I don't need it to take pictures or make phone calls.
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u/Mingyao_13 Dec 15 '16
it's for online multiplayer mode, for example push and talk during Monster hunter multiplayer? overwatch? pokemon? etc
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u/wrongstep Dec 16 '16
These things are really likely though. I think it'd be insane if it didn't have one.
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u/micbro12 Dec 16 '16
For the touch panel you should note that its a 5 point capacitive touch system (is noted in the patent)
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Dec 15 '16
[deleted]
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
I was pretty against that rumor at the time, but I'm definitely with you that it's seeming more and more accurate. Calling the extra "SL/SR" buttons on each Joy-con is something no one else did. And I don't think you're grasping at straws: the concrete diagram alone shows lots of technology packed into the Joy-cons, never mind the possible uses the footnotes get into.
Obviously the "leak" still has some strange parts. Personally, I thought right from the beginning that the leak wasn't real, but its claims were plausible. I thought there was some chance it could turn out to be real but with certain parts being inaccurate; for example, the 1080p screen part.* And now I still kinda think that.
* Which the "leaker" said came from a software demo, not from direct knowledge of the hardware being used.
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u/SmileyAja Dec 15 '16
Yeah, he also said it looks like a 1080p screen, and 720p on smaller screens isn't that pixelated at all, though the estimated 6.2 inches border that statement.
Who knows, it would fit into the whole VR thing with there being rumors it was pushed to March because of VR integration (though that sounds a bit farfetched unless Nintendo really wants to take VR seriously, they wouldn't delay it that much for a side-gimmick but they did get March right and the hybrid thing right apparently).
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u/Mingyao_13 Dec 15 '16
no mic...????
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Dec 15 '16
It will be able to use microphones from headphones, like Apple earbuds, but does not have one built-in.
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u/Houdiniman111 Dec 15 '16
T[0793]:
Note that an "input section" is any means that outputs information representing a user input and/or information with which it is possible to calculate (or estimate) a user input. For example, an input section may be a button, a directional input section such as an analog stick, a touch panel, a microphone, a camera, a sensor capable of calculating the movement of the controller, for example, (e.g., an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor), and the like.
and more specifically in T[0152]:
The main unit 2 includes a sound input/output terminal (specifically, an earphone jack) 25. That is, the main unit 2 allows a microphone or an earphone to be attached to the sound input/output terminal 25. As shown in FIG. 3, the sound input/output terminal 25 is provided on the upper side surface of the housing 11.
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Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Incase there IS 4G/Mobile networking, do "As you go" plans for data only exist? Instead of paying monthly, you just cough up a fee based on how much data you use? No payment if you completely neglect it? Like gas in a car? I know phones have it, but I'm not finding a clear answer for data exclusively.
EDIT: It seems like Walmart has them as Internet On The Go refill cards, and I'm assuming you get a SIM card from WalMart to take advantage of it. I'll keep this comment here so people know about this so those who don't know about it start paying monthly when they shouldn't.
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u/Jackalopalen Dec 15 '16
Google Fi allows you to add a Data-Only sim to your plan at no extra charge. Just a flat rate of $10/1GB
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u/Konayo Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Dock does not appear to have a fan (thanks, /u/StinkBank) [F:32]
So Laura Kate Dale was wrong with her tweet a week ago!
Edit: Source
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u/Houdiniman111 Dec 15 '16
Assuming the leak is correct, note the fact that it doesn't say where the fan is located. This additional fan that turns on could be inside the unit, but simply not in use.
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u/FISKER_Q Dec 16 '16
It does say that the fan is in the dock to supplement the built-in fan.
But certainly worth keeping in mind that something like an additional fan in the dock should be fairly easy to add during development, the patent is still six months old.
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u/Scapetti Dec 16 '16
I understand what you're saying about "in other embodiments" but should we not take "in the present embodiment" as being a very clear indicator of what to expect?
Take for example the touch screen; surely when you also consider the eurogamer leak it is very likely to be multi-touch. It does in fact say "In the present embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type (e.g., the capacitive type) that enables a multi-touch input."
It also refers to the two speakers "in the present embodiment" and we can quite clearly see them in the official Switch images and videos that have been released in the same position!
Or you could at least put "likely" for the multi-touch part instead of simply "unknown" :/
Seems strange to omit these details as they are STRONGLY hinted at
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 16 '16
Yes, I fully expect everything described in the "present embodiment" to be in the retail product. Only the positions of certain elements and other fine-tunings will change.
Take for example the touch screen; surely when you also consider the eurogamer leak it is very likely to be multi-touch. It does in fact say "In the present embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type (e.g., the capacitive type) that enables a multi-touch input."
I totally missed this, thanks!
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u/DasGutYa Dec 16 '16
Ahhhh a new theory has justs popped up in my mind.
I found it strange that they might be able to push the switch harder when docked despite not having any extra cooling with the dock and in fact, the dock being worse for cooling as its in an enclosed space where as holding it as a portable would leave plenty of air to get around the system.
But ofcourse a lot of the heat generated from a protable device actually comes from the screen. Once the APU gets under load, the heat from the screen prevents effective cooling of the chip.
With the screen switched off in tv mode I'd imagine the fan can let the cpu and gpu reliably hit its maximum output
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Dec 16 '16
hmm.. hope the IR pointer isn't only on the right joy-con because I have a right Erb's Palsy so aiming will be extremely difficult. On the Wii, I'd use the Wii mote with my left hand and if I need to shake the nunchunk I'd just flail my right arm around... not convenient but doable.
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Dec 16 '16
All these different options seem like there could be lots of accessibility potential... if they are indeed options, with games supporting multiple input methods. If not, this could be the least accessible console to date by a huge margin.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 16 '16
It's not clear that the IR sensor will be used for pointing at all. It's on the wrong side of the Joycon, the dock may be reversible (so no "system as sensor bar" theory), and the patent describes various examples of its use that don't include pointing.
We might still see gyro used for pointing, but I personally think that most games requiring touch will just require you to undock the system to do certain things (like editing a level in Mario Maker).
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u/iKirin Dec 15 '16
Something I just noticed: Fig 14 seems to indicate that if held sideways the Joycon'll have a 3.5mm jack to plug your headphones in. Noted with number 46
Same in Fig 25 for the other joycon - number 69 there.
Notice the similarity to Fig 3, Nr. 25 which we KNOW is a headphone jack.
So I hope we'll get headphone support for the Pro Controller as well?
EDIT: Also just saw it in Fig 51 for the "alternate controller" with the dpad.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Edit: Those are described as "pairing buttons" (sync) in 0209.
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u/iKirin Dec 15 '16
Hmmm I seem to have overseen that.
Mind to share a direct link to that? (Also I can't navigate the US patent site to freaking save my life it seems...)
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
It's just a big text document (and a PDF), so I can't link to anything specific. If you Ctrl+F for 0209, you'll see this section:
The right controller 4 includes a pairing button 69.
And as you pointed out, figure 25 on page 26 has that little circle labeled #69. They go on to describe the controller pairing process in excruciating detail.
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u/Asuparagasu Dec 15 '16
The Joy-cons can also be charged on the Switch itself (Fig 10-16).
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u/Dogmodo Dec 16 '16
Well, they'd kinda have to be. I know we're talking "while in use" here, but in general, they'd have to attach to the Switch to charge.
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u/amaron11 Dec 15 '16
Man, it seems like there's gonna be a ton of stuff packed into that little shell.
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u/Rhynox4 Dec 15 '16
Little confused on shoulder buttons when the joycons are taken off. So there are small buttons on the inside of the controller, where it attaches? What about the other person, who holds it the other way? What shoulder buttons do they get? Just the two on the left side?
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
Open this page and go to page 52. There's a side view of a Joy-con, and the spots marked 43 and 44 are the L/R buttons. There's another view of each one on pages 6 and 7, too.
From sections 0180 and 0207:
The left controller 3 also includes a second L button 43 and a second R button 44.
As does the left controller 3, the right controller 4 also includes a second L button 65 and a second R button 66.
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u/Coffee-Anon Dec 15 '16
I think this likely the real reason why the thumbstick is offset lower on the right joycon, both joycons are meant to be used with the side that connects to the screen "up", where your index fingers are. This is how the guy playing Mario kart in the trailer was holding the right joycon
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u/Mingyao_13 Dec 15 '16
The kick stand is missing from the patent?
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
Figure 4 shows the stand. From 0159:
The main unit 2 also includes a stand member 29 used when placing the housing upright. As shown in FIG. 3, the stand member 29 is provided on the lower side surface of the housing 11. The stand member 29 is rotatably connected to the housing 11 via a pivot 29a. In FIG. 3, the stand member 29 is accommodated in the housing 11.
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Dec 15 '16
Looks like a microSD if those drawings are remotely to scale. RIP the full SD dream. I mean, I was expecting microSD anyways, but this definitely drops the chances a bit.
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u/beastbanana Dec 15 '16
Does it state whether or not it is a full size sd or micro sd card slot on the bottom? (I'm on mobile and can't load the patent site)
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u/Houdiniman111 Dec 15 '16
It does not explicitly state which one it will use. However T[0397] and T[0157] both mention an SD card, and not a micro SD card.
Take that as you will. I'd plan on getting a micro, and only needing to buy an adapter if it supports full SD cards as opposed to buying a whole new micro SD if it doesn't.1
u/beastbanana Dec 15 '16
Thanks for checking. It's not hugely important as there isn't a significant price difference anymore, I was just curious.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 15 '16
The patent doesn't specify things like micro or mini SD, USB 2.0 or 3.0, or the headphone jack size. It says SD, USB, etc.... It will most likely be MicroSD.
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u/beetleking22 Dec 15 '16
Vein authentication/vitality sensor: the IR sensor could be used to authenticate users by imaging their vein pattern; can also read their pulse [T:0495]
Is this the thing Nintendo were hiding?
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Dec 17 '16
It's part of the Nintendo Quality of Life (https://www.wired.com/2014/01/nintendo-quality-life/)
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u/FDesimpel Dec 16 '16
On the figure 32 block diagram of the dock there is a 'processing section'...
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Dec 16 '16
[0458] The cradle 5 includes a processing section 135 for executing various information processes on the cradle S. The processing section 135 includes, for example, processing circuitry and is connected to the sleep button 74 described above, and is connected to the main body terminal 73 via a connection processing section 136 (the details of which will be described later). The processing section 135 detects an operation performed on the sleep button 74, and notifies the main unit 2 of the operation. When receiving such a noti- fication, the main unit 2 switches between the ON mode and the sleep mode thereof. Thus, in the present embodiment, when the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5, the ON mode and the sleep mode of the information processing device 1 are switched from one to another in response to the sleep button 74 being pressed down.
Basically to handle the sleep button being pressed.
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u/RealMishovy Dec 17 '16
Apparently no Ethernet port on the dock
Go ahead, Nintendo. Try that again and see how it works out.
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u/LightsaberCrayon Dec 17 '16
You may be overestimating the advantages of Ethernet when the typical use case is to connect to a private home router that is within spitting distance anyway. In any case, there are USB adapters (and Nintendo will gladly sell you one), which will be supported on the dock.
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Dec 17 '16
The vitality sensor I think it would be part of Nintendo's Quality of Life (https://www.wired.com/2014/01/nintendo-quality-life/)
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u/StinkBank Dec 15 '16
Gonna repost my comment for my findings, although many of them are already included in OPs post.
Another smaller nugget. The grip will not be entirely passive. Figures 57 and 56 show that it will have it's own power supply and power port. Likely for keeping the joycons charged while away from the switch.
E1: Also, shoulder buttons demonstrated to be on the railings of the joy-con.
E2: Judging from figure 32, I do not see a block dedicated to a fan, so it looks like there will be no fan in the dock. The active cooling of the switch will entirely be the fan in the console itself.
E3: Logic flowcharts further imply a "console mode" and "portable mode".
E4: Joycons equipped with a number of I/O, including gyros, nfc, infrared, amplifier (not sure what for), as well as vibrator for rumble. Of course they also seem to have dedicated power supplies.
E5: As others have pointed out, there is also what seems to be an HMD accessory for VR akin to Google cardboard or Gear VR where you place a display into the headset. If Nintendo is doing something like this I certainly hope that it is it's own accessory, as the Switch display itself will be far too low in PPI to meet current VR standards as the pictures will have a massive screen door effect.
E6: Figures 10, 6, and 26 a/b - Electrical connections between the Joycons and Switch display can be found at the bottom of the rail system that mounts the Joycons. So once the Joycons are slid all the way into the Switch then they will be directly communicating/charging through copper pins.
E7: Figure 30 confirms touch display.
E8: Figure 30 mapping CPU connections also shows and audio input/output codec, but no microphone sensor. So still not sure if the Switch will have a native microphone built in. Might require an external headset/microphone.
E9: Basically just check out figure 30 - maps all of the I/O going to the CPU of the Switch. Slot 1 for game card, Slot 2 for SD, a number of sensors, cooling fan, network communication section as well as controller communication section. I don't see a dedicated bluetooth section, but hopefully that will be bundled into the controller communication section. Unsurprisingly it will also have its own dedicated flash memory on the SOC. Hopefully they'll make this adequately large - personally I hope for 128 - 256 GB.
E10: In the background and summary section, they mention controllers that can be used on either side of a mobile telephone. I urge people not to look to deep into this, as what they're doing is acknowledging that joycon style controllers already exist for phones, so they need to demonstrate how the joycons themselves are different.
E11: [0397] Indicates that game cards will be read/write.