Subj : Nintendo files patent for smart fluid joysticks which could stop
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Mon Sep 11 2023 16:15:05

Nintendo files patent for smart fluid joysticks which could stop stick drift

Date:
Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:11:55 +0000

Description:
Nintendo has filed a patent for joysticks containing a type of smart fluid, 
which may be able to eliminate stick drift issues.

FULL STORY
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Nintendo has filed a patent for a new controller which would include a smart 
fluid in its joysticks, in a change that may help stop stick drift - a 
problem which has affected Nintendo Switch owners since the release of the 
console in 2017. 

As VGC reports , the patent describes the utilization of magnetorheological 
fluid - a type of smart fluid that can change in viscosity when subjected to 
a magnetic field. In this context, this can seemingly be used to cause 
resistance when a user moves a joystick. 

Most importantly, as VGC points out, the process described in the patent 
sounds similar to Hall effect joysticks which are already on the market. 
These detect movement by using magnets, but have no connecting parts, so 
stick drift can never occur. 

Over the years, many Nintendo Switch owners have reported running into stick 
drift issues - where their Joy-Con controllers have begun to detect incorrect 
joystick inputs over time - so if this new patent has been filed with the 
intention of fixing this problem for good, itd be a huge step forward for 
Nintendo fans. Interesting Switch 2 news.Nintendo has patented a new 
controller design that seems to include magnetic (hall effect) analogue 
sticks.No guarentees, but if this is for Switch 2, this should end analogue 
stick drift issues next gen.https://t.co/laetwK9d6C September 11, 2023 See 
more 

By changing the viscosity periodically between the first viscosity state and 
the second viscosity state, it is possible to provide the user with an 
unprecedented feeling on the operation element and an unprecedented operation 
feeling thereof, while ensuring movement of the original element autonomously 
returning to the initial position, the patent reads. 

Its worth keeping in mind, however, that a patent being filed doesnt 
necessarily mean that a product utilizing these features will definitely be 
developed, so this is by no means hard confirmation of a new Nintendo 
controller. 

In other Nintendo news, it was reported last week that tech demos for the 
unofficially titled Switch 2 took place at Gamescom in August , with one of 
these demos being an improved version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the 
Wild . TRG sources confirmed these reports. 

 For more Nintendo, be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch 
games , as well as our roundup of upcoming Switch games .



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-files-patent-for-smart-flui
d-joysticks-which-could-stop-stick-drift


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