On December 10th 2024 Nintendo filed a patent that talks about a new potentiometer based joystick. What is unique about this patent is that it lays out a new variable resistance mechanism founded on magnetism. The substance that has been stated is called Magnetorheological Fluid, pronounced like the X-Men, Magneto-Ray-Oh-Logical, is a liquid that when stimulated with current can change its viscosity. This means a small current applied could vary the resistance of the joystick. Leaving plenty of applications in which this could be used.
Some examples that I have thought about is various terrains in a game. Maybe you walk on grass easily but then start walking in mud or deep snow, which could heighten the viscosity causing a more realistic feel of the terrain or situation you are in.
Another example I can think of how it could be applied is say a boulder is blocking a cave that you would like to enter. The boulder in the programming needs 100 strength points to easily move the boulder out the way, but you only have 10. At various points in the game you upgrade your strength and each time you try pushing the boulder the resistance for pushing lessons so that you could physically feel a difference in the task. It could definitely have some unique uses in games.
As always patents do not always mean that the technology will be implemented in future projects, but they are always a good indicator on the direction a company is headed in. Time will tell on this recent entry.
What do you think about this technology and how do you think it could be used? Would you welcome this type of technology or do you think traditional controls are best? Will this vastly improve joycon drift? Let us know your thoughts on the topic.
Source: ppubs:uspto.gov
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Source: ppubs.uspto.gov
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