Nintendo has been facing a lot of criticism and lawsuits over the Joy-Con drift issue, which causes the analog sticks on the Switch controllers to register movement even when they are not being touched. This can ruin the gaming experience and frustrate the players. However, Nintendo may have found a solution to this problem with a new patent that uses magnetic technology.
What is Joy-Con drift and why is it a problem?
Joy-Con drift is a term that describes the phenomenon of the analog sticks on the Switch controllers moving on their own, without any input from the user. This can cause the character or cursor to move in unwanted directions, or make it difficult to aim or control the game. Joy-Con drift can affect any Switch controller, whether it is attached to the console or used wirelessly.
The exact cause of Joy-Con drift is not clear, but some experts believe that it is due to wear and tear of the potentiometers, which are the components that measure the position of the analog sticks. Over time, these potentiometers can become dirty or damaged by dust, debris, or moisture, and produce inaccurate readings. Another possible cause is that the springs that return the analog sticks to their neutral position can lose their tension and fail to center them properly.
Joy-Con drift has been a widespread and persistent issue for many Switch owners since the launch of the console in 2017. Nintendo has offered free repairs for affected controllers, but some users have reported that the problem returned after a while. Nintendo has also been sued by several class-action lawsuits in different countries over this issue, alleging that the company sold defective products and failed to disclose or fix the problem.
How does Nintendo’s new patent work?
Nintendo has filed a patent for a new type of joystick that uses magnets instead of potentiometers. The patent was filed in May 2021, but it was only published by the United States Patent Office on September 9, 2021. The patent describes how the joystick would use a magnetorheological fluid (MRF), which is a liquid that changes its viscosity depending on the intensity of a magnetic field.
The joystick would have an operation element (the stick) that can be displaced from an initial position by the user’s operation, and a magnetic field generation section (a coil) that provides a magnetic field to the MRF. The MRF would serve as a resistance section that creates resistance when the stick is moved from or to its initial position. The resistance would vary depending on the viscosity of the MRF, which would be controlled by a circuit that changes the magnetic field intensity.
The patent claims that this design would have several advantages over conventional joysticks. First, it would eliminate the need for contact between mechanical parts, which could reduce wear and tear and prevent dust or debris from interfering with the readings. Second, it would allow for more precise and accurate control of the stick position and movement, as well as feedback to the user. Third, it would enable variable resistance levels depending on the game situation or user preference.
Could this patent be used for the Switch 2?
It is important to note that patents do not necessarily mean that Nintendo will use this technology for its future products. Patents are often filed to protect intellectual property rights or explore potential ideas, but they may never see the light of day. However, there is some speculation that this patent could be related to the rumored Switch 2, which is expected to be Nintendo’s next-generation console.
The Switch 2 has not been officially announced by Nintendo, but there have been many leaks and rumors about its features and specifications. Some sources claim that it will have a more powerful processor, better graphics, 4K resolution support, improved battery life, and a larger OLED screen. However, there has been little information about its controllers or whether they will address the Joy-Con drift issue.
If Nintendo decides to use its new magnetic joystick patent for the Switch 2 controllers, it could potentially solve one of its biggest problems and improve its reputation among gamers. It could also offer a more immersive and responsive gaming experience with variable resistance feedback. However, until Nintendo confirms or denies this possibility, we can only hope and wait for more news.
