A new patent filed by Nintendo in Japan suggests the company is exploring redesigned Joy-Con controllers that can bend for improved ergonomics in handheld mode. The patent, discovered by Polygon, shows the top third of the Joy-Con angled outward while maintaining a flat edge where it connects to the console.
The design aims to make the Switch more comfortable to hold, with the controllers able to flatten back to their original shape for two-player games like Diablo III or Mario Kart 8. The patent also depicts a curve at the bottom of the Joy-Cons, presumably for additional comfort.
Despite the innovation, there have been no major complaints about the current Joy-Con comfort, and the added joints could introduce potential durability issues. The patent also raises questions about compatibility with the Switch Lite and whether features like HD Rumble can be retained in the bendable design.
As with all patents, there is no guarantee the design will ever reach production, but it offers insight into Nintendo's ongoing efforts to refine the Switch experience.
