Details on a new Nintendo patent application for a controller with magnetic analog sticks have surfaced, suggesting that the company’s next peripheral won’t suffer–possibly on a Switch 2–from the infamous drift issues of the Nintendo Switch era.
Spotted by video game accessibility consultant Laura Kate Dale, Nintendo originally filed for a patent in May, and the application was published on September 7. “No guarantees, but if this is for Switch 2, this should end analog stick drift issues next gen,” Dale tweeted.
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— Laura Kate Dale – Mastodon “@LauraKBuzz@tech.lgbt” (@LaurakBuzz) September 11, 2023
Better known as a Hall Effect joystick, these have a small magnet attached to them and sensors that measure the voltage generated by the magnetic field. Typically, Hall Effect joysticks are more durable and have a longer lifespan than traditional joysticks, which use potentiometers, as the contacts eventually wear out on those joysticks and cause the voltage readings to change, creating joystick drift. It’s worth noting that Hall Effect joysticks can wear out over time as well, although they typically have a much longer lifespan in comparison.