Topic: New DS 3 patent

[Aussiedude]

Recent patent reveals a special secret about a new Nintendo DS model.

A new patent filed by Nintendo Co. Ltd. on Feb. 2nd, 2006 has revealed an interesting new DS model. As of now, there is no telling whether the DS featured in the patents was simply a prototype for the DS Lite , a third DS model or even a revolution interface.



link

[Strell]

Two buttons makes me think early prototype, but two point touch makes me think DS Advanced.

Really, I have nothing else to add.

Actually, now that I think about it, looking at it and seeing how the controls are segmented from the LCD screen body, I wonder if Nintendo is thinking about another tactile input method in addition to touch screen.  For example, you could use the right side as a throttle, and twisting it around would affect gameplay.  

Just an idea.  Who knows.

[wandering]

One other interesting thing: The bottom screen is reffered to as a "touch panel" and no gameplay is shown on the bottom.

If I were to guess, I'd say this is the next gameboy/ds, which will feature only screen but have a heavier emphasis on intuitive touch control.

Which would be very nice, cause, with that would solve the 2 biggest problems with the current ds: the awkwardness of switching back and forth between stylus and dpad/buttons, and the awkwardness of switching focus between the top and bottom screens.

Now, if they'd just add 3d, it'd be the best handheld ever.

[cmoney]

Two-point touch seems to be a little much for such a small screen. People generally aren't dextrous with BOTH hands to begin with. Unless this is used on a slightly larger scale, I can imagine it would be quite difficult to work with.

[Ian Sane]

If they were going to have two point touch then they would probably do that thing a lot of people were suggesting about putting a touchscreen where the buttons are supposed to be.  That has huge issues regarding tactile feedback but if they were going with two screen touch that would be the only real use for it.  With the touchscreen in the middle it would be pretty much impossible to touch two points while still holding the system.  A centered screen requires one hand to not be supporting the system at all.

Plus this is pretty much a DS with two less buttons.  What's the point?

[wandering]

Look at the pictures!

You're controlling a plane. Put 2 fingers on the touchscreen. Rotate them to rotate the plane. Move your fingers apart to accelerate, move them together to decelerate.

The ds doesn't offer anywhere near that kind of complex control.

Oh, one interesting thing from the patent: instead of 2 screens, the system might offer one big one, either horizantally or vertically aligned. ...though I think the ds patent said something similiar.

[KDR_11k]

Patent examples usually differ from the real use on purpose to avoid giving away trade secrets. Only the bits that are absolutely necessary for the patent are real.

[norebonomis]

multi touch technology

if anyone hasn't seen this video yet, you will enjoy it.

EDIT: also check out the TactaPad

[thepoga]

the D-pad and buttons are on a different segment of the system. Removable parts perhaps? Or movable I should say. Like you fold them over. Either way, I don't think this will come to fruition anytime soon. I'm not realy 100% sure about patents, but it also may be a patent to prevent another company from copying Nintendo by adding the extra functionality of two touch points. Once again, I'm just speculating without a great deal of patent knowledge.

[cmoney]

 Let's hope they've discovered new screen tech that minimizes the problem of fingerprints et al on the 'ol screen.