New Nintendo patent involves DS feedback through stylus
There has been much speculation about the DS’ successor, from the type of graphics the hardware will support to actual abilities the system will feature. But perhaps one of the more intriguing possibilities involves the successor making use of a new type of rumbling feedback.
At the end of January, Nintendo filed a patent that might be best described as a souped-up DS Rumble Pak. Basically, when a player touches the DS bottom screen (like an enemy), vibration would be felt through the stylus. The force of the vibration would vary based on variables such as enemy depth and strength/success of attacks.
“A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a touch panel is placed on a top surface of the LCD. A player instructs an enemy character displayed on the LCD by use of a stick to attack the enemy character. For example, in a case that the enemy character exists at a depth of a game screen, little damage is applied to the enemy character, and a weak vibration is applied to the game apparatus. Conversely, in a case that the enemy character exists at a front of the game screen, much damage is applied to the character, and a strong vibration is applied to the game apparatus. In either case, the vibrations are transmitted to the fingers or hands of the payer via the stick.”
At this point, it’s anyone’s guess if Nintendo plans on using this technology in the next DS. However, it certainly sounds more promising than the Rumble Pak.
Thanks to Alex L for the news tip!
