Nintendo files 3DS-related patent for Circle Pad ornament design

A US patent filed by Nintendo in December 2011 and granted just recently could suggest a change is on the way for the 3DS’ Circle Pad. The filing specifically pertains to the “ornament design for an operating knob for portable electronic computer”.

As shown in the image above, the patent seems to imply Nintendo could be interested in implementing an analog stick design similar to what can be found on a GameCube controller.

We’ve seen filings come and go plenty of times before without any action, so it’s unclear if Nintendo plans on taking advantage of the patent in the future.

Via