Now Loading...What We Think of That Allegedly Leaked Nintendo NX Controller Design

In case you’re not keeping tabs on video game news not related to PlayStation, the controller design for the upcoming Nintendo NX has apparently been leaked, and it looks so very different than what we’re used to.

In case the shot above isn’t enough for you, here’s more from the Reddit thread where that came from (via NeoGAF), along with a few unofficial leaked details about it.

nintendonxleak2 nintendonxleak1

Unofficial Details From the Leaker:

– Only the upper ‘nubs’ of the sticks move. The bottom part is static (kind of like the circle pad, but it moves along the bottom ‘sphere’.

– The rollers on the top feel and look pretty much identical to a mouse scroll-wheel. Though I do don’t believe this will be the final design.

– Haptic feedback is feels like Apples ‘taptic’ engine. Not like regular rumble.

– 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom

Again, I want to stress that the images above have NOT been confirmed to be legit, and even if they are from a Nintendo devkit (since there’s no actual retail unit yet), chances are, some of the details might still change.

Having all said that, it’s fun to talk about rumors and reports, and we’re doing just that in this latest edition of Now Loading. Yeah, I know the Nintendo NX isn’t related to PlayStation whatsoever, but given how big an impact a new Nintendo console will be for the gaming landscape, plus the fact that the staff all want to chime in on what they think of this alleged leak, well, why not discuss it properly, right?

Check out what the staff thinks of this purported Nintendo NX controller in the gallery below.

What do you think of the allegedly leaked controller design? Are you OK with it or are you wishing right now that it’s a fake or very early prototype? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss this bad boy.

Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).

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Now Loading...What We Think of That Allegedly Leaked Nintendo NX Controller
Cameron Teague

@Cameron_PSLS

I really don't like hating on Nintendo but sometimes they just make it so damn easy. This looks like the Vita had a tiny illegitimate baby and threw it away.
Chandler Wood

@FinchStrife

With the sleek and sexy feel of the DualShock 4 having been in our hands for a couple of years, this looks like a significant step backwards in controller ergonomics. A touch screen may work for a phone or handheld that you consistently look at, but for a controller that you hold while looking at a screen, there is something to be said for having actual tactile buttons so that you don't need to look down at your hands.

While it looks pretty sleek and futuristic, form doesn't always meet function, and that honestly just looks uncomfortable to hold and not ideal for console gaming sessions. I'm worried about Nintendo and their desire to be so different that they end up making bad products just for the sake of standing out from the competition.
Stephen Bitto

@SteveOneder

So Nintendo is trying to make a less practical PlayStation Vita? Genius.
Paulmichael Contreras

@T3mpr1x

Kudos to Nintendo for trying something completely different (again), but I feel we're in for more of the same as what we saw on the Wii U. If this is real, you'll see some ingenious uses of this odd-shaped thing from Nintendo, but little else from third parties. How would Super Smash Bros. work with this contraption, for instance?! We'll likely see another round of accessory controllers to reproduce traditional gaming control schemes for games that just can't make this no/limited-button setup work.
Alex Co

@excaliburps

While nothing's been confirmed yet, I wouldn't be shocked if this were true. Nintendo has a reputation for trying out crazy stuff when it comes to video game interfaces and whatnot. Remember the Nintendo 64 controller? How about the GameCube one? And yeah, the Wii as well.

Having said that, I have no clue how traditional games will work with this thing. I mean, there are technically no buttons, right? And it looks like something that will get dirty a lot just by people's hands grasping it.

I'll reserve judgement until I get to actually use one, but color me intrigued! Who knows? This might pave the way to how real-time strategy games, MOBAs and other PC-centric titles will finally be playable with a controller without compromising anything.
Mack Ashworth

@GamingWithMack

Yeah, I'm hoping this is completely false, as I have no clue how that kind of control pad/console would work.

It looks hella uncomfortable to hold, and I'm really not a fan.

I'm going to "Nope." right out of that one, if the leak is legit.