A New Stylus for the Switch?
First reported by IGN, a new patent has been unearthed detailing a new stylus attachment for the Switch Joycon. While there are styluses already available, this new accessory would be more feature-rich. Think more along the lines of an Apple Pencil than a generic piece of plastic. As seen below, the device will replace the traditional Joycon straps, with a small stylus head protruding from the top.
An image of the new accessory pulled from Nintendo’s patent application.
Since the stylus will effectively be a part of the Joycon, it allows for rumble feedback as you’re using it, or the use of the face buttons to say, toggle between a thick or a thin line when drawing. The application mentions that the touch pen, “may include an apparatus-side receiving section and a processor.” This would certainly allow for Nintendo to do more with the device, but an on-board processor would mean this won’t be in the price range of the $8 Joycon staps and will be a premium accessory.
Face buttons will be easily accessible as you draw.
One of the obvious thoughts here is that this accessory could be one of the first steps in getting the dual-screened content of Nintendo’s handheld lines available for the Switch. While Nintendo has said they’re still supporting the 3DS as recently as E3 this past summer, there are no new first-party games being made for the handheld. Given the pace that older games have been released for the Nintendo Switch Online service, we’d venture to guess that games like Phantom Hourglass or A Link Between Worlds won’t be free downloads any time soon.
That being said, Nintendo has been embracing remasters, which could be an opportunity for the few gamers who missed the 3DS to catch up on the library. The touch pen also brings hope that some of Nintendo’s cult favorites like Mario Paint could find a home on the Switch. Regardless of new content, existing software like Super Mario Maker 2 would be a great fit to have a device like this integrated into level building.
We’ll update you with more as we hear it.
About the Author
Chris Mack is a lifelong gamer working in the marketing field. With a bachelor’s degree in English and an MBA, he has a passion for conveying complex information in a relatable way to those who are willing to listen.