Game controller

Abstract

To provide a new game controller that can be mounted on a main body device in a freely detachable manner.SOLUTION: A game controller is detachably mounted on a main body device capable of executing game processing, which has a recess and is equipped with a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess. The game controller includes a first input part, a convex part, a first button, and a second button. The first input part is provided on the front face. The convex part projects from a first side face and extends along a longitudinal direction of the first side face. The convex part is configured to be fitted into the recess. The first button and the second button are provided along the longitudinal direction on the top face of the convex part. The first button and the second button are depressed by a user. The first button is adsorbed to the first magnet by magnetic force. The second button is adsorbed to the second magnet by magnetic force.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to game controllers. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-000757 (Patent Document 1) discloses a game controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-000757 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel game controller that can be detachably attached to a main unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A game controller according to the present disclosure is detachably attached to a main unit capable of executing game processing, the main unit having a recess and a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess. The game controller includes a first input unit, a protrusion, a first button, and a second button. The first input unit is provided on the front face. The protrusion protrudes from a first side face and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first side face. The protrusion is configured to fit into the recess. The first button and the second button are provided on the top face of the protrusion along the longitudinal direction. The first button and the second button are pressed by a user. The first button is attracted to the first magnet by magnetic force. The second button is attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force.

[0006] According to the game controller described above, the first button and the second button may be made of a magnet, a soft magnetic material, or a combination of a magnet and a soft magnetic material.

[0007] According to the game controller described above, the first button and the second button may include a magnet or a soft magnetic material in at least a portion thereof.

[0008] According to the game controller described above, at least the portions of the first button and the second button that are exposed from the top surface of the convex portion may be made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material.

[0009] According to the game controller described above, the first button and the second button may have a magnet or soft magnetic material that is disposed on the back of the exposed portion and moves integrally with the exposed portion.

[0010] According to the game controller described above, the exposed portion may be painted with a non-magnetic material.

[0011] According to the game controller described above, the conductive portions of the first button and the second button, which are made of a magnet or soft magnetic material, may be connected to the ground of the electronic circuit inside the game controller.

[0012] According to the game controller described above, the first button and the second button may be made of a soft magnetic material.

[0013] According to the game controller described above, the first button and the second button may include a soft magnetic material in at least a portion thereof, and may not include a magnet.

[0014] According to the game controller described above, the first button and the second button may be configured to be movable in a direction opposite to the pressing direction from an initial position, which is the position when not pressed by the user, by the magnetic force of the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively.

[0015] According to the game controller described above, the convex portion may have a first opening and a second opening on its top surface, exposing the button top surfaces of the first and second buttons, respectively. The first and second buttons may each have a sidewall extending from the button top surface through the first and second openings into the convex portion, and a flange extending outward from a portion of the button sidewall located inside the convex portion. The game controller may further include a first biasing component and a second biasing component disposed below the first and second buttons, biasing the first and second buttons in opposite directions at least when pressed, respectively, and a first elastically deformable body and a second elastically deformable body disposed between the flanges of the first and second buttons and a first inner surface, which is an internal surface of the convex portion facing the upper surfaces of the flanges, and allowing the first and second buttons to move in opposite directions from their initial positions.

[0016] According to the game controller described above, the first elastic deformation body and the second elastic deformation body may be fixed to the first inner surface.

[0017] According to the game controller described above, the first elastic deformation body and the second elastic deformation body may be provided closer to the second inner surface, which is the inner surface of the convex portion facing the side wall, than the side wall.

[0018] According to the game controller described above, a portion of the first elastic deformation body and a portion of the second elastic deformation body may protrude from an opening provided in the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion.

[0019] According to the game controller described above, the height of each of the first button and the second button from the first side surface of the button top surface in the initial position may be lower than the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface. The first button and the second button may be configured to be movable up to or higher than the maximum height from the first side surface of the button top surface.

[0020] According to the game controller described above, the height of the top surface of each of the first button and the second button from the first side surface in the initial position may be lower than the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface. The height of the top surface of each of the first button and the second button may be movable up to near the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion.

[0021] According to the game controller described above, the height of each of the first button and the second button from the first side surface of the button top surface in the initial position may be lower than the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface. The first button and the second button may be configured so that the height of the button top surface approaches the bottom of the recess by the magnetic force of the first magnet and the second magnet when the game controller is attached to the main unit.

[0022] According to the game controller described above, the first button and the second button may each be configured to be movable by the magnetic forces of the first magnet and the second magnet until the height of the top surface of the button contacts the bottom of the recess when the game controller is attached to a game device.

[0023] According to the game controller described above, it may further include a raised portion that is integrally formed on the top surface of the convex portion or that is formed by placing a separate part on the top surface of the convex portion, and the maximum height may be the maximum height including the raised portion.

[0024] According to the game controller described above, the convex portion may have a top surface whose width narrows toward the end at least in the end region in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] According to the game controller described above, the height of at least one longitudinal end region of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface may be greater than the height of the regions where the first button and the second button are respectively provided from the first side surface.

[0026] According to the game controller described above, a terminal accommodating portion for accommodating a terminal may be opened on the top surface of the protrusion. The height of the area of the top surface of the protrusion where the terminal accommodating portion opens from the first side surface may be greater than the height of areas where the first button and the second button are provided from the first side surface.

[0027] According to the game controller described above, a terminal accommodating portion for accommodating a terminal may be opened on the top surface of the protrusion. The height of at least one longitudinal end region of the top surface of the protrusion from the first side surface may be greater than the height of the region where the terminal accommodating portion opens from the first side surface.

[0028] According to the game controller described above, the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface may be greater than the depth of the concave portion.

[0029] According to the game controller described above, a device having an engaging element may be detachably attached to the game controller. At least one longitudinal end face of the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion may be provided with an engaging hole with which the engaging element can engage.

[0030] According to the game controller described above, the convex portion may have a first engagement hole on at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a device having a first engagement element corresponding to the first engagement hole may be removably attached.

[0031] According to the game controller described above, the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion may be provided with a second engagement hole on the other longitudinal end surface thereof. A device further including a second engagement element corresponding to the second engagement hole may be removably attached.

[0032] According to the game controller described above, the first engagement hole and the second engagement hole may have different shapes.

[0033] According to the game controller described above, an elastically deformable body may be further provided on the back side of the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion.

[0034] The game controller according to the above may further include an elastically deformable body on an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion, and the elastically deformable body may be provided adjacent to the first side surface.

[0035] The game controller according to the above may further include an operation unit operated by a user, and a pusher that protrudes from a third opening provided on the top surface of the convex portion in response to an operation on the operation unit.

[0036] According to the game controller described above, the operation unit may be provided on the rear surface. The game controller according to the above may further include a protrusion protruding from the rear surface, and the operation unit may be disposed on a surface of the protrusion on the first side surface side.

[0037] According to the game controller described above, the operation direction of the operation portion may be opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion. The operation portion may be buried in the protruding portion when operated.

[0038] According to the game controller described above, the operation direction may be a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion and a direction approaching the rear surface.

[0039] According to the game controller described above, the maximum height of the operation portion from the rear surface may be lower than the maximum height of the protrusion from the rear surface.

[0040] According to the game controller described above, shoulder buttons may be arranged on the protruding portion.

[0041] According to the game controller described above, the operation direction of the operation portion may be opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion.

[0042] In the game controller according to the above, the first button may be located on one end side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the convex portion. The second button may be located on the other end side of the center. The third opening may be provided either on the one end side of the first button or on the other end side of the second button in the longitudinal direction.

[0043] According to the game controller described above, the third opening may be provided above one of the first button and the second button, which is located above when the game controller is attached to a game device and in use.

[0044] According to the game controller described above, the third opening may be provided in a region of the top surface of the convex portion that is highest from the first side surface.

[0045] The game controller according to the above may further include a rotation shaft to which the operation unit is connected, and a pusher actuator connected to the rotation shaft, abutting against the pusher and causing the pusher to protrude in response to an operation on the operation unit.

[0046] According to the game controller described above, the length from the rotation axis to the end of the operation unit may be longer than the distance from the rotation axis to the contact portion between the pusher actuator and the pusher.

[0047] According to the game controller described above, the distance from the rotation axis to the contact portion between the pusher actuator and the pusher may be longer when the amount of protrusion of the pusher is large than when it is small.

[0048] According to the game controller described above, the main unit may further include a main unit terminal provided in the recess. The terminal may be provided between the first button and the second button when viewed from the direction of the top surface of the protrusion, and may be electrically connected to the main unit terminal.

[0049] According to the game controller described above, the upper end of the terminal may be disposed at a position lower in height from the first side surface than the top surface of the protrusion.

[0050] According to the game controller described above, the main unit may further include a main unit terminal provided in the recess. The protrusion may have a fourth opening between the first button and the second button. The game controller may further include a terminal inside the protrusion accessible through the fourth opening that electrically connects to the main unit terminal.

[0051] According to the game controller described above, the main unit may further include a main unit terminal provided in the recess. The protrusion may have a fourth opening, which is an opening of the terminal accommodating portion, between the first button and the second button. The game controller may further include a terminal provided along the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion and electrically connected to the main unit terminal.

[0052] The game controller according to the above may further include a light emitting section on the front side of the outer circumferential surface of the convex section.

[0053] According to the game controller described above, the light emitting portion may be provided between the first button and the second button in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] The game controller according to the above may further include a light emitting portion on the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion on the front side. The light emitting portion may be provided at a position overlapping with the fourth opening in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] According to the game controller described above, the terminal may be provided along the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion, that is, along the inner circumferential surface of the rear side, of the inner circumferential surface of the front side and the inner circumferential surface of the rear side.

[0056] According to the game controller described above, a fifth opening may be provided on the top surface of the convex portion. The game controller may further include a light-emitting unit that emits light outward through the fifth opening, and a light-receiving sensor that detects reflected light of the light-emitting unit that is received through the fifth opening and changes in accordance with relative movement with respect to the ground surface.

[0057] According to the game controller described above, the convex portion may have a first opening and a second opening on the top surface thereof that expose the top surfaces of the first button and the second button, respectively.

[0058] According to the game controller described above, the fifth opening may be provided between the first opening and the second opening.

[0059] According to the game controller described above, the main unit may further include a main unit terminal provided within the recess. A fourth opening may be provided on the top surface of the protrusion between the first button and the second button. The game controller may further include a terminal inside the protrusion accessible through the fourth opening, the terminal electrically connecting to the main unit terminal. A fifth opening may be provided between the first opening and the fourth opening.

[0060] According to the game controller described above, the convex portion may have a sixth opening between the second opening and the fourth opening, which exposes a button to be operated by the user.

[0061] According to the game controller described above, the height of the area of the top surface of the convex portion where the fifth opening is provided from the first side surface may be greater than the height of the area where the first button and the second button are provided from the first side surface.

[0062] The game controller according to the above may further include a mouse sole that is placed on the top surface of the convex portion and that comes into contact with the ground surface when the game controller is placed so that the top surface of the convex portion faces the ground surface.

[0063] The game controller according to the above may further include an operation unit having a through hole in the mouse sole and operated by a user, and a pusher that protrudes from a third opening provided on the top surface of the convex portion in response to an operation on the operation unit. The mouse sole may be placed so that the through hole communicates with the third opening.

[0064] The game controller according to the above may further include a second input unit on a side surface different from the first side surface.

[0065] The game controller according to the above may further include a third input unit on the rear surface. According to the game controller described above, the first input unit may include a cross key or a set of four buttons and a joystick.

[0066] According to the above game controller, the first input unit may include a third button to be pressed by a user and a joystick. The game controller may further include a second input unit on a side surface different from the first side surface.

[0067] According to the game controller described above, when viewed in use with the first side surface facing up, the first button and the second button may be arranged symmetrically, the joystick may be provided to the left of the third button, and the second input unit may be provided on a side surface continuing from the right end of the first side surface.

[0068] According to the game controller described above, when viewed in use with the first side surface facing up, the first button and the second button may be arranged symmetrically, the joystick may be provided to the left of the third button, and the second input unit may be provided on a side surface continuing from the left end of the first side surface.

[0069] According to the game controller described above, the main unit may have a horizontally elongated shape, and may be attached to or detached from a side surface of the main unit with the first side surface facing the side surface of the main unit.

[0070] According to the game controller described above, the recesses may be provided on both the first side surface and the second side surface of the main unit, and the protrusions may be configured to fit into the recesses on the first side surface and the recesses on the second side surface.

[0071] A game controller according to the present disclosure has a recess, a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, and is detachably attached to a main unit capable of executing game processing. The game controller includes an input unit, a protrusion, a first push-down portion, and a second push-down portion. The input unit is provided on the front surface. The protrusion protrudes from a first side surface and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface. The protrusion is configured to fit into the recess. The first push-down portion and the second push-down portion are provided on the top surface of the protrusion along the longitudinal direction. The first push-down portion and the second push-down portion move when pressed by a user. The first push-down portion is magnetically attracted to the first magnet. The second push-down portion is magnetically attracted to the second magnet.

[0072] The game controller according to the present disclosure is removably attached to a game device having a recess and a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess. The game controller includes a first input unit, a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a first button, and a second button. The first input unit is provided on the front. The first protrusion and the second protrusion protrude from a first side surface and are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to fit into the recess.

[0073] The first button is provided on the top surface of the first convex portion. The first button is pressed by a user. The first button is attracted to the first magnet by magnetic force. The second button is provided on the top surface of the second convex portion. The second button is pressed by a user. The second button is attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0074] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a configuration of an example of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the state in which the first game controller and the second game controller are each detached from the main unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the information processing device is held and operated. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the controller is held and operated laterally. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the controller is held and operated vertically. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic assembly perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the main unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the main unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. [Figure 9] 1 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first mode of a first game controller. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a first mode of the first game controller. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the top button (right) is attracted to the first magnetic element. [Figure 14] 3 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a first elastic deformation body. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of a first mode of a game controller. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged schematic view of region XVI in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the game controller attached to the main unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged schematic view of region XVIII in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG. [Figure 21] 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an example of a first terminal. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of a first mode of a game controller. [Figure 23]23 is a cross-sectional view showing only the protrusions taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view showing the game controller used as a mouse. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a mouse is used with both hands. [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic rear view showing the configuration of a first mode of a game controller. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of an example of a pusher operating member. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when an operation unit is being operated. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state before an operation unit is operated. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state when an operation unit is operated. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view showing the state before the first game controller is removed from the main unit. [Figure 33] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view showing a first state in which the first game controller is being removed from the main unit. [Figure 34] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in FIG. 22. [Figure 35] 1 is a schematic diagram of six faces showing the configuration of a first mode of a second game controller. FIG. [Figure 36] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration of an example of a main body device. [Figure 37] 4 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing a connection state of terminals in a first connection state. FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the information processing device in a first connection state. [Figure 39] FIG. 4 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing a terminal arrangement in a first connection state. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing a second example of the connection state of the terminals. [Figure 41]FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the information processing device in a second connection state. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing the terminal arrangement in a second connection state. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the main unit showing the state before the first game controller is removed from the main unit. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the main unit showing a second state in which the first game controller is being removed from the main unit. [Figure 45] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit. [Figure 46] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a second mode of the game controller. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a third embodiment of the game controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] An embodiment of the present disclosure (also referred to as the present embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. [First aspect] <Information processing device> First, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of an information processing device 1000 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 1000 according to this embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1000 according to this embodiment includes a first game controller 1, a second game controller 2, and a main unit 3. Hereinafter, the first game controller 1 or the second game controller 2 will be collectively referred to simply as the game controller. The main unit 3 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, with the top and bottom sides longer than the right and left sides. The main unit 3 is capable of executing game processing. The game processing is executed based on input to the game controllers. The first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are detachable from the main unit 3. In the attached state shown in FIG. 1, the first game controller 1 is attached to the right side of the main unit 3, and the second game controller 2 is attached to the left side of the main unit 3.

[0077] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the state in which the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are detached from the main unit 3. As shown in FIG.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the game controller can be used both when attached to the main unit 3 and when detached from the main unit 3.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 3, when the game controller is attached to the main unit 3, it is used with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4, when the game controller is detached from the main unit 3, it is used with its longitudinal direction oriented horizontally (or, from another perspective, parallel to the ground).

[0080] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are operated by different users.

[0081] In the following description, when referring to the orientation of the game controller (up, down, left, right), the description will be based on the orientation in use when the game controller is detached from the main unit 3 and its longitudinal direction is the left-right direction. On the other hand, in the following description, when referring to the orientation of the main unit 3 and the orientation of the information processing device 1000 with the game controller attached to the main unit 3, the description will be based on the orientation in use when the direction connecting the sides of the game controller attached to the main unit 3 is the left-right direction.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 5, the game controller can also be used with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically (or, from another perspective, perpendicular to the ground) when detached from the main unit 3. In the example shown in Fig. 5, one user operates both the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2. However, each controller may be operated by a different user.

[0083] Hereinafter, the usage state shown in FIG. 3 will be referred to as the integrally held state, the usage state shown in FIG. 4 as the horizontally held state, and the usage state shown in FIG. 5 as the vertically held state.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, the first game controller 1 has a protrusion 100 on an upper side surface 11 that protrudes from the side surface. The upper side surface 11 of the first game controller 1 is a side surface that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first game controller 1. The protrusion 100 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11. Similarly, the second game controller 2 has a protrusion 200 on an upper side surface 211 that protrudes from the side surface and extends in the longitudinal direction of the side surface. The upper side surface 211 of the second game controller 2 is a side surface that extends along the longitudinal direction of the second game controller 2. The protrusion 200 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 211.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the main body device 3 has a recess 310 in the main body right side surface 313. The recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. The recess 310 extends along the up-down direction of the main body right side surface 313. The main body left side surface 314 of the main body device 3 has a recess 320. The recess 320 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body left side surface 314. The recess 320 extends along the up-down direction of the main body left side surface 314 of the main body 3. The recesses 310, 320 are elongated recesses that extend along the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313 or the main body left side surface 314.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the protrusion 100 fits into the recess 310. The first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the upper surface 11 of the first game controller 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the main unit 3, and the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 of the first game controller 1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main unit 3. Similarly, the second game controller 2 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the protrusion 200 fits into the recess 320. The second game controller 2 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the upper surface 211 of the second game controller 2 faces the left side surface 314 of the main unit 3, and the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 211 of the second game controller 2 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the main unit 3.

[0087] The first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 each include a joystick and a set of four buttons, and when attached to the main unit 3, the first game controller 1 is attached so that the four buttons are on the upper side and the joystick is on the lower side. On the other hand, the second game controller 2 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the joystick is on the upper side and the four buttons are on the lower side. <Main unit> As shown in FIG. 1 , a display 305 is provided on a main body front surface 315 of the main body device 3. The display surface of the display 305 is exposed through an opening provided in the main body front surface 315. The display 305 may be placed on the surface of the main body front surface 315. The display 305 may be any display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an OLED. A touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the display 305. Any touch detection method may be adopted for the touch panel. The display 305 displays, for example, an image acquired or generated by the main body device 3. The image may be a still image or a video.

[0088] The main unit 3 has an audio input / output terminal 301. The audio input / output terminal 301 is provided on an upper side surface 316 of the main unit 3. The audio input / output terminal 301 is, for example, an earphone jack. Earphones and a microphone can be attached to the audio input / output terminal 301. The main unit 3 may also have a volume button next to the audio input / output terminal 301. The volume button is a button for issuing an instruction to adjust the volume output by the main unit 3.

[0089] The main unit 3 has a lower terminal 303. The lower terminal 303 is provided on a lower surface 317 of the main unit 3. The lower terminal 303 may be provided at the center in the left-right direction on the lower surface 317 of the main unit. The lower terminal 303 is, for example, a terminal for communicating with an external device. The lower terminal 303 constitutes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. The main unit 3 may receive power from an external source via the lower terminal 303. The main unit 3 may output an image to an external device via the lower terminal 303. When the main unit 3 is placed on a cradle with the lower surface of the main unit facing up, the lower terminal 303 may be connected to a terminal of the cradle.

[0090] These components included in the main unit 3 are merely examples. These components may be provided on other sides of the main unit 3. Multiple components may be provided. For example, the main unit 3 may include an upper terminal 302 on the main unit's upper side 316 in addition to the lower terminal 303. The upper terminal 302 may be provided at a position that is not symmetrical across the main unit's front face 315. The main unit 3 does not need to include these components. The main unit 3 may also include other components in addition to or instead of these components. For example, the main unit 3 may include a power button 307 and a storage medium slot 304 on the main unit's upper side 316. The main unit 3 may execute game processing by executing a game application stored on a storage medium inserted in the storage medium slot 304. The main unit 3 may also have a stand on the rear of the main unit to support the main unit 3. The stand allows the main unit 3 to stand on a surface with the main unit's upper side 316 facing upward. As an example, the stand may be rotatably connected to the main body housing 306 and rotate away from the main body housing 306 when in use.

[0091] Fig. 6 is an assembled perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the main unit 3. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the main unit 3. The main unit 3 also has a similar configuration on the left side.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 6 , a recess 310 is provided on the main body right side surface 313 of the main body device 3. The recess 310 is a recessed portion on the main body right side surface 313. The recess 310 has a bottom surface 3121 and an inner peripheral surface 3120 surrounding the bottom surface 3121. In this embodiment, the portion of the main body housing 306 that forms the right side surface of the main body device 3 is recessed, thereby forming the inner peripheral surface 3120 and a base surface (base surface 311 described below) that serves as the base of the bottom surface. When a cover 338 is placed on the base surface, the surface of the cover 338 forms the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. The cover 338 may be omitted, in which case the bottom surface formed by the main body housing 306 becomes the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6 , the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. The front side edge and the rear side edge of the bottom surface 3121 are each substantially straight and extend substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the upper and lower regions of the bottom surface 3121 each narrow in width toward the end. More specifically, the upper and lower regions of the bottom surface 3121 narrow in width in a curved manner. Note that the upper and lower regions of the bottom surface 3121 may narrow in width in a linear manner. Alternatively, the upper and lower regions of the bottom surface 3121 may have a constant width. Alternatively, only one of the upper and lower regions of the bottom surface 3121 may narrow in width toward the end.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7 , the main device 3 includes a first plug connector 330, a cover 338, a pair of shoulder screws 334, and two magnetic elements 410 and 420 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the recess 310. The first magnetic element 410 is arranged on the upper side, and the second magnetic element 420 is arranged on the lower side. The first magnetic element 410 is arranged in an area above the longitudinal center of the main body right side surface 313, and the second magnetic element 420 is arranged in a lower area. Both the magnetic elements 410 and 420 may be arranged on the upper or lower side. The material of the cover 338 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an insulating material. The material of the cover 338 may also be, for example, a material that is not attracted to a magnet. The material of the cover 338 may be, for example, plastic.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420. The magnetic element is a component that is attracted to a magnet by magnetic force. The magnetic element includes a magnet or a component made of a material that is not a magnet but is attracted to a magnet, such as a soft magnetic material. As shown in FIG. 8, the first magnetic element 410 has a pair of yokes 411 and a magnet 413. That is, the first magnetic element 410 includes a magnet. The material of the magnet 413 is not particularly limited. The magnet 413 is, for example, a neodymium magnet. The material of the yoke 411 is not particularly limited. For example, a soft magnetic material, such as iron, is used as the material of the yoke 411. Note that in another embodiment, the magnetic element 410 may have the magnet 413 without the yoke 411. Alternatively, the magnetic element 410 may have a component made of a soft magnetic material without the magnet 413.

[0096] The magnet 413 is sandwiched between a pair of yokes 411. The magnet 413 and the pair of yokes 411 are fixed together, for example, by adhesive. The magnet 413 is a rectangular parallelepiped. Each of the pair of yokes 411 has a main body 414 and a pair of flanges 415. The magnet 413 is sandwiched between the main body 414. One of the pair of flanges 415 protrudes from a lower region of a surface at one end of the main body 414 (more specifically, a surface at one end in the longitudinal direction of the first main body 414). The other of the pair of first flanges 415 protrudes from a lower region of a surface at the other end of the first main body 414 (more specifically, a surface at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first main body 414). The second magnetic element 420 is configured in a similar manner.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7 , a portion of main body housing 306 that forms the right side surface is recessed, forming base surface 311, which serves as the base for the bottom surface of recess 310, and inner circumferential surface 3120. As described above, the surface of cover 338 placed on base surface 311 constitutes bottom surface 3121. Cover 338 is fixed to base surface 311. The method for fixing cover 338 is not particularly limited. For example, cover 338 may be fixed to base surface 311 with an adhesive. Cover 338 may also be fixed to base surface 311 with adhesive tape. When adhesive or adhesive tape is used, the material is not limited. For example, it may be an insulating material or a material that is not attracted to a magnet. In this embodiment, the shape of base surface 311 and the shape of cover 338 are substantially the same. In other embodiments, the shape of base surface 311 and the shape of cover 338 may be different. As an example, the cover 338 may have a shape that covers at least the first magnetic element 410, the second magnetic element 420, the first hole 401, and the second hole 402. The cover 338 may also include multiple cover components, rather than just one. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 3120 surrounds the entire periphery of the base surface 311, but this does not necessarily mean that the cover 338 does not need to surround the entire periphery. The inner circumferential surface 3120 is continuous with the base surface 311 and the main body right side surface 313. The upper end of the inner circumferential surface 3120 (the right end in the main body device 3) is connected to the main body right side surface 313. From another perspective, the recess 310 is recessed further than the main body right side surface 313. In this embodiment, the shape of the inner circumferential surface 3120 is roughly the outer circumferential surface of a truncated pyramid with the bottom surface 3121 as the upper base. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 3120 widens from the bottom surface toward the upper end. As will be described later, the longitudinal end regions may be rounded. From another perspective, when the recess 310 is viewed from the opening side (i.e., the right side), the bottom surface 3121 and the inner peripheral surface 3120 surrounding the bottom surface 3121 are visible. In another embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 3120 may extend parallel to the left-right direction. The shape of the recess 310 is not limited to the outer peripheral surface shape of a truncated pyramid. For example, the shape of the recess 310 may be the outer peripheral surface shape of a truncated cone or the outer peripheral surface shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The opposite side of the main device 3 is configured in the same way.

[0098] The base surface 311 has a first hole 401 and a second hole 402 for accommodating the magnetic elements 410 and 420. The first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. That is, the first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the base surface 311. As will be described in detail later, the first game controller 1 also has magnetic elements, and the magnetic elements on the first game controller 1 side are attracted to the magnetic elements 410 and 420, thereby attaching the game controller to the main body 3. When all or part of the magnetic elements 410 and 420 enter the holes 401 and 402 from inside the main body housing 306, the distance between the magnetic elements on the first game controller 1 side attached to the main body 3 and the magnetic elements 410 and 420 becomes shorter, thereby increasing the magnetic force of attraction.

[0099] A portion of the first magnetic element 410 above the flange portion 415 is accommodated in the first hole 401. The top surface of the first magnetic element 410 is substantially flush with the base surface 311. A portion of the first magnetic element 410 that is not accommodated in the first hole 401 (i.e., the flange portion 415 and the portion of the main body portion 414 below the upper end of the flange portion 415) is located inside the main body housing 306. The length of the portion of the first magnetic element 410 including the flange portion 415 is longer than the length of the opening of the first hole 401 on the inside side of the main body housing 305. Therefore, the flange portion 415 prevents the first magnetic element 410 from entirely entering the first hole 401 and from falling out of the main body housing 306. The top surface of the first magnetic element 410 may be recessed from the base surface 311. Alternatively, the top surface of the first magnetic element 410 may protrude from the base surface 311. The same is true for the second magnetic element 420.

[0100] The first magnetic element 410, the second magnetic element 420, the first hole 401, and the second hole 402 are covered by the cover 338. That is, the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 are covered by the cover 338 that forms the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. In this embodiment, as an aspect in which the magnetic element is provided at the bottom of the recess 310, the magnetic element is buried in the bottom of the recess 310 by the cover 338. As another aspect in which the magnetic element is provided at the bottom of the recess 310, the magnetic element may be disposed on the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. Furthermore, the magnetic element may be disposed in an exposed manner on the surface or in a recessed position of a hole provided in the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. By covering the first magnetic element 410, the second magnetic element 420, the first hole 401, and the second hole 402 together with the base surface 311 with the cover 338, for example, it is possible to prevent an object that is attracted to a magnet from unintentionally being attracted directly to the first magnetic element 410 or the second magnetic element 420 or from entering the first hole 401 or the second hole 402. Furthermore, even if such an object is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 across the cover 338, it is possible to move such an object along the cover 338 in a direction away from the first magnetic element 410. By being sufficiently far away from the first magnetic element 410, it is possible to easily move such an object in a direction away from the cover 338.

[0101] The second magnetic element 420 has a similar configuration to the first magnetic element 410. Similarly to the first magnetic element 410, the second magnetic element 420 is partially housed in the second hole 402. The magnetic elements 430 and 440 provided in the recess 320 on the left side surface and the holes in which the magnetic elements 430 and 440 are respectively housed also have a similar configuration.

[0102] 7, the first plug connector 330 has a support portion 333, a first tongue body 332 protruding from the support portion 333, and a main body first terminal 331 provided along the surface of the first tongue body 332. The support portion 333 and the first tongue body 332 may be integral or separate.

[0103] The first plug connector 330 is provided between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313, as viewed from the bottom of the recess 310. Therefore, the main body first terminal 331 is provided between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. Furthermore, the tip of the first tongue body 332 (the right end of the first tongue body 332) does not protrude from the recess 310. In other words, the first tongue body 332 does not protrude outward from the main body right side surface 313, and is provided within the recess 310. Therefore, the main body first terminal 331 provided on the first tongue body 332 is also provided within the recess 310. Note that in another aspect, the first tongue body 332 and the main body first terminal 331 may protrude higher than the main body right side surface 313.

[0104] The first plug connector 330 is attached to the base surface 311 by a pair of shoulder screws 334. By attaching the first plug connector 330 to the base surface 311 using the pair of shoulder screws 334, the first plug connector 330 can move slightly relative to the base surface 311. In other words, the first plug connector 330 is a floating connector. Because the first plug connector 330 is a floating connector, it is easy to maintain the connector connection even if the first game controller 1 attached to the main unit 3 moves slightly relative to the main unit 3. The first plug connector 330 may be freely movable around the axial direction of the shoulder screws 334, or may be movable in the axial direction. The pair of shoulder screws 334 and the support portion 333 are covered by a cover 338. The first tongue body 332 and the main unit first terminal 331 are exposed by passing through a through hole 337 provided in the cover 338. <controller> 9 is a schematic diagram of six faces showing the configuration of the first mode of the first game controller 1. The second game controller 2 will be described later.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 9 , the first game controller 1 of this embodiment has, on its front surface, a joystick 31 (an example of a directional input unit), a set of four buttons 32, a + button 33(1), and a home button 33(2). The set of four buttons 32 are arranged in a cross shape, but may be arranged in other ways. The first game controller 1 also has a top button (right) 110, a top button (left) 120, a synchronization button 50, a shoulder button (right) 130, and a Z shoulder button (right) 140. As will be described in detail later, the top button (right) 110, the top button (left) 120, and the synchronization button 50 are provided on the protrusion 100. These are examples of input units, and it is not necessary to have all of them. The first game controller 1 may have other input units, such as a touchpad or a pressure sensor, instead of or in addition to these input units.

[0106] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, operation information from the input unit is transmitted to the main unit first terminal 331 of the main unit 3 through the first terminal 160 (described later), and the information is processed by the CPU of the main unit 3 according to a program. In a usage mode in which the game controller is not attached to the main unit 3, operation information from the input unit is transmitted to the CPU of the main unit 3 via a wireless chip provided in the game controller and a wireless chip provided in the main unit 3. The information processing device 1000 does not need to include the first terminal 160 and the main unit first terminal 331, in which case information is transmitted via the wireless chip even when the game controller is attached to the main unit 3.

[0107] As shown in Figure 9, the first game controller 1 has a front surface 15, a rear surface 16, an upper surface 11, a right side surface 12, a lower surface 13, and a left side surface 14. The front surface 15 is the surface that faces the user using the first game controller 1 when the controller is held in a unitary grip state, a horizontally held state, or a vertically held state. The rear surface 16 is located on the opposite side of the front surface 15. The front surface 15 and the rear surface 16 are connected to the upper surface 11, the right side surface 12, the lower surface 13, and the left side surface 14, respectively.

[0108] The normal direction of the upper surface 11 is also referred to as the first direction R1. The first direction R1 is the direction in which the convex portion 100 protrudes, and is also referred to as the upper side, convex direction, or upward direction. The convex portion 100 is located on the first direction R1 side of the upper surface 11. The direction opposite to the first direction R1 is also referred to as the third direction R3. The third direction R3 is also referred to as the lower side or downward direction. The first direction R1 and the third direction R3 are collectively referred to as the up-down direction.

[0109] The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and toward the right side surface 12 is also referred to as the second direction R2. The second direction R2 is also referred to as the right side or rightward direction. The direction opposite the second direction R2 is also referred to as the fourth direction R4. The fourth direction R4 is also referred to as the left side or leftward direction. The second direction R2 and the fourth direction R4 are collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0110] The normal direction of the front surface 15 is also referred to as the fifth direction R5. The fifth direction R5 is also referred to as the front side or front direction. The opposite direction to the fifth direction is also referred to as the sixth direction R6. The sixth direction R6 is also referred to as the rear side or rear direction. The fifth direction R5 and the sixth direction R6 are collectively referred to as the front-to-rear direction.

[0111] As described above, the upper side surface 11 is located on the upward side of the front surface. The upper side surface 11 is a side surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the left-right direction of the front surface 15. The upper side surface 11 extends in the left-right direction. The lower side surface 13 is located opposite the upper side surface 11. The lower side surface 13 is on the third direction R3 side of the upper side surface 11. The lower side surface 13 extends in the left-right direction. The right side surface 12 is connected to the right end of the upper side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the upper side surface 11. The end of the right side surface far from the upper side surface 11 is connected to the right end of the lower side surface 13. The left side surface 14 is connected to the left end of the upper side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the upper side surface 11. The end of the left side surface far from the upper side surface 11 is connected to the left end of the lower side surface 13. The right side surface is on the second direction R2 side of the left side surface.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 9, on the front surface 15 of the first controller, from right to left, there are provided a + button 33(1), a set of four buttons 32, a joystick 31, and a home button 33(2). The set of four buttons 32 and the joystick 31 are adjacent to each other. In the vertical direction, the joystick 31 is located between the upper and lower buttons of the set of four buttons 32. In the horizontal direction, the joystick 31 is located approximately on an extension of a straight line connecting the right button and the left button of the set of four buttons 32.

[0113] The joystick 31 is tiltable in 360 degrees and may be tiltable in any direction including the first direction R1 to the fourth direction R4. The joystick 31 may be tiltable in only some directions. The joystick 31 may be pushable. Instead of tilting, the joystick 31 may be slidable in each direction. The main unit 3 may perform processing in accordance with a signal indicating the operation direction in a program executed in response to a user's operation of the joystick 31. Note that the game controller may have another input unit as a direction input unit instead of or in addition to the joystick 31. For example, it may have a cross key or buttons arranged in a cross shape.

[0114] In the executed program, the main unit 3 may perform a predetermined process corresponding to the pressing of the + button 33(1) and the set of four buttons 32. The main unit 3 may call up a home menu in response to an input to the home button 33(2).

[0115] The right shoulder button 130 is a button that is used, for example, in the integrally held state, and is a button that is located in the upper right portion of the first game controller 1 in the integrally held state. The right shoulder button 130 may also be used in the vertically held state. The right shoulder button 130 has a curved operation surface. The right shoulder button 130 extends in a direction away from the upper side surface 11. The right shoulder button 130 is provided approximately in a portion that would be the lower right portion of the first game controller 1 in the horizontally held state. At least a portion of the right shoulder button 130 may be provided on the right side surface 12. The operation surface of the right shoulder button 130 curves approximately along the lower right portion of the first game controller 1. The main unit 3 performs a predetermined process in a program that is being executed in response to the pressing of the right shoulder button.

[0116] The right Z shoulder button 140 is a button that is used, for example, in a state where the game controller is held as one unit, and is provided on the back side of the right shoulder button 130. The right Z shoulder button 140 may also be used in a state where the game controller is held vertically. The right Z shoulder button 140 has a curved operation surface. The right shoulder button 130 extends in a direction away from the upper surface 11. The right Z shoulder button 140 is provided approximately in a portion that would be the lower right part of the first game controller 1 when the game controller is held horizontally. At least a portion of the right Z shoulder button 140 may be provided on the right surface 12. At least a portion of the right Z shoulder button 140 may be provided on the back surface 16. The operation surface of the right Z shoulder button 140 curves approximately along the lower right part of the first game controller 1. The entire right Z shoulder button 140 may also be provided on the back surface. The main unit 3 performs a predetermined process in a program that is being executed in response to the pressing of the right Z shoulder button 140.

[0117] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the first mode of the first game controller 1. Fig. 11 is an exploded schematic perspective view including the protrusion 100.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the components already described, the first game controller 1 has a light emitting unit 150 that notifies the identification number of the game controller, a first terminal 160 that is connected to the main body first terminal 331 of the main body device 3, a mouse sensor opening 170 that guides light to a mouse operation sensor 174 described later, a mouse sole 191, a mouse sole 192, and an operation unit 182 that constitutes a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 100 from the main body device 3.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 10 , the protrusion 100 protrudes upward from the upper surface 11. From another perspective, the protrusion 100 protrudes from the upper surface 11 in the first direction R1. The protrusion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 (i.e., the length in the longitudinal direction is longer than in other directions). Note that the protrusion 100 does not have to extend in a manner that strictly coincides with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11, as long as it extends along the longitudinal direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Note that the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100 does not have to strictly coincide with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The protrusion 100 is an elongated protrusion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Note that the protrusion 200 of the second controller 2 also has a configuration similar to the protrusion 100. The following description will focus on the configuration of the convex portion 100 of the first controller 1.

[0120] The protrusion 100 has a top surface (hereinafter also referred to as the top surface 106) and a peripheral surface (hereinafter also referred to as the outer peripheral surface 107) extending downward from the top surface. The top surface 106 is spaced apart from the upper side surface 11. The outer peripheral surface 107 is provided between the top surface 106 and the upper side surface 11 and extends from the top surface 106 to the upper side surface 11. The outer peripheral surface 107 is continuous with the top surface 106 so as to surround the outer edge of the top surface 106. The top surface 106 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11. When viewed from the direction of the top surface 106, the protrusion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11. The length of the top surface 106 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the top surface 106 in the front-to-rear direction. The surface of the top surface 106 may or may not be flat, for example, by applying a textured finish.

[0121] In this embodiment, the protrusion 100 has a truncated pyramid shape whose cross section becomes smaller toward the top surface 106. As will be described later, the end regions in the longitudinal direction may be rounded. From another perspective, when the protrusion 100 is viewed from the top surface 106 side (i.e., from above), the top surface 106 and the outer peripheral surface 107 surrounding the top surface 106 are visible. The shape of the protrusion 100 is not limited to a truncated pyramid. As an example, the protrusion 100 may be a truncated cone or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0122] The left-right length of the protrusion 100 (i.e., the length in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100) may be, for example, two or more times the length of the protrusion 100 in the front-to-rear direction, or five or more times the length. The left-to-right length of the protrusion 100 may be, for example, 50% or more of the length of the upper side surface 11 in the left-to-right direction, or 70% or more of the length. The left-to-right length of the protrusion 100 may be, for example, 25 times or less, or 15 times or less the length of the protrusion 100 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0123] By increasing the horizontal length of convex portion 100, the horizontal length of the top surfaces (operation surfaces) of upper button (right) 110 and upper button (left) 120 can be increased, improving operability. It also becomes easy to arrange mouse sensor opening 170, mouse soles 191, 192, etc. on the top surfaces of convex portion 100.

[0124] 10 , the protrusion 100 is sandwiched between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62 that make up the controller housing 10. The upper surface 11 is provided with a housing opening 17 that is formed by the end face of the front housing 61 and the end face of the rear housing 62. The protrusion 100 protrudes from inside the controller housing 10, penetrating the housing opening 17.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 11 , the protrusion 100 has a protrusion flange 19. The protrusion flange 19 extends outward (more specifically, in the left-right and front-rear directions) from the lower end of the wall portion that constitutes the outer circumferential surface 107. The region of the protrusion 100 above the protrusion flange 19 is exposed from the housing opening 17. The lower region of the protrusion 100, including the protrusion flange 19, is located inside the controller housing 10. The protrusion flange 19 functions to prevent the protrusion 100 from coming off. Note that in another embodiment, the protrusion 100 may be composed of multiple parts. Also, in another embodiment, the protrusion 100 may be part of the controller housing 10. For example, the protrusion 100 may be formed by at least one of the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62.

[0126] The protrusion 100 is configured to fit into the recess 310 from the front side of the recess (toward the right side of the main unit 3). The shape of the protrusion 100 is configured to match the shape of the recess 310. From another perspective, the top surface 106 and outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion are compatible with the shapes of the bottom surface 3121 and inner peripheral surface 3120 of the recess 310. When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the top surface 106 abuts against or faces closely to the bottom surface 3121, and the outer peripheral surface 107 abuts against or faces closely to the inner peripheral surface 3120. Therefore, for example, when a user attaches the first game controller 1 to the main unit 3, the first game controller 1 is guided to an appropriate attachment position. Furthermore, for example, the first game controller 1 attached to the main unit 3 is prevented from shifting in position in the up-down or front-back directions on the main unit 3. As an example, in the integrally held state, even if a force is applied to the game controller in the front-back or up-down direction in response to an operation input by the user, the game controller is prevented from shifting significantly in position relative to the main unit 3.

[0127] It should be noted that the shape of the protrusion 100 and the shape of the recess 310 do not need to strictly match. For example, in this embodiment, the shape of the protrusion 100 and the shape of the recess 310 do not strictly match. For example, in this embodiment, the angle of inclination of the outer peripheral surface 107 relative to the top surface 106 and the angle of inclination of the inner peripheral surface 3120 relative to the bottom surface 3121 are different. Specifically, the angle of inclination of the outer peripheral surface 107 relative to the top surface 106 is smaller than the angle of inclination of the inner peripheral surface 3120 relative to the bottom surface 3121. This creates clearance when fitting the protrusion 100 into the recess 310, allowing for some leeway in the approach angle. It should be noted that the angle of inclination of the outer peripheral surface 107 relative to the top surface 106 and the angle of inclination of the inner peripheral surface 3120 relative to the bottom surface 3121 may be the same. Furthermore, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the top surface 106 and the bottom surface 3121, and the outer surface 107 and the inner surface 3120 do not necessarily have to be in contact at all times, or they may always be in contact.

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the width of the protrusion 100 in the front-to-rear direction decreases toward the longitudinal ends. From another perspective, the width of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 decreases toward the longitudinal ends in a region including at least the longitudinal ends (hereinafter referred to as the end region). As an example, the longitudinal ends of the protrusion 100 are rounded. Therefore, when the first game controller 1 is attached at an angle to the main unit 3 (i.e., when the first game controller 1 is attached with the upper surface 11 (the side on which the protrusion 100 is located) tilted relative to the right side of the main unit 3), the narrow end is inserted into the recess 310 first. This makes it easier to attach the first game controller 1. Note that the protrusion 100 may have a bulging region in which the width in the front-to-rear direction increases in a region other than the longitudinal end region. Furthermore, only one of the longitudinal ends of the first protrusion 100 (for example, only the end that is on the lower side when attached) may be rounded.

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 , the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100 has a first engagement hole 193 and a second engagement hole 194 on each of its longitudinal end faces. The first engagement hole 193 is provided on the first end face of the protrusion 100. The second engagement hole 194 is provided on the second end face of the protrusion 100. The shape of the first engagement hole 193 is different from the shape of the second engagement hole 194. The length of the first engagement hole 193 may be different from the length of the second engagement hole 194 in the front-rear direction. The length of the first engagement hole 193 may be different from the length of the second engagement hole 194 in the up-down direction.

[0130] A peripheral device (not shown) is detachably attached to the first game controller 1. For example, a strap attachment consisting of a strap worn around the wrist when using the first game controller 1 and a housing to which the strap is connected is provided. Such a peripheral device is provided with a recess similar to recess 310 of the main unit 3. A magnetic element may be provided within the recess. With this configuration, the peripheral device is attached to the first game controller 1 (similar to the main unit 3). Here, by providing an engaging element corresponding to first engaging hole 193 on the inner circumferential surface of one end of the peripheral device's recess in the longitudinal direction and / or by providing an engaging element corresponding to second engaging hole 194 on the inner circumferential surface of the other end, the peripheral device can be firmly attached to the first game controller 1. Note that the peripheral device does not need to have a magnetic element; in that case, attachment can be achieved using the engaging hole and engaging element.

[0131] Furthermore, since the engagement holes 193, 194 are located on the longitudinal end faces, when the first game controller 1 is inserted obliquely into the recess of the peripheral device from the engagement holes 193, 194, the peripheral device can be easily attached to the first game controller 1 while engaging the engagement elements with the engagement holes. In particular, when the longitudinal end of the protrusion 100 is rounded, it is easy to insert the longitudinal end into the recess. Furthermore, if the first engagement hole 193 and the second engagement hole 194 have different shapes, it is possible to make it possible to attach the first game controller 1 only in a specific direction (or make it difficult to attach in other directions) depending on the shape of the engagement elements on the peripheral device. The first engagement hole 193 and the second engagement hole 194 may have the same shape. The first game controller 1 may also have only one of the first engagement hole 193 and the second engagement hole 194. In other embodiments, the first game controller 1 may not have an engagement hole, or may have an engagement element. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body device 3 does not have an engaging element, but in other aspects, the main body device 3 may have an engaging element.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are provided on the convex portion 100. The top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are buttons that are pressed by the user and are components that move downward when pressed. A ground connection part 51 is connected to the underside of the top surface button (right) 110. A tactile switch 117 is provided below the top surface button (right) 110. When the top surface button (right) 110 moves downward when pressed by the user, the tactile switch 117 is pressed by the top surface button (right) 110. The top surface button (right) 110 and the tactile switch 117 form a button switch. The top surface button (left) 120 and the tactile switch 127 form a button switch.

[0133] The top surface button (right) 110 is exposed from a first opening 197 provided in the top surface 106. The exposed portions of the top surface buttons 110 and 120 (110 and 120 in FIG. 9) form operation units that are pressed by the user. A ground connection unit 53 is connected to the underside of the top surface button (left) 120. A tactile switch 127 is provided on the underside of the top surface button (left) 120. The tactile switch 127 is pressed by the top surface button (left) 120. The on signals of the tactile switch 117 and the tactile switch 127 are transmitted to the main device 3, and a process corresponding to the pressing of the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 is performed in the program that is executed.

[0134] The synchronization button 50 is provided on the protrusion 100. The synchronization button 50 is pressed by the user. The synchronization button 50 is provided between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. More specifically, the synchronization button 50 is provided between the first terminal 160 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. The synchronization button 50 may be used to instruct setting processing related to wireless communication between the first game controller 1 and the main unit 3.

[0135] The first game controller 1 has a terminal accommodating portion 167. The first terminal 160 is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion 167. The first terminal 160 extends in the vertical direction. A terminal opening 196 is provided in the top surface 106. The terminal accommodating portion 167 communicates with the terminal opening 196. In other words, the terminal accommodating portion 167 opens to the top surface 106. Therefore, the first terminal 160 is accessible from outside the top surface 106.

[0136] The terminal opening 196 is provided on the top surface 106 between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120. Therefore, the terminal accommodating portion 167 opens on the top surface 106 between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120. The first terminal 160 is provided between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. Note that it is sufficient that at least a portion of the first terminal 160 is between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the left-right direction, and it is not necessary for it to be between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the front-rear direction or the up-down direction. From another perspective, the terminal is provided between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 when viewed from the direction of the top surface of the convex portion 100. The first terminal 160 is provided inside the protrusion 100. The first terminal 160 is arranged so that, in the protruding direction of the protrusion 100, at least its upper end is not higher than the top surface 106 or is lower than the top surface 106. The upper end of the first terminal 160 may be provided between the top surface 106 and the upper side surface 11. The lower end of the first terminal 160 may be arranged lower than the upper side surface 11, i.e., inside the controller housing 10.

[0137] The mouse operation sensor 174 is provided in a housing that opens at a mouse sensor opening 170 provided in the top surface 106. The mouse sensor opening 170 is provided between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the mouse sensor opening 170 is provided between the first terminal 160 and the top surface button (right) 110 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0138] The light-emitting unit 150 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the light-emitting unit 150 is provided on the front side of the outer peripheral surface 107. From another perspective, the area of the outer peripheral surface 107 where the light-emitting unit 150 is provided faces the front side. When the user looks at the front surface 15 of the first game controller 1, the user can see the light from the light-emitting unit 150. The light-emitting unit 150 typically emits light emitted by an LED to the outside.

[0139] The light-emitting unit 150 can notify the user of predetermined information. When the main unit 3 communicates with multiple game controllers, the light-emitting unit 150 may display information identifying each game controller to the user. The light-emitting unit 150 may display other information to the user. The number of light-emitting units 150 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, four. In this embodiment, the four light-emitting units 150 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. For example, of the four light-emitting units 150, a portion or number of light-emitting units 150 may light up according to the identification number assigned to the game controller.

[0140] The light emitting section 150 is provided between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The light emitting section 150 is provided between the synchronization button 50 and the mouse sensor opening 170 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The light emitting section 150 is provided at a position overlapping with the first terminal 160 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. From another perspective, the light emitting section 150 is located below the terminal opening 196 when viewed from the front side.

[0141] A first mouse sole 191 and a second mouse sole 192 are placed on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The height of the top surface of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 from the upper side surface 11 is higher than the height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 from the upper side surface 11. From another perspective, the mouse soles 191 and 192 raise the height of the top surface of the convex portion 100. Note that the mouse soles 191 and 192 may be omitted.

[0142] The first game controller 1 can be used as a mouse by placing it so that the top surface of the protrusion 100 faces a surface such as a desk. In this case, the mouse soles 191 and 192 themselves come into contact with the surface, preventing the portion of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 that does not have the mouse soles from directly contacting the surface. Furthermore, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the top surfaces of the mouse soles 191 and 192 come into contact with the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310.

[0143] In terms of height from the upper side surface 11, the height of the top surfaces of the mouse soles 191 and 192 is equal to or higher than the maximum height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. From another perspective, the top surfaces of the mouse soles 191 and 192 are located at the uppermost positions on the first game controller 1. The shape of the mouse sole 191 is not particularly limited and may be any shape, such as circular, elliptical, or rectangular. The mouse sole 191 may have a through-hole. The mouse sole 191 and the mouse sole 192 may have the same shape or different shapes.

[0144] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the mouse sole 191 is located closer to the right side surface 12 than the top surface button (right) 110. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the top surface button (right) 110 is located between the first terminal 160 and the mouse sole 191. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the top surface button (right) 110 is located between the mouse sensor opening 170 and the mouse sole 191.

[0145] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the mouse sole 192 is located closer to the left side surface 14 than the top surface button (left) 120. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the top surface button (left) 120 is located between the first terminal 160 and the mouse sole 192. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the top surface button (left) 120 is located between the synchronization button 50 and the mouse sole 192.

[0146] In the first game controller 1, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the controller housing 10. As an example, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the upper side surface 11. As another example, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the protrusion 100. As another example, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the terminal opening 196. In this embodiment, the center of the controller housing 10, the center of the upper side surface 11, the center of the protrusion 100, and the center of the terminal opening 196 coincide with each other in the left-right direction. In other embodiments, all or some of these central positions may be different.

[0147] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 10. The structure of the top button (right) 110 and its surroundings will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the structure of the top button (left) 120 and its surroundings is substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction to the structure of the top button (right) 110 and its surroundings.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 12 , the portion of the top button (right) 110 that is exposed from the top surface of the convex portion 100 forms an operation surface 115, which is the surface operated by the user. The top button (right) 110 has a main body 114 including the operation surface 115, a side wall 118, a flange 113, a first protrusion 111, and a second protrusion 112. The operation surface 115 extends along the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100 on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the operation surface 115 is the left-right direction. From another perspective, the longitudinal direction of the operation surface 115 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0149] In this embodiment, the top button (right) 110 is a single component, and is entirely made of a material that is not a magnet but is attracted to a magnet. The material of the top button (right) 110 is not particularly limited, but may be made of a soft magnetic material. The material of the top button (right) 110 may be, for example, iron, and as an example, cold-rolled steel plate (SPCC). The material of the top button (right) 110 may also contain iron. As an example, the material of the top button (right) 110 may be, for example, iron with added silicon and / or nickel. As an example, the top button (right) 110 may be a single component in which resin is molded into a soft magnetic material.

[0150] In another embodiment, the top button (right) 110 may be made of a magnet, or may be made of a combination of a magnet and a soft magnetic material.

[0151] In another embodiment, only a portion of the top button (right) 110 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. In this case, at least the portion exposed from the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. Also, at least the portion forming the operation surface 115 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. Note that the top button (right) 110 may not include a magnet, and only a portion of it may be made of a soft magnetic material.

[0152] In another embodiment, the top button (right) 110 may be composed of multiple components, at least some of which may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. In this case, the multiple components constituting the top button (right) 110 are fixed to each other by adhesive or crimping, and are movable as a unit. Of the multiple components, at least the components exposed from the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. Also, the components forming the operation surface 115 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. In another embodiment, a component made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material may be arranged on the back side of the component exposed from the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, so that it moves integrally with the component exposed from the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. Also, a component made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material may be arranged on the back side of the component forming the operation surface 115, so that it moves integrally with the component forming the operation surface 115. In this case, the component forming the operation surface 115 does not have to be made of a soft magnetic material. Also, a component made of a magnet or soft magnetic material may be fixed to the surface of the operation surface 115. The top button (right) 110 may not include a magnet, but may be composed of multiple components, at least some of which may be made of soft magnetic material.

[0153] As an example, the top button (right) 110 may include a first component (roughly shaped like component 110 shown in FIG. 11 ) having a main body having an operation surface, a sidewall extending from the main body into the controller housing, and a flange extending outward from the sidewall, and a second component arranged so that the top and sides are surrounded by the first component (in other words, arranged inside the first component). The second component is configured to move integrally with the first component. This may be achieved by, for example, gluing the second component to the first component. Alternatively, for example, a cover may be placed on the bottom end of the first component and the second component may be arranged in the space surrounded by the first component and the cover. Both the first component and the second component may be made of soft magnetic materials or magnets. The thickness of the first component may be thinner than the thickness of the second component. The shape of the portion including the operation surface may be defined by the thin first component, and a block-shaped second component, for example, may be arranged inside the first component to strengthen the magnetic force. The first component may be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin.

[0154] As another example, the top button (right) 110 may have a first component having a rectangular cylindrical shape, part of the outer peripheral surface of which constitutes the operation surface, a second component disposed inside the first component, and a flange component provided so as to extend outward from the cylindrical opening of the first component. Both the first component and the second component may be soft magnetic materials or magnets. The thickness of the first component may be thinner than the thickness of the second component. The flange component may be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin. The first component may also be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin.

[0155] The rest of the multiple components may be made of a non-magnetic material, a soft magnetic material, or a magnet. Also, the operation surface 115 of the top button (right) 110 may be covered with a non-magnetic sheet or the like, or may be coated with a non-magnetic paint.

[0156] In all of the above-described embodiments, a magnet or soft magnetic material is included in at least a portion of the top button (right) 110 or the top button (left) 120. As a result, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the magnet or soft magnetic material of the first game controller 1 is positioned close to the magnetic elements 410, 420 of the main unit 3, making it possible to attach the first game controller 1 to the main unit 3 with a strong magnetic force.

[0157] If the top surface buttons 110, 120 did not include a magnet or soft magnetic material, it would be necessary to provide a separate magnetic element on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 or the upper surface 11 of the first game controller 1 that is magnetically attracted to the magnetic elements 410, 420 provided in the recess 310 of the main unit 3. In this case, however, the size and position of the operation surfaces of the top surface buttons 110, 120 would be limited. In other words, the operation surfaces of the top surface buttons 110, 120 would need to avoid positions corresponding to the magnetic elements 410, 420 provided in the recess 310. By including a magnetic element in the top surface buttons 110, 120 as described above, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the position and size of the operation surfaces of the top surface buttons 110, 120 while taking operability into consideration.

[0158] In this embodiment, the top buttons 110 and 120 are made of a soft magnetic material. That is, the top buttons 110 and 120 do not include a magnet. However, because the magnetic elements 410 and 420 of the main unit 3 include magnets, the top buttons 110 and 120 are attracted to the magnetic elements. Because the top buttons 110 and 120 are provided on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, there is a possibility that the top buttons 110 and 120 may come into proximity with or come into contact with objects around the first game controller 1 when the first game controller 1 is detached from the main unit 3. In this case, because the top buttons 110 and 120 do not include a magnet, they will not unintentionally attract surrounding objects that are attracted to the magnet. On the other hand, the magnetic elements 410 and 420 of the main unit 3 are provided at the bottom of the recess 310. Therefore, even if there is an object around the main unit 3 that is attracted to a magnet, the distance from the right side surface 313 of the main unit to the bottom of the recess 310 keeps the top buttons 110 and 120 away from such an object, preventing them from unintentionally attracting surrounding objects. In addition, the right side surface 313 of the main body surrounding the recess 310 prevents such objects from entering the recess 310.

[0159] The operation surface 115 is an operation surface for the top surface button (right) 110, which is exposed from the first opening 197 and is pressed by the user. The operation surface 115 faces the first direction R1. The operation surface 115 extends in the left-right direction. The length of the operation surface 115 in the left-right direction may be 10% or more, or 20% or more, of the length of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the length of the operation surface 115 in the left-right direction may be 10% or more, or 20% or more, of the length of the upper side surface 11 of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction.

[0160] 12, a tactile switch 117 is provided below the first protrusion 111. The tactile switch 117 is disposed on a flexible printed circuit 90 (hereinafter also referred to as FPC 90). The upper part of the tactile switch 117 is a leaf spring.

[0161] When the top button (right) 110 is not pressed by the user, the first protrusion 111 is supported from below by the tactile switch 117. When the top button (right) 110 is pressed by the user, the top button (right) 110 moves downward from its initial position. The first protrusion 111 of the top button (right) 110, which is moving downward, presses the upper part of the tactile switch 117. When pressed, the upper part of the tactile switch 117 deforms so that it sinks downward. This turns on a switch inside the tactile switch. When the user releases the top button (right) 110, the upper part of the tactile switch 117 returns to its original shape. The return of the shape of the upper part of the tactile switch 117 pushes the first protrusion 111 back upward. Therefore, the top button (right) 110 returns to its initial position. That is, when the top surface button (right) 110 is pressed, the tactile switch 117 biases the top surface button (right) 110 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. Note that the tactile switch 117 may bias the top surface button (right) 110 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction even when the top surface button (right) 110 is not pressed.

[0162] In another embodiment, the top button (right) 110 may be biased upward by a biasing body such as a spring. That is, the top button (right) 110 may be biased upward by a biasing body such as a spring and separated from the tactile switch 117 at least when pressed by the user (which may also include when not pressed by the user). In another embodiment, a rubber switch may be used instead of the tactile switch 117.

[0163] The second protrusions 112 protrude from the rear surface of the main body 114 in the third direction R3. The number of second protrusions 112 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, two second protrusions 112 are provided on either side of the first protrusion 111 in the left-right direction. A ground electrode is provided below the second protrusions 112 on the FPC 90. A ground connection portion 51 is provided between the second protrusions 112 and the ground electrode in the up-down direction. The ground connection portion 51 is conductive. The shape and material of the ground connection portion 51 are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is an iron coil spring. The upper end of the ground connection portion 51 contacts the rear surface of the main body 114 and is electrically connected to the main body. The lower end of the second protrusion 112 is surrounded by the ground connection portion 51, which is a coil spring. The lower end of the ground connection portion 51 contacts the ground electrode. The method of fixing the ground connection portion 51 is not particularly limited, but it may be fixed to the ground electrode by soldering. On the other hand, the upper end of the ground connection portion 51 does not have to be fixed to the back surface of the main body portion 114. However, the ground connection portion 51 may be assembled in a compressed state so that it is always in contact with the back surface of the main body portion 114 even if the main body portion 114 moves up and down. Also, the ground connection portion 51 may be connected to a ground electrode of an electronic circuit different from the FPC 90. Also, the ground connection portion 51 may be in contact with another region of the top button (right) 110.

[0164] In this embodiment, the top button (right) 110 is a soft magnetic material, such as iron, which is conductive. Therefore, if a charged object comes into contact with the top button (right) 110, the potential of the top button (right) 110 changes, which could affect the protrusion 100 and the internal electronic components of the controller housing 10. However, in this embodiment, the potential of the top button (right) 110 is set to ground potential because the top button (right) 110 is electrically connected to a ground electrode by the ground connection portion 51. Therefore, even if a charged object comes into contact with the top button (right) 110, the possibility of affecting the internal electronic components is reduced. Note that in this embodiment, the top button (right) 110 itself does not provide electrical functions such as transmitting signals to and receiving power from the outside through the top button (right) 110. Note that in other aspects, the top button (right) 110 may provide such functions.

[0165] In this embodiment, the ground connection portion 51 is a compressed coil spring, and therefore the top surface button (right) 110 is biased upward by the coil spring. In this embodiment, the biasing force of the coil spring is small, and therefore the top surface button (right) 110 is in contact with the top of the tactile switch 117 in the initial position. In another aspect, the top surface button (right) 110 may be separated from the tactile switch 117 in the initial position by the biasing force of the coil spring, which is the ground connection portion 51. In another aspect, the first game controller 1 may not have a ground connection portion 51.

[0166] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the top button (right) 110 has a main body 114 whose surface constitutes the operation surface, a side wall 118 extending from the underside of the main body 114, and a flange 113 extending outward from the side wall 118. The side wall 118 extends into the protrusion 100 through a first opening 197. The flange 113 extends outward from the side wall 118 inside the protrusion 100. The flange may also extend outward from the lower end of the side wall 118. The flange 113 has a flange portion that protrudes rightward from the right end of the side wall 118 and a flange portion that extends leftward from the left end of the side wall 118. The upper surface of the flange 113 faces a part of the inner surface of the protrusion 100 (hereinafter referred to as the first inner surface 71) in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the top button (right) 110. The first inner surface 71 does not have to be the inner surface of the protrusion 100 itself. The upper surface of the flange 113 is located in the pressing direction of the top surface button (right) 110 relative to the first inner surface 71. Therefore, the flange 113 has the function of preventing the top surface button (right) 110 from coming off by being caught on the first inner surface 71 directly or indirectly.

[0167] Additionally, the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 118 faces a part of the inner surface of the convex portion 100 (hereinafter referred to as the second inner surface 72) in the left-right direction. Note that the second inner surface 72 does not have to be the inner surface of the convex portion 100 itself. The outer peripheral surface of the side wall 118 is positioned relative to the second inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction of the top surface button (right) 110.

[0168] The first game controller 1 has a first elastically deformable body 52 between the upper surface of the flange 113 and the first inner surface 71. The first elastically deformable body 52 elastically deforms when a force is applied thereto and elastically returns to its original shape when the force is removed. The material of the first elastically deformable body 52 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, rubber.

[0169] The first elastic deformation body 52 may be fixed to the first inner surface 71. The first elastic deformation body 52 may be fixed to the first inner surface 71 using, for example, an adhesive, or may be fixed to the first inner surface 71 by being fitted into a hole formed in the first inner surface 71.

[0170] When the top surface button (right) 110 is in the initial position, the first elastic deformation body 52 is in contact with the first inner surface 71 and the flange 113. At this time, the top surface button (right) 110 may be maintained in the initial position by a balance between the biasing force in the direction opposite to the pressing direction by the tactile switch 117 or the ground connection part 51 and the biasing force in the pressing direction by the first elastic deformation body 52. Note that when the top surface button (right) 110 is in the initial position, the first elastic deformation body 52 may be in contact with only one of the first inner surface 71 and the flange 113, or may not be in contact with both.

[0171] The first elastic deformation body 52 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 118 and the second inner surface 72 in the left-right direction, on a side closer to the second inner surface 72. The first elastic deformation body 52 is spaced apart from the side wall 118. The first elastic deformation body 52 may be in contact with the second inner surface 72. The first elastic deformation body 52 may also be spaced apart from the second inner surface 72. In this case, the distance between the second inner surface 72 and the first elastic deformation body 52 in the left-right direction is smaller than the distance between the side wall 118 and the first elastic deformation body 52. In another aspect, the first elastic deformation body 52 may be provided on a side closer to the side wall 118.

[0172] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the top button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the top button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 13 , when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the top surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 face each other. In this embodiment, the top surface button (right) 110 is made of a soft magnetic material. Therefore, when the first magnetic element 410 approaches the top surface button (right) 110, the top surface button (right) 110 is attracted by the magnetic force of the first magnetic element 410. This applies a force to the top surface button (right) 110 in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. At this time, the first elastic deformation body 52 provided between the flange 113 and the first inner surface 71 is pressed by the flange 113 toward the first inner surface 71, and elastically deforms to contract in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. As a result, the top surface button (right) 110 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. That is, the top surface button (right) 110 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction from an initial position, which is a position when the top surface button (right) 110 is not pressed by the user. The pressing direction is, for example, the third direction R3, and the direction opposite to the pressing direction is, for example, the first direction R1.

[0174] The top surface button (left) 120 has a configuration similar to that of the top surface button (right) 110. A tactile switch 127 is provided below the top surface button (left) 120, and when the top surface button (left) 120 is pressed, the tactile switch 127 biases the top surface button (left) 120 in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. The top surface button (left) 120 has a main body 124, a side wall 128, and a flange 123. The second elastic deformation body 54 is disposed between the upper surface of the flange 123 and the first inner surface 73. The second elastic deformation body 54 may be fixed to the first inner surface 73. The second elastic deformation body 54 may be provided between the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 128 and the second inner surface 74, on a side closer to the second inner surface 74 in the left-right direction.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 13 , when the top button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410, the operation surface 115 moves until it contacts the surface of the cover 338 that forms the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. By moving the operation surface 115 until it contacts the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310, the magnetic force acting between the top button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 increases, and a strong attraction force can be obtained. The size and elastic coefficient of the first elastic deformation body 52 are designed so that the operation surface 115 moves until it contacts the bottom surface 3121 of the recess (or further in this embodiment). However, the operation surface 115 does not have to move until it contacts the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. By at least approaching the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310, the magnetic force increases and a strong attraction force can be obtained.

[0176] Note that the phrase "the top button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 are attracted to each other" also applies when another component (specifically, the cover 338) is interposed between the top button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410. Note that in another aspect, for example, when the base surface 311 is not covered with the cover 338, the operation surface 115 may be in direct contact with the first magnetic element 410 provided on the base surface 311. Alternatively, the operation surface 115 may be in contact with the bottom surface 3121 while being spaced apart from the first magnetic element 410 so as to cover an opening provided in the bottom surface 3121 through which the first magnetic element 410 is exposed. In yet another aspect, the operation surface 115 may not be in contact with the cover 338, but may be at least closer than the initial position.

[0177] As the top surface button (right) 110 moves upward, it comes closer to the first magnetic element 410 compared to when the top surface button (right) 110 is in its initial position. The top surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 are attracted to each other by magnetic force, and the shorter the distance between them, the stronger the attraction force. Therefore, by allowing the top surface button (right) 110 to move in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, the first game controller 1 and the main unit 3 can be attached more firmly.

[0178] When the right top button 110 and the first magnetic element 410 are attracted to each other, that is, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the first elastic deformation body 52 is compressed in the vertical direction. When the attached first game controller 1 is removed from the main unit 3, the right top button 110 tries to move away from the first magnetic element 410, but because they are attracted to each other by magnetic force, the right top button 110 moves further upward and the first elastic deformation body 52 is further compressed in the vertical direction. From another perspective, when the first game controller 1 is removed from the main unit 3, the right top button 110 tries to move further upward instantaneously while maintaining its attraction to the first magnetic element 410. As a result, when the first game controller 1 is removed from the main unit 3, a stickiness or resistance is generated, which prevents the right top button 110 from suddenly coming off the first magnet.

[0179] When the top surface button (right) 110 returns from the adsorbed position to the initial position, the first elastic deformation body 52 restores its original shape and extends in the vertical direction. If the vertical length of the first elastic deformation body 52 in its natural state is shorter than the distance between the flange 113 and the inner surface 71, the first elastic deformation body 52 may move downward while remaining attached to the flange 113. The same applies when the top surface button (right) 110 moves downward from the initial position. At this time, if the first elastic deformation body 52 comes into contact with, for example, the inner surface 72, the vertical movement of the top surface button (right) 110 may be hindered. In this embodiment, the first elastic deformation body 52 is fixed to the first inner surface 71, and therefore the first elastic deformation body 52 is prevented from moving downward together with the top surface button (right) 110. Therefore, the vertical movement of the top surface button (right) 110 is prevented from being hindered. In addition to or instead of being fixed, the first elastically deformable body 52 is also prevented from adhering to the flange 113 if the upper surface of the flange 113 is subjected to a surface treatment such as a mirror finish.

[0180] When the first elastic deformation body 52 is compressed in the up-down direction, the first elastic deformation body 52 may expand in the left-right direction depending on the material of the first elastic deformation body 52. At this time, the first elastic deformation body 52 may come into contact with the side wall 118. This may hinder the up-down movement of the top surface button (right) 110. In this embodiment, the first elastic deformation body 52 is provided closer to the second inner surface 72 than the side wall 118 in the left-right direction. This prevents the first elastic deformation body 52 from coming into contact with the side wall 118. This prevents the up-down movement of the top surface button (right) 110 from being hindered. The top surface button (left) 120 and the second elastic deformation body 54 also have the same effect.

[0181] 14 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the first elastic deformation body 52 when viewed from inside the convex portion 100 toward the top surface 106. FIG. 14 shows the first elastic deformation body 52 and the convex portion 100. The first elastic deformation body 52 has a first elastic portion 52a and a second elastic portion 52b. The second elastic portion 52b is spaced apart from the first elastic portion 52a. In the left-right direction, the first elastic portion 52a is located on the second direction R2 side with respect to the first opening 197. In the left-right direction, the second elastic portion 52b is located on the fourth direction R4 side with respect to the first opening 197.

[0182] A part of the first elastic deformation body 52 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. Specifically, the first elastic portion 52a is provided so as to protrude from the inside to the outside of the convex portion 100 through an opening formed in the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. The second elastic portion 52b may be provided inside the convex portion 100 and not protrude to the outside. Note that the opening through which the first elastic deformation body 52 protrudes may be formed in the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 by a notch formed in the convex portion 100 and the upper side surface 11.

[0183] The first elastic portion 52a has a first elastic region 52c and a second elastic region 52d. In the up-down direction, the first elastic region 52c is located lower than the second elastic region 52d. In the left-right direction, the first elastic region 52c may be located closer to the second direction R2 than the second elastic region 52d. A portion of the first elastic region 52c protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100. The second elastic region 52d is located inside the protrusion 100.

[0184] 9 and 11, the first elastic deformation body 52 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 on the rear surface 16 side. From another perspective, the first elastic deformation body 52 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 in the sixth direction R6. Therefore, when the first game controller 1 is held vertically or horizontally, the first elastic deformation body 52 is difficult to see from a user facing the front surface 15 of the first game controller 1. Note that the first elastic deformation body 52 may be provided on the front surface 15 side of the outer peripheral surface 107 as well, or may be provided only on the front surface 15 side.

[0185] When the protrusion 100 fits into the recess 310, the outer peripheral surface 107 and the inner peripheral surface 3120 face each other. At this time, the first elastic deformation body 52 provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 may come into contact with the opposing inner peripheral surface 3120. This allows the protrusion 100 to be more firmly attached to the recess 310. More specifically, when the inner peripheral surface 3120 facing the back side of the outer peripheral surface 107 comes into contact with the first elastic deformation body 52, the protrusion 100 is urged in the front direction by the inner peripheral surface 3120 via the first elastic deformation body 52. As a result, the front side of the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100 is pressed against the opposing inner peripheral surface 3120, making the attachment stronger.

[0186] Furthermore, because the first elastic deformation body 52 is elastically deformable, when the protrusion 100 is fitted into the recess 310, the first elastic deformation body 52 elastically deforms so as to contract in the front-to-rear direction, thereby preventing a decrease in fitability. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first elastic deformation body 52 is exposed from the base of the outer peripheral surface 107. That is, the protruding first elastic deformation body 52 is adjacent to the upper side surface 11. From another perspective, the position of the upper end of the first elastic deformation body is lower than the top surface of the protrusion 100. Therefore, when the protrusion 100 is inserted into the recess 310, the protrusion 100 first enters the recess 310 from a portion of the outer peripheral surface 107 where the first elastic deformation body 52 is not provided. That is, at the beginning of insertion, the first elastic deformation body 52 does not come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 3120. Therefore, a decrease in fitability is prevented.

[0187] Like the first elastic deformation body 52, a portion of the second elastic deformation body 54 may also protrude from an opening provided in the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 100. The second elastic deformation body 54 may protrude from the same surface of the outer peripheral surface 107 as the surface from which the first elastic deformation body 52 protrudes. Both the first elastic deformation body 52 and the second elastic deformation body 54 may protrude from the back surface side of the outer peripheral surface 107.

[0188] The elastically deformable body provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 may be separate from the elastically deformable bodies 52, 54 provided on the upper surface of the flange 113. In this case, the materials of the respective bodies may be different. In this case, the elastically deformable body may also be provided on the rear side of the outer peripheral surface 107. In this embodiment, focusing on the function of both elastically deforming, these elastic members are made into one component. This prevents an increase in the number of components. On the other hand, making them separate bodies increases the degree of freedom in their placement and materials. While an elastically deformable body may be provided on the outer peripheral surface 107, it is not necessary to provide an elastically deformable body inside the convex portion 100.

[0189] 9 to 12, the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 has regions that are each at a different height from the upper side surface 11. The top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 has a first region 101, a second region 102, a third region 103, a fourth region 104, and a fifth region 105.

[0190] The first region 101 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 where an upper surface button (right) 110 is provided. The upper surface button (right) 110 is provided so as to pass through a first opening 197 formed in the first region 101. Similarly, the second region 102 is a region where an upper surface button (left) 120 is provided. The upper surface button (left) 120 is provided so as to pass through a second opening 198 formed in the second region 102.

[0191] 10 , the third region 103 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, including the top surface 106 at one end region of the protrusion 100. From another perspective, the third region 103 is continuous with an end face of the outer circumferential surface 107 of the protrusion 100 on the second direction R2 side. The third region 103 is a region that is located closer to the first direction R1 than each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the length of the third region may be shorter than each of the lengths of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0192] A mouse sole 191 is provided in the third region 103. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the mouse sole 191 is disposed in a recess provided in the third region 103. A portion of the mouse sole 191 is exposed from the recess. Note that the third region 103 may be flat without a recess. The mouse sole 191 may be placed on the flat surface of the third region.

[0193] 10 , the fifth region 105 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, including the top surface 106 at the other end region of the protrusion 100. From another perspective, the fifth region 105 is continuous with the end face of the outer circumferential surface 107 of the protrusion 100 on the fourth direction R4 side. The fifth region 105 is a region that is located closer to the first direction R1 than each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the length of the fifth region 105 may be shorter than the lengths of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0194] A mouse sole 192 is provided in the fifth region 105. The mouse sole 192 is placed in a recess provided in the fifth region 105. A part of the mouse sole 192 is exposed from the recess. The fifth region 105 may be flat without a recess. The mouse sole 192 may be placed on the flat surface of the fifth region. It can also be said that the mouse soles 191, 192 increase the height of the convex portion 100 from the upper side surface 11.

[0195] The fourth region 104 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, and is located between the first region 101 and the second region 102 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106. The fourth region is provided with an opening 170 for a mouse sensor, an opening 196 for a terminal, and an opening 195 for a synchronization button.

[0196] The third region 103 is located on the convex side of the fourth region 104. The fifth region 105 is located on the convex side of the fourth region 104.

[0197] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first region 101 is located between the third region 103 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second region 102 is located between the fifth region 105 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, each of the first region 101, the second region 102, and the fourth region 104 is located between the third region 103 and the fifth region 105.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 12 , the height of the first region 101 from the upper surface 11 is a first height T1. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the first region 101 in the vertical direction is the first height T1. Similarly, the height of the second region 102 from the upper surface 11 is a second height T2. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the second region 102 in the vertical direction is the second height T2. In this embodiment, the first height T1 and the second height T2 are the same, but they may be different. Note that the first region 101 and the second region 102 may be provided from one end to the other end of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0199] The height of the third region 103 from the upper side surface 11 is a third height T3. From another perspective, the distance from the upper side surface 11 to the third region 103 in the vertical direction is the third height T3. Similarly, the height of the fifth region 105 from the upper side surface 11 is a fifth height T5. From another perspective, the distance from the upper side surface 11 to the fifth region 105 in the vertical direction is the fifth height T5.

[0200] In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 are the same, but may be different. In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 are higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2, but may be the same or lower. The third region 103 and the fifth region 105 may be provided from one end to the other end of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0201] The height of the fourth region 104 from the upper surface 11 is a fourth height T4. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the fourth region 104 in the up-down direction is the fourth height T4. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2, but may be the same as or lower than them. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5, but may be the same as or higher than them. The fourth region 104 may be provided from one end to the other end of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0202] The height of the top surface of the mouse sole 191 from the upper side surface 11 is a sixth height T6. From another perspective, the distance from the upper side surface 11 to the top surface of the mouse sole 191 in the vertical direction is the sixth height T6. Similarly, the height of the top surface of the mouse sole 192 from the upper side surface 11 is a seventh height T7. From another perspective, the distance from the upper side surface 11 to the top surface of the mouse sole 192 in the vertical direction is the seventh height T7.

[0203] In this embodiment, the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7 are the same, but may be different. In this embodiment, the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7 are higher than any of the first height T1 to the fifth height T5. From another perspective, the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7 are the highest heights from the upper surface 11 of the protrusion 100. Note that the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7 may be the same as the highest height among the first height T1 to the fifth height T5. For example, the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7 may be the same as the third height T3 and the fifth height T5.

[0204] When the top surface button (right) 110 is in the initial position, the height of the operation surface 115 from the upper surface 11 is an eighth height T8. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the operation surface 115 in the vertical direction is an eighth height T8. Similarly, when the top surface button (left) 120 is in the initial position, the height of the operation surface 125 from the upper surface 11 is a ninth height T9. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the operation surface 125 in the vertical direction is a ninth height T9.

[0205] In this embodiment, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are the same, but may be different. The eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2. In this embodiment, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are lower than the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7. From another perspective, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are lower than the highest maximum height from the upper surface 11. In this embodiment, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5, but may be the same or higher. In this embodiment, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are the same as the fourth height T4, but may be different.

[0206] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of a first mode of the game controller. FIG. 15 shows, as an example, the posture of the first game controller 1 when used as a mouse. FIG. 16 is an enlarged schematic view of region XVI in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, when the first game controller 1 is placed on the ground surface F with the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 facing the ground surface F, the mouse sole 191 comes into contact with the ground surface F. Although not shown, the mouse sole 192 also comes into contact with the ground surface F. The ground surface F is not particularly limited, but may be the surface of a desk, for example. The first game controller 1 is movable on the ground surface F. In the vertical direction, the thickness of the portion of the mouse sole 191 exposed from the third region is, for example, 0.2 mm. The third region 103 is spaced apart from the ground surface F. In the vertical direction, the distance between the ground surface F and the third region 103 is, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0207] 16, the operation surface 115 of the top surface button (right) 110 is spaced apart from the ground surface F. The top surface button (right) 110 is in its initial position. In the up-down direction, the distance between the ground surface F and the first region 101 is longer than the distance between the ground surface F and the third region 103. In the left-right direction, the distance between the ground surface F and the first region 101 is, for example, 1.2 mm.

[0208] The distance between the contact surface F and the operation surface 115 of the top surface button (right) 110 is longer than the distance between the contact surface F and the third area 103 of the top surface 106. In the vertical direction, the distance between the contact surface F and the operation surface 115 of the top surface button (right) 110 is defined as a gap G. The gap G is, for example, 0.3 mm.

[0209] In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 are higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2. When fitting the protrusion 100 obliquely into the recess 310, more specifically, when inserting one of the longitudinal ends of the protrusion 100 into the recess 310, the higher the height of that end, the easier the insertion. With the above configuration, the overall height of the protrusion 100 can be reduced while improving the fit of the first game controller 1 and the operability of the buttons.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the lengths of the first region 101 and the second region 102 are longer than the lengths of the third region 103 and the fifth region 105. Therefore, the limited space on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 can be effectively utilized, achieving both button operability and ease of attachment of the game controller.

[0211] In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is greater than the first height T1 and the second height T2. The fourth region 104 is provided with a terminal opening 196 that communicates with the terminal accommodating portion 167, which prevents the user's fingers from touching the terminal opening 196 when the user holds the first game controller 1 sideways and operates the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120.

[0212] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5. The fourth region 104 is provided with a terminal opening 196 into which the terminal accommodating portion 167 opens, which prevents the terminal opening 196 from coming into contact with the ground surface when the first game controller 1 is operated like a mouse on the ground surface, for example. Furthermore, by having the third and fifth regions protrude, the vertical height of the first game controller 1 can be reduced while improving the fit of the first game controller 1.

[0213] In this embodiment, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are lower than the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7. From another perspective, the heights of the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 from the upper surface 11 at the initial positions of their respective button top surfaces are lower than the maximum height of the top surface 106 from the upper surface 11. Therefore, even when the first game controller 1 is carried while detached from the main unit 3, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are prevented from accidentally coming into contact with something. Furthermore, when the game controller is operated like a mouse on a ground surface, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are prevented from coming into contact with the ground surface.

[0214] In this embodiment, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5. Therefore, even when the mouse soles 191 and 192 are removed from the third region 103 and the fifth region 105, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are lower than the maximum height.

[0215] 12 and 13, the top surface button (right) 110 can move upward. As shown in Fig. 13, when the top surface button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 and in contact with the bottom surface 3121, the height of the operation surface 115 from the top surface 11 is a tenth height T10. Similarly, when the top surface button (left) 120 is attracted to the second magnetic element 420 and in contact with the bottom surface 3121, the height of the operation surface 125 from the top surface 11 is an eleventh height T11.

[0216] The top surface button (right) 110 may be movable to a position even higher than height T10. For example, when attempting to remove the first game controller 1 from the main unit 3 with the top surface button (right) 110 attracted to the first magnetic element 410, the convex portion 100 may begin to be removed from the concave portion 310, while the top surface button (right) 110 may remain attracted to the first magnetic element 410. At this time, as the first elastic deformation body 52 is further compressed, the top surface button (right) 110 may further move from the position of tenth height T10 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. The top surface button (right) 110 may be movable upward so as to approach the bottom surface 3121, even if the top surface of the top surface button (right) 110 does not contact the bottom surface 3121.

[0217] In this embodiment, the tenth height T10 and the eleventh height T11 are the same, but may be different. In this embodiment, the tenth height T10 and the eleventh height T11 are higher than any of the first height T1 to the fifth height T5 and are the same as the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7. From another perspective, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 can be moved to a position where the height of the operation surface is the highest on the top surface 106. The top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 may be moved above a position where the height of the operation surface is the highest on the top surface 106. The tenth height T10 and the eleventh height T11 may be lower than the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7. The tenth height T10 and the eleventh height T11 may be the same as or lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5.

[0218] When the height of the operation surface 115 is moved to a position at or above the maximum height of the top surface 106, it can come that much closer to the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420. Therefore, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 can exert a strong attraction force with the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420.

[0219] Furthermore, even if the height of the button top surfaces does not reach the maximum height of the top surface 106, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 can approach the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 by moving to near the maximum height of the top surface 106. Therefore, a strong adhesive force with the first magnetic element 410 is exerted.

[0220] Furthermore, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are moved by the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 until the height of the top surfaces of the buttons contacts the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310, thereby allowing them to approach the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420. Therefore, a strong adhesive force between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 is exerted. <Connection structure> Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the game controller is attached to the main unit 3. The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 17 is parallel to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction. Fig. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area XVIII in Fig. 17.

[0221] 17, the protrusion 100 of the first game controller 1 fits into the recess 310 of the main unit 3. The top button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 by magnetic force. The top button (left) 120 is attracted to the second magnetic element 420 by magnetic force.

[0222] 17 and 18, the length of operation surface 115 in the longitudinal direction of protrusion 100 is defined as a third length W3. The length of the opening of first hole 401 in the longitudinal direction of recess 310 is defined as a first length W1. Third length W3 is longer than first length W1. Similarly, fourth length W4 is longer than second length W2.

[0223] 18 , in the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface 3121, the center of the first magnetic element 410 may be located closer to the second direction R2 than the center of the top surface button (right) 110. From another perspective, in the left-right direction, the distance (fifth length W5) between the end of the opening of the first hole 401 on the second direction R2 side and the end of the operation surface 115 of the top surface button (right) 110 on the second direction R2 side may be shorter than the distance (sixth length W6) between the end of the opening of the first hole 401 on the fourth direction R4 side and the end of the operation surface 115 of the top surface button (right) 110 on the fourth direction R4 side.

[0224] The first game controller 1 according to the present disclosure has a top surface button (right) 110 and a top surface button (left) 120 on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 that protrudes from the upper surface 11. Therefore, when holding the first game controller 1 horizontally and operating the top surface button (right) 110 with the index finger of the right hand and the top surface button (left) 120 with the index finger of the left hand, for example, the two top surface buttons can be pressed while minimizing the amount of bending of the fingers. Therefore, when holding the first game controller 1 with both hands so that the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 faces upward, the two top surface buttons can be easily operated.

[0225] Furthermore, the protrusion 100 on which the two top buttons are provided fits into a recess 310 provided in the main unit 3. Therefore, the protrusion 100 and the recess 310 can prevent misalignment of the first controller 1 when attaching or detaching the main unit 3 and the first controller 1 while they are being worn.

[0226] Furthermore, the two top surface buttons provided on the top surface 106 can be attracted to the two magnetic elements provided at the bottom of the recess 310, respectively. That is, the two top surface buttons not only have the function of receiving operational input from the user, but also the function of attaching the first controller 1 to the main unit 3. Therefore, the two top surface buttons can be made larger within the limited space on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. More specifically, the length of the two top surface buttons can be increased in the longitudinal direction of the top surface.

[0227] Furthermore, because the two top buttons are each attracted to a different magnetic element, the first game controller 1 is held to the main unit 3 at at least two locations. Therefore, compared to when the first game controller 1 is held to the main unit 3 at only one location, rotational misalignment of the first game controller 1 with respect to the main unit 3 is at least reduced.

[0228] In the integrated holding state, the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 are not exposed and cannot be operated by the user. In the integrated holding state, the shoulder button (right) 130 and the Z shoulder button (right) 140 are located within reach of the index finger of the right hand, and the shoulder button (left) 230 and the Z shoulder button (left) 240 are located within reach of the index finger of the left hand. Therefore, the user can use the shoulder button (right) 130 and the shoulder button (left) 230, or the Z shoulder button (right) 140 and the Z shoulder button (left) 240, instead of the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 that are used when holding the first game controller 1 horizontally with both hands. In other words, from another perspective, it can be said that the buttons of the first game controller 1 that are not used when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3 have the function of adhering to the main unit 3. Therefore, the user can attach the game controller to the main unit 3 using the buttons without causing any operational inconvenience to the user. The second game controller 2 also provides the same effect.

[0229] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XIX in FIG. 18. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 19 is parallel to the front-rear and up-down directions of the game controller. In this embodiment, the maximum heights from the upper surface 11 to the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 are T6, T7, T10, and T11. In the up-down direction of the game controller (the left-right direction of the main unit 3), the height from the main unit right side surface 313 to the bottom surface 3121 is defined as a sixth distance B6. T6, T7, T10, and T11 are greater than the sixth distance B6. In other words, the upper surface 11 is spaced apart from the main unit right side surface 313. In the left-right direction of the main unit, a distance B8 between the upper surface 11 and the main unit right side surface 313 may be, for example, 0.05 mm or greater.

[0230] If a force is applied to rotate the first game controller 1 in a vertical or horizontal twisting manner relative to the main unit 3 while the first game controller 1 is being operated, and if the upper surface 11 and the main unit right side surface 313 are in contact, the contact point may act as a fulcrum, making it easier for a force to be applied in the detachment direction. In this embodiment, the upper surface 11 is spaced apart from the main unit right side surface 313. Therefore, when a force to rotate the first game controller 1 is applied, the contact point between the convex portion 100 and the concave portion 310, or the side of the upper surface 11 closer to the convex portion 100, acts as a fulcrum, thereby suppressing the force applied in the detachment direction. The same is true for the second game controller 2.

[0231] 19, the width of the opening of the first hole 401 in the front-rear direction is defined as a first width C1. The thickness of the first magnetic element 410 in the front-rear direction is defined as a second thickness C2. The first width C1 is greater than the second thickness C2.

[0232] The width of the recess 310 in the front-rear direction may increase from the bottom surface 3121 toward the main body right side surface 313. The width of the protrusion 100 in the front-rear direction may increase from the top surface 106 toward the upper surface 11.

[0233] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in Fig. 17. The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 20 is parallel to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0234] The female connector 162 has a first terminal 160 and a socket 161. An inner wall surface 166 of the socket 161 forms at least a part of a terminal accommodating portion 167. The inner wall surface 166 of the socket 161 communicates with a terminal opening 196 provided in the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The inner wall surface 166 of the socket 161 may be inclined so that the cross-sectional area decreases from the terminal opening 196 side toward the back. Note that the first game controller 1 may not have the first female connector 162, and the terminal accommodating portion 167 may be formed by recessing the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100.

[0235] The inner wall surface 166 of the socket 161 may have a first rear wall surface 165 and a first front wall surface 164. The first front wall surface 164 is the wall surface of the inner wall surface 166 facing the front of the first game controller 1. The first rear wall surface 165 is the wall surface of the inner wall surface 166 facing the rear of the first game controller 1. The first rear wall surface 165 faces the first front wall surface 164.

[0236] A slit extending in the vertical direction of the first game controller 1 (i.e., the convex direction of the convex portion 100) is provided in the wall portion forming the first rear side wall 165. The first terminal 160 extends in the direction in which the slit extends, and a portion of the first terminal 160 passes through the slit and is exposed from the first rear side wall 165. In other words, the first terminal 160 is provided along the first rear side wall 165. From another perspective, the first terminal 160 is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion 167. The first terminal 160 is not provided along the first front side wall 164. In another aspect, the first terminal 160 may be provided along the first front side wall 164. Alternatively, the first terminal 160 may be provided along both the first front side wall 164 and the first rear side wall 165.

[0237] The first terminal 160 may be a leaf spring. The upper end of the first terminal 160 extends to a position lower than the terminal opening 196. Therefore, in the vertical direction, the position of the upper end of the first terminal 160 is higher than the upper surface 11 and lower than the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. The position of the lower end of the first terminal 160 may be higher or lower than the upper surface 11.

[0238] 20, the first plug connector 330 of this embodiment is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 167. More specifically, the first tongue body 332 provided with the main body first terminal 331 is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 167. The main body first terminal 331 is provided on the back side of the first tongue body 332. Inside the terminal accommodating portion 167, the first terminal 160 contacts the main body first terminal 331. The main body first terminal 331 may contact a portion of the first terminal 160 protruding from the slit.

[0239] When a user holds a game controller in the integrally held state with both hands, the weight of the main unit 3 may cause the main unit 3 to lean slightly rearward relative to the game controller. In this case, for example, the first tongue 332 may lean rearward inside the terminal accommodating portion 167. However, because the first terminal 160 is provided along the first rear-side wall surface 165, contact between the first terminal 160 and the main unit first terminal 331 provided on the first tongue 332 is likely to be maintained. Furthermore, when a user holds a game controller in the integrally held state with one hand, for example, when only the first game controller 1 is held, the weight of the main unit 3 may cause the main unit 3 to lean rearward, with the first game controller 1 being held as a fulcrum. In this case, the distance between the upper surface 11 of the first game controller 1 and the main unit right side surface 313 of the main unit 3 may be greater on the front side than on the rear side. That is, although there is a possibility that the front side of the first game controller 1 may be farther away from the main unit 3 than the rear side, in this embodiment, the first terminal 160 is provided along the first rear wall surface 165, so that contact between the first terminal 160 and the main unit first terminal 331 is easily maintained. Note that the first terminal 160 is provided at a position on the first rear wall surface 165 that the main unit first terminal 331 provided on the first tongue body 332 approaches when the main unit 3 tilts rearward relative to the first game controller 1, so that contact with the main unit first terminal 331 is more easily maintained.

[0240] Furthermore, because the position of the upper end of the first terminal 160 is lower than the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, the terminal 160 is less likely to be touched by the user when operating the first game controller 1. Furthermore, because the first terminal 160 is provided in the terminal accommodating portion 167 provided inside the protrusion 100, this leads to effective use of the vertical space created by the protrusion 100. Meanwhile, although the main body first terminal 331 needs to protrude in order to connect to the first terminal 160 in the terminal accommodating portion 167, the main body first terminal 331 is provided in the recess 310. Therefore, the protruding main body first terminal 331 is protected by the inner circumferential surface 3120 of the recess 310.

[0241] The main body first terminal 331 may be provided from the side surface to the top surface of the first tongue body 332. From another perspective, the main body first terminal 331 may be provided on the surface of the first tongue body 332, from the back side to the right side surface of the main device. When the first tongue body 332 is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 167, the tip (right side surface) of the first tongue body 332 may come into contact with the first terminal 160, but even in that case, the first terminal 160 can come into contact with the main body first terminal 331.

[0242] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the first terminal 160. The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 21 is parallel to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0243] 21, the first terminal 160 may constitute a first game controller terminal group. The first game controller terminal group may have a plurality of terminal sections each consisting of one or more terminals. The plurality of terminal sections may be arranged, for example, in the left-right direction.

[0244] The multiple terminal portions include a first right terminal portion 160a, a first left terminal portion 160b, and a first intermediate terminal portion 160c. The first right terminal portion 160a is the terminal located closest to the second direction R2 in the left-right direction. The first left terminal portion 160b is the terminal located closest to the fourth direction R4 in the left-right direction. The first intermediate terminal portion 160c is located between the first right terminal portion 160a and the first left terminal portion 160b. The first intermediate terminal portion 160c may include multiple terminals.

[0245] The length of each of the first right terminal portion 160a and the first left terminal portion 160b in the vertical direction may be longer than the length of the first intermediate terminal portion 160c. From another perspective, the distance from the fourth region 104 to the first right terminal portion 160a and the distance from the fourth region 104 to the first left terminal portion 160b in the vertical direction may be shorter than the distance from the fourth region 104 to the first intermediate terminal portion 160c.

[0246] In this embodiment, the first right terminal portion 160a and the first left terminal portion 160b are ground terminals. Therefore, even if the main body first terminal 331 (which may constitute a terminal group like the first terminal 160) inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 167 is slightly tilted, it is highly likely to come into contact with the first right terminal portion 160a or the first left terminal portion 160b that is closest to the terminal opening 196. Therefore, when the terminals are electrically connected to each other, the ground terminals can come into contact first. <Mouse> As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first game controller 1 can also be used as a mouse. FIG. 22 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of a first mode of the game controller. FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing only the convex portion taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 22. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a mouse sensor opening 170 is provided in the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The first game controller 1 has a mouse operation sensor 174. The mouse operation sensor 174 is disposed inside the convex portion 100. The mouse operation sensor 174 is, for example, an optical mouse sensor. The mouse operation sensor 174 has, for example, a light source 171 and a light receiving sensor 172. The first game controller 1 may also have a lens for collecting light emitted from the light source 171 and / or light guided to the light receiving sensor 172.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 23, the light source 171 emits light. The light may be, for example, red light, blue light, or laser light. The wavelength of the light is not particularly limited. The light from the light source 171 is irradiated onto the ground surface through the mouse sensor opening 170. The light receiving sensor 172 detects the reflected light from the ground surface of the light emitted from the light source 171, which enters through the mouse sensor opening 170 and changes in accordance with the relative movement of the first game controller 1 with respect to the ground surface. The second game controller 2 has a similar configuration.

[0248] The first game controller 1 can also be used as a mouse by including a mouse operation sensor 174. Since the mouse sensor opening 170 is provided on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 that protrudes from the upper side surface 11, when the first game controller 1 is placed on a ground surface with the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 facing the ground surface, the mouse sensor opening 170 is positioned close to the ground surface. Therefore, the mouse sensor opening 170 can effectively take in reflected light from the ground surface.

[0249] Based on the detection result of the mouse operation sensor 174, the information processing unit of the main unit 3 may calculate movement parameters (e.g., movement direction and movement distance) related to the movement of the first game controller 1 relative to the ground surface. Furthermore, the main unit 3 may execute predetermined game processing based on the movement parameters determined in the program being executed. The movement parameters may be calculated within the first game controller 1 (by the mouse operation sensor 174 or the information processing unit provided in the first game controller 1), and the calculated parameters may be transmitted to the main unit 3. Note that if the first game controller 1 moves relative to the ground surface while separated from the ground surface, the movement of the first game controller 1 relative to the ground surface may not be accurately measured. For example, the first game controller 1 may be configured so that reflected light from the ground surface, which is used to measure movement relative to the ground surface, cannot be properly detected when the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is separated from the ground surface by 1 cm or more, 5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more. As an example, the mouse operation sensor 174 may be designed so that the distance from the ground surface of the first game controller 1 at which the direction and distance of movement of the first game controller 1 relative to the ground surface can be accurately detected is within 1 cm, or within 5 mm, or within 1 mm.

[0250] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the protrusion 100 fits into the recess 310, so the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, when the first game controller 1 is in an integrated state where it is not being used as a mouse, the mouse sensor opening 170 is not exposed, which prevents the user from touching it unnecessarily.

[0251] 24 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the game controller is used as a mouse. As shown in FIG. 24, the user's palm is placed so as to cover the underside 13 of the first game controller 1. The user's right thumb is placed on the front surface 15. For example, the user's right thumb is placed on the joystick 31. The user's right index finger is placed on the shoulder button (right) 130. The user's right middle finger is placed on the Z shoulder button (right) 140.

[0252] The user can operate the right shoulder button 130 with the index finger of his right hand. The user can operate the right Z shoulder button 140 with the middle finger of his right hand. The user may also operate the right Z shoulder button 140 with the index finger of his right hand. The user can operate the input unit on the front with his right thumb. For example, the user can operate the joystick 31, the + button 33(1), and the set of four buttons 32 with his thumb. The second game controller 2 may also be used as a mouse with the left hand.

[0253] 25 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a mouse is used with both hands. As shown in FIG. 25, the first game controller is operated with the right hand, and the second game controller 2 is operated with the left hand.

[0254] Note that the users may use one of the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 as a mouse, and the other as a vertically held game controller. Alternatively, a first user may use the first game controller 1 as a mouse, and a second user may use the second game controller 2 as a mouse. Note that the first game controller 1 may be operated as a mouse with the left hand. The second game controller 2 may be operated as a mouse with the right hand.

[0255] In this way, the user can use the input section on the front of the game controller, which is primarily used when holding it vertically or horizontally, as a mouse. Also, the user can use the shoulder buttons and Z shoulder button on the game controller, which are primarily used when holding it vertically or as a single unit, like the right-click and left-click buttons on a mouse.

[0256] In this embodiment, when the game controller is detached from the main unit 3, it can be used as a vertically held game controller with the top surface facing sideways, as a horizontally held game controller with the top surface facing upward, and as a mouse with the top surface facing downward. In other words, although it is a single game controller, it can be used in three different ways by changing the direction in which it is held.

[0257] 22, in this embodiment, the mouse sensor opening 170 is located between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. In other words, it is located relatively close to the center in the longitudinal direction of the first game controller 1. This makes it easier to operate the mouse in accordance with the user's intentions.

[0258] Also, as shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, a synchronization button 50 is provided on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100 between the top button (left) 120 and the terminal opening 196, and an opening for a mouse sensor is provided between the terminal opening 196 and the top button (right) 110.

[0259] When the game controller is operated in a horizontally held state, terminal opening 196 is sandwiched on one side between top button (right) 110 and mouse sensor opening 170, and on the other side between synchronization button 50 and top button (left) 120, making it difficult for the user's fingers to touch terminal opening 196. Furthermore, when the user attempts to operate synchronization button 50, mouse sensor opening 170 is located on the opposite side of terminal opening 196, making it difficult for the user's fingers to touch mouse sensor opening 170.

[0260] <Removal mechanism> Figure 26 is a schematic rear view showing the configuration of the first mode of game controller. Figure 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in Figure 26. As shown in Figure 27, the first game controller 1 has a pusher 181, a pusher operating member 186, and a biasing member 183, which constitute a removal mechanism. The pusher operating member 186 has an operating member 182, a pusher operating member 185, and a rotation shaft 184.

[0261] When the user operates the operation unit 182, the pusher 181 protrudes from the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the protruding pusher 181 presses against the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. When the pusher 181 presses against the bottom surface 3121, the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 moves in a direction away from the bottom surface 3121. The first game controller 1 rotates around the end opposite to the end where the pusher 181 is provided as a fulcrum. As described above, the first game controller 1 can be easily removed from the main unit 3.

[0262] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 , the operation unit 182 is provided on, for example, the rear surface 16. The operation unit 182 is arranged so as to be exposed from an opening provided on the rear surface 16. The operation unit 182 is operated by a user. The operation unit 182 is operated in the direction of the third arrow A3. The direction of the third arrow A3 is a rotation direction from the main body right side surface 313 to the right and from the rear side to the front side of the main body device 3. From another perspective, the direction of the third arrow A3 is a rotation direction in the first controller 1 toward the third direction R3 and the fifth direction R5. The operation unit 182 may be configured to be operated in a direction parallel to the third direction R3. FIG. 27 shows a state (natural state) before the operation of the operation unit 182.

[0263] FIG. 28 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of pusher operation member 186. As shown in FIG. 28, operation unit 182 and pusher actuation unit 185 are each connected to rotation shaft 184. Pusher operation member 186 is a single component. Note that pusher operation member 186 may be made up of multiple components. Rotation shaft 184 rotates together with operation unit 182 and pusher actuation unit 185. From another perspective, pusher operation member 186 rotates around rotation shaft 184. Pusher actuation unit 185 abuts against pusher 181.

[0264] 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when operation unit 182 is being operated. Rotation shaft 184 rotates together with pusher operating unit 185 when operation unit 182 is operated. Pusher operating unit 185 causes pusher 181 to protrude.

[0265] Before the operation unit 182 is operated, the pusher 181 is disposed inside the protrusion 100. The biasing unit 183 biases the pusher 181 in the third direction R3. The biasing unit 183 is, for example, a coil spring. When the user operates the operation unit 182 in the third direction R3, the rotation shaft 184 rotates together with the operation unit 182 and the pusher actuation unit 185, and the pusher actuation unit 185 pushes the pusher 181 in the first direction R1. A portion of the pusher 181 protrudes from the protrusion 100. When the user releases the operation unit 182, the biasing unit 183 extends, causing the pusher 181 to move in the third direction R3. This returns the pusher 181 to its natural position.

[0266] 28, in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 184, the distance from the rotating shaft 184 to the end of the operating unit 182 (first distance B1) is longer than the distance from the rotating shaft 184 to the end of the pusher actuation unit 185 (second distance B2). Therefore, the torque of the pusher actuation unit that causes the pusher to protrude can be increased. The operating unit 182 and the pusher actuation unit 185 are arranged side by side along the direction in which the rotating shaft 184 extends.

[0267] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29 , the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact point between the pusher 181 and the pusher actuation unit 185 is longer when the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 is large than when the amount of protrusion is small. As an example, the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact point between the pusher 181 and the pusher actuation unit 185 after the operation unit 182 is operated is longer than the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact point between the pusher 181 and the pusher actuation unit 185 in the initial state. Also, as an example, the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact point between the pusher 181 and the pusher actuation unit 185 may increase as the pusher 181 protrudes. In this case, the contact point between the pusher actuation unit 185 and the pusher 181 moves as the pusher operating member 186 rotates. Note that in the initial state, the pusher 181 and the pusher actuation unit 185 do not have to contact each other.

[0268] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the distance between the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 and the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 is short, and the magnetic force between the top surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 and the magnetic force between the top surface button (left) 120 and the second magnetic element 420 are strong. Therefore, when the pusher 181 is initially projected, the contact portion between the pusher actuation portion 185 and the pusher 181 is brought close to the rotation axis 184, thereby increasing the acting force of the pusher actuation portion 185 relative to the force on the operation portion 182. On the other hand, after the pusher 181 has protruded to a certain extent, the distance between the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 and the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 also increases to a certain extent, and the magnetic force between the top surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 and the magnetic force between the top surface button (left) 120 and the second magnetic element 420 (particularly the magnetic force between the button closest to the pusher 181 and the magnet) also weakens. Therefore, by moving the contact portion between the pusher actuation unit 185 and the pusher 181 away from the rotation shaft 184, the acting force can be reduced while the amount of movement of the pusher actuation unit 185 relative to the amount of rotation of the rotation shaft 184 can be increased. In this way, by changing the acting force and the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 depending on the protruding state of the pusher, it becomes easier to remove the first game controller 1.

[0269] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the operation unit 182 is operated at least in the third direction R3. In this embodiment, the operation unit 182 is rotated in a direction including the third direction R3 and the fifth direction R5. That is, the operation direction of the operation unit 182 is the third direction R3 (a direction moving away from the upper surface 11) when viewed from the rear of the first game controller 1, and is the fifth direction R5 (a direction moving closer to the rear) when viewed from the side. When the operation unit 182 is operated in the third direction R3, the pusher 181 moves in the first direction R1. From another perspective, the pusher 181 moves in the opposite direction to the operation direction of the operation unit 182.

[0270] 30 and 31 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the operation unit. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the rear surface 16 has a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 is located on the third direction R3 side relative to the operation unit 182. The protrusion 18 protrudes from the rear surface 16 in the sixth direction R6. When the operation unit 182 is operated, it moves in the third direction R3 and the fifth direction R5 and becomes embedded in the protrusion 18 (FIG. 31). Note that the entire operation unit 182 does not have to be embedded completely. A portion of the operation unit 182 is exposed from the protrusion 18. Note that the maximum height of the operation unit 182 from the rear surface 16 when not operated is lower than the maximum height of the protrusion 18 from the rear surface 16. When the first game controller 1 is placed on a ground surface with the rear surface 16 facing the ground surface, the end of the protrusion 18 touches the ground, while the operation unit 182 is prevented from contacting the ground surface.

[0271] 32 is a schematic rear view showing the state before the first game controller 1 is removed from the main unit 3. FIG. 33 is a schematic rear view showing the first state when the first game controller 1 is in the middle of being removed from the main unit 3.

[0272] Since the operation unit 182 is located on the second direction R2 side of the back surface 16 (on the upper side when held together), when the user operates the operation unit 182, the user can operate the operation unit 182 by gripping the main unit 3 and the first game controller 1 with the index finger and middle finger of the right hand, which are located on the back surface side, as if they are holding them.

[0273] Furthermore, the direction in which the operation unit 182 is operated is the direction in which the first game controller 1 is detached. Therefore, when detaching the first game controller 1, the operation can be performed in accordance with intuition.

[0274] Furthermore, when the operation unit 182 is fully pressed in the third direction R3, the operation unit 182 is buried in the protruding portion 18, and the user's finger operating the operation unit 182 comes into contact with the protruding portion 18. The user can apply that force to the protruding portion 18 by continuing to apply force with their finger in the third direction R3, which is the direction in which the first game controller 1 will be detached. Thus, the force required for removal can be applied as a series of operations following the operation of the operation unit 182. Furthermore, because the user's finger comes into contact with the protruding portion 18 around the buried operation unit 182 in addition to the operation unit 182, the user can remove the first game controller 1 while firmly gripping it.

[0275] Protrusion 18 protrudes rearward from back surface 16 so as to cover right Z shoulder button 140 from below. For example, protrusion 18 may be configured so that when first game controller 1 is placed with back surface 16 facing the ground, protrusion 18 touches the ground surface but not right Z shoulder button 140. By having operation unit 182 submerged in protrusion 18 covering right Z shoulder button 140 from below in this way, it is possible to save space compared to, for example, providing a separate protrusion for submerging operation unit 182.

[0276] The pusher 181 may protrude from the outer side of the top surface button (right) 110 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100 (to the right of the top surface button (right) 110). In another embodiment, the pusher 181 may protrude from the outer side of the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100 (to the left of the top surface button (left) 120). This increases the distance between the pusher 181 and the portion opposite the end where the pusher 181 is provided (for example, the end of the top surface 106 or the portion of the upper surface 11 outside the convex portion 100), which serves as a fulcrum for removal. This provides leverage to the pusher 181, allowing the first game controller 1 to be removed from the main unit 3 with less force.

[0277] The pusher 181 may protrude from the right side of the operating portion 182 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The center of the pusher 181 may be located to the right of the center of the operating portion 182 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The pusher 181 may protrude from the right side of the first elastic deformation body 52 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The center of the pusher 181 may be located to the right of the center of the first elastic deformation body 52 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0278] The pusher 181 may be configured to protrude from the outer side of the upper button of the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120, whichever is upper when held together. This allows the pusher 181 to push the side of the main unit 3 from the first game controller 1 side, using the underside of the main unit 3 as a fulcrum, making removal easier.

[0279] 22, the pusher 181 protrudes from the third region 103 of the top surface 106. A mouse sole 191 having a through-hole is provided on the top surface 106. The pusher 181 is provided so as to protrude from the through-hole of the mouse sole 191. Therefore, on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, it is not necessary to separate the region from which the pusher 181 protrudes and the region where the mouse sole 191 is provided. This allows the space on the top surface 106 to be used effectively.

[0280] Furthermore, pusher 181 may be configured to protrude from a region having the highest height on top surface 106. This allows the tip of pusher 181 to come into contact with bottom surface 3121 immediately after pusher 181 protrudes from top surface 106. This reduces the amount of protrusion of pusher 181 before it comes into contact with bottom surface 3121. This makes it possible to reduce the size of pusher 181 and the amount of operation of operating unit 182.

[0281] Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the operation surface 115 of the top surface button (right) 110 is separated from the surface of the cover 338 that forms the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 when the pusher 181 protrudes. From another perspective, the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the operation surface 115 of the top surface button (right) 110 is separated from the surface of the cover 338 that forms the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 even when the top surface button (right) 110 moves upward to its maximum extent due to being attracted to the first magnetic element 410. This allows the first game controller 1 to be easily removed from the main unit 3. Note that the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that at least a portion of the operation surface 125 of the top surface button (left) 120 does not separate from the surface of the cover 338. This prevents the first game controller 1 from being suddenly removed from the main unit 3.

[0282] 33, the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the right end of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 33) is exposed from the opening of the recess 310 due to the protrusion of the pusher 181. The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the right end of the top surface 106 is not exposed from the opening of the recess even when the pusher 181 protrudes. The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the entire first elastic deformation body 52 exposed from the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 is exposed from the opening of the recess 310. On the other hand, only a portion of the second elastic deformation body 54 exposed from the outer peripheral surface 107 may be exposed from the opening of the recess 310. The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the light exit opening 154 provided in the outer peripheral surface 107 is not exposed from the opening of the recess 310 even when the pusher 181 protrudes. The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the right end of the upper surface 11 (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 33) and the top end of the main body right side surface 313 are spaced apart by a distance of, for example, 0.5 mm to 1 cm. The distance may be, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. The distance may also be, for example, 2 mm.

[0283] <Indicator> 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 34, the first game controller 1 has a light-emitting element 152 and a light-emitting unit 150 that emits light outward. The light-emitting unit 150 is a user indicator. The light-emitting unit 150 includes, for example, a light-emitting opening 154 and a portion of a lens 151. The light-emitting unit 150 may be provided on the front outer peripheral surface 1071.

[0284] The light emitting opening 154 is an opening provided, for example, on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. The protrusion of the lens 151 is located inside the light emitting opening 154. The user can see the light that passes through the lens 151 and is emitted outward from the light emitting opening 154. The light emitting unit 150 does not have to have the lens 151. The light emitting unit 150 may be provided on the rear outer peripheral surface portion 1072.

[0285] The light emitting element 152 is disposed on, for example, the FPC 90. The light emitting element 152 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitting diode emits, for example, visible light. The light emitted by the light emitting diode is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, red, blue, or green.

[0286] The light emitting element 152 itself may be the light emitting portion 150. That is, the light emitting element 152 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100.

[0287] The convex portion 100 has a certain protruding height, and by providing the light emitting portion 150 on the outer peripheral surface 107, the space in the protruding direction of the outer peripheral surface 107 can be effectively utilized.

[0288] Furthermore, light from the light emitting unit 150 is emitted in a front direction from the outer circumferential surface 107. Therefore, the light is easily visible when the user operates the first game controller 1 while facing the front of the first game controller 1. On the other hand, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the outer circumferential surface 107 is not exposed, allowing the user to concentrate on, for example, playing a game.

[0289] The light emitting section 150 provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 may be provided between the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0290] When the first game controller 1 is held horizontally and the top surface button (right) 110 and the top surface button (left) 120 provided on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 are operated with the left and right fingers, the left and right fingers are likely to move along the top surface 106. As a result, the fingers are unlikely to rest on the front side of the outer circumferential surface 107, and the light emitting portion 150 is unlikely to be covered by the fingers. Therefore, the light from the light emitting portion 150 is easily visible.

[0291] Inside the convex portion 100, the light emitting element 152 faces the light emitting portion 150. More specifically, the light emitting element 152 faces the light emitting opening 154. A user can see the light emitted by the light emitting element 152 through the light emitting opening 154. The lens 151 may be attached to the inner wall surface of the convex portion 100 using double-sided tape 155. In the front-rear direction, the light emitting element 152 is located between the FPC 90 and the light emitting portion 150.

[0292] In the front-rear direction, the light emitting portion 150 is located closer to the fifth direction R5 than the first terminal 160. The light emitting portion 150 is provided at a position overlapping with the first terminal 160 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. From another perspective, the first terminal 160 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion 167 on the rear side, and the light emitting portion 150 is provided on the front side of the terminal accommodating portion 167, on the front side of the outer circumferential surface 107.

[0293] Since the first terminal 160 is provided so as to protrude through a slit provided in the wall portion that forms the first rear side wall surface 165, a space is required inside the convex portion 100 that is on the back side of the inner wall surface 166. This space also includes a space for the first terminal 160 to not interfere with the surrounding configuration when it is pushed deeply into the convex portion 100. On the other hand, the light emitting portion 150 also requires a space inside the convex portion 100 for providing, for example, the lens 151 and the light emitting element 152. Therefore, by providing the first terminal 160 and the light emitting portion 150 on opposite sides in the front-to-rear direction, the internal space of the convex portion 100 can be effectively utilized.

[0294] Up to this point, the explanation has focused on the configuration of the first game controller 1. The second game controller 2 also has the same basic configuration as the first game controller 1. Below, only an outline of the second game controller 2 will be shown.

[0295] FIG. 35 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first mode of the second game controller 2. As shown in FIG. 35, the second game controller 2 includes, for example, a joystick 41, which is an example of a directional input unit, and a set of four buttons 42 arranged in a cross shape. While the first game controller 1 includes a + button 33(1) and a home button 33(2), the second game controller 2 includes a - button 43(1) and a capture button 43(2). The second game controller 2 also includes a top button (right) 210, a top button (left) 220, a synchronization button, a shoulder button (left) 230, and a Z shoulder button (left) 240. The top button (right) 210, the top button (left) 220, and the synchronization button are provided on the protrusion 200. The second game controller 2 further includes a light emitting unit 250, a second terminal 260 connected to the second main terminal 341 of the main unit 3, a mouse sensor opening 270 for guiding light to a mouse operation sensor 274, mouse soles 253 and 254, and an operation unit 282 constituting a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 200 from the main unit 3. The structure and function of each component are substantially the same as those of the first game controller 1. However, some functions may differ. For example, the capture button 43(2) may be used to save an image output to the display 305.

[0296] In the horizontally held state, the positional relationship between the joystick 31 and the set of four buttons 32 on the first game controller 1 is the same as the positional relationship between the joystick 41 and the set of four buttons 42 on the second game controller 2. That is, on the first game controller 1, the joystick 31 is located to the left of the set of four buttons 32. Similarly, on the second game controller 2, the joystick 41 is located to the left of the set of four buttons 42. Meanwhile, in the horizontally held state, the right shoulder button 130 and the right Z shoulder button 140 are on the right side of the first game controller 1, while the left shoulder button 230 and the left Z shoulder button 240 are on the left side of the second game controller 2. From another perspective, in the integrally held state, the joystick 31 on the first game controller 1 is located below the set of four buttons 32, while the joystick 41 on the second game controller 2 is located above the set of four buttons 42. On the other hand, in the integrally held state, the shoulder button (right) 130 and Z shoulder button (right) 140 of the first game controller 1 and the shoulder button (left) 230 and Z shoulder button (left) 240 of the second game controller 2 are both on the upper side.

[0297] <Terminal arrangement> FIG. 36 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the main unit 3. As shown in FIG. 36, the main unit left side surface 314 is located on the opposite side of the main unit 3 from the main unit right side surface 313. The main unit left side surface 314 has the same configuration as the main unit right side surface 313. For example, a recess 320 is provided in the main unit left side surface 314. A second plug connector 340, a third magnetic element 430, and a fourth magnetic element 440 are provided in the recess 320. The third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440 include magnets. In the longitudinal direction of the recess 320, the second plug connector 340 is disposed between the third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440.

[0298] The protrusion 100 has a shape that fits into each of the recesses 310 and 320. Similarly, the protrusion 200 has a shape that fits into each of the recesses 310 and 320. The recess 310 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the recess 310. The recess 320 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the recess 320. The protrusion 100 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. The protrusion 200 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 200.

[0299] The longitudinal direction of recess 310 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of recess 320. The longitudinal directions of recess 310 and recess 320 may each be parallel to the up-down direction. The width direction of recess 310 may be parallel to the width direction of recess 320. The width direction of recess 310 and recess 320 may each be parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0300] Fig. 37 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing the connection state of the terminals in the first connection state. Fig. 37 simply shows the connection state of each terminal as viewed from above in the attached state. For ease of understanding, the terminals are shown separated from each other. Fig. 37 simply shows at least a portion of the main body first terminal 331, first tongue body 332, main device side second terminal 341, and second tongue body 342.

[0301] The first terminal 160 is provided along the first rear wall surface. The first terminal 160 does not have to be provided on the first front wall surface.

[0302] The second terminal 260 is provided along the second rear wall surface. The second terminal 260 does not have to be provided on the second front wall surface.

[0303] Furthermore, the main body first terminal 331 is provided along the back surface of the first tongue body 332. The main body first terminal 331 does not have to be provided on the front surface of the first tongue body 332. Furthermore, the main body second terminal 341 is provided along the back surface of the second tongue body 342. The main body second terminal 341 does not have to be provided on the front surface of the second tongue body 342.

[0304] FIG. 38 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the information processing device 1000 in the first connection state.

[0305] FIG. 39 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing the terminal arrangement in the first connection state. FIG. 39 simply shows the connection state of each terminal as viewed from the front side in the attached state. For ease of understanding, the terminals are shown separated from each other. As shown in FIG. 39, the main body first terminal 331 (also referred to as the third terminal 331) may constitute a first main body terminal group. The first main body terminal group may have a plurality of third terminal portions each composed of one or more terminals. The plurality of third terminal portions are aligned in the vertical direction. The functions of the plurality of third terminal portions may not be symmetrical in the vertical direction.

[0306] The second main body terminal 341 (also referred to as the fourth terminal 341) may constitute a second main body terminal group. The second main body terminal group 341 may have a plurality of fourth terminal portions each composed of one or more terminals. The plurality of fourth terminal portions are arranged in a vertical direction. The arrangement of the functions of the plurality of third terminal portions and the arrangement of the functions of the plurality of fourth terminal portions may be reversed in the vertical direction.

[0307] 39, the second terminal 260 may form a second game controller terminal group, similar to the first terminal 160. The second game controller terminal group has a plurality of second terminal sections, each of which is made up of one or more terminals. The plurality of second terminal sections are arranged in a vertical direction.

[0308] The arrangement of the functions of the multiple first terminals 160 and the arrangement of the functions of the multiple third terminals 331 may be the same in the vertical direction of the main device. The functions of the multiple first terminals 160 may be, in order from top to bottom in the vertical direction of the main device, ground, connection detection from one side to the other, signal, power supply from one side to the other, empty, power supply from the other side to the one side, signal, connection detection from the other side to the one side, and ground. Similarly, the functions of the multiple third terminals 331 may be, in order from top to bottom, ground, connection detection from one side to the other, signal, power supply from one side to the other, empty, power supply from the other side to the one side, signal, connection detection from the other side to the one side, and ground.

[0309] The arrangement of the functions of the multiple second terminals 260 and the arrangement of the functions of the multiple fourth terminals 341 may be the same in the vertical direction of the main device. The functions of the multiple second terminals 260, in order from top to bottom in the vertical direction of the main device, may be ground, connection detection from one side to the other, signal, power supply from one side to the other, empty, power supply from the other side to the one side, signal, connection detection from the other side to the one side, and ground. Similarly, the functions of the multiple fourth terminals 341, in order from top to bottom, may be ground, connection detection from one side to the other, signal, power supply from one side to the other, empty, power supply from the other side to the one side, signal, connection detection from the other side to the one side, and ground.

[0310] Like the multiple first terminals, the multiple second terminals include a second left terminal 260a, a second right terminal 260b, and a second intermediate terminal 260c. The second left terminal 260a is located on the leftmost side in the left-right direction. The second right terminal 260b is located on the rightmost side in the left-right direction. The second intermediate terminal 260c is located between the second left terminal 260a and the second right terminal 260b.

[0311] The plurality of third terminal portions include a third upper terminal portion 331a, a third lower terminal portion 331b, and a third intermediate terminal portion 331c. The third upper terminal portion 331a is located at the uppermost position in the vertical direction of the main unit 3. The third lower terminal portion 331b is located at the lowermost position in the vertical direction of the main unit 3. The third intermediate terminal portion 331c is located between the third upper terminal portion 331a and the third lower terminal portion 331b.

[0312] The multiple fourth terminal portions include a fourth upper terminal portion 341a, a fourth lower terminal portion 341b, and a fourth intermediate terminal portion 341c. The fourth upper terminal portion 341a is located at the uppermost position in the vertical direction of the main device 3. The fourth lower terminal portion 341b is located at the lowermost position in the vertical direction of the main device 3. The fourth intermediate terminal portion 341c is located between the fourth upper terminal portion 341a and the fourth lower terminal portion 341b.

[0313] <Connection status> 39, in the first connection state, the first terminal 160 is connected to the main body first terminal 331. The first right terminal 160a is electrically connected to the third upper terminal 331a. The first left terminal 160b is electrically connected to the third lower terminal 331b. The first intermediate terminal 160c is electrically connected to the third intermediate terminal 331c.

[0314] In the first connection state, the second terminal 260 is connected to the main body second terminal 341. The second left terminal 260a is electrically connected to the fourth upper terminal 341a. The second right terminal 260b is electrically connected to the fourth lower terminal 341b. The second intermediate terminal 260c is electrically connected to the fourth intermediate terminal 341c.

[0315] Fig. 40 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing a second example of the connection state of the terminals, and Fig. 41 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the information processing device 1000 in the second connection state.

[0316] In the second connection state, the first game controller 1 is attached to the left side of the main unit 3. The right side of the first game controller 1 faces the same direction as the bottom side of the main unit 3. The front side of the first game controller 1 faces the same direction as the front side of the main unit 3. The second game controller 2 is attached to the right side of the main unit 3. The left side of the second game controller 2 faces the same direction as the bottom side of the main unit 3. The front side of the second game controller 2 faces the same direction as the front side of the main unit 3.

[0317] Figure 42 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing the terminal arrangement in the second connection state. In the second connection state, the second game controller terminal group is connected to the main body first terminal group. The second left terminal portion 260a is electrically connected to the third lower terminal portion 331b. The second right terminal portion 260b is electrically connected to the third upper terminal portion 331a. The second intermediate terminal portion 260c is electrically connected to the third intermediate terminal portion 331c.

[0318] In the second connection state, the first game controller terminal group is connected to the second main body terminal group 341. The first right side terminal 160a is electrically connected to the fourth lower side terminal 341b. The first left side terminal 160b is electrically connected to the fourth upper side terminal 341a. The second intermediate terminal 260c is electrically connected to the fourth intermediate terminal 341c.

[0319] According to the controller set of this embodiment, both the first terminal 160 and the second terminal 260 are provided on the rear side of the inner wall. Meanwhile, both the first terminal 331 and the second terminal 341 of the main unit 3 are provided on the rear side of the tongue. Therefore, even if the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are flipped upside down and attached to the main unit 3 on opposite sides in the left-right direction, the game controllers can still be electrically connected to the main unit 3. For example, if the main unit 3 has audio input / output terminals only on its upper surface, the user can wear the game controller with the audio input / output terminals facing up or down. This allows the user to insert earphones into the audio input / output terminals from a preferred direction. The main unit 3 may also swap the top and bottom of the image displayed on the display 305 depending on the orientation of the game controller. That is, the image may be output so that the top side of the game controllers in the integrated holding state coincides with the top side of the image displayed on the display 305. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the first terminals 160 is reversed in the left-right direction from the arrangement of the second terminals 260, but the arrangement of the terminals may be in other forms.

[0320] Note that both game controllers may be attached to the recesses 310 on both sides so that the front of the controller faces the rear of the main unit. However, due to the terminal arrangement of this embodiment, the terminals will not be connected to each other in this case. <Other removal methods> Fig. 43 is a schematic top view of the main unit 3, showing a state before the first game controller 1 is removed from the main unit 3. Fig. 44 is a schematic top view of the main unit 3, showing a second state in which the first game controller 1 is being removed from the main unit 3.

[0321] Here, as shown in FIG. 33 , in this embodiment, the first game controller 1 can be easily removed from the main unit 3 by the user operating the operation unit 182. In other aspects, the game controller may not include a removal mechanism. Even in that case, the first game controller 1 may be configured to be removable. For example, as shown in FIG. 33 , the first game controller 1 may be removed from the main unit 3 by the user rotating the first game controller 1 in the direction of the first arrow A1 around the longitudinal end of the first protrusion 100 as a fulcrum. Note that even if the first game controller 1 includes a removal mechanism, the first game controller 1 may be removed from the main unit 3 without operating the operation unit 182.

[0322] The first game controller 1 may also be removed by rotating it in a direction different from the above. As shown in Fig. 44, the first game controller 1 may be removed from the main unit 3 by rotating the first game controller 1 in the direction of the second arrow A2 around the rear side of the protrusion 100 (for example, the rear side of the outer circumferential surface 107 or the rear side region of the upper surface 11) as a fulcrum. After rotating in the direction of the second arrow A2, the first game controller 1 may be pulled out in the left-right direction.

[0323] Note that these directions of removal are merely examples. The method of removing the first game controller 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to the above. The first game controller 1 may be removed from the recess 310 simply by being pulled in the left-right direction without rotating it. The method of removing the second game controller 2 is substantially the same as the method of removing the first game controller 1. <Internal configuration of information processing device> Fig. 45 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of main unit 3. As an example, main unit 3 includes components 2081 to 2098 shown in Fig. 45. These components 2081 to 2098 are mounted on an electronic circuit board as electronic components and housed in the housing of main unit 3.

[0324] The main body device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2081. The CPU 2081 is an information processing unit that executes various types of information processing executed in the main body device 3. The CPU 2081 executes various types of information processing by executing an information processing program stored in a storage unit that it can access (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 2084, or an external storage medium attached to the first slot 304 and the second slot 2024, etc.).

[0325] The main body device 3 includes a flash memory 2084 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 2085 as examples of internal storage media built into the main body device 3 itself.

[0326] The main device 3 has a plurality of slots. A storage medium is inserted into each slot. The CPU 2081 reads and writes data from and to the flash memory 2084, the DRAM 2085, and the storage media as appropriate, to execute the information processing described above.

[0327] The main body device 3 includes a network communication unit 2082. The network communication unit 2082 is connected to the CPU 2081. The network communication unit 2082 communicates with external devices via a network (specifically, wireless communication). In this embodiment, the network communication unit 2082 is, for example, a communication module authenticated by Wi-Fi, and may have a function of connecting to a mobile communication network (in other words, a mobile phone communication network) and communicating in addition to (or instead of) a function of communicating with external devices via a wireless LAN. That is, the communication module may include a wireless chip.

[0328] The main unit 3 includes a controller communication unit 2083. The controller communication unit 2083 is connected to the CPU 2081. The controller communication unit 2083 performs wireless communication with the first controller 1 and / or the second controller 2. Any communication method may be used between the main unit 3 and each controller, but in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 2083 performs communication with each controller in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0329] The CPU 2081 is connected to the left terminal 341, the right terminal 331, and the lower terminal 303. When performing wired communication with the second controller 2, the CPU 2081 transmits and receives data to and from the second controller 2 via the left terminal 341. When performing wired communication with the first controller 1, the CPU 2081 transmits and receives data to and from the first controller 1 via the right terminal 331. When communicating with the cradle 5, the CPU 2081 transmits and receives data to and from the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 303.

[0330] As described above, in this embodiment, the main unit 3 can perform both wired and wireless communication with each of the first controller 1 and the second controller 2. (Configuration related to input / output to the main unit) The display 305 is connected to the CPU 2081. The CPU 2081 displays on the display 305 an image generated (for example, by executing the above-described information processing) and / or an image acquired from the outside.

[0331] The main device 3 includes a power control unit 2097 and a battery 2098. The power control unit 2097 is connected to the battery 2098 and the CPU 2081. Although not shown, the power control unit 2097 is also connected to each unit of the main device 3 (specifically, each unit that receives power from the battery 2098, the left terminal 341, and the right terminal 331). The power control unit 2097 controls the power supply from the battery 2098 to each of the above units based on commands from the CPU 2081.

[0332] Fig. 46 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of information processing device 1000. Note that details of the internal configuration of main device 3 of information processing device 1000 are shown in Fig. 45, and therefore are omitted in Fig. 46.

[0333] The second controller 2 includes a communication control unit 2101 that communicates with the main unit 3. As shown in FIG. 46 , the communication control unit 2101 is connected to each component, including the second terminal 260. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 2101 can communicate with the main unit 3 both via wired communication via the second terminal 260 and via wireless communication without using the second terminal 260. That is, the communication control unit 2101 may include a wireless chip. The communication control unit 2101 controls the communication method used by the second controller 2 with the main unit 3. That is, when the second controller 2 is attached to the main unit 3, the communication control unit 2101 communicates with the main unit 3 via the second terminal 260. When the second controller 2 is detached from the main unit 3, the communication control unit 2101 performs wireless communication with the main unit 3 (specifically, the controller communication unit 2083). Wireless communication between the controller communication unit 2083 and the communication control unit 2101 is performed in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0334] The second controller 2 also includes a memory 2102 such as a flash memory. The communication control unit 2101 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer (also called a microprocessor), and performs various processes by executing firmware stored in the memory 2102. In other words, the communication control unit 2101 functions as an information processing unit.

[0335] Each button 2103 and joystick 2032 repeatedly outputs information relating to operations performed on that button 2103 and joystick 2032 to the communication control unit 2101 at appropriate timing. The second controller 2 may also have various other sensors. For example, it may have a mouse operation sensor 274. Information from the various sensors is output to the communication control unit 2101 and transmitted to the main unit 3.

[0336] Furthermore, commands may be transmitted to various sensors from the communication control unit 2101. For example, the communication LED 2045 arranged in the second light emitting unit 250 is controlled by a command from the main device 3.

[0337] The second controller 2 includes a power supply unit 2108. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 2108 includes a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and to each unit of the second controller 2 (specifically, each unit that receives power from the battery). The power control circuit controls the power supply from the battery to each of the above units.

[0338] The battery is also connected to the second terminal 260. In this embodiment, when the second controller 2 is attached to the main unit 3, the battery is charged by power supplied from the main unit 3 via the second terminal 260 under certain conditions.

[0339] The first controller 1 has a similar configuration to the second controller 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The first controller 1 may include an NFC communication unit 2122. The second controller 2 may not include the NFC communication unit 2122. The NFC communication unit 2122 performs short-range wireless communication based on the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The first controller 1 may include a processing unit 2121 that executes management processing for the NFC communication unit 2122 in response to a command from the main device 3. [Second aspect] Other embodiments are described below. Note that, where only one controller is illustrated, the other controller may also have a similar configuration. Also, where an embodiment in which only one controller is attached to the device is illustrated, the other controller may also be attached.

[0340] FIG. 47 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of a second aspect of the game controller 1. The configuration of the game controller 1 according to this embodiment differs from the first aspect mainly in that the convex portion is divided into multiple parts. Of the multiple convex portions, at least two or more convex portions are configured to fit into the recess as a whole. The following will mainly explain the configuration that differs from the first aspect.

[0341] As shown in FIG. 47, the multiple protrusions of the game controller 1 are separated into multiple parts in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 47, the game controller 1 has a right protrusion 510, a left protrusion 520, and a central protrusion 530. The respective protrusions are separate. In the left-right direction, the central protrusion 530 is located between the right protrusion 510 and the left protrusion 520. From another perspective, the right protrusion 510, the left protrusion 520, and the central protrusion 530 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Furthermore, at least the right protrusion 510 and the left protrusion 520 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11.

[0342] The right convex portion 510 is provided with a top surface button (right) 110. The top surface button (right) 110 includes a magnet or a soft magnetic material. The top surface button (right) 110 may be arranged on the top surface of the right convex portion 510. The top surface button (right) 110 may be arranged so as to be exposed from an opening provided on the top surface of the right convex portion 510.

[0343] The left convex portion 520 is provided with an upper surface button (left) 120. The upper surface button (left) 120 includes a magnet or a soft magnetic material. The upper surface button (left) 120 may be arranged on the top surface of the left convex portion 520. The upper surface button (left) 120 may be arranged so as to be exposed from an opening provided on the top surface of the left convex portion 520.

[0344] The central protrusion 530 is provided with a first terminal 160. The central protrusion 530 may be provided with a mouse operation sensor 174 and a synchronization button 50. The central protrusion 530 may be provided with a light emitting portion 150 on its outer peripheral surface.

[0345] At least the right protrusion 510 and the left protrusion 520 are configured to fit as a whole into the recess 310 provided in the main device 3. From another perspective, the right protrusion 510 and the left protrusion 520 are configured to fit into the recess 310 in a region including at least the longitudinal end of the longitudinally extending recess 310. The central protrusion 530 may also be configured to fit into the recess 310 provided in the main device 3. In other words, the right protrusion 510, the central protrusion 530, and the left protrusion 520 may be configured as a whole to fit into the recess 310 provided in the main device 3.

[0346] The central convex portion 530 may have a lower height from the upper surface 11 than the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520. The central convex portion 530 may have a thinner width in the front-to-rear direction than the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520. From another perspective, the central convex portion 530 may be smaller than the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520. The game controller 1 can be securely attached to the main unit 3 by having at least top buttons including a magnet or a soft magnetic material, and by having the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520 located on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 sufficiently protrude from the upper surface 11 and fit into the recesses.

[0347] The number of protrusions is not limited to three. For example, the game controller 1 may have two protrusions, a right protrusion 510 and a left protrusion 520, without having a central protrusion 530. The number of protrusions may be four or more. There is also no particular limitation on which protrusions each component is disposed on. The height from the upper surface 11 of the protrusions on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface may be higher than the height from the upper surface 11 of the other protrusions. Protrusions having buttons including magnets or soft magnetic materials may be provided so as to sandwich the protrusion on which the first terminal 160 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The first terminal 160 may not be provided. Alternatively, the buttons may not include magnets or soft magnetic materials, and the protrusions may be provided with only buttons that do not include magnets or soft magnetic materials, or with only magnets or soft magnetic materials.

[0348] In another aspect, the outer shape of the top surface buttons 110, 120 themselves may form part of the convex portions 510, 530. In other words, the top surface buttons 110, 120 may be configured so that when a user presses the top surface buttons 110, 120 in the downward direction, the convex portions 510, 530 themselves sink into the controller housing 10. The third convex portion 530 may be configured not to sink into the controller housing 10. [Third aspect] Next, we will explain the configuration of the third aspect of the game controller 1. The configuration of the controller according to this embodiment differs from the first aspect mainly in that the top surface buttons do not include magnets or soft magnetic materials. Below, we will mainly explain the configuration that differs from the first aspect.

[0349] FIG. 48 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of a third mode of the game controller 1. The top surface buttons 110, 120 are non-magnetic. The top surface buttons 110, 120 do not include a magnet or a soft magnetic material. The top surface buttons 110, 120 are made of, for example, resin. The top surface buttons 110, 120 are provided on the top surface 11 of the controller housing 10. The top surface buttons 110, 120 are exposed from openings provided in the top surface 11. The top surface buttons 110, 120 may be placed on the top surface 11.

[0350] The first and second attraction portions 601 and 602 are provided on the upper surface 11. The first and second attraction portions 601 and 602 are not buttons. The attraction portions 601 and 602 include a soft magnetic material. The first and second attraction portions 601 and 602 are made of, for example, iron. The attraction portions 601 and 602 may have a non-magnetic portion. The attraction portions 601 and 602 may include a magnet. The attraction portions 601 and 602 protrude from the upper surface 11. The attraction portions 601 and 602 may or may not move in the vertical direction. In the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11, the attraction portions 601 and 602 are arranged side by side with the upper surface buttons 110 and 120. The attraction portion 601 may be located on the longitudinal end side of the upper surface 11. From another perspective, the top surface buttons 110, 120 may be arranged between the adsorption portions 601, 602 in the left-right direction. A protrusion having the first terminal 160 may be provided between the top surface buttons 110, 120 in the left-right direction. The top surface buttons 110, 120 may be pressed so as to move in the direction of the top surface 11 relative to the adsorption portions 601, 602 and the protrusion.

[0351] In this embodiment, the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3 by at least the adhesive portions 601, 602 being attached to the magnetic elements 410, 420 of the main unit 3. The adhesive portions 601, 602, top buttons 110, 120, and first terminal 160 may have a convex shape as a whole, and may be configured to fit into the recess 310 as a whole. Alternatively, the adhesive portions 601, 602, top buttons 110, 120, and first terminal 160 may have a shape that partially follows the shape of the recess 310.

[0352] The suction portions 601, 602 may be provided on a protrusion provided on the upper surface 11, and the top surface buttons 110, 120 may be provided on the upper surface 11 at a position that does not fit into the recess 310. For example, the top surface buttons 110, 120 may be provided behind the protrusion. The top surface buttons 110, 120 may be provided behind the protrusion and at a position that overlaps with the protrusion in the left-right direction, or may be provided at a position outside the protrusion in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the top surface buttons 110, 120 may be provided at a position that overlaps with the protrusion in the front-rear direction in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the top surface buttons 110, 120 may be provided at a position that protrudes upward on the upper surface 11. Furthermore, the top surface buttons 110, 120 may be provided on a protrusion that protrudes backward on the back surface. [Variations] The main unit 3 may be capable of executing processes other than game processing. In another embodiment, the main unit 3 may be capable of executing only processes other than game processing. In another embodiment, the main unit 3 may not have a recess. As an example, a device capable of fixing an electronic device with a display, such as a game device, smartphone, or tablet, may have a recess, and the protrusion of the game controller may be attachable to the recess of such a device. As an example, the device may be a housing that houses an electronic device with the display exposed. As an example, the device may have a recess in a position that sandwiches the fixed electronic device. The device may or may not be electrically connected to the fixed electronic device.

[0353] In the first embodiment, the main unit 3 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape is not limited to this. For example, the opposite sides may be inclined relative to the front. From another perspective, the main unit 3 may have a shape other than a rectangle, such as a trapezoid, when viewed from the front. In another embodiment, the main unit 3 may be foldable. For example, the main unit 3 may be equipped with a display and a keyboard, and may be configured so that the display and keyboard face each other when folded. The recess may be provided on the side sandwiching the display, or on the side sandwiching the keyboard.

[0354] In the first embodiment, the first game controller 1 does not have a magnet for attracting to the magnetic elements 410, 420 of the main unit 3, but it may have a magnet.

[0355] The game controller may have an additional magnetic element other than the top buttons made of a soft magnetic material. For example, the additional magnetic element may be a magnet. The additional magnetic element may be provided on the top surface of the convex portion, on the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion, or inside the game controller. Such an additional magnetic element on the game controller may be attracted by magnetic force to a magnetic element provided at the bottom of the recess 310 on the main unit, together with the top buttons. An additional magnetic element may also be provided at the bottom of the recess 310 on the main unit, and the additional magnetic element on the game controller may be attracted to the additional magnetic element on the main unit.

[0356] The top button (right) and the top button (left) do not have to be arranged symmetrically. The shape of the game controller is not limited to the shapes disclosed. For example, the game controller may have a protrusion for gripping. For example, the game controller may have a semicircular front.

[0357] The game controller may also have a protruding portion on the upper side that does not fit into the recess in the main unit 3. When using the game controller as a mouse, such a protruding portion may come into contact with the ground surface in addition to or instead of the protruding portion. Increasing the contact area with the ground surface or increasing the number of contact points improves stability when operating the mouse.

[0358] The top surface button may not be movable in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, and in this case, the game controller may not have an elastically deformable body inside the protrusion that is compressed when the top surface button moves in the direction opposite to the pressing direction.

[0359] The height of the top surface of the top button from the upper surface in the initial position may be the same as or higher than the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion from the upper surface.

[0360] The top surface of the protrusion may be flat, and the mouse sole may be placed on the flat top surface of the protrusion.

[0361] The game controller may not have a removal mechanism. However, the game controller may have a mechanism different from the disclosed removal mechanism. For example, the game controller may have a mechanism that automatically protrudes a pusher when a specific input unit is operated. Alternatively, the pusher may automatically protrude from a recess in response to a command from the game controller or the main unit 3. Alternatively, the removal mechanism may be configured by a mechanical or electrical mechanism different from the pusher.

[0362] The game controller does not necessarily have to have an engagement hole. Instead of an engagement hole, the game controller may have other mechanical holding means. For example, the game controller may have a pressing member that protrudes toward the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the concave portion.

[0363] The elastic deformation body provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion of the game controller may be provided from the upper side surface to the top surface of the convex portion. Alternatively, the elastic deformation body may be provided only on the top surface side of the convex portion. Alternatively, the game controller may not have an elastic deformation body on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion.

[0364] The game controller does not have to be capable of mouse operation. In other words, the game controller does not have to have a mouse operation sensor. In this case, the game controller does not have to have mouse soles. However, even in such a case, instead of mouse soles, the game controller may have some kind of cushioning material on the top surface of the convex portion (it may be made of the same material as a general mouse sole). By providing such cushioning material, it is possible to alleviate the stress that occurs between the top surface of the convex portion and the bottom surface of the concave portion when the game controller is magnetically attached to the main unit.

[0365] The mouse sensor opening may be provided on the back of the game controller. That is, the user may place the game controller on a surface with the back of the controller facing the surface and operate the mouse. The mouse operation sensor may be housed inside the controller housing.

[0366] The Z shoulder button may be provided in the center of the back surface, i.e., closer to the center than the right and left ends of the back surface. In this case, a wall portion for locating the Z shoulder button may protrude from the center of the back surface toward the back surface.

[0367] The terminals of the game controller and the main unit may have other shapes. For example, they may be pin-shaped. The pin-shaped terminals may be electrically connected by contacting each other with their tips facing each other. The terminals of the game controller may be exposed from the top surface of the protrusion. The terminals of the main unit may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess, substantially flush with the bottom surface.

[0368] The light emitting section is not limited to emitting simple light, and may emit light that constitutes an image such as a moving image or a still image.

[0369] The game controller and main unit 3 according to the present disclosure can also be considered as a game system. In other words, it can also be understood as a game system consisting of a game device capable of executing game processing, a first game controller, and a second game controller, wherein the game device has a recess on each of its right and left sides, and two magnets at the bottom of each of the recesses, the first game controller having a first input unit provided on the front, a convex portion protruding from a first side extending along the longitudinal direction of the front and configured to fit into the recess on the right side of the game device, and two buttons provided on the top surface of the convex portion to be pressed by a user, each of which is magnetically attracted to at least one of the magnets provided in the recess on the right side, and the second game controller having a first input unit provided on the front, a convex portion protruding from a first side extending along the longitudinal direction of the front and configured to fit into the recess on the left side of the game device, and two buttons provided on the top surface of the convex portion to be pressed by a user, each of which is magnetically attracted to at least one of the magnets provided in the recess on the left side.

[0370] In another embodiment, the game controller may not have a protrusion. In this case, the game controller may have a different mechanism for attaching it to the main unit 3. The game controller may also have at least one or all of the following on its upper surface or on a different mechanism: top buttons, terminals, an opening for a mouse sensor, a mouse sole, and an opening through which a pusher protrudes. The game controller may also have a mechanism for preventing misalignment with the main unit 3.

[0371] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0372] 1. First game controller, game controller 2 Second Game Controller 3 Device, main unit 10 Controller housing 11 Top side 12 Right side 13 Left side 14 Lower side 15 Front 16 Back 17 Housing opening 18 Protrusion 19 Convex flange 20 Controller housing 31 Joystick 32, 42 buttons 33(1) + button 33(2) Home button 41 Joystick 43(1) - Button 43(2) Capture button 50 Sync button 51 Ground connection 52 First elastic deformation body 52a First elastic part 52b Second elastic part 52c First Elastic Region 52d Second elastic region 53 Ground connection 54 Second elastic deformation body 61 Front housing 62 Rear housing 63 Fastening screw 64 Fastening screw 71 First inner surface 72 Second inner surface 73 First inner surface 74 Second inner surface 90 Flexible Printed Circuits 91 Bottom plate 92 Fastening members 100 convex part 101 First area 102 Second area 103 Third area 104 4th area 105 5th area 106 Top 107 Outer surface 110 Top button (right) 111 1st protrusion 112 Second protrusion 113 flange 114 Main body 115 Operation surface 117 Tactile Switch 118 Side wall 120 Top button (left) 123 flange 124 Main body 125 Operation surface 127 Tactile Switch 128 Side wall 130 Shoulder button (right) 133 Third protrusion 134 4th protrusion 135 5th protrusion 137 First shaft hole 138 Second shaft hole 140 Z shoulder button (right) 141 Switch 150 Light emitting part 151 Lens 152 Light-emitting element 154 Light emitting aperture 155 double-sided tape 160 1st terminal 160a 1st right terminal section 160b 1st left terminal section 160c 1st intermediate terminal section 161 sockets 162 female connector 164 First front side wall 165 First rear wall 166 Inner wall surface 167 Terminal housing 170 Mouse sensor opening 171 Light source 172 Light receiving sensor 174 Mouse operation sensor 181 Pusher 182 Operation section 183 energizing section 184 Rotational Axis 185 Pusher operating part 186 Pusher operating member 191 Mouse Sole 192 Mouse Sole 193 First engagement hole 194 Second engagement hole 195 Sync button opening 196 Terminal opening 197 First Opening 198 Second Opening 200 convex part 210 Top button (right) 211 Top side 215 Front 220 Top button (left) 230 Shoulder button (left) 240 Z shoulder button (left) 250 Light emitting part 253 Mouse Sole 254 Mouse Sole 260 2nd terminal 260a 2nd left terminal section 260b 2nd right terminal section 260c 2nd intermediate terminal section 270 Mouse sensor opening 274 Mouse operation sensor 282 Operation section 301 Audio input / output terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 Storage Media Slot 305 Display 306 Main body housing 307 Power button 310 dent 311 Base 3120 Inner surface 3121 bottom 313 Right side of the main unit 314 Left side of the main body 315 Front of the main body 316 Upper side of main body 317 Lower side of main body 318 Controller holder 319 External connection connector 320 dent 321 2nd bottom 322 2nd inner peripheral surface 330 First plug connector 331 Main unit 1st terminal, 3rd terminal, right side terminal 331a 3rd upper terminal section 331b 3rd lower terminal section 331c 3rd intermediate terminal section 332 First tongue body 333 Support part 334 shoulder screw 337 Through Hole 338 Cover 340 Second plug connector 341 Main unit terminal 2, terminal 4, left side terminal 341a 4th upper terminal section 341b 4th lower terminal section 341c 4th intermediate terminal section 342 Second tongue body 350 Mouse sensor through hole 351 Main unit front 352 Back of main body 380 Main body 381 Top side 382 Outer surface 383 Lower side 401 Hole 1 402 Hole 2 410 First magnetic element 411 Yoke member 413 First Magnet 414 Main body 415 Flange part 420 Second magnetic element 421 Yoke member 423 Magnet 424 Main body 425 flange 430 Third magnetic element 440 4th magnetic element 510 Right convex part 520 Left convex part 530 Central convex part 601 1st adsorption part 602 2nd suction part 1000 Information Processing Device 1071 Front side outer peripheral surface section 1072 Back side outer peripheral surface A1 First Arrow A2 Second Arrow A3 Third Arrow B1 1st distance B2 2nd distance B6 6th distance B8 spacing C1 1st width C2 Second thickness F Ground plane G Gap R1 1st direction R2 2nd direction R3 3rd direction R4 4th direction R5 5th direction R6 6th direction T1 First height T2 Second height T3 Third Height T4 4th height T5 5th height T6 6th Height T7 7th Height T8 8th Height T9 9th Height T10 10th Height T11 11th Height W1 First length W2 Second length W3 Third diameter W4 4th diameter W5 Fifth length W6 6th length

Claims

1. A game controller detachably attached to a main unit capable of executing game processing, the main unit having a recess and a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, a first input unit provided on the front side; a protrusion protruding from the first side surface and extending along a longitudinal direction of the first side surface, the protrusion being configured to fit into the recess; A game controller comprising a first button and a second button that are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the top surface of the convex portion and that are pressed by a user, the first button being attracted to the first magnet by magnetic force and the second button being attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force.

2. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the first button and the second button are made of a magnet, a soft magnetic material, or a combination of a magnet and a soft magnetic material.

3. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the first button and the second button include a magnet or a soft magnetic material in at least a portion thereof.

4. 4. The game controller according to claim 3, wherein at least the portions of the first button and the second button that are exposed from the top surface of the convex portion are made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material.

5. 5. The game controller according to claim 3, wherein the first button and the second button have a magnet or a soft magnetic material disposed on the back of the exposed portion and moving integrally with the exposed portion.

6. The game controller according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the exposed portion is painted with a non-magnetic material.

7. 7. A game controller according to claim 1, wherein the first button and the second button have conductive portions made of a magnet or soft magnetic material and connected to the ground of an electronic circuit inside the game controller.

8. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the first button and the second button are made of a soft magnetic material.

9. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the first button and the second button at least partially include a soft magnetic material and do not include a magnet.

10. 10. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the first button and the second button are configured to be movable in a direction opposite to the pressing direction from an initial position, which is the position when the first button and the second button are not pressed by the user, by the magnetic force of the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively.

11. the protrusion has a first opening and a second opening on a top surface thereof, through which top surfaces of the first button and the second button are exposed, respectively; The first button and the second button each include: side walls extending from the top surface of the button through the first opening and the second opening into the protrusion; a flange extending outward from a portion of the button side wall located inside the protrusion, a first biasing member and a second biasing member that are disposed below the first button and the second button and bias the first button and the second button, respectively, in the opposite directions at least when pressed; 11. The game controller of claim 10, further comprising a first elastically deformable body and a second elastically deformable body that are disposed between the flange of each of the first button and the second button and a first inner surface that is an internal surface of the convex portion that faces an upper surface of the flange, and that enable each of the first button and the second button to move in the opposite direction from the initial position.

12. The game controller according to claim 11 , wherein the first elastically deformable body and the second elastically deformable body are fixed to the first inner surface.

13. 13. The game controller according to claim 11, wherein the first elastic deformation body and the second elastic deformation body are provided closer to a second inner surface, which is an internal surface of the convex portion facing the side wall, than the side wall.

14. 14. The game controller according to claim 11, wherein a portion of the first elastic deformation body and a portion of the second elastic deformation body protrude from an opening provided in an outer peripheral surface of the convex portion.

15. a height of each of the top surfaces of the first button and the second button from the first side surface in the initial position is lower than a maximum height of a top surface of the protrusion from the first side surface; 15. The game controller according to claim 10, wherein the first button and the second button are each configured to be movable up to or above the maximum height from the first side surface of the button top surface.

16. a height of each of the top surfaces of the first button and the second button from the first side surface in the initial position is lower than a maximum height of a top surface of the protrusion from the first side surface; 15. The game controller according to claim 10, wherein the first button and the second button are each configured so that the height of the top surface of the button can be moved up to near the highest height of the top surface of the convex portion.

17. a height of each of the top surfaces of the first button and the second button from the first side surface in the initial position is lower than a maximum height of a top surface of the protrusion from the first side surface; 17. A game controller according to claim 10, wherein the first button and the second button are configured so that the height of the top surface of the button moves closer to the bottom of the recess by the magnetic forces of the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively, when the game controller is attached to the main unit.

18. 18. The game controller of claim 17, wherein the first button and the second button are configured to be movable by the magnetic forces of the first magnet and the second magnet until the height of the top surface of the button contacts the bottom of the recess when the game controller is attached to the game device.

19. 19. The game controller of claim 15, further comprising a raised portion that is integrally formed on the top surface of the convex portion or that is formed by placing a separate component on the top surface of the convex portion, and the maximum height is the maximum height including the raised portion.

20. 20. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion has a top surface whose width narrows toward the end at least in an end region in the longitudinal direction.

21. 21. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein a height of at least one end region of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface is greater than a height of regions where the first button and the second button are respectively provided from the first side surface.

22. A terminal accommodating portion for accommodating a terminal is opened on the top surface of the protrusion, 22. A game controller according to claim 1, wherein a height from the first side surface of a region of the top surface of the convex portion where the terminal accommodating portion opens is greater than a height from the first side surface of a region where the first button and the second button are respectively provided.

23. A terminal accommodating portion for accommodating a terminal is opened on the top surface of the protrusion, 22. A game controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the height of at least one end region of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface in the longitudinal direction is greater than the height of the region where the terminal accommodating portion opens from the first side surface.

24. 24. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein a maximum height of a top surface of the protrusion from the first side surface is greater than a depth of the recess.

25. A device having an engaging element is detachably attached to the game controller, 25. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion is provided with an engagement hole in which the engagement piece can be engaged, on at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction.

26. a first engagement hole is provided on at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion; 26. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein a device having a first engaging element corresponding to the first engaging hole is removably attached.

27. a second engagement hole is provided on the other end surface of the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction, The game controller according to claim 26, wherein a device further including a second engaging element corresponding to the second engaging hole is removably attached.

28. The game controller of claim 27 , wherein the first engagement hole and the second engagement hole have different shapes.

29. 29. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising an elastically deformable body on a rear side of an outer circumferential surface of the convex portion.

30. 30. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising an elastically deformable body on an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion, the elastically deformable body being provided adjacent to the first side surface.

31. an operation unit operated by a user; 31. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising: a pusher that protrudes from a third opening provided on the top surface of the convex portion in response to an operation on the operation portion.

32. The game controller according to claim 31 , wherein the operation unit is provided on a rear surface.

33. Further, the substrate has a protrusion protruding from the rear surface, The game controller according to claim 32 , wherein the operation unit is disposed on a surface of the protrusion on the first side surface side.

34. an operation direction of the operation portion is opposite to a protruding direction of the convex portion, The game controller according to claim 33, wherein the operation portion is embedded in the protrusion when operated.

35. 35. The game controller according to claim 34, wherein the operation direction is a direction opposite to a protruding direction of the convex portion and a direction approaching the rear surface.

36. 36. The game controller according to claim 31, wherein the maximum height of the operation portion from the rear surface is lower than the maximum height of the protrusion from the rear surface.

37. 37. The game controller according to claim 33, wherein shoulder buttons are arranged on the protrusions.

38. 33. The game controller according to claim 31, wherein the operation direction of the operation portion is opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion.

39. the first button is disposed on one end side of a center of the top surface of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction, and the second button is disposed on the other end side of the center, 39. A game controller according to claim 31, wherein the third opening is provided either closer to the one end than the first button or closer to the other end than the second button in the longitudinal direction.

40. 39. The game controller of claim 38, wherein the third opening is provided above one of the first button and the second button that is located above the other when the game controller is attached to the game device in use.

41. 41. The game controller according to claim 31, wherein the third opening is provided in a region of the top surface of the convex portion that is highest from the first side surface.

42. a rotation shaft to which the operation unit is connected; 42. The game controller of claim 31, further comprising: a pusher actuator connected to the rotation shaft, abutting against the pusher and causing the pusher to protrude in response to an operation on the operation portion.

43. 43. The game controller according to claim 42, wherein a length from the rotation axis to an end of the operation portion is longer than a distance from the rotation axis to a contact portion between the pusher actuator and the pusher.

44. 44. The game controller according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the distance from the rotation axis to the contact point between the pusher actuator and the pusher is longer when the amount of protrusion of the pusher is large than when the amount of protrusion is small.

45. the main body further includes a main body terminal provided in the recess, A game controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 44, further comprising a terminal provided between the first button and the second button when viewed from the direction of the top surface of the convex portion, and electrically connected to the main unit side terminal.

46. 46. The game controller according to claim 45, wherein the upper ends of the terminals are positioned at a position lower from the first side surface than the top surface of the convex portion.

47. the main body further includes a main body terminal provided in the recess, the protrusion has a fourth opening between the first button and the second button, 45. A game controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 44, further comprising a terminal inside the protrusion accessible from the fourth opening that electrically connects to the main unit terminal.

48. the main body further includes a main body terminal provided in the recess, the protrusion has a fourth opening, which is an opening of a terminal accommodating portion, between the first button and the second button; 45. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising a terminal provided along an inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion, the terminal being electrically connected to the main unit terminal.

49. 49. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting portion on a front side of an outer circumferential surface of the convex portion.

50. 50. The game controller of claim 49, wherein the light emitting portion is provided between the first button and the second button in the longitudinal direction.

51. a light emitting portion is further provided on a front surface of the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion, The game controller according to claim 48 , wherein the light emitting portion is provided at a position overlapping with the fourth opening in the longitudinal direction.

52. 50. The game controller according to claim 49, wherein the terminal is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion, that is, along the inner circumferential surface of the rear side, of the inner circumferential surface of the front side and the inner circumferential surface of the rear side.

53. a fifth opening is provided on the top surface of the protrusion, a light emitting portion that emits light outward from the fifth opening; 53. The game controller of claim 1, further comprising a light receiving sensor that detects reflected light of the light emitting unit that is received through the fifth opening and changes in accordance with relative movement with respect to the ground surface.

54. the protrusion has a first opening and a second opening on a top surface thereof, through which top surfaces of the first button and the second button are exposed, respectively; 54. The game controller of claim 53, wherein the fifth opening is located between the first opening and the second opening.

55. the main body further includes a main body terminal provided in the recess, a fourth opening is provided on the top surface of the protrusion between the first button and the second button; a terminal electrically connected to the main device side terminal is further provided inside the protrusion accessible from the fourth opening, 55. The game controller of claim 54, wherein the fifth opening is located between the first opening and the fourth opening.

56. 56. The game controller of claim 55, wherein the convex portion has a sixth opening between the second opening and the fourth opening, the sixth opening exposing a button to be operated by a user.

57. 57. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein the height of the area of the top surface of the convex portion where the fifth opening is provided from the first side surface is greater than the height of the area where the first button and the second button are provided from the first side surface.

58. 58. The game controller of any one of claims 53 to 57, further comprising a mouse sole that is placed on the top surface of the convex portion and that comes into contact with the ground surface when the game controller is placed so that the top surface of the convex portion faces the ground surface.

59. The mouse sole has a through hole, an operation unit operated by a user; a pusher that protrudes from a third opening provided on the top surface of the protrusion in response to an operation on the operation unit, 59. The game controller of claim 58, wherein the mouse sole is placed so that the through-hole communicates with the third opening.

60. 60. The game controller of claim 1, further comprising a second input portion on a side different from the first side.

61. 61. A game controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 60, further comprising a third input portion on the rear surface.

62. 62. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the first input unit includes a directional pad or a set of four buttons and a joystick.

63. the first input unit includes a third button pressed by a user and a joystick; 60. The game controller of claim 1, further comprising a second input portion on a side different from the first side.

64. When viewed in a usage state with the first side surface facing upward, the first button and the second button are arranged symmetrically, the joystick is provided to the left of the third button, 64. The game controller of claim 63, wherein the second input unit is provided on a side surface continuing from the right end of the first side surface.

65. When viewed in a usage state with the first side surface facing upward, the first button and the second button are arranged symmetrically, the joystick is provided to the left of the third button, 64. The game controller of claim 63, wherein the second input unit is provided on a side surface continuing from the left end of the first side surface.

66. 66. The game controller according to claim 64 or 65, wherein the main unit has a horizontally elongated shape and is attached and detached with the first side surface facing a side surface of the main unit.

67. the recess is provided on both a first side surface and a second side surface of the main body device, 67. A game controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 66, wherein the protrusion is configured to fit into each of the recesses in the first side surface and the second side surface.

68. A game controller having a recess, a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, the game controller being detachably attached to a main unit capable of executing game processing, an input unit provided on the front side; a protrusion protruding from the first side surface and extending along a longitudinal direction of the first side surface, the protrusion being configured to fit into the recess; A game controller comprising a first push-down portion and a second push-down portion that are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the top surface of the convex portion and move when pressed by a user, the first push-down portion being attracted to the first magnet by magnetic force and the second push-down portion being attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force.

69. A game controller that is detachably attached to a game device having a recess and a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, a first input unit provided on the front side; a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the first side surface and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface, the first protrusion and the second protrusion configured to fit into the recess; a first button provided on a top surface of the first protrusion to be pressed by a user, the first button being attracted to the first magnet by magnetic force; a second button provided on the top surface of the second convex portion to be pressed by a user, the second button being attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force;

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