Game controller, game controller set, and system

Abstract

To provide a novel game controller.SOLUTION: A game controller has a side, a top, and a front. A first operation unit and a second operation unit are provided longitudinally on the side. A third operation unit is provided on the top. A set of a fourth operation unit, a fifth operation unit, a sixth operation unit, and a seventh operation unit are provided on the front. The fifth operation unit is provided below the set of fourth operation units and is used to input directions. The sixth operation unit is provided below the fifth operation unit and is used to open a first menu having multiple items, including a first item which executes a first function, when selected. The seventh operation unit is provided below the sixth operation unit and is used to execute the first function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to game controllers, game controller sets and systems. [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. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The game controller according to the present disclosure has a side surface, a top surface, and a front surface. A first operation unit and a second operation unit are provided on the side surface along the longitudinal direction. A third operation unit is provided on the top surface. A set of a fourth operation unit, a fifth operation unit, a sixth operation unit, and a seventh operation unit are provided on the front surface. The fifth operation unit is provided below the set of fourth operation units and is an operation unit for inputting directions. The sixth operation unit is provided below the fifth operation unit and is an operation unit for opening a first menu having multiple items including a first item that, when selected, executes a first function. The seventh operation unit is provided below the sixth operation unit and is an operation unit for executing the first function.

[0006] According to the game controller described above, the amount by which the sixth operating unit protrudes from the front surface may be different from the amount by which the seventh operating unit protrudes from the front surface.

[0007] According to the game controller described above, the sixth operating part may protrude from the front surface by a greater amount than the seventh operating part.

[0008] According to the game controller described above, the first operation unit may be provided above the second operation unit. In the vertical direction, the second operation unit may be positioned so as to at least partially overlap with the sixth and seventh operation units.

[0009] According to the game controller described above, the sixth operating part and the seventh operating part may have different shapes.

[0010] According to the game controller described above, the first function may be executed by pressing the seventh operation unit while the first menu is displayed.

[0011] According to the game controller described above, a mouse sensor may be provided on the side surface.

[0012] A game controller set according to the present disclosure includes the above-described game controller and a second game controller having a second side surface that is fixed directly or indirectly to the game controller so that the second side surface faces the side surface of the game controller. The second game controller has an eighth operation unit that performs a second function and is located symmetrically to the sixth operation unit, but does not have an operation unit located symmetrically to the seventh operation unit.

[0013] According to the game controller set described above, the second game controller does not need to have an operation unit for opening the first menu and an operation unit for executing the first function.

[0014] According to the game controller set described above, the sixth operating unit and the seventh operating unit may have different shapes, and the eighth operating unit and the seventh operating unit may have the same shape.

[0015] According to the game controller set described above, the amount by which the seventh operating unit protrudes from the front surface may be different from the amount by which the eighth operating unit protrudes from the front surface of the second game controller.

[0016] According to the game controller set described above, the seventh operating unit may protrude from the front surface by a greater amount than the eighth operating unit protrudes from the front surface of the second game controller.

[0017] The system according to the present disclosure includes the game controller described above and a main unit that communicates with the game controller.

[0018] The system according to the present disclosure includes the game controller set described above and a main unit that communicates with the game controller set. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a configuration of an example of a system. [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. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the system 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] 1 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first game controller. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic view of region VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a first game controller. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second game controller. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game controller set. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic view of region XI in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a first menu. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a second menu. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the first game controller being used as a mouse. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic right side view showing the first game controller being used as a mouse. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] <System>

[0022] First, a description will be given of the configuration of an example of a system 1000. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an example of a system.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1000 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 a game controller. The main unit 3 is capable of executing game processing. The game processing is executed based on input to the game controller. The main unit 3 is a console. 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. 3, 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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. The first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 can communicate with the main unit 3.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, when the game controller is attached to the main unit 3, it is used with its longitudinal direction oriented, for example, up and down. 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 left and right (or, from another perspective, parallel to the ground).

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are operated by different users.

[0028] In the following explanation, when referring to the direction of the main unit 3 and the direction of the system 1000 in which the game controller is attached to the main unit 3, the explanation will be based on the direction in which the direction connecting the sides of the main unit 3 on which the game controller is attached is the left-right direction.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 5, the game controller can also be used with its longitudinal direction oriented, for example, 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 game controller may be operated by a different user.

[0030] 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.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the first game controller 1 has a protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 is attached to the controller housing 10. Similarly, the second game controller 2 has a protrusion 200. The protrusion 200 is attached to the controller housing 20.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body device 3 has a main body device-side recess 310 on the main body right side surface 313. The main body device-side recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. The main body device-side 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 main body device-side recess 320. The main body device-side recess 320 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body left side surface 314. The main body device-side recess 320 extends along the up-down direction of the main body left side surface 314 of the main body 3. The main body device-side 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.

[0033] The main unit recesses 310 and 320 are system mounting portions provided on the main unit 3 of the system 1000. 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 main unit recess 310. The first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the top surface of the protrusion 100 of the first game controller 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the main unit 3, and the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the protrusion 100 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 main unit recess 320. The second game controller 2 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the top surface of the protrusion 200 of the second game controller 2 faces the left side surface 314 of the main unit 3, and the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the protrusion 200 of the second game controller 2 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the main unit 3.

[0034] The system 1000 may be capable of executing functions other than games. The system 1000 may also include a case capable of housing a device capable of executing a game. The first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 may be attached to a component other than the main unit 3 of the system 1000. For example, the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 may be attachable to each other.

[0035] <Main unit>

[0036] 1, a display 305 is provided on a front surface 315 of the main body 3. The display 305 may be any display device. A touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the display 305.

[0037] 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 images to the outside via the lower terminal 303. The main unit 3 may not include the display 305 and may be capable of displaying images only on an external display. 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.

[0038] The main unit 3 has an upper terminal 302 on an upper side surface 316 of the main unit. The main unit 3 may also have a power button 307, a storage medium slot 304, and an audio input / output terminal 301 on the upper side surface 316 of the main unit. The main unit 3 may execute a game application stored on a storage medium inserted into the storage medium slot 304, thereby executing game processing.

[0039] <First game controller>

[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing six sides of the configuration of the first game controller 1. As shown in FIG.

[0041] 6, the first game controller 1 of this embodiment has a first operation unit 31, a second operation unit 32, a third operation unit 33, a fourth operation unit 34, a fifth operation unit 35, a sixth operation unit 36, a seventh operation unit 37, a ninth operation unit 39, and a first synchronization button 71. These are examples of operation units, and the first game controller 1 does not necessarily have to have all of them. Furthermore, the first game controller 1 may have other operation units such as a touchpad or a pressure sensor instead of or in addition to these operation units.

[0042] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, input information from the operation 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, input information from the operation 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 system 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.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the first game controller 1 has a front surface 15, a rear surface 16, a first side surface 11, an upper surface 12, a second side surface 13, and a lower 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 first side surface 11, the upper surface 12, the second side surface 13, and the lower surface 14, respectively.

[0044] The normal direction of the first side 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 left side, convex direction, or left direction. The opposite direction of the first direction R1 is also referred to as the third direction R3. The third direction R3 is also referred to as the right side, or right direction. The first direction R1 and the third direction R3 are collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0045] The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and toward the top surface 12 is also referred to as the second direction R2. The second direction R2 is also referred to as the upper side or upward direction. The direction opposite to the second direction R2 is also referred to as the fourth direction R4. The fourth direction R4 is also referred to as the lower side or downward direction. The second direction R2 and the fourth direction R4 are collectively referred to as the up-down direction.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the up-down direction of the front surface 15. The front surface 15 is roughly rectangular. The upper and lower corners of the right side of the front surface 15 are more curved than the upper and lower corners of the left side.

[0048] As described above, the first side surface 11 is located on the left side of the front surface 15. The first side surface 11 is a side surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15. The first side surface 11 extends in the vertical direction. The second side surface 13 is located opposite the first side surface 11. The second side surface 13 is located on the third direction R3 side of the first side surface 11. The top surface 12 is continuous with the upper end of the first side surface 11 and is a side surface extending in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The end of the top surface 12 remote from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the upper end of the second side surface 13. The bottom surface 14 is continuous with the lower end of the first side surface 11 and is a side surface extending in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The end of the bottom surface 14 remote from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the lower end of the second side surface 13. The top surface 12 is located on the second direction R2 side of the bottom surface 14.

[0049] 6, a first operation unit 31 and a second operation unit 32 are provided along the longitudinal direction on the first side surface 11 of the first game controller 1. A third operation unit 33 and a ninth operation unit 39 are provided on the top surface 12. A + button 110, a set of a fourth operation unit 34, a fifth operation unit 35, a sixth operation unit 36, and a seventh operation unit 37 are provided on the front surface 15.

[0050] The first operating unit 31 and the second operating unit 32 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The first operating unit 31 is provided higher than the second operating unit 32. The top surfaces of the first operating unit 31 and the second operating unit 32 extend along the vertical direction.

[0051] The first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 are buttons that are pressed by the user and move to the right when pressed. When the first operation unit 31 moves to the right when pressed by the user, a switch provided inside the first game controller 1 is pressed by the first operation unit 31.

[0052] The third operation unit 33 is, for example, a button that is used 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 third operation unit 33 may also be used in the vertically held state. The third operation unit 33 has a curved operation surface. The third operation unit 33 extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The third operation unit 33 is located approximately in the lower right portion of the first game controller 1 in the horizontally held state. At least a portion of the third operation unit 33 may be located on the top surface 12. The operation surface of the third operation unit 33 curves approximately along the upper right portion of the first game controller 1.

[0053] The ninth operation unit 39 is a button that is used, for example, when the first game controller 1 is held as a single unit. The ninth operation unit 39 may also be used when the game controller 1 is held vertically. The ninth operation unit 39 is provided behind the third operation unit 33. The ninth operation unit 39 has a curved operation surface. The ninth operation unit 39 is provided approximately in the lower right portion of the first game controller 1 when the game controller 1 is held horizontally.

[0054] The set of fourth operation units 34 has, for example, four buttons arranged in a cross shape. Two of the four buttons are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The other two of the four buttons are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0055] In the vertical direction, the first operation unit 31 and the set of fourth operation units 34 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap each other. In the vertical direction, of the set of fourth operation units 34, a portion of each of the upper and lower buttons is positioned so as to overlap with the first operation unit 31, and the two middle buttons are positioned so as to entirely overlap with the first operation unit 31.

[0056] The fifth operation unit 35 is an operation unit for inputting a direction. The fifth operation unit 35 is tiltable in 360 degrees, and may be tiltable in any direction including the first direction R1 to the fourth direction R4. The fifth operation unit 35 may be tiltable in only some directions. The fifth operation unit 35 may be pushable. Instead of being tiltable, the fifth operation unit 35 may be slidable in each direction.

[0057] The sixth operation unit 36 ​​is an operation unit for opening the first menu 710. The first menu 710 will be described in detail later. The sixth operation unit 36 ​​is a button that can be pressed.

[0058] The seventh operation unit 37 is an operation unit for executing a first function. The first function will be described in detail later. The seventh operation unit 37 is a button that can be pressed.

[0059] In the vertical direction, the second operation unit 32 is positioned so as to at least partially overlap with the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37. In the vertical direction, a portion of the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is positioned so as to overlap with the second operation unit 32, and the entire seventh operation unit 37 is positioned so as to overlap with the second operation unit 32. In the vertical direction, the entire sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the entire seventh operation unit 37 may be positioned so as to overlap with the second operation unit 32.

[0060] In the vertical direction, the + button 110, the set of fourth operation units 34, the fifth operation unit 35, the sixth operation unit 36, and the seventh operation unit 37 are arranged side by side. The set of fourth operation units 34 are provided below the + button 110. The fifth operation unit 35 is provided below the set of fourth operation units 34. The sixth operation unit 36 ​​is provided below the fifth operation unit 35. The seventh operation unit 37 is provided below the sixth operation unit 36.

[0061] In the left-right direction, the + button 110 is positioned so as to overlap one of the set of fourth operation units 34. In the left-right direction, the fifth operation unit 35 is positioned so as to overlap the set of fourth operation units 34. In the left-right direction, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is positioned so as to overlap the fifth operation unit 35. In the left-right direction, the center of the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is located to the left of the center of the fifth operation unit 35. In the left-right direction, the seventh operation unit 37 is positioned so as to overlap the sixth operation unit 36. In the left-right direction, the center of the seventh operation unit 37 is substantially in the same position as the center of the sixth operation unit 36.

[0062] When viewed in the front-to-rear direction, the sixth operating unit 36 ​​and the seventh operating unit 37 have different shapes. In this embodiment, the sixth operating unit 36 ​​is circular, and the seventh operating unit 37 is rectangular. The sixth operating unit 36 ​​may be, for example, triangular, rectangular, cross, or star. The seventh operating unit 37 may be, for example, circular, triangular, cross, or star.

[0063] FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic view of region VII in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the amount of protrusion (first protrusion amount P1) of the sixth operating portion 36 from the front surface 15 is different from the amount of protrusion (second protrusion amount P2) of the seventh operating portion 37 from the front surface 15. Specifically, the first protrusion amount P1 is greater than the second protrusion amount P2. The first protrusion amount P1 is, for example, 0.56 mm or more and 0.84 mm or less. The second protrusion amount P2 is, for example, 0.28 mm or more and 0.42 mm or less. The first protrusion amount P1 may be 1.4 times or more, or 1.8 times or more, the second protrusion amount P2. The first protrusion amount P1 may be 3 times or less, or 2.5 times or less, the second protrusion amount P2.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first game controller 1. As shown in FIG.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the first game controller 1 has, in addition to the components already described, a mouse sensor 174, 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 terminal opening 196, a first mouse sole member 191, a second mouse sole member 192, and a pusher 181 and an operating unit 182 that constitute a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 100 from the main body device 3.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 100 protrudes leftward from the left side surface 4 of the controller housing 10. From another perspective, the protrusion 100 protrudes from the left side surface 4 in the first direction R1. The first side surface 11 includes at least the left side surface 4 and the protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 is an elongated protrusion that extends along the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 4. The protrusion 200 of the second game controller 2 has a similar configuration to the protrusion 100. The following description will focus on the configuration of the protrusion 100 of the first game controller 1.

[0067] The protrusion 100 has a top surface 106 and an outer peripheral surface 107. The outer peripheral surface 107 is provided between the top surface 106 and the left side surface 4, and extends from the top surface 106 to the left side surface 4. 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 left side surface 4. The length of the top surface 106 in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the top surface 106 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0068] The vertical length of the protrusion 100 (i.e., the longitudinal length 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 horizontal length of the protrusion 100 may be, for example, 50% or more of the length of the left side surface 4 in the left-to-right direction, or 70% or more of the length. The vertical 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.

[0069] By increasing the vertical length of the protrusion 100, the vertical length of the top surface (operation surface) of each of the first operating unit 31 and the second operating unit 32 can be increased, improving operability, for example, when held horizontally. It also makes it easy to arrange the first mouse sole member 191, the second mouse sole member 192, etc. on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100.

[0070] 8, the protrusion 100 is sandwiched between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62 that make up the controller housing 10. A housing opening 17 formed by the end faces of the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62 is provided on the left side surface 4. The protrusion 100 protrudes from inside the controller housing 10, passing through the housing opening 17.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100 has a first engagement hole 193 and a second engagement hole 194. The first engagement hole 193 is provided on one longitudinal end face of the protrusion 100. The second engagement hole 194 is provided on the other longitudinal 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 left-right direction.

[0072] The mouse sensor 174 is provided on the first side surface 11 of the first game controller 1. Specifically, the mouse sensor 174 is provided inside a first opening 170 provided in the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The first opening 170 is provided between the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the first opening 170 is provided between the first operation unit 31 and a terminal opening 196 (described below) in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The mouse sensor 174 is disposed inside the convex portion 100. The mouse sensor 174 is, for example, an optical sensor. The mouse sensor 174 has, for example, a light source (not shown) and a light-receiving sensor (not shown). Note that the game controller 1 may include a lens in the first opening 170 for focusing light emitted from the light source and / or light guided to the light-receiving sensor.

[0073] The light source of the mouse sensor 174 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 is irradiated onto the tracking surface F through the first opening 170. The light receiving sensor detects the reflected light from the tracking surface F of the light emitted from the light source, which enters through the first opening 170 and changes in accordance with the relative movement of the game controller 1 with respect to the tracking surface F. The second game controller 2, which will be described later, has a similar configuration.

[0074] The terminal opening 196 is provided on the top surface 106 between the first operating portion 31 and the second operating portion 32. The first terminal 160 is provided between the first operating portion 31 and the second operating portion 32 in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. The first terminal 160 is provided inside the protrusion 100.

[0075] The first synchronization button 71 is provided on the convex portion 100. The first synchronization button 71 is pressed by the user. The first synchronization button 71 is provided between the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the first synchronization button 71 is provided between the terminal opening 196 and the second operation unit 32 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The first synchronization button 71 may be used to instruct setting processing related to wireless communication between the first game controller 1 and the main unit 3.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 vertically. 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.

[0078] The light emitting portion 150 is provided between the first operating portion 31 and the second operating portion 32 in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. The light emitting portion 150 is provided at a position overlapping with the terminal opening 196 in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0079] A first mouse sole member 191 and a second mouse sole member 192 are placed on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The height of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 from the top surface 106 is higher than the height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 from the left side surface 4. From another perspective, the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 raise the height of the top surface of the convex portion 100. In this embodiment, the top surfaces of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 form part of the first side surface 11. Note that the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 may be omitted.

[0080] The game controller 1 may be placed so that the top surface of the convex portion 100 faces a ground surface such as a desk. In this case, the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 themselves contact the ground surface, thereby preventing the portion of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 that does not have the mouse soles from directly contacting the ground surface. Furthermore, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the top surfaces of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 contact the bottom surface of the main unit-side recess 310 on the main unit side.

[0081] The height of the top surfaces of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 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 first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 are located on the leftmost side of the first game controller 1. The shape of the first mouse sole member 191 is not particularly limited and may be any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rectangle. The first mouse sole member 191 may have a through-hole. The shapes of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 may be the same or different.

[0082] In the vertical direction (in other words, the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100), the first mouse sole member 191 is located above the first operating part 31. In the vertical direction, the first operating part 31 is located between the terminal opening 196 and the first mouse sole member 191.

[0083] In the vertical direction, the second mouse sole member 192 is located below the second operating part 32. In the vertical direction, the second operating part 32 is located between the terminal opening 196 and the second mouse sole member 192. More specifically, in the vertical direction, the second operating part 32 is located between the first synchronization button 71 and the second mouse sole member 192.

[0084] In the vertical direction, the seventh operation unit 37 is provided below the mouse sensor 174. In the vertical direction, the seventh operation unit 37 is provided below the light emitting unit 150. In the vertical direction, the seventh operation unit 37 is provided below the terminal opening 196. In the vertical direction, the seventh operation unit 37 is provided above the second mouse sole member 192.

[0085] 8, the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 has regions that are each at a different height from the left side surface 4. 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.

[0086] The first region 101 is provided with a first operating part 31. The second region 102 is provided with a second operating part 32. The third region 103 is provided with a first mouse sole member 191. The fourth region 104 is provided with a terminal opening 196. The fifth region 105 is provided with a second mouse sole member 192.

[0087] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the fourth region 104 is located between the first region 101 and the second region 102. 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.

[0088] The fourth region 104 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the first region 101 and the second region 102. The third region 103 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the fourth region 104. The fifth region 105 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the fourth region 104.

[0089] <Second Game Controller>

[0090] 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.

[0091] Fig. 9 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second game controller 2. As shown in Fig. 9, the second game controller 2 has a first operation unit (left) 41, a second operation unit (left) 42, a third operation unit (left) 43, a fourth operation unit (left) 44, a fifth operation unit (left) 45, an eighth operation unit 48, a - button 210, and a second synchronization button 72.

[0092] 9, a first operation unit (left) 41 and a second operation unit (left) 42 are provided along the longitudinal direction on a side surface 211 of the second game controller 2. A third operation unit (left) 43 and a ninth operation unit (left) 49 are provided on an upper surface 212. A - button 210, a set of a fourth operation unit (left) 44, a fifth operation unit (left) 45, and an eighth operation unit 48 are provided on a front surface 215.

[0093] The first operating unit (left) 41 and the second operating unit (left) 42 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The first operating unit (left) 41 is provided higher than the second operating unit (left) 42. The first operating unit (left) 41 and the fifth operating unit (left) 45 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap in the vertical direction. The second operating unit (left) 42 and the eighth operating unit 48 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0094] In the vertical direction, the - button 210, the set of fourth operation units (left) 44, the fifth operation unit (left) 45, and the eighth operation unit 48 are arranged side by side. The fifth operation unit (left) 45 is provided below the - button 210. The set of fourth operation units (left) 44 is provided below the fifth operation unit (left) 45. The eighth operation unit 48 is provided below the set of fourth operation units (left) 44.

[0095] The second game controller 2 has a light emitting unit 250, a second terminal 260 that connects to the second main terminal 341 of the main unit 3, a mouse sensor opening 270 for guiding light to the mouse sensor 274, a third mouse sole member 253, a fourth mouse sole member 254, and an operation unit 282 that constitutes 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 be different.

[0096] In addition, in the horizontally held state, the positional relationship between the pair of fourth operation unit 34 and fifth operation unit 35 on the first game controller 1 is the same as the positional relationship between the pair of fourth operation unit (left) 44 and fifth operation unit (left) 45 on the second game controller 2. That is, on the first game controller 1, the fifth operation unit 35 is located on the left side of the pair of fourth operation unit 34. Similarly, on the second game controller 2, the fifth operation unit (left) 45 is located on the left side of the pair of fourth operation unit (left) 44. On the other hand, in the horizontally held state, the third operation unit 33 and ninth operation unit 39 are on the right side of the first game controller 1, while the third operation unit (left) 43 and ninth operation unit (left) 49 are on the left side of the second game controller 2. From another perspective, in the integrally held state, the fifth operation unit 35 of the first game controller 1 is located below the set of fourth operation units 34, while the fifth operation unit (left) 45 of the second game controller 2 is located above the set of fourth operation units (left) 44. On the other hand, in the integrally held state, the third operation unit 33 and the ninth operation unit 39 of the first game controller 1 and the third operation unit (left) 43 and the ninth operation unit (left) 49 of the second game controller 2 are both located above.

[0097] <Game Controller Set>

[0098] Next, the configuration of a game controller set 400 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the game controller set 400. As shown in FIG. 10, the game controller set 400 according to this embodiment includes a first game controller 1 and a second game controller 2. In FIG. 10, the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions coincide and at least their bottom ends coincide in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the outer shapes of the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 according to this embodiment are approximately line-symmetrical. The side surface 11 of the first game controller 1 and the side surface 211 of the second game controller 2, which face each other, may or may not be parallel. For example, the side surface 11 of the first game controller 1 and the side surface 211 of the second game controller 2 may form a V-shape. The outer shapes of the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 do not have to be approximately line-symmetrical.

[0099] As described above, the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are indirectly connected to each other via the main unit 3. They may also be indirectly connected to each other via other peripheral devices. Alternatively, they may be directly connected to each other. The game controller set 400 according to this embodiment communicates with the main unit 3.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 10 , the second game controller 2 has an eighth operation unit 48. The eighth operation unit 48 is disposed symmetrically to the sixth operation unit 36 ​​with respect to the imaginary line between the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2. In the up-down direction, the distance from the center of the eighth operation unit 48 to the bottom edge of the front surface 215 is substantially the same as the distance from the center of the sixth operation unit 36 ​​to the bottom edge of the front surface 15. In the left-right direction, the distance from the center of the eighth operation unit 48 to the right edge of the front surface 215 may be substantially the same as the distance from the center of the sixth operation unit 36 ​​to the left edge of the front surface 15.

[0101] The eighth operation unit 48 executes a second function. The second function is, for example, a capture function. Pressing the eighth operation unit 48 captures a screenshot or video of the screen. The second game controller 2 does not have an operation unit at a symmetrical position to the seventh operation unit 37. The second game controller 2 does not have an operation unit for opening the first menu 710. The second game controller 2 does not have an operation unit for executing the first function.

[0102] In the game controller set 400 according to this embodiment, the eighth operation unit 48 and the seventh operation unit 37 have the same shape. The shapes of the inner regions surrounded by their respective outer shapes may be different. For example, one of the seventh operation unit 37 and the eighth operation unit 48 may have printing near the center, while the other of the seventh operation unit 37 and the eighth operation unit 48 may have no printing near the center. Furthermore, the shapes of the eighth operation unit 48 and the seventh operation unit 37 may be different in size, for example, similar shapes. In the game controller set 400 according to this embodiment, the shape of the eighth operation unit 48 is rectangular, and the shape of the seventh operation unit 37 is also rectangular.

[0103] FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic diagram of region XI in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 7, the amount of protrusion of the seventh operation unit 37 from the front surface 15 of the first game controller 1 (second protrusion amount P2) is different from the amount of protrusion of the eighth operation unit 48 from the front surface 215 of the second game controller 2 (third protrusion amount P3). Specifically, the second protrusion amount P2 is greater than the third protrusion amount P3. The third protrusion amount P3 is, for example, 0.20 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less. The second protrusion amount P2 may be 1.1 times or more, or 1.3 times or more, the third protrusion amount P3 or less. The second protrusion amount P2 may be 2 times or less, or 1.8 times or less, the third protrusion amount P3 or less.

[0104] <First menu>

[0105] FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing the first menu 710. The first menu 710 is, for example, a home menu. The first menu 710 opens when the user operates the sixth operation unit 36. The first menu 710 has, for example, multiple game app selection units 711. In the first menu 710, the user can select a game app to play from the multiple game app selection units 711. The main unit 3 opens the first menu 710 in response to the operation of the sixth operation unit 36, even while a game application is running. At this time, the main unit 3 may pause the game application. Note that the main unit 3 may continue to run the game application without pausing it. Furthermore, the main unit 3 may open the first menu 710 in any case when the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is operated, but may not open it in some cases.

[0106] The first menu 710 has multiple items including a first item 701. The first menu 710 includes, for example, a first item 701, a second item 702, a third item 703, and a fourth item 704. The first item 701 is an item that executes a first function when selected. The first function is, for example, a function to open a second menu 720 for a communication function. A user may use the main unit 3 to communicate with users using other main units. Communication according to this embodiment includes, for example, video chat, voice chat, and text chat. A game screen may also be used for communication. The second item 702 is an item that executes an eighth function when selected. The eighth function is, for example, a function to open an album. The album stores screenshots, videos, and the like that the user has taken. The third item 703 is an item that executes a third function when selected. The third function is, for example, a function to access an e-shop. The fourth item 704 is an item that executes a fourth function when selected. The fourth function is, for example, a function for changing settings. The first function, the eighth function, the third function, and the fourth function are different from each other.

[0107] <Second Menu>

[0108] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing the second menu 720. The second menu 720 is, for example, a communication menu. The second menu 720 opens when the user operates the seventh operation unit 37. The main unit 3 opens the second menu 720 in response to the operation of the seventh operation unit 37, even while a game application is running. At this time, the main unit 3 may open the second menu 720 while continuing to run the game application without pausing it. Note that the main unit 3 may pause the game application. The second menu 720 includes, for example, a fifth item 705, a sixth item 706, and a seventh item 707. The fifth item 705 is an item that executes a fifth function when selected. The fifth function is, for example, a function to open a third menu (not shown). The third menu includes an item for selecting users to invite to a chat. In the third menu, users to invite to a chat can be selected. The sixth item 706 is an item that executes a sixth function when selected. The sixth function is, for example, a function to open a fourth menu (not shown). The fourth menu includes an item for selecting chats in which the user can participate. In the fourth menu, the user can select a chat in which to participate. The seventh item 707 is an item that, when selected, executes a seventh function. The seventh function is, for example, a function for changing communication-related settings. The fifth function, the sixth function, and the seventh function are different from one another. Note that the main unit 3 may open the second menu 720 in any case when the seventh operation unit 37 is operated, but may not open it in some cases. For example, if the main unit 3 is already performing a communication function with another main unit, the main unit 3 may open a menu for changing settings related to the ongoing communication in response to the operation of the seventh operation unit 37.

[0109] <How to execute the first function>

[0110] Next, a method for executing the first function will be described, assuming that the first function is a function for opening the second menu 720 for communication.

[0111] There are two methods for executing the first function. First, the first method will be described. When the user operates the sixth operation unit 36, the first menu 710 opens. The first menu 710 is displayed, for example, on the display of the main unit 3. The first game controller 1 sends a signal to the main unit 3 indicating that the sixth operation unit 36 ​​has been pressed. Based on the signal, the main unit 3 executes a process to open the first menu 710, which is a process linked to the input of the signal. In other words, the main unit 3 calls up the first menu 710 in response to the operation on the sixth operation unit 36.

[0112] Next, the user selects a first item 701 that executes a first function from among multiple items included in the first menu 710. For example, the user may select the first item 701 by moving a cursor to the first item 701 and then pressing the operation unit, or by touching an area on the display where the first item 701 is displayed with a finger. Based on a signal indicating that the first item 701 has been selected, the main unit 3 executes the first function, which is a process associated with the signal. Specifically, based on the signal, the main unit 3 executes a process of opening a second menu 720 for communication. The second menu 720 is displayed on the display of the main unit 3, for example. The second menu 720 is displayed in place of the first menu 710. The second menu 720 may be superimposed on the first menu 710.

[0113] Next, the second method will be described. When the user operates the seventh operation unit 37, the first function is directly executed. Specifically, the first game controller 1 sends a signal to the main unit 3 indicating that the seventh operation unit 37 has been pressed. Based on the signal, the main unit 3 executes a process to open the second menu 720, which is a process linked to the input of the signal. In other words, the main unit 3 calls up the second menu 720 in response to the operation on the seventh operation unit 37. As another example, the first game controller 1 may generate a command to "open the second menu 720" based on the pressing of the seventh operation unit 37 and send the command to the main unit 3.

[0114] According to the first game controller 1 of this embodiment, by providing a seventh operation unit 37 that directly executes the first function, the user can access the first function in a shorter time than if the user first operates the sixth operation unit 36 ​​to open the first menu 710, select an item from there, and execute the first function.

[0115] Furthermore, when the first game controller 1 according to this embodiment is held vertically (with the third operation unit 33 facing upward or forward), the third operation unit 33 and the ninth operation unit 39 are operated with the index finger or middle finger of the right hand, and the fourth operation unit 34 and the fifth operation unit 35 below it are operated with the thumb of the user's right hand. In this case, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 are located below the fifth operation unit 35, which prevents the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 from being accidentally operated by the thumb of the right hand during game play, etc.

[0116] Furthermore, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​for opening the first menu 710, which has multiple items including an item for executing a first function executed by the seventh operation unit 37, may be used more frequently than the seventh operation unit 37. However, since the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is located higher than the seventh operation unit 37 and closer to the fifth operation unit 35, it is highly convenient because the thumb only needs to move slightly from the fifth operation unit 35 when operating it. On the other hand, the seventh operation unit 37 for executing a specific first function is located further away, so when the user intends to execute the first function, the user needs to extend their finger relatively far to operate it. This reduces the possibility of erroneous operation when the first function is not intended to be executed. Furthermore, even if the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is operated by mistake while attempting to execute the first function, the first function can be executed from the first menu 710, so the user can reach the desired function without having to go back or cancel.

[0117] Furthermore, when the first game controller 1 according to this embodiment is held horizontally, the fifth operation unit 35 is operated with the thumb of the left hand, and the fourth operation unit 34 is operated with the thumb of the right hand. In this case, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 are located to the left of the fifth operation unit 35. Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed in the same manner as above. Moreover, because the seventh operation unit 37 is located further to the left of the sixth operation unit 36, erroneous operations are suppressed in the same manner as above.

[0118] According to the first game controller 1 of this embodiment, the amount by which the sixth operation unit 36 ​​protrudes from the front is different from the amount by which the seventh operation unit 37 protrudes from the front. Therefore, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 are easily distinguishable, which reduces the risk of pressing the sixth operation unit 36 ​​or the seventh operation unit 37 by mistake.

[0119] According to the first game controller 1 of this embodiment, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​protrudes from the front more than the seventh operation unit 37. Therefore, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is easier to press than the seventh operation unit 37. Even if you press the sixth operation unit 36 ​​when you want to execute the seventh operation unit 37, there is little disadvantage because you can then execute the first function.

[0120] According to the first game controller 1 of this embodiment, the first operation unit 31 is located above the second operation unit 32. In the vertical direction, the second operation unit 32, the sixth operation unit 36, and the seventh operation unit 37 are positioned so that they at least partially overlap each other. When holding the first game controller 1 horizontally, if the index finger of the left hand is placed over the second operation unit 32, the thumb of the left hand is likely to be in a position that places it over the sixth operation unit 36 ​​or the seventh operation unit 37. In particular, when the fifth operation unit 35 is not being operated, the thumb may be held so that it touches the controller to the left of the fifth operation unit 35 (below in the vertical direction). In this case, because the sixth operation unit 36 ​​protrudes more than the seventh operation unit 37, the thumb may be positioned so that it touches the sixth operation unit 36. Therefore, when the user wants to execute a certain function, they can simply press the sixth operation unit 36 ​​to select the function, which is convenient. If the seventh operating unit 37 protrudes further than the sixth operating unit 36 ​​and a finger is placed on it, this is fine when you want to perform a specific function, but it may result in an incorrect operation when you want to perform other functions.

[0121] Furthermore, when the first game controller 1 is held horizontally, the thumb extends almost horizontally from the left side of the game controller toward the center, and the thumb rests on both the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37. When an attempt is made to press the sixth operation unit 36 ​​in this state, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​protrudes more than the seventh operation unit 37, which prevents an erroneous operation such as pressing not only the sixth operation unit 36 ​​but also the seventh operation unit 37.

[0122] According to the first game controller 1 of this embodiment, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 have different shapes. This reduces the risk of pressing the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 by mistake.

[0123] In the first game controller 1 according to this embodiment, the first function is executed by pressing the seventh operation unit 37 while the first menu 710 is displayed. If the sixth operation unit 36 ​​is pressed by mistake, or in that case, the first function can be executed by directly pressing the seventh operation unit 37 without selecting an item.

[0124] The game controller set 400 according to this embodiment has a first game controller 1 and a second game controller 2 that is fixed directly or indirectly to the first game controller 1. The second game controller 2 has an eighth operation unit 48 that performs a second function at a position symmetrical to the sixth operation unit 36, but has no operation unit at a position symmetrical to the seventh operation unit 37. This makes it easy to determine which of the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 has the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37.

[0125] According to the game controller set 400 of this embodiment, the second game controller 2 does not have an operation unit for opening the first menu 710 or an operation unit for executing the first function. This makes it easy to understand that the first game controller 1 must be held in order to execute the first function.

[0126] In the game controller set 400 according to this embodiment, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 have different shapes. The eighth operation unit 48 and the seventh operation unit 37 have the same shape. If the sixth operation unit 36, the seventh operation unit 37, and the eighth operation unit 48 all had different shapes, confusion would be likely. However, by making the eighth operation unit 48 and the seventh operation unit 37 the same shape, it becomes clear whether it is the sixth operation unit 36 ​​or something else.

[0127] According to the game controller set 400 of this embodiment, the amount by which the seventh operation unit 37 protrudes from the front of the first game controller 1 is different from the amount by which the eighth operation unit 48 protrudes from the front of the second game controller 2. This prevents the eighth operation unit 48 and the seventh operation unit 37 from being pressed by mistake.

[0128] <How to use the mouse on a game controller>

[0129] Fig. 14 is a schematic front view showing the first game controller 1 being used as a mouse, and Fig. 15 is a schematic right side view showing the first game controller 1 being used as a mouse.

[0130] 14 and 15, the game controller 1 according to this embodiment can also be used as a mouse when the game controller 1 is placed on the tracking surface F so that the first opening with the mouse sensor 174 provided therein faces the tracking surface F. As described above, the mouse sensor 174 is provided on the first side surface 11 of the game controller.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , when the game controller 1 according to this embodiment is used as a mouse, the user's palm is positioned so as to cover the second side surface 13 of the first game controller 1. The user's right thumb is positioned on the front surface 15. For example, the user's right thumb is placed on the fifth operation unit 35. The user's right index finger is placed on the third operation unit 33. The user's right middle finger is placed on the ninth operation unit 39. In this case, the sixth operation unit 36 ​​and the seventh operation unit 37 are located on the wrist side of the user, which can prevent erroneous operations. The seventh operation unit 37 is provided below the sixth operation unit 36, which can further prevent erroneous operations.

[0132] The second game controller 2 may also be used as a mouse in the left hand. The first game controller 1 may be operated with the right hand, and the second game controller 2 may be operated with the left hand. Alternatively, the user may use one of the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 as a mouse, and the other as a game controller held vertically. The second game controller 2 may be operated with the right hand, and the first game controller 1 with the left hand.

[0133] <Modification>

[0134] In the present disclosure, the first function is a function to open a communication menu, but is not limited to this. The first function may be a function to directly execute a communication function. Furthermore, the first function may be a function to open an album or a function to access an e-shop.

[0135] In the present disclosure, the second function is a capture function, but is not limited to this. The second function may be a function to open a communication menu. The second function may also be a function to open an album or a function to access an e-shop.

[0136] In the present disclosure, the first menu 710 is the home menu, but is not limited to this. The first menu 710 may be a menu that includes an item "Open home menu."

[0137] In the present disclosure, the first operation unit 31 to the fifth operation unit 35, the ninth operation unit 39, the + button 110, and the - button 210 are operated to execute control according to the game application being executed on the main unit 3, and the sixth operation unit 36 ​​to the eighth operation unit 38 are operated to execute specific functions regardless of the game application being executed on the main unit 3, but this is not limited to this. For example, the + button 110 and the - button 210 may also be operated to execute specific functions.

[0138] In the present disclosure, announcements and item selections may be displayed before the second menu 720 for communication is opened. As an example, an account selection screen may be opened to select who will use the communication function. In the present disclosure, executing the first function means that the first function is ultimately executed. Note that announcements and item selections may be displayed after the second menu 720 is opened and before the communication function is executed.

[0139] In the present disclosure, the system 1000 includes a main unit 3, a first game controller 1, and a second game controller 2, but is not limited to this. The system 1000 may include only the first game controller 1 and not the second game controller 2. Furthermore, the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 do not have to be detachable from the main unit 3. The main unit 3 does not have to be portable. For example, the main unit 3 may be a server.

[0140] The shape of the game controller is not limited to the shapes described in this disclosure. For example, the front of the game controller may be roughly oval or semicircular. Furthermore, for example, the game controller may be elongated in the left-right direction. Furthermore, for example, the game controller may have a grip that extends diagonally downward or backward.

[0141] The amount of protrusion of the sixth operating portion 36 from the front surface may be the same as the amount of protrusion of the seventh operating portion 37 from the front surface.

[0142] The amount by which the sixth operating portion 36 protrudes from the front surface may be smaller than the amount by which the seventh operating portion 37 protrudes from the front surface.

[0143] The first operating part 31 may be provided below the second operating part 32.

[0144] In the vertical direction, the second operating unit 32, the sixth operating unit 36, and the seventh operating unit 37 do not have to be positioned to overlap each other.

[0145] The type of shape of the sixth operating part 36 and the type of shape of the seventh operating part 37 may be the same.

[0146] The first function does not have to be executed by pressing the seventh operation unit 37 while the first menu 710 is displayed.

[0147] The first game controller 1 does not necessarily have to include the mouse sensor 174 .

[0148] The eighth operating unit 48 that executes the second function does not have to be located symmetrically to the sixth operating unit 36 ​​.

[0149] The second game controller 2 may have an operation unit at a position symmetrical to the seventh operation unit 37.

[0150] The second game controller 2 may have an operation unit for opening the first menu 710, or may have an operation unit for executing the first function.

[0151] The type of shape of the sixth operating part 36 and the type of shape of the seventh operating part 37 may be the same.

[0152] The type of shape of the eighth operating portion 48 and the type of shape of the seventh operating portion 37 may be different.

[0153] The amount by which the seventh operation unit 37 protrudes from the front surface may be the same as the amount by which the eighth operation unit 48 protrudes from the front surface of the second game controller 2.

[0154] 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]

[0155] 1. First game controller, game controller 2 Second Game Controller 3 Main unit 4 Left side 10 Controller housing 11 1st side, side 12 Top side 13 Second aspect 14 Bottom side 15 Front 16 Back 17 Housing opening 20 Controller housing 31 1st operation section 32 2nd operation section 33 Third operation section 34 4th operation section 35 5th operation section 36 6th operation section 37 7th operation section 39 9th operation section 41 1st operation section (left) 42 2nd operation section (left) 43 Third operation section (left) 44 4th operation section (left) 45 5th operation section (left) 48 8th operation section 49 9th operation section (left) 61 Front housing 62 Rear housing 71 1st sync button 72 Second Sync Button 100 convex part 101 First area 102 Second area 103 Third area 104 4th area 105 5th area 106 Top 107 Outer surface 110+ buttons 150 Light emitting part 160 1st terminal 170 First Opening 174 Mouse Sensor 181 Pusher 182 Operation section 191 First mouse sole member 192 second mouse sole member 193 First engagement hole 194 Second engagement hole 196 Terminal opening 200 convex part 210 - Button 211 Side 212 Top surface 215 Front 250 Light emitting part 253 Third mouse sole member 254 4th mouse sole member 260 2nd terminal 270 Mouse sensor opening 274 Mouse Sensor 282 Operation section 301 Audio input / output terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 Storage Media Slot 305 Display 307 Power button 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 331 Main body first terminal 341 Main unit second terminal 400 Game Controller Set 701 Item 1 702 2nd item 703 3rd item 704 Item 4 705 Item 5 706 Item 6 707 Item 7 710 Menu 1 711 Game App Selection Section 720 Second Menu 1000 systems F Tracking surface P1 1st protrusion amount P2 2nd protrusion amount P3 3rd protrusion amount R1 1st direction R2 2nd direction R3 3rd direction R4 4th direction R5 5th direction R6 6th direction

Claims

1. A game controller having a side surface, a top surface, and a front surface, a first operating portion and a second operating portion are provided on the side surface along the longitudinal direction, a third operating portion is provided on the top surface, The front face has: a set of fourth operating units; a fifth operation unit provided below the set of fourth operation units for inputting a direction; a sixth operation unit provided below the fifth operation unit for opening a first menu having a plurality of items including a first item that executes a first function when selected; a seventh operation unit provided below the sixth operation unit for executing the first function;

2. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the sixth operation unit protrudes from the front surface by a different amount than the seventh operation unit.

3. The game controller according to claim 2 , wherein the sixth operation portion protrudes from the front surface by a greater amount than the seventh operation portion protrudes from the front surface.

4. The first operating unit is provided above the second operating unit, The game controller according to claim 3 , wherein the second operating unit, the sixth operating unit, and the seventh operating unit are positioned so as to at least partially overlap each other in the up-down direction.

5. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the sixth operating section and the seventh operating section are different in shape.

6. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the first function is executed by pressing the seventh operation unit while the first menu is displayed.

7. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein a mouse sensor is provided on the side surface.

8. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a second game controller having a second side surface, the second side surface being directly or indirectly fixed to the game controller so as to face the side surface of the game controller; The second game controller has an eighth operation unit that executes a second function at a symmetrical position to the sixth operation unit, and does not have an operation unit at a symmetrical position to the seventh operation unit.

9. The game controller set according to claim 8 , wherein the second game controller does not have an operation unit for opening the first menu or an operation unit for executing the first function.

10. The sixth operating unit and the seventh operating unit have different shapes, 10. The game controller set according to claim 8, wherein the eighth operating section and the seventh operating section have the same type of shape.

11. 11. The game controller set according to claim 8, wherein the amount of protrusion of the seventh operation unit from the front surface is different from the amount of protrusion of the eighth operation unit from the front surface of the second game controller.

12. The game controller set according to claim 11 , wherein the seventh operation part protrudes from the front surface by a greater amount than the eighth operation part protrudes from the front surface of the second game controller.

13. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A system comprising: a main unit that communicates with the game controller.

14. a game controller set according to any one of claims 8 to 12; and A system comprising: a main unit that communicates with the game controller set.

Images