Game controller

Abstract

The game controller is detachably attached to a main body device capable of executing game processing, which has a recess and is provided with a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess. The game controller includes a first input unit, a convex portion, a first button, and a second button. The first input unit is provided on the front surface. The convex portion protrudes from the first side surface and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface. The convex portion is configured to fit into the recess. The first button and the second button are provided along the longitudinal direction on the top surface of the convex portion. The first button and the second button are pressed by the 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.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a game controller.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel game controller that is detachably attached to a main body device.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0006] According to the game controller according to the 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 related above, the first button and the second button may include a magnet or a soft magnetic material at least in part thereof.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] According to the game controller related above, the convex portion may have a first opening and a second opening on the top surface that expose the button top surfaces of the first button and the second button, respectively. Each of the first button and the second button may have a side wall that extends from the button top surface through the first opening and the second opening, respectively, into the convex portion, and a flange that extends outward from a portion of the button side wall that is located inside the convex portion. The game controller is disposed below the first button and the second button, and includes a first biasing component and a second biasing component that bias the first button and the second button in opposite directions when at least pressed, respectively, and is disposed between the flange of each of the first button and the second button and a first inner surface that is an inner surface of the convex portion facing the upper surface of the flange, and may further include a first elastic deformable body and a second elastic deformable body that enable each of the first button and the second button to move in the opposite direction from the initial position.

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

[0017] According to the game controller related above, the first elastic deformable body and the second elastic deformable body may be provided closer to a second inner surface that is an inner surface of the convex portion facing the side wall than the side wall.

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

[0019] According to the game controller related above, the height of each of the button top surfaces of the first button and the second button from the first side surface in the initial position may be lower than the highest height from the first side surface of the top surface of the convex portion. Each of the first button and the second button may be configured to be movable such that the height from the first side surface of the button top surface reaches the highest height or a position higher than that.

[0020] According to the game controller related above, the height of each button top surface of the first button and the second button at the initial position from the first side surface 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 each be configured such that the height of the button top surface is movable up to near the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion.

[0021] According to the game controller related above, the height of each button top surface of the first button and the second button at the initial position from the first side surface may be lower than the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface. When the game controller is attached to the main body device, the first button and the second button may each be configured to be movable in a direction in which 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.

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

[0023] According to the game controller related above, it further includes a raised portion that is integrally provided on the top surface of the convex portion or provided 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 related above, the convex portion may have a width of the top surface that narrows toward the end at least in the end region in the longitudinal direction.

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

[0026] According to the game controller related above, a terminal accommodating portion for accommodating terminals may be opened on the top surface of the convex portion. Among the top surface of the convex portion, the height from the first side surface of the region where the terminal accommodating portion is opened may be higher than the height from the first side surface of the region where the first button and the second button are respectively provided.

[0027] According to the game controller related above, a terminal accommodating portion for accommodating terminals may be opened on the top surface of the convex portion. Among the top surface of the convex portion, the height from the first side surface of at least one end region in the longitudinal direction may be higher than the height from the first side surface of the region where the terminal accommodating portion is opened.

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

[0029] According to the game controller related above, a device with an engaging element may be detachably attached to the game controller. Among the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion, an engaging hole to which the engaging element can be engaged may be provided on at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] According to the game controller related above, among the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion, a first engaging hole may be provided on at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction. A device provided with a first engaging element corresponding to the first engaging hole may be detachably attached.

[0031] According to the game controller related above, among the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion, a second engaging hole may be provided on the other end surface in the longitudinal direction. A device further provided with a second engaging element corresponding to the second engaging hole may be detachably attached.

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

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

[0034] The game controller according to the above may further include an elastically deformable body on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion. 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 according to the above, the operation unit may be provided on the back surface.

[0037] The game controller according to the above may further have a protruding portion that protrudes from the back surface. The operation unit may be disposed on the surface on the first side surface side of the protruding portion.

[0038] According to the game controller according to the above, the operation direction of the operation unit may be opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion. The operation unit may be buried in the protruding portion when operated.

[0039] According to the game controller according to the above, the operation direction may be opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion and may be a direction approaching the back surface.

[0040] According to the game controller according to the above, the maximum height of the operation unit from the back surface may be lower than the maximum height of the protruding portion from the back surface.

[0041] According to the game controller according to the above, shoulder buttons may be disposed on the protruding portion.

[0042] According to the game controller according to the above, the operation direction of the operation unit may be opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion.

[0043] According to the game controller related above, the first button may be arranged on the side of one end rather than the center in the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the convex portion. The second button may be arranged on the side of the other end rather than the center. The third opening may be provided on either the side of one end rather than the first button or the side of the other end rather than the second button in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] According to the game controller related above, the third opening may be provided above the button located on the upper side in the usage state where the game controller is attached to the game device among the first button and the second button.

[0045] According to the game controller related above, the third opening may be provided in the region where the height from the first side surface is the highest among the top surface of the convex portion.

[0046] The game controller related above may further include a rotation shaft to which the operation unit is connected, and a pusher actuator that is connected to the rotation shaft and abuts against the pusher to project the pusher in response to an operation on the operation unit.

[0047] According to the game controller related above, the length from the rotation shaft to the end of the operation unit may be longer than the distance from the rotation shaft to the contact portion between the pusher actuator and the pusher.

[0048] According to the game controller related above, the distance from the rotation shaft to the contact portion between the pusher actuator and the pusher may be longer when the protruding amount of the pusher is large than when it is small.

[0049] According to the game controller related above, the main body device may further include a main body device side terminal provided in the recess. The terminal is provided between the first button and the second button when viewed from the direction of the top surface of the convex portion, and may be electrically connected to the main body device side terminal.

[0050] According to the game controller related above, the upper end of the terminal may be arranged at a position where the height from the first side surface is lower than the top surface of the convex portion.

[0051] According to the game controller related above, the main body device may further include a main body device side terminal provided in the recess. The convex portion may have a fourth opening between the first button and the second button. The game controller may further include a terminal that is electrically connected to the main body device side terminal inside the convex portion accessed from the fourth opening.

[0052] According to the game controller related above, the main body device may further include a main body device side terminal provided in the recess. The convex portion 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 that is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion and is electrically connected to the main body device side terminal.

[0053] The game controller related above may further include a light emitting portion on the front side of the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion.

[0054] According to the game controller related above, the light emitting portion may be provided between the first button and the second button in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] The game controller related above may further include a light emitting portion on the front side surface of the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion. The light emitting portion may be provided at a position overlapping the fourth opening in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] According to the game controller related above, the terminal may be provided along the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion on the inner peripheral surface on the back side among the inner peripheral surface on the front side and the inner peripheral surface on the back side.

[0057] According to the game controller related above, a fifth opening may be provided on the top surface of the convex portion. The game controller may further include a light emitting portion that emits light outward from the fifth opening and a light receiving sensor that receives the light from the fifth opening and detects the reflected light of the light of the light emitting portion, which changes with the relative movement with respect to the ground plane.

[0058] According to the game controller related above, the convex portion may have a first opening and a second opening on the top surface that expose the top surfaces of the first button and the second button, respectively.

[0059] According to the game controller related above, the fifth opening may be provided between the first opening and the second opening.

[0060] According to the game controller related above, the main body device may further include a main body device side terminal provided in the recess. On the top surface of the convex portion, a fourth opening may be provided between the first button and the second button. The game controller may further include a terminal that is electrically connected to the main body device side terminal inside the convex portion accessible from the fourth opening. The fifth opening may be provided between the first opening and the fourth opening.

[0061] According to the game controller related above, the convex portion may have a sixth opening that exposes a button operated by the user between the second opening and the fourth opening.

[0062] According to the game controller related above, among the top surface of the convex portion, the height from the first side surface of the region where the fifth opening is provided may be higher than the height from the first side surface of the region where the first button and the second button are provided.

[0063] The game controller related above may further include a mouse sole that is placed on the top surface of the convex portion and is grounded to the ground surface when the game controller is placed such that the top surface of the convex portion faces the ground surface.

[0064] The game controller related above may further include an operation portion that the mouse sole has a through hole and is operated by the 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 portion. The mouse sole may be placed such that the through hole communicates with the third opening.

[0065] The game controller related above may further include a second input portion on a side surface different from the first side surface.

[0066] The game controller according to the above may further include a third input unit on the back surface.

[0067] According to the game controller according to the above, the first input unit may include a cross key or a set of four buttons and a joystick.

[0068] According to the game controller according to the above, the first input unit may include a third button pressed by the user and a joystick. The game controller may further include a second input unit on a side surface different from the first side surface.

[0069] According to the game controller according to the above, when viewed in a usage mode with the first side surface on the upper side, the first button and the second button are arranged symmetrically left and right, the joystick is provided on the left side of the third button, and the second input unit may be provided on a side surface continuous from the right end of the first side surface.

[0070] According to the game controller according to the above, when viewed in a usage mode with the first side surface on the upper side, the first button and the second button are arranged symmetrically left and right, the joystick is provided on the left side of the third button, and the second input unit may be provided on a side surface continuous from the left end of the first side surface.

[0071] According to the game controller according to the above, the main body device has a horizontally long shape, and may be detachably attached to face the first side surface with respect to the side surface of the main body device.

[0072] According to the game controller according to the above, the recesses may be provided on both the first side surface and the second side surface of the main body device. The protrusions may be configured to fit into the recesses on the first side surface and the recesses on the second side surface, respectively.

[0073] The game controller according to the present disclosure has a recess, and a first magnet and a second magnet are provided at the bottom of the recess, and is detachably attached to a main body device capable of executing game processing. The game controller includes an input unit, a convex portion, a first pressing portion, and a second pressing portion. The input unit is provided on the front surface. The convex portion protrudes from the first side surface and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface. The convex portion is configured to fit into the recess. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are provided along the longitudinal direction on the top surface of the convex portion. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion move when pressed by the user. The first pressing portion is attracted to the first magnet by magnetic force. The second pressing portion is attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force.

[0074] The game controller according to the present disclosure has a recess, and is detachably attached to a game device provided with a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess. The game controller includes a first input unit, a first convex portion, a second convex portion, a first button, and a second button. The first input unit is provided on the front surface. The first convex portion and the second convex portion protrude from the first side surface and are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are configured to fit into the recess.

[0075] The first button is provided on the top surface of the first convex portion. The first button is pressed by the 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 the user. The second button is attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0077] Embodiments of the present disclosure (also referred to as the present embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will not be repeated. [First Aspect]

[0078] <Information Processing Apparatus>

[0079] First, the configuration of an example of the information processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of an example of the information processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a first game controller 1, a second game controller 2, and a main body device 3. Hereinafter, the first game controller 1 or the second game controller 2 is collectively referred to simply as a game controller. The main body device 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the upper and lower surfaces are longer than the right and left surfaces. The main body device 3 is capable of executing game processing. The game processing is executed based on the input to the game controller. The first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are detachable from the main body device 3. In the mounted state shown in FIG. 1, the first game controller 1 is mounted on the right side surface of the main body device 3, and the second game controller 2 is mounted on the left side surface of the main body device 3.

[0081] FIG. 2 is a front schematic view showing a state in which each of the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 is removed from the main body device 3.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the game controller can be used in either a state of being mounted on the main body device 3 or a state of being removed from the main body device 3.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, when the game controller is in a state of being mounted on the main body device 3, it is used such that the longitudinal direction of the game controller is in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the game controller is in a state of being removed from the main body device 3, it is used such that the longitudinal direction of the game controller is in the horizontal direction (from another perspective, a direction parallel to the ground).

[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are being operated by different users.

[0085] In the following description, when referring to the directions (up, down, left, and right directions) of the game controller, the description is based on the usage state in which the game controller is removed from the main body device 3 and the longitudinal direction is the left - right direction. On the other hand, in the following description, when referring to the direction of the main body device 3 and the direction of the information processing device 1000 with the game controller attached to the main body device 3, the description is based on the usage state in which the direction connecting the side surfaces where the game controller is attached to the main body device 3 is the left - right direction.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, the game controller is also used in a state where it is removed from the main body device 3 and the longitudinal direction of the game controller is the up - down direction (from another perspective, the direction perpendicular to the ground). In the example shown in FIG. 5, both the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are being operated by a single user. Each controller may also be operated by separate users.

[0087] Hereinafter, the usage state shown in FIG. 3 will also be referred to as the integrated grip state, the usage state shown in FIG. 4 will be referred to as the horizontal - hold state, and the usage state shown in FIG. 5 will be referred to as the vertical - hold state.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 2, the first game controller 1 has a convex portion 100 protruding from the upper side surface 11 on the upper side surface 11. The upper side surface 11 of the first game controller 1 is a side surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the first game controller 1. The convex portion 100 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11. Similarly, the second game controller 2 has a convex portion 200 protruding from the upper side surface 211 on the upper side surface 211 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the side surface. The upper side surface 211 of the second game controller 2 is a side surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the second game controller 2. The convex portion 200 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 211.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body device 3 has a recess 310 on the right side surface 313 of the main body. The recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. The recess 310 extends along the vertical direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. The left side surface 314 of the main body of the main body device 3 has a recess 320. The recess 320 extends in the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the main body. The recess 320 extends along the vertical direction of the left side surface 314 of the main body device 3. The recesses 310 and 320 are elongated recesses that extend along the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 or the left side surface 314 of the main body.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 1, the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3 such that the convex portion 100 fits into the recess 310. The first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3 such that the upper surface 11 of the first game controller 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the main body of the main body device 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 body of the main body device 3. Similarly, the second game controller 2 is attached to the main body device 3 such that the convex portion 200 fits into the recess 320. The second game controller 2 is attached to the main body device 3 such that the upper surface 211 of the second game controller 2 faces the left side surface 314 of the main body of the main body device 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 body of the main body device 3.

[0091] Note that the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 each include a joystick and a set of four buttons. When attached to the main body device 3, the first game controller 1 is attached such 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 body device 3 such that the joystick is on the upper side and the four buttons are on the lower side. <Main body device>

[0092] As shown in FIG. 1, a display 305 is provided on the front surface 315 of the main body of the main body device 3. The display surface of the display 305 is exposed from an opening provided in the front surface 315 of the main body. Note that the display 305 may be placed on the surface of the front surface 315 of the main body. 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 moving image.

[0093] The main body device 3 has an audio input / output terminal 301. The audio input / output terminal 301 is provided on the upper side surface 316 of the main body of the main body device 3. The audio input / output terminal 301 is, for example, a headphone jack. An earphone or a microphone can be attached to the audio input / output terminal 301. Further, the main body device 3 may have a volume button adjacent to the audio input / output terminal 301. The volume button is a button for giving an instruction to adjust the volume output by the main body device 3.

[0094] The main body device 3 has a lower terminal 303. The lower terminal 303 is provided on the lower side surface 317 of the main body of the main body device 3. The lower terminal 303 may be provided at the center in the left-right direction on the lower side surface 317 of the main body. 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. Electric power may be supplied to the main body device 3 from the outside through the lower terminal 303. The main body device 3 may output an image to the outside through the lower terminal 303. When the main body device 3 is placed on a cradle from the lower side surface side of the main body, the lower terminal 303 may be connected to the terminal of the cradle.

[0095] These components of the main body device 3 are just examples. These components may be provided on other sides of the main body device 3. A plurality of these components may be provided. For example, in addition to the lower terminal 303, the main body device 3 may include an upper terminal 302 on the upper surface 316 of the main body. Note that the upper terminal 302 may be provided at a position deviated from the symmetric position across the front surface 315 of the main body. The main body device 3 may not have these components. Also, in addition to or instead of these components, the main body device 3 may have other components. For example, the main body device 3 may have a power button 307 and a memory media slot 304 on the upper surface 316 of the main body. The main body device 3 may execute game processing by executing a game application stored in a memory media inserted into the memory media slot 304. Further, the main body device 3 may have a stand for supporting the main body device 3 on the back surface of the main body. By the stand, the main body device 3 stands on the placement surface such that the upper surface 316 of the main body faces upward. As an example, the stand may be rotatably connected to the main body housing 306 and may rotate away from the main body housing 306 during use.

[0096] FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the right side surface of the main body device 3. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the right side surface of the main body device 3. Note that the main body device 3 also has a similar configuration on the left side surface.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 6, a recess 310 is provided on the right side surface 313 of the main body of the main body device 3. The recess 310 is a recessed portion on the right side surface 313 of the main body. The recess 310 has a bottom surface 3121 and an inner peripheral surface 3120 surrounding the bottom surface 3121. In this embodiment, a 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 later) that serves as the base of the bottom surface. By placing the cover 338 on the base surface, the surface of the cover 338 constitutes the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. Note that the cover 338 may be omitted, and in that case, the bottom surface formed by the main body housing 306 becomes the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. 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 the present embodiment, the upper region and the lower region of the bottom surface 3121 become narrower toward the ends. More specifically, the upper region and the lower region of the bottom surface 3121 become narrower in a curved shape. Note that the upper region and the lower region of the bottom surface 3121 may become narrower linearly. Also, the upper region and the lower region of the bottom surface 3121 may have a constant width. Further, only one of the upper region and the lower region of the bottom surface 3121 may become narrower toward the end.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 7, the main body device 3 includes a first plug connector 330, a cover 338, a set of stepped screws 334, and two magnetic elements 410 and 420 provided along the longitudinal direction of the recess 310. The first magnetic element 410 is disposed on the upper side, and the second magnetic element 420 is disposed on the lower side. The first magnetic element 410 is disposed in a region above the longitudinal center of the right side surface 313 of the main body, and the second magnetic element 420 is disposed in the lower region. The magnetic elements 410 and 420 may both be disposed in the upper or lower region. The cover 3 3 The material of 338 is not particularly limited, and for example, a material having insulating properties may be used. Also, the cover 3 3 The material of 338 may be, for example, a material that does not adsorb to a magnet. The cover 3 3 The material of 338 may be, for example, plastic.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic view showing the configurations of the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420. A magnetic element is a component that is attracted to a magnet by a magnetic force. A magnetic element includes a magnet or a component made of a material that is not a magnet but is attracted to a magnet, for example, 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 for the material of the yoke 411. In other embodiments, the magnetic element 410 may have the magnet 413 without having the yoke 411. Also, the magnetic element 410 may have a component made of a soft magnetic material without having the magnet 413.

[0101] The magnet 413 is sandwiched by a pair of yokes 411. The magnet 413 and the pair of yokes 411 are fixed, for example, by an adhesive. The magnet 413 is a rectangular parallelepiped. Each of the pair of yokes 411 has a main body portion 414 and a pair of flange portions 415. The magnet 413 is sandwiched by the main body portion 414. One of the pair of flange portions 415 protrudes from a lower region of one end surface of the main body portion 414 (more specifically, one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the first main body portion 414). The other of the pair of first flange portions 415 protrudes from a lower region of the other end surface of the first main body portion 414 (more specifically, the other end surface in the longitudinal direction of the first main body portion 414). The second magnetic element 420 is configured in the same manner.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 7, a portion forming the right side surface of the main body housing 306 is recessed, whereby a base surface 311 serving as a base of the bottom surface of the recess 310 and an inner peripheral surface 3120 are formed. As described above, the surface of the cover 338 placed on the base surface 311 constitutes the bottom surface 3121. The cover 338 is fixed to the base surface 311. The fixing method of the cover 338 is not particularly limited. For example, the cover 3 3 8 may be fixed to the base surface 311 by an adhesive. Also, the cover 3 38 may be fixed to the base surface 311 by an adhesive tape. When an adhesive or an adhesive tape is used, the material thereof is not limited. For example, it may be a material having insulation properties or a material that does not adsorb to a magnet. In this embodiment, the shape of the base surface 311 and the shape of the cover 338 are substantially the same. In other embodiments, the shape of the base surface 311 and the shape of the cover 338 may be different. As an example, the cover 3 3 8 may be shaped to cover at least the first magnetic element 410, the second magnetic element 420, the first hole 401, and the second hole 402. Also, the cover 3 3 8 may include a plurality of cover components instead of just one. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 3120 surrounds the entire circumference of the base surface 311, but it does not have to be configured to surround the entire circumference. The inner peripheral surface 3120 is continuous with the base surface 311 and the right side surface 313 of the main body. The upper end of the inner peripheral surface 3120 (the right end portion in the main body device 3) is connected to the right side surface 313 of the main body. From another perspective, the recess 310 is recessed more than the right side surface 313 of the main body. In this embodiment, the shape of the inner peripheral surface 3120 is generally the outer peripheral surface shape of a frustum of a pyramid with the bottom surface 3121 on the upper bottom side. That is, the inner peripheral surface 3120 is shaped to widen from the bottom surface toward the upper end. Note that, as described later, the end regions in the longitudinal direction 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 can be seen. In other embodiments, the inner peripheral surface 3120 may extend parallel in the left-right direction. Note that the shape of the recess 310 is not limited to the outer peripheral surface shape of a frustum of a pyramid. As an example, the shape of the recess 310 may be the outer peripheral surface shape of a frustum of a cone or the outer peripheral surface shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Note that the opposite side of the main body device 3 is configured in the same manner.

[0103] 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 arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. That is, the first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base surface 311. Although details will be described later, the first game controller 1 also includes a magnetic element. When the magnetic element on the side of the first game controller 1 is attracted to the magnetic elements 410 and 420, the game controller is attached to the main body device 3. When all or part of the magnetic elements 410 and 420 enter the holes 401 and 402 from the inside of the main body housing 306, the distance between the magnetic element on the side of the first game controller 1 attached to the main body device 3 and the magnetic elements 410 and 420 becomes closer, and the attracting magnetic force can be increased.

[0104] Of the first magnetic element 410, the portion 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. Of the first magnetic element 410, the portion not accommodated in the first hole 401 (that is, 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 inner side of the main body housing 305. Therefore, the first magnetic element 410 is prevented from entirely entering the first hole 401 by the flange portion 415 and is prevented from detaching outward from the main body housing 306. Note that the top surface of the first magnetic element 410 may be located deeper than the base surface 311. Also, the top surface of the first magnetic element 410 may protrude from the base surface 311. The same applies to the second magnetic element 420.

[0105] 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 constitutes the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. In this embodiment, as a mode in which a magnetic element is provided at the bottom of the recess 310, the magnetic element is embedded at the bottom of the recess 310 by the cover 338. As another mode in which a 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. Further, the magnetic element may be disposed in an exposed manner on the surface or at the inner position of the 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, an object that is attracted to a magnet is prevented from being directly attracted to the first magnetic element 410 or the second magnetic element 420 unintentionally, or entering the first hole 401 or the second hole 402. Further, even when such an object is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 with the cover 338 interposed therebetween, such an object can be moved along the cover 338 in a direction away from the first magnetic element 410. By sufficiently separating from the first magnetic element 410, such an object can be easily moved in a direction away from the cover 338.

[0106] The second magnetic element 420 has the same configuration as the first magnetic element 410. Further, the second magnetic element 420 is partially accommodated in the second hole 402 in the same manner as the first magnetic element 410. The magnetic elements 430, 440 provided in the recess 320 on the left side surface and the holes in which the magnetic elements 430, 440 are respectively accommodated also have the same configuration.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7, the first plug connector 330 includes a support portion 333, a first tongue 332 protruding from the support portion 333, and a main body first terminal 331 provided along the surface of the first tongue 332. The support portion 333 and the first tongue 332 may be integral or separate.

[0108] The first plug connector 330 is provided between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 when viewed from the bottom surface direction of the recess 310 in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. Therefore, the first main body terminal 331 is provided between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. Also, the tip of the first tongue 332 (the right end of the first tongue 332) does not protrude from the recess 310. That is, the first tongue 332 does not protrude outward from the right side surface 313 of the main body and is provided within the recess 310. Therefore, the first main body terminal 331 provided on the first tongue 332 is also provided within the recess 310. In other embodiments, the first tongue 332 and the first main body terminal 331 may protrude higher than the right side surface 313 of the main body.

[0109] The first plug connector 330 is attached to the base surface 311 by a set of stepped screws 334. By attaching the first plug connector 330 to the base surface 311 using a set of stepped screws 334, it is possible for the first plug connector 330 to move slightly with respect to the base surface 311. That is, the first plug connector 330 is a floating connector. Since the first plug connector 330 is a floating connector, even if the first game controller 1 attached to the main body device 3 moves slightly with respect to the main body device 3, it is easy to maintain the connection of the connector. The first plug connector 330 may be freely movable around the axial direction of the stepped screw 334 or may be movable in the axial direction. The set of stepped screws 334 and the support portion 333 are covered by a cover 338. The first tongue 332 and the first main body terminal 331 penetrate through a through hole 337 provided in the cover 338 and are exposed. <Controller>

[0110] FIG. 9 is a six-sided schematic view showing the configuration of the first aspect of the first game controller 1. The second game controller 2 will be described later.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9, the first game controller 1 of the present embodiment includes, on its front surface, joysticks 31 which are an example of a direction 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 they may be arranged in other manners. Further, the first game controller 1 has an upper surface button (right) 110, an upper surface button (left) 120, a synchronization button 50, a shoulder button (right) 130, and a Z shoulder button (right) 140. Although details will be described later, the upper surface button (right) 110, the upper surface button (left) 120, and the synchronization button 50 are provided on the convex portion 100. These are examples of input units and do not all have to be provided. Further, the first game controller 1 may have other input units such as a touch pad and a pressure sensor instead of or in addition to these input units.

[0112] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the operation information of the input unit is transmitted to the main body first terminal 331 of the main body device 3 through the first terminal 160 described later, and information processing according to the program is performed by the CPU of the main body device 3. In a usage mode where the game controller is not attached to the main body device 3, the operation information of the input unit is transmitted to the CPU of the main body device 3 via the wireless chip provided in the game controller and the wireless chip provided in the main body device 3. Note that the information processing device 1000 does not have to include the first terminal 160 and the main body first terminal 331. In that case, even when the game controller is attached to the main body device 3, information transmission via the wireless chip is performed.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 9, the first game controller 1 has a front surface 15, a back surface 16, an upper side surface 11, a right side surface 12, a lower side surface 13, and a left side surface 14. The front surface 15 is the surface facing the user who uses the first game controller 1 in the integrated grip state, the horizontal hold state, and the vertical hold state. The back surface 16 is on the opposite side of the front surface 15. The front surface 15 and the back surface 16 are each continuous with the upper side surface 11, the right side surface 12, the lower side surface 13, and the left side surface 14.

[0114] 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 or convex direction, or the 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 or downward direction. The first direction R1 and the third direction R3 are collectively referred to as the up-down direction.

[0115] The direction that is perpendicular to the up-down direction and faces 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 or rightward 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 left or leftward direction. The second direction R2 and the fourth direction R4 are collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0116] 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 the front direction. The direction opposite to the fifth direction is also referred to as the sixth direction R6. The sixth direction R6 is also referred to as the back side or the back direction. The fifth direction R5 and the sixth direction R6 are collectively referred to as the front-back direction.

[0117] As described above, the upper surface 11 is on the upper side with respect to the front surface. The upper surface 11 is a side surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the left-right direction of the front surface 15. The upper surface 11 extends in the left-right direction. The lower surface 13 is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 11. The lower surface 13 is on the third direction R3 side of the upper surface 11. The lower surface 13 extends in the left-right direction. The right side surface 12 is continuous with the right end of the upper surface 11 and is a side surface that extends in a direction away from the upper surface 11. The end portion of the right side surface that is far from the upper surface 11 is continuous with the right end of the lower surface 13. The left side surface 14 is continuous with the left end of the upper surface 11 and is a side surface that extends in a direction away from the upper surface 11. The end portion of the left side surface that is far from the upper surface 11 is continuous with the left end of the lower surface 13. The right side surface is on the second direction R2 side of the left side surface.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 9, on the front 15 of the first controller, in the left - right direction, from the right side, a + button 33(1), a set of four buttons 32, a joystick 31, and a home button 33(2) are provided. The set of four buttons 32 and the joystick 31 are adjacent to each other. In the up - down direction, the joystick 31 is positioned between the upper button and the lower button among the set of four buttons 32. In the left - right direction, the joystick 31 is positioned substantially on the extension of the straight line connecting the right - hand button and the left - hand button among the set of four buttons 32.

[0119] The joystick 31 can be tilted in a 360 - degree direction and can be tilted in any direction including the first direction R1 to the fourth direction R4. The joystick 31 may be tiltable only in some directions. The joystick 31 may be push - in. Instead of tilting, the joystick 31 may be slidable in each direction. The main body device 3 may perform processing according to a signal indicating an operation direction in a program executed by an operation of the user on the joystick 31. Note that the game controller may have another input part instead of or in addition to the joystick 31 as a direction input part. For example, it may have a cross - key or buttons arranged in a cross shape.

[0120] In the program executed by the main body device 3, corresponding predetermined processing may be performed based on the pressing of the + button 33(1) and the set of four buttons 32. The main body device 3 may call up a home menu in response to an input to the home button 33(2).

[0121] The shoulder button (right) 130 is a button used, for example, in the integrated grip state, and is a button disposed at the upper right portion of the first game controller 1 in the integrated grip state. The shoulder button (right) 130 may also be used in the vertical grip state. The shoulder button (right) 130 has a curved operation surface. The shoulder button (right) 130 extends in a direction away from the upper surface 11. The shoulder button (right) 130 is provided at a portion that generally becomes the lower right of the first game controller 1 in the horizontal grip state. At least a part of the shoulder button (right) 130 may be provided on the right side surface 12. The operation surface of the shoulder button (right) 130 curves generally along the lower right portion of the first game controller 1. The main body device 3 performs a predetermined process based on the pressing of the shoulder button (right) in the program being executed.

[0122] The Z shoulder button (right) 140 is a button used, for example, in the integrated grip state, and is provided on the back side of the shoulder button (right) 130. The Z shoulder button (right) 140 may also be used in the vertical grip state. The Z shoulder button (right) 140 has a curved operation surface. The shoulder button (right) 130 extends in a direction away from the upper surface 11. The Z shoulder button (right) 140 is provided at a portion that generally becomes the lower right of the first game controller 1 in the horizontal grip state. At least a part of the Z shoulder button (right) 140 may be provided on the right side surface 12. At least a part of the Z shoulder button (right) 140 may be provided on the back surface 16. The operation surface of the Z shoulder button (right) 140 curves generally along the lower right portion of the first game controller 1. Note that the Z shoulder button (right) 140 may be entirely provided on the back surface. The main body device 3 performs a predetermined process based on the pressing of the Z shoulder button (right) 140 in the program being executed.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view showing a detailed configuration of the first aspect of the first game controller 1. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective schematic view including the convex portion 100.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the configuration already described, the first game controller 1 includes a light emitting unit 150 that notifies the identification number of the game controller, a first terminal 160 connected to the main body first terminal 331 of the main body device 3, a mouse sensor opening 170 for guiding 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.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 10, the convex portion 100 protrudes upward from the upper surface 11. From another perspective, the convex portion 100 protrudes in the first direction R1 from the upper surface 11. The convex portion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 (that is, the length in the longitudinal direction is longer than that in other directions). Note that the convex portion 100 does not necessarily extend exactly along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11, and it may extend along the longitudinal direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100 is along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Note that the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100 does not necessarily exactly match the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The convex portion 100 is an elongated convex portion that extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Note that the convex portion 200 included in the second controller 2 also has the same configuration as the convex portion 100. Hereinafter, the configuration of the convex portion 100 of the first controller 1 will be mainly described.

[0126] The convex portion 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) that extends downward from the top surface. The top surface 106 is spaced apart from the upper surface 11. The outer peripheral surface 107 is provided between the top surface 106 and the upper surface 11 and extends from the top surface 106 to the upper 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 surface 11. The convex portion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 when viewed from the direction of the top surface 106. 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-rear direction. Note that the surface of the top surface 106 does not have to be non-planar, such as by being embossed, or it may be planar.

[0127] In this embodiment, the convex portion 100 has a frustum of a pyramid shape whose cross-section becomes smaller as it approaches the top surface 106. Note that, as will be described later, the end regions in the longitudinal direction may be rounded. From another perspective, when the convex portion 100 is viewed from the top surface 106 side (i.e., the upper side), the top surface 106 and the outer peripheral surface 107 surrounding the top surface 106 can be seen. Note that the shape of the convex portion 100 is not limited to a frustum of a pyramid. As an example, the convex portion 100 may be a frustum of a cone or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0128] The length of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction (i.e., the longitudinal length of the convex portion 100) may be, for example, 2 times or more, or 5 times or more the length of the convex portion 100 in the front-back direction. The length of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction may be, for example, 50% or more, or 70% or more the length of the upper surface 11 in the left-right direction. The length of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction may be, for example, 25 times or less, or 15 times or less the length of the convex portion 100 in the front-back direction.

[0129] By increasing the length of the convex portion 100 in the left-right direction, the length of the top surfaces (operation surfaces) of the upper button (right) 110 and the upper button (left) 120 in the left-right direction can be increased, and the operability can be improved. Also, it becomes easier to arrange the mouse sensor opening 170, the mouse sole 191, the mouse sole 192, etc. on the top surface of the convex portion 100.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 10, the convex portion 100 is sandwiched between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62 that constitute the controller housing 10. An opening 17 of the housing formed by the end face of the front housing 61 and the end face of the rear housing 62 is provided on the upper surface 11. The convex portion 100 protrudes from the inside of the controller housing 10 through the housing opening 17.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 11, the convex portion 100 has a convex flange 19. The convex flange 19 extends outward (more specifically, in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction) from the lower end of the wall portion constituting the outer peripheral surface 107. In the convex portion 100, the region above the convex flange 19 is exposed from the housing opening 17. The lower region of the convex portion 100 including the convex flange 19 is located inside the controller housing 10. The convex flange 19 functions as a retaining means for the convex portion 100. In other embodiments, the convex portion 100 may be composed of a plurality of components. Also, in other embodiments, the convex portion 100 may be a part of the controller housing 10. For example, the convex portion 100 may be formed by at least one of the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62.

[0132] The convex portion 100 is configured to fit into the recess 310 from the front direction of the recess (the right side surface direction of the main body device 3). The shape of the convex portion 100 is configured to match the shape of the recess 310. From another perspective, the shapes of the top surface 106 and the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion and the bottom surface 3121 and the inner peripheral surface 3120 of the recess 310 are compatible. In a state where the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the top surface 106 abuts or is close to and faces the bottom surface 3121, and the outer peripheral surface 107 abuts or is close to and faces the inner peripheral surface 3120. Therefore, for example, when the user attaches the first game controller 1 to the main body device 3, the first game controller 1 is guided to an appropriate attachment position. Also, for example, it is possible to prevent the first game controller 1 attached to the main body device 3 from being displaced in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction in the main body device 3. As an example, even if a force is applied to the game controller in the front-rear direction or the vertical direction along with an operation input by the user in the integrated gripping state, it is possible to prevent the game controller from being significantly displaced with respect to the main body device 3.

[0133] Note that the shape of the convex portion 100 and the shape of the recess 310 do not necessarily have to exactly match. For example, in this embodiment, the shape of the convex portion 100 and the shape of the recess 310 do not exactly match. For example, in this embodiment, the inclination of the outer peripheral surface 107 with respect to the top surface 106 and the inclination of the inner peripheral surface 3120 with respect to the bottom surface 3121 are different in angle. Specifically, the inclination of the outer peripheral surface 107 with respect to the top surface 106 is smaller than the inclination of the inner peripheral surface 3120 with respect to the bottom surface 3121. Thereby, a clearance is generated when fitting the convex portion 100 into the recess 310, and a margin is provided for the approach angle. Note that the inclination of the outer peripheral surface 107 with respect to the top surface 106 and the inclination of the inner peripheral surface 3120 with respect to the bottom surface 3121 may be the same. Also, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the top surface 106 and the bottom surface 3121 and the outer peripheral surface 107 and the inner peripheral surface 3120 do not necessarily always contact each other, or may always be in contact.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the width in the front-rear direction of the convex portion 100 becomes shorter as it approaches the longitudinal end. From another perspective, in a region including at least the longitudinal end of the convex portion 100 (hereinafter referred to as the end region), the width of the top surface 106 becomes narrower as it approaches the end. As an example, the longitudinal ends of the convex portion 100 are rounded. Therefore, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3 obliquely (that is, when the upper surface 11 (the surface on which the convex portion 100 is located) of the first game controller 1 is inclined with respect to the right side surface of the main body device 3), it is inserted into the recess 310 from the end with a narrow width. Therefore, the attachment of the first game controller 1 becomes easy. Note that the convex portion 100 may have a bulging region where the width in the front-rear direction becomes wider in a region other than the longitudinal end region. Also, only one of the longitudinal ends of the first convex portion 100 (for example, only the end that becomes the lower side when attached) may be rounded.

[0135] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 has a first engagement hole 193 and a second engagement hole 194 at each of the longitudinal end faces. The first engagement hole 193 is provided at the first end face of the convex portion 100. The second engagement hole 194 is provided at the second end face of the convex portion 100. The shape of the first engagement hole 193 is different from the shape 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, the length of the first engagement hole 193 may be different from the length of the second engagement hole 194.

[0136] Peripheral devices (not shown) are detachably attached to the first game controller 1. For example, it is a strap attachment composed of a strap that is wound around the wrist when using the first game controller 1 and a housing to which the strap is connected. Such peripheral devices are provided with a recess similar to the recess 310 of the main body device 3. A magnetic element may be provided in the recess. With such a configuration, the peripheral device is attached to the first game controller 1 (similarly to the main body device 3). Here, by providing an engaging element corresponding to the first engagement hole 193 on the inner peripheral surface of one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the peripheral device and / or providing an engaging element corresponding to the second engagement hole 194 on the inner peripheral surface of the other end portion, the peripheral device can be firmly attached to the first game controller 1. Note that the peripheral device may not be provided with a magnetic element, and in that case, attachment can be performed by the engagement hole and the engaging element.

[0137] Also, since the engagement holes 193 and 194 are located at the end faces in the longitudinal direction, when the first game controller 1 is obliquely inserted into the recess of the peripheral device from the engagement holes 193 and 194, the peripheral device can be easily attached to the first game controller 1 while engaging the engaging element with the engagement hole. In particular, when the longitudinal end of the convex portion 100 is rounded, it is easy to insert it into the recess from the longitudinal end. Further, if the shapes of the first engagement hole 193 and the second engagement hole 194 are different, depending on the shape of the engaging element on the peripheral device side, it can be made to be attachable only in a predetermined direction (or difficult to attach in the other direction). Note that the shapes of the first engagement hole 193 and the second engagement hole 194 may be the same. Also, the first game controller 1 may have only one of the first engagement hole 193 and the second engagement hole 194. Further, in other embodiments, the first game controller 1 may not have an engagement hole or may have an engaging element. Also, in the present embodiment, the main body device 3 does not have an engaging element, but in other embodiments, the main body device 3 may have an engaging element.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are provided on the convex portion 100. The upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are buttons that the user presses down, and are parts that move downward by the pressing operation. A ground connection portion 51 is connected to the lower side of the upper surface button (right) 110. A tact switch 117 is provided on the lower side of the upper surface button (right) 110. When the upper surface button (right) 110 moves downward by the user's pressing operation, the tact switch 117 is pressed by the upper surface button (right) 110. The upper surface button (right) 110 and the tact switch 117 constitute a button switch. Also, the upper surface button (left) 120 and the tact switch 127 constitute a button switch.

[0139] The upper button (right) 110 is exposed from the first opening 197 provided on the top surface 106. The exposed portions of the upper buttons 110 and 120 (110 and 120 in FIG. 9) form an operation portion to be pressed by the user. A ground connection portion 53 is connected to the lower side of the upper button (left) 120. A tact switch 127 is provided on the lower side of the upper button (left) 120. The tact switch 127 is pressed by the upper button ( Left ) 120. The ON signals of the tact switch 117 and the tact switch 127 are transmitted to the main body device 3, and in the executed program, processing corresponding to the pressing of the upper button (right) 110 and the upper button ( Left ) 120 is performed.

[0140] The synchronization button 50 is provided on the convex portion 100. The synchronization button 50 is pressed by the user. The synchronization button 50 is provided between the upper button (right) 110 and the upper button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the synchronization button 50 is provided between the first terminal 160 and the upper button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The synchronization button 50 may be used for instructing setting processing related to wireless communication between the first game controller 1 and the main body device 3.

[0141] The first game controller 1 has a terminal housing portion 167. The first terminal 160 is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the terminal housing portion 167. The first terminal 160 extends along the vertical direction. A terminal opening 196 is provided on the top surface 106. The terminal housing portion 167 communicates with the terminal opening 196. That is, the terminal housing portion 167 opens to the top surface 106. Therefore, the first terminal 160 is accessible from the outside of the top surface 106.

[0142] The opening 196 for the terminal is provided on the top surface 106 between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120. Therefore, the terminal housing portion 167 opens between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 on the top surface 106. The first terminal 160 is provided between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. Note that at least a part of the first terminal 160 may be between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 in the left - right direction, and it does not have to be between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 in the front - rear direction and the up - down direction. From another perspective, the terminal is provided between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper 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 convex portion 100. The first terminal 160 is arranged such that at least its upper end is below the top surface 106 or lower than the top surface 106 in the protruding direction of the convex portion 100. 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 below the upper side surface 11, that is, inside the controller housing 10.

[0143] The mouse operation sensor 174 is provided in a housing portion that opens at the mouse sensor opening 170 provided on the top surface 106. The mouse sensor opening 170 is provided between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper 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 upper surface button (right) 110 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0144] The light emitting portion 150 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the light emitting portion 150 is provided on the front side of the outer peripheral surface 107. From another perspective, the region of the outer peripheral surface 107 where the light emitting portion 150 is provided faces the front side. When the user looks at the front 15 of the first game controller 1, the light from the light emitting portion 150 can be visually recognized. The light emitting portion 150 typically emits the light emitted by the LED to the outside.

[0145] The light-emitting unit 150 can notify a user of predetermined information. When the main body device 3 communicates with a plurality of game controllers, the light-emitting unit 150 may show the user information for identifying each game controller. The light-emitting unit 150 may show other information to the user. The number of the light-emitting units 150 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 4. In the present embodiment, the four light-emitting units 150 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. For example, among the four light-emitting units 150, a part or a number of the light-emitting units 150 corresponding to the identification number attached to the game controller may be lit.

[0146] The light-emitting unit 150 is provided between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The light-emitting unit 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 unit 150 is provided at a position overlapping the first terminal 160 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. From another viewpoint, when viewed from the front side, the light-emitting unit 150 is located below the terminal opening 196.

[0147] On the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192, which are mouse soles, are placed. The height of the upper surfaces of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 from the upper surface 11 is higher than the height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 from the upper surface 11. From another viewpoint, 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 not be provided.

[0148] The first game controller 1 can be used as a mouse by being placed so that the top surface of the convex portion 100 faces a ground surface such as a tabletop. At this time, the mouse soles 191 and 192 themselves are grounded to the ground surface, thereby suppressing the portion of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 without the mouse sole from directly contacting the ground surface. Further, the top surfaces of the mouse soles 191 and 192 are in contact with the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3.

[0149] Regarding the height from the upper surface 11, the height of the top surfaces of the mouse soles 191 and 192 is equal to or higher than the highest 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 position in 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, rectangular, etc. The mouse sole 191 may have a through hole. The shapes of the mouse soles 191 and 192 may be the same or different.

[0150] In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the mouse sole 191 is located on the side of the right side surface 12 rather than the upper surface button (right) 110. In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the upper surface button (right) 110 is located between the first terminal 160 and the mouse sole 191. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the upper surface button (right) 110 is located between the mouse sensor opening 170 and the mouse sole 191.

[0151] In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the mouse sole 192 is located on the side of the left side surface 14 rather than the upper surface button (left) 120. In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the upper surface button (left) 120 is located between the first terminal 160 and the mouse sole 192. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the upper surface button (left) 120 is located between the synchronization button 50 and the mouse sole 192.

[0152] In the first game controller 1, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically about the left and right. As an example, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically about the center in the left - right direction of the controller housing 10. As an example, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically about the center in the left - right direction of the upper surface 11. Also, as an example, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically about the center in the left - right direction of the convex portion 100. Also, as an example, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are arranged symmetrically about the center in the left - right direction of the terminal opening 196. In the present embodiment, in the left - right direction, the center of the controller housing 10, the center of the upper surface 11, the center of the convex portion 100, and the center of the terminal opening 196 coincide. Note that in other aspects, all of these center positions may be different, or some may be different.

[0153] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross - sectional view taken along line XII - XII of FIG. 10. Hereinafter, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the structure around it will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the upper surface button (left) 120 and the structure around it are substantially symmetric with the upper surface button (right) 110 and the structure around it in the left - right direction.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 12, among the upper surface button (right) 110, the portion exposed from the top surface of the convex portion 100 forms an operation surface 115 which is the surface operated by the user. The upper surface button (right) 110 has a main body portion 114 including the operation surface 115, a side wall 118, a flange 113, a first protrusion portion 111, and a second protrusion portion 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.

[0155] In this embodiment, the upper surface button (right) 110 is a single component, and the whole of it is made of a material that is not a magnet but is attracted to a magnet. The material of the upper surface button (right) 110 is not particularly limited, but may be made of a soft magnetic material. The material of the upper surface button (right) 110 may be, for example, iron, or as an example, it may be a cold-rolled steel sheet (SPCC). Also, the material of the upper surface button (right) 110 may contain iron. As an example, the material of the upper surface button (right) 110 may be, for example, a material obtained by adding silicon and / or nickel to iron. Also, as an example, the upper surface button (right) 110 may be a single component in which a resin is molded on a soft magnetic body.

[0156] In addition, in other aspects, the upper surface button (right) 110 may be made of a magnet, or may be a combination of a magnet and a soft magnetic body.

[0157] Also, in other aspects, only a part of the upper surface button (right) 110 may be made of a soft magnetic body 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 body or a magnet. Also, at least the portion forming the operation surface 115 may be made of a soft magnetic body or a magnet. Note that the upper surface button (right) 110 does not contain a magnet, and only a part of it may be made of a soft magnetic body.

[0158] As another aspect, the upper surface button (right) 110 may be composed of a plurality of components, and at least some of these components may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. In this case, the plurality of components constituting the upper surface button (right) 110 are fixed to each other by means such as adhesion or caulking and are integrally movable. Among the plurality of components, at least the component exposed from the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. Also, the component forming the operation surface 115 may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. As another aspect, a component made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material may be disposed on the back side of the component exposed from the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 so as to move integrally with the component exposed from the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. Also, a component made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material may be disposed on the back side of the component forming the operation surface 115 so as to move integrally with the component forming the operation surface 115. In this case, the component forming the operation surface 115 does not have to be a soft magnetic material. Also, a component made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material may be fixed to the surface of the operation surface 115. Note that the upper surface button (right) 110 does not include a magnet, is composed of a plurality of components, and at least some of these components may be made of a soft magnetic material.

[0159] As an example, the upper surface button (right) 110 may include a first component (roughly, having a shape like the component 110 shown in FIG. 11) having a main body portion with an operation surface, a side wall extending from the main body portion into the controller housing, and a flange extending outward from the side wall, and a second component disposed so as to surround the upper surface and the side surface of the first component (in other words, disposed inside the first component). Note that the second component is configured to move integrally with the first component. As a method thereof, the second component may be adhered to the first component, or for example, the lower end of the first component may be covered and the second component may be disposed in the space surrounded by the first component and the cover. Both the first component and the second component may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. 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 first component with a small thickness, and a block-shaped second component, for example, may be disposed inside the first component to strengthen the magnetic force. Note that the first component may be made of a material having no magnetism such as resin.

[0160] As another example, the upper surface button (right) 110 may be in a square tube shape and include a first component whose part of the outer peripheral surface constitutes an operation surface, a second component disposed inside the first component, and a flange component provided to extend outward from the opening of the tube of the first component. Both the first component and the second component may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. 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. Note that the first component may also be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin.

[0161] The remaining plurality of components may be non-magnetic, or may be made of a soft magnetic material or a magnet. Further, the operation surface 115 of the upper surface button (right) 110 may be covered with a non-magnetic sheet or the like, or may be coated with a non-magnetic paint.

[0162] In any of the above-described aspects, at least a part of the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 includes a magnet or a soft magnetic material. Thereby, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the magnet or the soft magnetic material of the first game controller 1 is located near the magnetic elements 410 and 420 of the main body device 3, so that the first game controller 1 can be attached to the main body device 3 with a strong magnetic force.

[0163] If the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 do not include a magnet or a soft magnetic material, it is necessary to separately provide magnetic elements that are magnetically attracted to the magnetic elements 410 and 420 provided in the recess 310 of the main body device 3 on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 or the upper side surface 11 of the first game controller 1. In that case, however, the size and position of the operation surfaces of the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 are restricted. That is, the operation surfaces of the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 need to avoid the positions corresponding to the magnetic elements 410 and 420 provided in the recess 310. By including magnetic elements in the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 as described above, the degree of freedom in design considering the operability with respect to the position and size of the operation surfaces of the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 can be increased.

[0164] Also, in this embodiment, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 are made of a soft magnetic material. That is, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 do not contain magnets. On the other hand, since the magnetic elements 410 and 420 provided in the main body device 3 contain magnets, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 are attracted to the magnetic elements. Since the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 are provided on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, when the first game controller 1 is removed from the main body device 3, they may come close to or contact the surrounding objects of the first game controller 1. At this time, since the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 do not contain magnets, they do not unintentionally attract the surrounding objects that are attracted by the magnets. On the other hand, the magnetic elements 410 and 420 of the main body device 3 are provided at the bottom of the recess 310. Therefore, even if there is an object around the main body device 3 that is attracted by a magnet, there is a distance from the right side surface 313 of the main body to the bottom of the recess 310, so it is separated from such an object, and the unintentional attraction of the surrounding objects is suppressed. Also, the right side surface 313 of the main body around the recess 310 suppresses such an object from entering the recess 310.

[0165] The operation surface 115 is the operation surface of the upper surface button (right) 110 that is exposed from the first opening 197 and 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, compared to the length of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 in the left - right direction. Also, the length of the operation surface 115 in the left - right direction may be 10% or more, or 20% or more, compared to the length of the upper side surface 11 of the convex portion 100 in the left - right direction.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 12, a tact switch 117 is provided below the first protrusion 111. The tact switch 117 is disposed on a flexible printed circuit 90 (hereinafter also referred to as FPC90). The upper part of the tact switch 117 is a leaf spring.

[0167] When the upper button (right) 110 is not pressed by the user, the first protrusion 111 is supported by the tact switch 117 from below. When the upper button (right) 110 is pressed by the user, the upper button (right) 110 moves downward from the initial position. The upper part of the tact switch 117 is pressed by the first protrusion 111 of the upper button (right) 110 that moves downward. The upper part of the tact switch 117 deforms so as to sink downward when pressed. Thereby, the switch is turned on inside the tact switch. When the user releases the hand from the upper button (right) 110, the upper part of the tact switch 117 returns to the original shape. Due to the shape return of the upper part of the tact switch 117, the first protrusion 111 is pushed back upward. Therefore, the upper button (right) 110 moves to the initial position. That is, the tact switch 117 biases the upper button (right) 110 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction when the upper button (right) 110 is pressed. Note that the tact switch 117 may also bias in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the upper button (right) 110 even when the upper button (right) 110 is not pressed.

[0168] Note that, as another aspect, the upper button (right) 110 may be biased upward by a biasing body such as a spring. That is, the upper button (right) 110 may be separated from the tact switch 117 by being biased upward by a biasing body such as a spring at least when pressed by the user (it may also include when not pressed by the user). Also, as another aspect, a rubber switch may be used instead of the tact switch 117.

[0169] The second protrusion 112 protrudes from the back surface of the main body 114 in the third direction R3. The number of the second protrusions 112 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, two second protrusions 112 are provided sandwiching the first protrusion 111 in the left-right direction. Below the second protrusion 112 and on the FPC 90, a ground electrode is provided. A ground connection portion 51 is provided between the second protrusion 112 and the ground electrode in the vertical direction. The ground connection portion 51 has conductivity. The shape and material of the ground connection portion 51 are not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, it is an iron coil spring. The upper end of the ground connection portion 51 is in contact with the back surface of the main body 114 and is electrically connected to the main body. The lower end portion 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 is in contact with the ground electrode. The fixing method of 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 may not be fixed to the back surface of the main body 114. However, even if the main body 114 moves up and down, the ground connection portion 51 may be assembled in a compressed state so as to always be in contact with the back surface of the main body 114. Further, the ground connection portion 51 may be connected to the ground electrode of an electronic circuit different from the FPC 90. Further, the ground connection portion 51 may contact other regions of the upper surface button (right) 110.

[0170] In this embodiment, the upper surface button (right) 110 is made of a soft magnetic material, for example, made of iron, and has conductivity. Therefore, when a charged object touches the upper surface button (right) 110, the potential of the upper surface button (right) 110 changes, which may affect the convex portion 100 and the internal electronic components of the controller housing 10. However, in this embodiment, the potential of the upper surface button (right) 110 becomes the ground potential by being electrically connected to the ground electrode by the ground connection portion 51. Therefore, even if a charged object touches the upper surface button (right) 110, the possibility of affecting the internal electronic components is suppressed. In this embodiment, the upper surface button (right) 110 itself does not provide electrical functions such as signal transmission to the outside and power supply through the upper surface button (right) 110. In other embodiments, the upper surface button (right) 110 may provide such functions.

[0171] In this embodiment, since the ground connection portion 51 is a coil spring in a compressed state, the upper surface button (right) 110 is biased upward by the coil spring. In this embodiment, since the biasing force by the coil spring is small, the upper surface button (right) 110 is in contact with the upper part of the tact switch 117 at the initial position. In other embodiments, the upper surface button (right) 110 may be separated from the tact switch 117 at the initial position by the biasing force of the coil spring that is the ground connection portion 51. Also, in other embodiments, the first game controller 1 may not have the ground connection portion 51.

[0172] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper surface button (right) 110 has a main body portion 114 whose surface constitutes an operation surface, a side wall 118 extending from the lower surface of the main body portion 114, and a flange 113 extending outward from the side wall 118. The side wall 118 extends into the convex portion 100 through the first opening 197. The flange 113 extends outward from the side wall 118 inside the convex portion 100. The flange may extend outward from the lower end of the side wall 118. The flange 113 has a flange portion protruding rightward from the rightward end of the side wall 118 and a flange portion extending leftward from the leftward end of the side wall 118. The upper surface of the flange 113 faces a part of the inner surface inside the convex portion 100 (hereinafter referred to as the first inner surface 71) in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the upper surface button (right) 110. Note that the first inner surface 71 does not necessarily have to be the inner surface of the convex portion 100 itself. The upper surface of the flange 113 is positioned in the pressing direction of the upper surface button (right) 110 with respect to the first inner surface 71. Therefore, the flange 113 has a function of preventing the upper surface button (right) 110 from coming off by being caught directly or indirectly by the first inner surface 71.

[0173] In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 118 faces a part of the inner surface inside 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 necessarily have to be the inner surface of the convex portion 100 itself. The outer peripheral surface of the side wall 118 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction of the upper surface button (right) 110 with respect to the second inner surface 72.

[0174] The first game controller 1 has a first elastic deformable body 52 between the upper surface of the flange 113 and the first inner surface 71. The first elastic deformable body 52 elastically deforms when a force is applied and elastically returns when the force is removed. The material of the first elastic deformable body 52 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be rubber.

[0175] The first elastic deformable body 52 may be fixed to the first inner surface 71. The first elastic deformable 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.

[0176] When the upper button (right) 110 is in the initial position, the first elastic deformable body 52 is in contact with the first inner surface 71 and the flange 113. At this time, the upper button (right) 110 may be maintained in the initial position by the biasing force in the direction opposite to the pressing direction by the tact switch 117 or the ground connection portion 51 and the biasing force in the pressing direction by the first elastic deformable body 52. When the upper button (right) 110 is in the initial position, the first elastic deformable 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.

[0177] The first elastic deformable body 52 is provided on the side closer to the second inner surface 72 between the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 118 and the second inner surface 72 in the left-right direction. The first elastic deformable body 52 is separated from the side wall 118. The first elastic deformable body 52 may be in contact with the second inner surface 72. Also, the first elastic deformable body 52 may be separated from the second inner surface 72. In this case, in the left-right direction, the distance between the second inner surface 72 and the first elastic deformable body 52 is smaller than the distance between the side wall 118 and the first elastic deformable body 52. In other embodiments, the first elastic deformable body 52 may be provided on the side closer to the side wall 118.

[0178] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the upper button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the upper button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 13, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 face each other. In this embodiment, since the upper surface button (right) 110 is made of a soft magnetic material, when the first magnetic element 410 approaches the upper surface button (right) 110, the upper surface button (right) 110 is pulled by the magnetic force of the first magnetic element 410. Then, a force in the direction opposite to the pressing direction is applied to the upper surface button (right) 110. At this time, the first elastic deformable body 52 provided between the flange 113 and the first inner surface 71 is elastically deformed to shrink in the direction opposite to the pressing-down direction by being pushed in the direction of the first inner surface 71 by the flange 113. As a result, the upper surface button (right) 110 moves in the direction opposite to the pressing-down direction. That is, the upper surface button (right) 110 moves in the direction opposite to the pressing direction from the initial position which is the position when not pressed by the user. The pressing direction is, for example, the third direction R3. The direction opposite to the pressing direction is, for example, the first direction R1.

[0180] The upper surface button (left) 120 also has the same configuration as the upper surface button (right) 110. A tact switch 127 is provided below the upper surface button (left) 120, and the tact switch 127 biases in the direction opposite to the pressing direction at least when the upper surface button (left) 120 is pressed. The upper surface button (left) 120 has a main body portion 124, side walls 128, and a flange 123. The second elastic deformable body 54 is disposed between the upper surface of the flange 123 and the first inner surface 73. The second elastic deformable body 54 may be fixed to the first inner surface 73. The second elastic deformable body 54 may be provided on the side closer to the second inner surface 74 between the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 128 and the second inner surface 74 in the left-right direction.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 13, when the upper surface 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 constitutes 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 upper surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 increases, and a strong adsorption force can be obtained. The first elastic deformable body 52 is designed with its size and elastic coefficient such that the operation surface 115 moves (in this embodiment, more than that) until it contacts the bottom surface 3121 of the recess. However, the operation surface 115 does not necessarily 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 adsorption force can be obtained.

[0182] In addition, even when other components (specifically, the cover 338) are interposed between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410, it is said that "the upper surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 are attracted". In other embodiments, for example, when the base surface 311 is not covered by the cover 338, the operation surface 115 may directly contact the first magnetic element 410 provided on the base surface 311. Alternatively, the operation surface 115 may contact the bottom surface 3121 while being separated from the first magnetic element 410 so as to block the opening where the first magnetic element 410 is exposed, which is provided on the bottom surface 3121. In still other embodiments, the operation surface 115 may not contact the cover 338 but may at least approach from the initial position.

[0183] When the upper surface button (right) 110 moves upward, the upper surface button (right) 110 approaches the first magnetic element 410 compared to when the upper surface button (right) 110 is in the initial position. Since the upper surface button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 are attracted by the magnetic force, the shorter the distance between them, the greater the adsorption force. Therefore, by enabling the upper surface button (right) 110 to move in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, the attachment of the first game controller 1 and the main body device 3 can be made stronger.

[0184] When the upper button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 are adsorbed, that is, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the first elastic deformable body 52 is crushed in the vertical direction. When removing the attached first game controller 1 from the main body device 3, the upper button (right) 110 tries to separate from the first magnetic element 410, but since they are attracted by magnetic force, the upper button (right) 110 moves further upward, and the first elastic deformable body 52 is further crushed in the vertical direction. From another perspective, when removing the first game controller 1 from the main body device 3, the upper button (right) 110 tries to instantaneously move further upward while maintaining the adsorption with the first magnetic element 410. Thereby, when removing the first game controller 1 from the main body device 3, stickiness or a sense of resistance is generated, and the upper button (right) 110 is prevented from suddenly detaching from the first magnet.

[0185] When the upper button (right) 110 returns from the adsorbed position to the initial position, the first elastic deformable body 52 is restored and extends in the vertical direction. If the vertical length of the first elastic deformable body 52 in its natural state is shorter than the distance between the flange 113 and the inner surface 71, the first elastic deformable body 52 may move downward while remaining attached to the flange 113. The same applies when the upper button (right) 110 moves in the pressing direction from the initial position. At this time, if the first elastic deformable body 52 contacts, for example, the inner surface 72, there is a possibility that the vertical movement of the upper button (right) 110 may be hindered. In the present embodiment, since the first elastic deformable body 52 is fixed to the first inner surface 71, the first elastic deformable body 52 is prevented from moving downward together with the upper button (right) 110. Therefore, the inhibition of the vertical movement of the upper button (right) 110 is suppressed. In addition to or instead of the fixing, when the upper surface of the flange 113 is subjected to a surface treatment such as mirror finishing, the first elastic deformable body 52 is also prevented from adhering to the flange 113.

[0186] When the first elastic deformable body 52 is compressed in the vertical direction, depending on the material of the first elastic deformable body 52, the first elastic deformable body 52 extends in the horizontal direction. At this time, the first elastic deformable body 52 may come into contact with the side wall 118. Thereby, the vertical movement of the upper surface button (right) 110 may be hindered. In the present embodiment, the first elastic deformable body 52 is provided closer to the second inner surface 72 than the side wall 118 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is suppressed that the first elastic deformable body 52 touches the side wall 118. Thus, the inhibition of the vertical movement of the upper surface button (right) 110 is suppressed. The upper surface button (left) 120 and the second elastic deformable body 54 also have the same effect.

[0187] FIG. 14 is a schematic view when looking in the direction of the top surface 106 from inside the convex portion 100, and is a plan schematic view showing the configuration of the first elastic deformable body 52. In FIG. 14, the first elastic deformable body 52 and the convex portion 100 are shown. The first elastic deformable body 52 has a first elastic portion 52a and a second elastic portion 52b. The second elastic portion 52b is separated from the first elastic portion 52a. In the horizontal direction, the first elastic portion 52a is located on the second direction R2 side with respect to the first opening 197. In the horizontal direction, the second elastic portion 52b is located on the fourth direction R4 side with respect to the first opening 197.

[0188] A part of the first elastic deformable 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 of the convex portion 100 to the outside through an opening formed in the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. The second elastic portion 52b is provided inside the convex portion 100 and may not protrude to the outside. Note that the opening through which the first elastic deformable 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.

[0189] The first elastic part 52a has a first elastic region 52c and a second elastic region 52d. In the vertical direction, the first elastic region 52c is located on the lower side than the second elastic region 52d. In the left - right direction, the first elastic region 52c may be located on the second direction R2 side than the second elastic region 52d. A part of the first elastic region 52c protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex part 100. The second elastic region 52d is located inside the convex part 100.

[0190] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the first elastic deformable body 52 is provided on the back surface 16 side on the outer peripheral surface 107. From another perspective, the first elastic deformable body 52 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex part 100 in the sixth direction R6. Therefore, in the vertical - holding state or the horizontal - holding state, it is difficult for the user facing the front surface 15 of the first game controller 1 to visually recognize the first elastic deformable body 52. Note that the first elastic deformable body 52 may also be provided on the front surface 15 side of the outer peripheral surface 107, or may be provided only on the front surface 15 side.

[0191] When the convex part 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 deformable body 52 provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 may contact the opposing inner peripheral surface 3120. Thereby, the convex part 100 is firmly attached by the recess 310. More specifically, when the inner peripheral surface 3120 facing the back side of the outer peripheral surface 107 contacts the first elastic deformable body 52, the convex part 100 is biased in the front direction by the inner peripheral surface 3120 via the first elastic deformable body 52. As a result, the front side of the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex part 100 is pressed against the opposing inner peripheral surface 3120, and the attachment becomes firm.

[0192] In addition, since the first elastic deformable body 52 is elastically deformable, when fitting the convex portion 100 into the recess 310, the wearability is prevented from decreasing by elastically deforming so as to contract in the front-rear direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the first elastic deformable body 52 is exposed from the base of the outer peripheral surface 107. That is, the protruding first elastic deformable body 52 is adjacent to the upper surface 11. In other words, the position of the upper end of the first elastic deformable body is lower than the top surface of the convex portion 100. Therefore, when the convex portion 100 is inserted into the recess 310, first, it enters the recess 310 from the portion of the outer peripheral surface 107 where the first elastic deformable body 52 is not provided. That is, at the beginning of insertion, the first elastic deformable body 52 does not touch the inner peripheral surface 3120. Therefore, the wearability is prevented from decreasing.

[0193] Similar to the first elastic deformable body 52, a part of the second elastic deformable body 54 may also protrude from an opening provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 100. Note that the second elastic deformable body 54 may protrude from the same surface of the outer peripheral surface 107 as the surface from which the first elastic deformable body 52 protrudes. Both the first elastic deformable body 52 and the second elastic deformable body 54 may protrude from the back side on the outer peripheral surface 107.

[0194] Note that the elastic deformable body provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 may be separate from the elastic deformable bodies 52 and 54 provided on the upper surface of the flange 113. In this case, their materials may be different. Also in this case, the elastic deformable body may be provided on the back side on the outer peripheral surface 107. In the present embodiment, paying attention to the function of elastically deforming together, these elastic members are regarded as one part. Thereby, an increase in the number of parts is suppressed. On the other hand, by making them separate bodies, the degree of freedom in the arrangement and material of each is improved. Note that while providing an elastic deformable body on the outer peripheral surface 107, it is not necessary to provide an elastic deformable body inside the convex portion 100.

[0195] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 has regions with different heights from the upper surface 11. The top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 has a first region 101, a second region 102, a third region 103, a fourth region 104, and a fifth region 105.

[0196] The first region 101 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, in which the upper surface button (right) 110 is provided. The upper surface button (right) 110 is provided so as to penetrate through the first opening 197 formed in the first region 101. Similarly, the second region 102 is a region in which the upper surface button (left) 120 is provided. The upper surface button (left) 120 is provided so as to penetrate through the second opening 198 formed in the second region 102.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 10, the third region 103 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, including the top surface 106 in one end region of the convex portion 100. From another perspective, the third region 103 is continuous with the end surface on the second direction R2 side of the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. The third region 103 is a region located on the first direction R1 side of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the length of the third region may be shorter than the length of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0198] 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 part of the mouse sole 191 is exposed from the recess. Note that the third region 103 may be flat without having a recess. The mouse sole 191 may be placed on the flat surface of the third region.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 10, the fifth region 105 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, including the top surface 106 in the other end region of the convex portion 100. From another perspective, the fifth region 105 is continuous with the end surface on the fourth direction R4 side of the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. The fifth region 105 is a region located on the first direction R1 side of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the length of the fifth region 105 may be shorter than the length of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0200] In the fifth region 105, a mouse sole 192 is provided. The mouse sole 192 is disposed in a recess provided in the fifth region 105. A part of the mouse sole 192 is exposed from the recess. Note that the fifth region 105 may be flat without having 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 and 192 raise the height from the upper surface 11 of the convex portion 100.

[0201] The fourth region 104 is a region located between the first region 101 and the second region 102 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106 among the housings forming the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. In the fourth region, a mouse sensor opening 170, a terminal opening 196, and a synchronization button opening 195 are provided.

[0202] The third region 103 is located on the convex side with respect to the fourth region 104. The fifth region 105 is located on the convex side with respect to the fourth region 104.

[0203] In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the first region 101 is located between the third region 103 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the second region 102 is located between the fifth region 105 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 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.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 12, the height from the upper surface 11 of the first region 101 is the first height T1. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the first region 101 is the first height T1. Similarly, the height from the upper surface 11 of the second region 102 is the second height T2. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the second region 102 is the second height T2. In the present 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 convex portion 100.

[0205] The height from the upper surface 11 of the third region 103 is the third height T3. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the third region 103 is the third height T3. Similarly, the height from the upper surface 11 of the fifth region 105 is the fifth height T5. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the fifth region 105 is the fifth height T5.

[0206] In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 may be the same or 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 they may be the same or lower. Note that 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 convex portion 100.

[0207] The height from the upper surface 11 of the fourth region 104 is the fourth height T4. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the fourth region 104 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 it may be the same or lower. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5, but it may be the same or higher. Note that 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 convex portion 100.

[0208] The height from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the mouse sole 191 is the sixth height T6. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the mouse sole 191 is the sixth height T6. Similarly, the height from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the mouse sole 192 is the seventh height T7. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the mouse sole 192 is the seventh height T7.

[0209] In this embodiment, the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7 are the same, but they 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 in the convex portion 100. Note that the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7 may be the same as the highest height among any of 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.

[0210] When the upper surface button (right) 110 is in the initial position, the height from the upper surface 11 of the operation surface 115 is the eighth height T8. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the operation surface 115 is the eighth height T8. Similarly, when the upper surface button (left) 120 is in the initial position, the height from the upper surface 11 of the operation surface 125 is the ninth height T9. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the operation surface 125 is the ninth height T9.

[0211] In this embodiment, the eighth height T8 and the ninth height T9 are the same, but they 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 height that is the highest 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 they 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 they may be different.

[0212] FIG. 15 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of the first aspect of the game controller. FIG. 15 shows, as an example, the posture when the first game controller 1 is 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 plane F with the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 facing the ground plane F, the mouse sole 191 contacts the ground plane F. Although not shown, the mouse sole 192 also contacts the ground plane F. The ground plane F is not particularly limited, but for example, it is the surface of a desk. The first game controller 1 is movable on the ground plane 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 separated from the ground plane F. In the vertical direction, the distance between the ground plane F and the third region 103 is, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 16, the operation surface 115 of the upper button (right) 110 is separated from the ground plane F. The upper button (right) 110 is in the initial position. In the vertical direction, the distance between the ground plane F and the first region 101 is longer than the distance between the ground plane F and the third region 103. In the horizontal direction, the distance between the ground plane F and the first region 101 is, for example, 1.2 mm.

[0214] The distance between the ground plane F and the operation surface 115 of the upper button (right) 110 is longer than the distance between the ground plane F and the third region 103 of the top surface 106. In the vertical direction, the distance between the ground plane F and the operation surface 115 of the upper button (right) 110 is the gap G. The gap G is, for example, 0.3 mm.

[0215] In this embodiment, the third height T3 and Fifth the height T5 are higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2. When the convex portion 100 is fitted obliquely into the recess 310, more specifically, when the convex portion 100 is inserted into the recess 310 from one longitudinal end of the convex portion 100, the insertion becomes easier if the height of the end portion is high. By configuring as described above, while improving the mountability of the first game controller 1 and the operability of the buttons, the height of the entire convex portion 100 can be suppressed.

[0216] Also, in the present embodiment, in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 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 convex portion 100 can be effectively utilized, and both the operability of the buttons and the mountability of the game controller can be achieved.

[0217] In the present embodiment, the fourth height T4 is higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2. Since the terminal opening 196 communicating with the terminal housing portion 167 is provided in the fourth region 104, when the user holds the first game controller 1 horizontally and operates the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120, the user's finger is prevented from touching the terminal opening 196.

[0218] Also, in the present embodiment, the fourth height T4 is lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5. Since the terminal opening 196 through which the terminal housing portion 167 opens is provided in the fourth region 104, when the first game controller 1 is operated as a mouse on the ground surface, the ground surface is prevented from touching the terminal opening 196. Further, by the third region and the fifth region protruding, the mountability of the first game controller 1 can be improved while suppressing the height in the vertical direction.

[0219] In the present 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 height from the upper surface 11 at the initial position of the button top surface of each of the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 is lower than the maximum height from the upper surface 11 of the top surface 106. Therefore, even when the first game controller 1 is carried around in a state of being removed from the main body device 3, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are prevented from accidentally coming into contact with something. Also, when the game controller is operated as a mouse on the ground surface, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 are prevented from contacting the ground surface.

[0220] Also, in the present 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.

[0221] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the upper surface button (right) 110 is movable upward. As shown in FIG. 13, when the upper surface button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 and in contact with the bottom surface 3121, the height from the upper surface 11 of the operation surface 115 is the tenth height T10. Similarly, when the upper surface button (left) 120 is attracted to the second magnetic element 420 and in contact with the bottom surface 3121, the height from the upper surface 11 of the operation surface 125 is the eleventh height T11.

[0222] Note that the upper surface button (right) 110 may be movable to a position even higher than the height T10. For example, when attempting to remove the first game controller 1 from the main body device 3 while the upper surface button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410, while the convex portion 100 begins to be removed from the recess 310, the upper surface button (right) 110 may remain attracted to the first magnetic element 410. At this time, as the first elastic deformable body 52 is further compressed, the upper surface button (right) 110 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction from the position of the tenth height T10. Note that the upper surface button (right) 110 may be movable upward so as to be close to the bottom surface 3121 even if the top surface of the upper surface button (right) 110 does not contact the bottom surface 3121.

[0223] In this embodiment, the tenth height T10 and the eleventh height T11 are the same, but they 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 upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 can move to a position where the height of the operation surface reaches the highest height of the top surface 106. Note that the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 may be movable above the position where the height of the operation surface reaches the highest height of the top surface 106. Note that the tenth height T10 and the eleventh height T11 may be lower than the sixth height T6 and the seventh height T7. Also, 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.

[0224] When the height of the operation surface 115 moves to a position where it reaches the highest height of the top surface 106 or a height higher than that, the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 can be approached accordingly. Therefore, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 can exhibit a strong adsorption force with the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420.

[0225] Also, even if the height of the upper surface of the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 does not reach the highest height of the top surface 106, they can approach the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 by moving to near the highest height of the top surface 106. Therefore, a strong adsorption force with the first magnetic element 410 is exhibited.

[0226] Also, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 can approach the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 by moving until the height of the upper surface of the button reaches contact with the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 by the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420. Therefore, a strong adsorption force with the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 is exhibited. <Connection Structure>

[0227] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the game controller is attached to the main body device 3. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 17 is parallel to each of the left-right direction and the up-down direction. FIG. 18 is an enlarged schematic view of region XVIII in FIG. 17.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 17, the convex portion 100 of the first game controller 1 fits into the recess 310 of the main body device 3. Upper The face button (right) 110 is attracted by the first magnetic element 410 by magnetic force. The top button (left) 120 is attracted by the second magnetic element 420 by magnetic force.

[0229] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the length of the operation surface 115 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100 is defined as the third length W3. The length of the opening of the first hole 401 in the longitudinal direction of the recess 310 is defined as the first length W1. The third length W3 is longer than the first length W1. Similarly, the fourth length W4 is longer than the second length W2.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 18, in the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface 3121, the center of the first magnetic element 410 may be located on the second direction R2 side with respect to the center of the face button (right) 110. In other words, in the left-right direction, the distance (the fifth length W5) between the end portion on the second direction R2 side of the opening of the first hole 401 and the end portion on the second direction R2 side of the operation surface 115 of the face button (right) 110 may be smaller than the distance (the sixth length W6) between the end portion on the fourth direction R4 side of the opening of the first hole 401 and the end portion on the fourth direction R4 side of the operation surface 115 of the face button (right) 110.

[0231] The first game controller 1 according to the present disclosure has an upper surface button (right) 110 and an upper surface button (left) 120 on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 protruding from the upper surface 11. Therefore, when the first game controller 1 is held horizontally, for example, when the upper surface button (right) 110 is operated with the index finger of the right hand and the upper surface button (left) 120 is operated with the index finger of the left hand, the two upper surface buttons can be pressed while suppressing the amount of finger bending. Thus, when the first game controller 1 is held with both hands so that the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 faces upward, the two upper surface buttons are easy to operate.

[0232] Furthermore, the convex portion 100 provided with the two upper surface buttons fits into the recess 310 provided in the main body device 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation during attachment / detachment and during attachment of the main body device 3 and the first controller 1 by the convex portion 100 and the recess 310.

[0233] Moreover, the two upper surface buttons provided on the top surface 106 can be adsorbed to two magnetic elements provided at the bottom of the recess 310, respectively. That is, the two upper surface buttons have not only the function of receiving an operation input from the user but also the function of attaching the first game controller 1 to the main body device 3. Therefore, the two upper surface buttons can be enlarged within the limited space of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the top surface, the lengths of the two upper surface buttons can be increased.

[0234] Furthermore, by adsorbing the two upper surface buttons to different magnetic elements respectively, the first game controller 1 is held by the main body device 3 at at least two positions. Therefore, compared with the case where the first game controller 1 is held by the main body device 3 at only one position, at least the rotational deviation of the first game controller 1 with respect to the main body device 3 is suppressed.

[0235] In the integrated grip state, since the top buttons (right) 110 and the top buttons (left) 120 are not exposed, the user cannot operate them. In the integrated grip state, the shoulder button (right) 130 and the Z shoulder button (right) 140 are at positions reachable by the index finger of the right hand, and the shoulder button (left) 230 and the Z shoulder button (left) 240 are at positions reachable by the index finger of the left hand. Therefore, when the user holds the first game controller 1 horizontally with both hands, for example, instead of using the top buttons (right) 110 and the top buttons (left) 120, 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. That is, from another perspective, it can be said that among the first game controller 1, the buttons that are not used when attached to the main body device 3 have the function of adsorbing to the main body device 3. Therefore, the game controller can be attached to the main body device 3 using the buttons without causing inconvenience in operation for the user. Note that the second game controller 2 also has the same effect.

[0236] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XIX of FIG. 18. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 19 is parallel to each of the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the game controller. In the present embodiment, the maximum height from the upper surface 11 to the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is T6, T7, T10, and T11. In the up-down direction (left-right direction of the main body device 3) of the game controller, the height from the right side surface 313 of the main body to the bottom surface 3121 is defined as the sixth distance B6. T6, T7, T10, and T11 are higher than the sixth distance B6. That is, the upper surface 11 is spaced apart from the right side surface 313 of the main body. In the left-right direction in the main body device, the interval B8 between the upper surface 11 and the right side surface 313 of the main body may be, for example, 0.05 mm or more.

[0237] During the operation of the first game controller 1, if a force is applied to the main body device 3 to rotate the first game controller 1 in a twisting manner in the vertical or front-rear direction, when the upper surface 11 is in contact with the right side surface 313 of the main body, there is a possibility that the contact point becomes a fulcrum and a force in the detachment direction is likely to be applied. In the present embodiment, since the upper surface 11 is separated from the right side surface 313 of the main body, when a force to rotate the first game controller 1 is applied, the contact point between the convex portion 100 and the recess 310, or even the upper surface 11 closer to the convex portion 100, becomes the fulcrum, and the force applied in the detachment direction is suppressed. The same applies to the second game controller 2.

[0238] As shown in FIG. 19, in the front-rear direction, the width of the opening of the first hole 401 is the first width C1. In the front-rear direction, the thickness of the first magnetic element 410 is the second thickness C2. The first width C1 is larger than the second thickness C2.

[0239] The width of the recess 310 in the front-rear direction may increase as it goes from the bottom surface 3121 toward the right side surface 313 of the main body. The width of the convex portion 100 in the front-rear direction may increase as it goes from the top surface 106 toward the upper surface 11.

[0240] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX of FIG. 17. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 20 is parallel to each of the front-rear direction and the vertical direction.

[0241] The female connector 162 has a first terminal 160 and a socket 161. The inner wall surface 166 of the socket 161 constitutes at least a part of the terminal housing portion 167. The inner wall surface 166 of the socket 161 communicates with the terminal opening 196 provided on 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 as it goes from the side of the terminal opening 196 toward the back. Note that the first game controller 1 does not have the first female connector 162, and the terminal housing portion 167 may be formed by the depression of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100.

[0242] The inner wall surface 166 of the socket 161 may have a first back side wall surface 165 and a first front side wall surface 164. The first front side wall surface 164 is the wall surface on the front side of the first game controller 1 among the inner wall surfaces 166. The first back side wall surface 165 is the wall surface on the back side of the first game controller 1 among the inner wall surfaces 166. The first back side wall surface 165 faces the first front side wall surface 164.

[0243] A slit extending in the vertical direction (i.e., the convex direction of the convex portion 100) in the first game controller 1 is provided in the wall portion forming the first back side wall surface 165. The first terminal 160 extends along the direction in which the slit extends, and a part thereof penetrates the slit and is exposed from the first back side wall surface 165. That is, the first terminal 160 is provided along the first back side wall surface 165. From another perspective, the first terminal 160 is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the terminal housing portion 167. The first terminal 160 is not provided along the first front side wall surface 164. In other embodiments, the first terminal 160 may be provided along the first front side wall surface 164. Also, the first terminal 160 may be provided along each of the first front side wall surface 164 and the first back side wall surface 165.

[0244] 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 convex portion 100. Note that the position of the lower end of the first terminal 160 may be higher or lower than the upper surface 11.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 20, the first plug connector 330 of the present embodiment is inserted into the terminal housing portion 167. More specifically, the first tongue 332 provided with the main body first terminal 331 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 167. The main body first terminal 331 is provided on the back side of the first tongue 332. Inside the terminal housing portion 167, the first terminal 160 contacts the main body first terminal 331. The main body first terminal 331 may contact the portion of the first terminal 160 that protrudes from the slit.

[0246] When the user holds and uses a game controller in an integrated holding state with both hands, due to its weight, the main body device 3 may slightly lean towards the back side with respect to the game controller. At this time, for example, the first tongue body 332 may lean towards the back side inside the terminal housing portion 167, and since the first terminal 160 is provided along the first back side wall surface 165, the contact between the first terminal 160 and the main body first terminal 331 provided on the first tongue body 332 is likely to be maintained. Also, when the user holds the game controller in an integrated holding state with one hand, for example, when only the first game controller 1 is held, due to its weight, the main body device 3 may tilt towards the back side with the held first game controller 1 side as a fulcrum. At this time, the distance between the upper surface 11 of the first game controller 1 and the main body right side surface 313 of the main body device 3 may be greater on the front side than on the back side. That is, the first game controller 1 may be farther from the main body device 3 on the front side than on the back side. In this embodiment, since the first terminal 160 is provided along the first back side wall surface 165, the contact between the first terminal 160 and the main body first terminal 331 is likely to be maintained. Note that the first terminal 160 is provided at a position where the main body first terminal 331 provided on the first tongue body 332 approaches when the main body device 3 tilts towards the back side with respect to the first game controller 1 side, so that the contact with the main body first terminal 331 is even more likely to be maintained.

[0247] Also, since the position of the upper end of the first terminal 160 is lower than the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, the terminal 160 is not easily touched by the user when the user operates the first game controller 1. Furthermore, since the first terminal 160 is provided within the terminal housing portion 167 provided inside the convex portion 100, it leads to effective utilization of the space in the height direction formed by the protrusion of the convex portion 100. On the other hand, the main body first terminal 331 needs to protrude in order to connect to the first terminal 160 within the terminal housing portion 167, and the main body first terminal 331 is provided within the recess 310. Therefore, the protruding main body first terminal 331 is protected by the inner peripheral surface 3120 of the recess 310.

[0248] Note that the main body first terminal 331 may be provided from the side surface to the top surface of the first tongue 332. From another perspective, the main body first terminal 331 may be provided over the surface of the first tongue 332 from the back side to the right side surface in the main body device. When the first tongue 332 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 167, the tip (right side surface side) of the first tongue 332 may contact the first terminal 160. Even in that case, the first terminal 160 can contact the main body first terminal 331.

[0249] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an example of the first terminal 160. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 21 is parallel to each of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0250] As shown in FIG. 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 portions each composed of one or a plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminal portions may be arranged side by side, for example, in the horizontal direction.

[0251] The plurality of terminal portions include a first right side terminal portion 160a, a first left side terminal portion 160b, and a first intermediate terminal portion 160c. The first right side terminal portion 160a is the terminal located on the most second direction R2 side in the horizontal direction. The first left side terminal portion 160b is the terminal located on the most fourth direction R4 side in the horizontal direction. The first intermediate terminal portion 160c is located between the first right side terminal portion 160a and First the left side terminal portion 160b. The first intermediate terminal portion 160c may have a plurality of terminals.

[0252] In the vertical direction, the length of each of the first right side terminal portion 160a and the first left side terminal portion 160b may be longer than the length of the first intermediate terminal portion 160c. From another perspective, in the vertical direction, each of the distance from the fourth region 104 to the first right side terminal portion 160a and the distance from the fourth region 104 to the first left side terminal portion 160b may be shorter than the distance from the fourth region 104 to the first intermediate terminal portion 160c.

[0253] 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 inserted into the terminal housing portion 167 (similarly to the first terminals 160, it may form a terminal group) is somewhat tilted, it is highly likely to contact the first right terminal portion 160a or the first left terminal portion 160b close to the terminal opening 196. Therefore, when the terminals are electrically connected to each other, the ground terminals can be contacted first. <Mouse>

[0254] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first game controller 1 is also used as a mouse. FIG. 22 is a top schematic view showing the configuration of the first aspect of the game controller. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing only the convex portion along the line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 22. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a mouse sensor opening 170 is provided on 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. Note that the first game controller 1 may include a lens for condensing the light emitted from the light source 171 and / or the light guided to the light receiving sensor 172.

[0255] 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 from the mouse sensor opening 170 onto the ground plane. The light receiving sensor 172 detects the reflected light from the ground plane of the light emitted from the light source 171, which changes with the relative movement of the first game controller 1 with respect to the ground plane entering from the mouse sensor opening 170. The second game controller 2 also has a similar configuration.

[0256] The first game controller 1 can also be used as a mouse by including a sensor 174 for mouse operation. Since a mouse sensor opening 170 is provided on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 protruding from the upper surface 11, when the first game controller 1 is placed on the ground surface such that the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 faces the ground surface, the mouse sensor opening 170 is in a position close to the ground surface. Therefore, the mouse sensor opening 170 can effectively capture the reflected light from the ground surface.

[0257] Based on the detection result of the sensor 174 for mouse operation, movement parameters (for example, movement direction and movement distance) regarding the movement of the first game controller 1 with respect to the ground surface may be calculated by the information processing unit of the main body device 3. Further, the main body device 3 may execute predetermined game processing based on the determined movement parameters in the program being executed. Note that the movement parameters may be calculated within the first game controller 1 (by the sensor 174 for mouse operation or the information processing unit included in the first game controller 1), and the calculated parameters may be transmitted to the main body device 3. Note that when the first game controller 1 moves with respect to the ground surface in a state separated from the ground surface, the movement of the first game controller 1 with respect to the ground surface may not be accurately measurable. For example, the first game controller 1 may be configured such that when the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is separated from the ground surface by 1 cm or more, or 5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more, the reflected light from the ground surface for measuring the movement with respect to the ground surface cannot be appropriately detected. As an example, the sensor 174 for mouse operation may be designed such that the distance from the ground surface of the first game controller 1 that can accurately detect the direction and distance of the movement of the first game controller 1 with respect to the ground surface is within 1 cm, or within 5 mm, or within 1 mm.

[0258] Note that when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the convex portion 100 fits into the recess 310, so the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, when in the integrated state where it is not used as a mouse, the mouse sensor opening 170 is not exposed, so it is possible to prevent the user from being touched unnecessarily.

[0259] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the game controller is used as a mouse. As shown in FIG. 24, the palm of the user's hand is arranged to cover the lower surface 13 of the first game controller 1. The user's right index finger is arranged on the front 15 side. For example, the user's right index finger is placed on the joystick 31. The user's right middle finger is placed on the shoulder button (right) 130. The user's right ring finger is placed on the Z shoulder button (right) 140.

[0260] The user can operate the shoulder button (right) 130 with the right index finger. The user can operate the Z shoulder button (right) 140 with the right middle finger. The user may operate the Z shoulder button (right) 140 with the right index finger. The user can operate the front input portion with the right thumb. For example, the user can operate the joystick 31, the + button 33(1), and a set of four buttons 3 2 by the thumb. The second game controller 2 may also be used as a mouse in the same way with the left hand.

[0261] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the mouse is used with both hands. As shown in the figure 25 the first game controller is operated with the right hand and the second game controller 2 is operated with the left hand.

[0262] Note that 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 vertically-held game controller. Also, the first user may use the first game controller 1 as a mouse, and the 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.

[0263] In this way, the user can also use the input unit on the front of the game controller mainly used when held vertically or horizontally when using the game controller as a mouse. Also, the user can use the shoulder buttons and Z shoulder buttons of the game controller mainly used when held vertically and when held integrally Use in the same way as the right click button and left click button on the mouse.

[0264] In this embodiment, when the game controller is removed from the main body device 3, it is used as a vertically-held game controller with the upper surface facing horizontally, as a horizontally-held game controller with the upper surface facing upward, and as a mouse with the upper surface facing downward. That is, by changing the gripping direction in three directions while being one game controller, three usage methods are possible.

[0265] Note that as shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, the mouse sensor opening 170 is located between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. That is, it is located relatively close to the center in the longitudinal direction of the first game controller 1. Therefore, mouse operation according to the user's intention becomes easy.

[0266] Also, as shown in FIG. 22, in the present embodiment, on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, a synchronization button 50 is provided between the upper surface button (left) 120 and the terminal opening 196 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, and a mouse sensor opening is provided between the terminal opening 196 and the upper surface button (right) 110.

[0267] When the game controller is operated in the horizontal holding state, since the terminal opening 196 is sandwiched between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the mouse sensor opening 170 on one side and the synchronization button 50 and the upper surface button (left) 120 on the other side, it is difficult for the user's finger to touch the terminal opening 196. Also, when the user tries to operate the synchronization button 50, since the mouse sensor opening 170 is located on the opposite side across the terminal opening 196, it is difficult for the user's finger to touch the mouse sensor opening 170.

[0268] <Removal mechanism>

[0269] FIG. 26 is a rear schematic view showing the configuration of the first aspect of the game controller. FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 27, the first game controller 1 has a pusher 181, a pusher operating member 186, and a biasing portion 183. These constitute a removal mechanism. The pusher operating member 186 has an operating portion 182, a pusher actuating portion 185, and a rotating shaft 184.

[0270] When the operating portion 182 is operated by the user, the pusher 181 protrudes from the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the protruding pusher 181 presses the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. By the pusher 181 pressing the bottom surface 3121, the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 moves in a direction away from the bottom surface 3121. The first game controller 1 rotates about an end opposite to the end where the pusher 181 is provided as a fulcrum. From the above, the first game controller 1 can be easily removed from the main body device 3.

[0271] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the operation unit 182 is provided, for example, on the back surface 16. The operation unit 182 is arranged to be exposed from an opening provided in the back surface 16. The operation unit 182 is operated by the user. The operation unit 182 is operated in the direction of the third arrow A3. The direction of the third arrow A3 is a rotational direction that goes from the right side surface 313 of the main body to the right and from the back side to the front side of the main body device 3. Also, from another perspective, the direction of the third arrow A3 is a rotational direction that goes in the third direction R3 and then in the fifth direction R5 in the first controller 1. Note that the operation unit 182 may be configured to be operated in a direction parallel to the third direction R3. FIG. 27 shows the state (natural state) before the operation unit 182 is operated.

[0272] FIG. 28 is a perspective schematic view showing a configuration example of the pusher operation member 186. As shown in FIG. 28, each of the operation unit 182 and the pusher operation part 185 is connected to the rotation shaft 184. The pusher operation member 186 is one part. Note that the pusher operation member 186 may be composed of a plurality of parts. The rotation shaft 184 rotates together with each of the operation unit 182 and the pusher operation part 185. From another perspective, the pusher operation member 186 rotates around the rotation shaft 184. The pusher operation part 185 abuts against the pusher 181.

[0273] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the state when the operation unit 182 is being operated. The rotation shaft 184 rotates together with the pusher operation part 185 by the operation on the operation unit 182. The pusher operation part 185 causes the pusher 181 to project.

[0274] Before the operation unit 182 is operated, the pusher 181 is disposed inside the convex portion 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 each of the operation unit 182 and the pusher operating unit 185, and the pusher operating unit 185 pushes out the pusher 181 in the first direction R1. A part of the pusher 181 protrudes from the convex portion 100. When the user releases the hand from the operation unit 182, the biasing unit 183 extends, so that the pusher 181 moves in the third direction R3. As a result, the pusher 181 returns to its natural position.

[0275] As shown in FIG. 28, in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 184, the distance (first distance B1) from the rotation shaft 184 to the end of the operation unit 182 is longer than the distance (second distance B2) from the rotation shaft 184 to the end of the pusher operating unit 185. Therefore, the torque of the pusher operating unit that protrudes the pusher can be increased. The operation unit 182 and the pusher operating unit 185 are arranged side by side along the direction in which the rotation shaft 184 extends.

[0276] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact portion between the pusher 181 and the pusher operating unit 185 is longer when the protruding amount of the pusher 181 is large than when it is small. As an example, the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact portion between the pusher 181 and the pusher operating unit 185 after the operation unit 182 is operated is longer than the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact portion between the pusher 181 and the pusher operating unit 185 in the initial state. Also, as an example, the distance from the rotation shaft 184 to the contact portion between the pusher 181 and the pusher operating unit 185 may become longer as the pusher 181 protrudes. At this time, the contact portion between the pusher operating 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 operating unit 185 may not be in contact with each other.

[0277] When the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the distance between the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 and the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 is close, and the magnetic force between the upper button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410, and the magnetic force between the upper button (left) 120 and the second magnetic element 420 are strong. Therefore, at the initial stage of protruding the pusher 181, by bringing the contact portion between the pusher operating portion 185 and the pusher 181 closer to the rotation axis 184, the acting force by the pusher operating portion 185 with respect to the force applied to the operating portion 182 is increased. On the other hand, after the pusher 181 protrudes 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 separates to a certain extent, and the magnetic force between the upper button (right) 110 and the first magnetic element 410 and the magnetic force between the upper button (left) 120 and the second magnetic element 420 (particularly, the magnetic force between the button closer to the pusher 181 and the magnet) also weaken. Therefore, by separating the contact portion between the pusher operating portion 185 and the pusher 181 from the rotation axis 184, while reducing the acting force, the amount of movement of the pusher operating portion 185 with respect to the amount of rotation of the rotation axis 184 can be increased. In this way, by changing the acting force and the protruding amount of the pusher 181 according to the pusher protruding state, it becomes easy to remove the first game controller 1.

[0278] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the operating portion 182 is operated at least in the third direction R3. In the present embodiment, the operating portion 182 is rotationally operated in a direction including the third direction R3 and the fifth direction R5. That is, the operating direction of the operating portion 182 is the third direction R3 (the direction away from the upper side surface 11) when viewed from the back direction of the first game controller 1, and the fifth direction R5 (the direction approaching the back surface) when viewed from the side direction. When the operating portion 182 is operated in the third direction R3, the pusher 181 moves in the first direction R1. From another perspective, the pusher 181 moves to the side opposite to the operating direction of the operating portion 182.

[0279] Figs. 30 and 31 are schematic views showing the operation modes of the operation unit. As shown in Figs. 30 and 31, the back surface 16 has a protruding portion 18. The protruding portion 18 is located on the side of the third direction R3 with respect to the operation unit 182. The protruding portion 18 protrudes in the sixth direction R6 on the back surface 16. When the operation unit 182 is operated, it moves in the third direction R3 and the fifth direction R5 and is buried in the protruding portion 18 (Fig. 31). Note that the entire operation unit 182 does not have to be completely buried. A part of the operation unit 182 is exposed from the protruding portion 18. Note that the maximum height of the operation unit 182 from the back surface 16 when not being operated is lower than the maximum height of the protruding portion 18 from the back surface 16. When the first game controller 1 is placed on the ground surface such that the back surface 16 faces the ground surface, while the end of the protruding portion 18 touches the ground, contact between the operation unit 182 and the ground surface can be suppressed.

[0280] Fig. 32 is a rear schematic view showing the state before the first game controller 1 is removed from the main body device 3. Fig. 33 is a rear schematic view showing a first state during the removal of the first game controller 1 from the main body device 3.

[0281] Since the operation unit 182 is on the second direction R2 side (upper side in the integrated gripping state) on the back surface 16, when the user operates the operation unit 182, the user can operate the operation unit 182 by gripping the index finger and middle finger of the right hand positioned on the back side as they are to hold the main body device 3 and the first game controller 1.

[0282] Furthermore, the direction in which the operation unit 182 is operated is the direction in which the first game controller 1 detaches. Therefore, when removing the first game controller 1, an operation along the intuition is possible.

[0283] Also, when the operation unit 182 is fully pushed into the third direction R3, the operation unit 182 is buried in the protruding portion 18, and the finger of the user operating the operation unit 182 hits the protruding portion 18. The user can apply the force to the protruding portion 18 by continuously applying a force in the third direction R3, which is the direction in which the first game controller 1 detaches, to the protruding portion 18 with the finger as it is. Therefore, a force for removal can be applied as a series of operations from the operation of the operation unit 182. Also, since the user's finger contacts the protruding portion 18 around the buried operation unit 182 in addition to the operation unit 182, the first game controller 1 can be removed while being firmly gripped.

[0284] Note that the protruding portion 18 protrudes from the back surface 16 in the back surface direction so as to cover the Z shoulder button (right) 140 from below. For example, when the first game controller 1 is placed such that the back surface 16 faces the ground surface, the protruding portion 18 may be configured such that the protruding portion 18 contacts the ground surface and the Z shoulder button (right) 140 does not contact the ground surface. By making the operation unit 182 be buried in the protruding portion 18 that covers the Z shoulder button (right) 140 from below, for example, space saving is possible compared to the case where a separate protruding portion for burying the operation unit 182 is provided.

[0285] The pusher 181 may protrude from the outside of the upper surface button (right) 110 (on the right side of the upper surface button (right) 110) in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. As another aspect, the pusher 181 may protrude from the outside of the upper surface button (left) 120 (on the left side of the upper surface button (left) 120) in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. Thereby, the distance between the pusher 181 and the portion on the opposite side of the end portion where the pusher 181 is provided (for example, the end portion of the top surface 106, or the upper side surface 11 outside the convex portion 100), which is the fulcrum portion during removal, can be increased. Thereby, a lever can be utilized for the pusher 181, and the first game controller 1 can be removed from the main body device 3 with a small force.

[0286] The pusher 181 may protrude from the right side of the operation part 182 in the longitudinal direction of the convex part 100. In the longitudinal direction of the convex part 100, the center of the pusher 181 may be located on the right side of the center of the operation part 182. The pusher 181 may protrude from the right side of the first elastic deformable body 52 in the longitudinal direction of the convex part 100. In the longitudinal direction of the convex part 100, the center of the pusher 181 may be located on the right side of the center of the first elastic deformable body 52.

[0287] Note that the pusher 181 may protrude from the outside of the button that is on the upper side in the integrally gripped state among the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120. Thereby, the pusher 181 presses the side surface of the main body device 3 from the side of the first game controller 1 with the lower side of the main body device 3 as the fulcrum of the lever, so it is easy to remove.

[0288] Also, as shown in FIG. 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 in the top surface 106. The pusher 181 is provided so as to protrude from the through hole of the mouse sole 191. Therefore, in the top surface 106 of the convex part 100, it is not necessary to separate the region where the pusher 181 protrudes and the region where the mouse sole 191 is provided. Therefore, the space of the top surface 106 can be effectively utilized.

[0289] Also, the pusher 181 may be configured to protrude from the region having the highest height on the top surface 106. Thereby, the tip of the pusher 181 can contact the bottom surface 3121 immediately after the pusher 181 protrudes from the top surface 106. Therefore, the protruding amount until the pusher 181 contacts the bottom surface 3121 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the pusher 181 and reduce the operation amount of the operation part 182.

[0290] Further, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that when the pusher 181 protrudes, the operation surface 115 of the upper surface button (right) 110 is separated from the surface of the cover 338 that constitutes the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. From another perspective, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that even if the upper surface button (right) 110 moves upward to the maximum extent by being attracted to the first magnetic element 410, the operation surface 115 of the upper surface button (right) 110 is separated from the surface of the cover 338 that constitutes the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310. Thereby, the first game controller 1 can be easily removed from the main body device 3. Note that the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that at least a part of the operation surface 125 of the upper surface button (left) 120 is not separated from the surface of the cover 338. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first game controller 1 from being suddenly removed from the main body device 3.

[0291] Also, as shown in FIG. 33, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that when the pusher 181 protrudes, the right end (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 33) of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is exposed from the opening of the recess 310. Note that the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that even if the pusher 181 protrudes, the right end of the top surface 106 is not exposed from the opening of the recess. Also, as shown in FIG. 33, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that the entire first elastic deformable 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 part of the second elastic deformable body 54 exposed from the outer peripheral surface 107 may be exposed from the opening of the recess 310. Also, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that even if the pusher 181 protrudes, the light-emitting opening 154 provided in the outer peripheral surface 107 is not exposed from the opening of the recess 310. Also, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that when the pusher 181 protrudes, the right end (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 33) of the upper side surface 11 and the upper end of the main body right side surface 313 are separated by a distance, for example, between 0.5 mm and 1 cm. Note that the separating distance may be, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm. The separating distance may be, for example, 2 mm.

[0292] <Indicator>

[0293] Figure 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV of Figure 22. As shown in Figure 34, the first game controller 1 has a light-emitting element 152 and a light-projecting portion 150 that projects light outward. The light-projecting portion 150 is a user indicator. The light-projecting portion 150 includes, for example, a light-projecting opening 154 and a part of the lens 151. The light-projecting portion 150 may be provided on the front-side outer peripheral surface portion 1071.

[0294] The light-projecting opening 154 is, for example, an opening provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. The protruding portion of the lens 151 is located within the light-projecting opening 154. The user can visually recognize the light projected outward from the light-projecting opening 154 through the lens 151. The light-projecting portion 150 may not have the lens 151. The light-projecting portion 150 may be provided on the back-side outer peripheral surface portion 1072.

[0295] The light-emitting element 152 is, for example, arranged on the FPC 90. The light-emitting element 152 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The light-emitting diode irradiates, for example, visible light. The light irradiated by the light-emitting diode is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, red, blue, or green.

[0296] Note that the light-emitting element 152 itself may be the light-projecting portion 150. That is, the light-emitting element 152 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100.

[0297] Since the convex portion 100 has a certain protruding height, by providing the light-projecting portion 150 on the outer peripheral surface 107, the space in the protruding direction of the outer peripheral surface 107 can be effectively utilized.

[0298] In addition, the light from the light-emitting unit 150 is emitted from the outer peripheral surface 107 in the front direction. Therefore, when the user operates facing the front of the first game controller 1, the light is easy to visually recognize. On the other hand, when the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the outer peripheral surface 107 is not exposed, so the user can, for example, concentrate on the game play.

[0299] Note that the light-emitting unit 150 provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 may be provided between the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0300] When operating the upper surface button (right) 110 and the upper surface button (left) 120 provided on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 with the left and right fingers in the state of holding the first game controller 1 horizontally, it is conceivable that the left and right fingers move along the top surface 106. Therefore, it is difficult for a finger to be placed on the front side of the outer peripheral surface 107, and it is difficult for the light-emitting unit 150 to be covered by a finger. Therefore, the light from the light-emitting unit 150 is easy to visually recognize.

[0301] Inside the convex portion 100, the light-emitting element 152 faces the light-emitting unit 150. More specifically, the light-emitting element 152 faces the light-emitting opening 154. The user can visually recognize the light irradiated 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 a double-sided tape 155. In the front-rear direction, the light-emitting element 152 is located between the FPC 90 and the light-emitting unit 150.

[0302] In the front-rear direction, the light-emitting unit 150 is located on the R5 side in the fifth direction from the first terminal 160. The light-emitting unit 150 is provided at a position overlapping 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 peripheral surface on the back side of the inner peripheral surface of the terminal housing portion 167, and the light-emitting unit 150 is on the front side of the terminal housing portion 167 and is provided on the front side of the outer peripheral surface 107.

[0303] Since the first terminal 160 is provided so as to protrude through a slit provided in a wall portion forming the first rear side wall surface 165, a space is required inside the convex portion 100 corresponding to the back side of the inner wall surface 166. This space also includes a space for preventing the terminal 160 from interfering with the surrounding components when the first terminal 160 is largely pushed into the convex portion 100. On the other hand, for the light emitting portion 150 as well, a space for providing, for example, the lens 151 and the light emitting element 152 is required inside the convex portion 100. Therefore, by providing the first terminal 160 and the light emitting portion 150 on opposite sides in the front-rear direction, the internal space of the convex portion 100 can be effectively utilized.

[0304] So far, the configuration of the first game controller 1 has been mainly described. The basic configuration of the second game controller 2 is the same as that of the first game controller 1. Hereinafter, only an outline of the second game controller 2 will be shown.

[0305] FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the first aspect 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 direction input unit, and a set of four buttons 42 arranged in a cross shape. Further, the first game controller 1 included the + button 33(1) and the home button 33(2), but the second game controller 2 includes the - button 43(1) and the capture button 43(2). The second game controller 2 also has an upper surface button (right) 210, an upper surface button (left) 220, a synchronization button, a shoulder button (left) 230, and a Z shoulder button (left) 240. The upper surface button (right) 210, the upper surface button (left) 220, and the synchronization button are provided on the convex portion 200. Further, the second game controller 2 includes a light emitting portion 250, a second terminal 260 connected to the main body second terminal 341 of the main body device 3, a mouse sensor opening 270 for guiding light to the mouse operation sensor 274, mouse soles 253 and 254, and an operation portion 282 that constitutes a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 200 from the main body device 3. The structure and function of each configuration are substantially the same as those of the first game controller 1. Note that some functions may be different. For example, the capture button 43(2) may be used to save an image output to the display 305.

[0306] In the horizontal holding 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 on the left side of the set of four buttons 32. Similarly, on the second game controller 2, the joystick 41 is located on the left side of the set of four buttons 42. On the other hand, in the horizontal holding state, the shoulder button (right) 130 and the Z shoulder button (right) 140 on the first game controller 1 are on the right side, while the shoulder button (left) 230 and the Z shoulder button (left) 240 on the second game controller 2 are on the left side. From another perspective, in the integrated gripping 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 integrated gripping state, the shoulder button (right) 130 and the Z shoulder button (right) 140 of the first game controller 1 and the shoulder button (left) 230 and the Z shoulder button (left) 240 of the second game controller 2 are both on the upper side.

[0307] <Terminal arrangement>

[0308] FIG. 36 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of an example of the main body device 3. As shown in FIG. 36, the left side surface 314 of the main body is on the opposite side of the right side surface 313 of the main body device 3 with respect to the front of the main body device 3. The left side surface 314 of the main body has the same configuration as the right side surface 313 of the main body. For example, a recess 320 is provided on the left side surface 314 of the main body. In the recess 320, a second plug connector 340, a third magnetic element 430, and a fourth magnetic element 440 are provided. 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.

[0309] The convex portion 100 is shaped to fit into each of the recesses 310 and 320. Similarly, the convex portion 200 is shaped to fit into each of the recesses 310 and 320. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the recess 310, the recess 310 may be substantially symmetric. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the recess 320, the recess 320 may be substantially symmetric. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the convex portion 100 may be substantially symmetric. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 200, the convex portion 200 may be substantially symmetric.

[0310] The longitudinal direction of the recess 310 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the recess 320. Each of the longitudinal direction of the recess 310 and the longitudinal direction of the recess 320 may be parallel to the vertical direction. The width direction of the recess 310 may be parallel to the width direction of the recess 320. Each of the width direction of the recess 310 and the width direction of the recess 320 may be parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0311] FIG. 37 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing the connection state of the terminals in the first connection state. In FIG. 37, the connection state of each terminal is schematically shown when viewed from above in the mounted state. For clarity, the terminals are shown separated from each other. In FIG. 37, at least a part of the main body first terminal 331, the first tongue 332, the main body device-side second terminal 341, and the second tongue 342 is schematically shown.

[0312] The first terminal 160 is provided along the first rear side wall surface. The first terminal 160 may not be provided on the first front side wall surface.

[0313] The second terminal 260 is provided along the second rear side wall surface. The second terminal 260 may not be provided on the second front side wall surface.

[0314] Also, the main body first terminal 331 is provided along the back surface of the first tongue 332. The main body first terminal 331 may not be provided on the front surface of the first tongue 332. Also, the main body second terminal 341 is provided along the back surface of the second tongue 342. The main body second terminal 341 may not be provided on the front surface of the second tongue 342.

[0315] FIG. 38 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1000 in the first connection state.

[0316] FIG. 39 is a conceptual schematic view showing the terminal arrangement in the first connection state. In FIG. 39, the connection state of each terminal is schematically shown when viewed from the front side in the mounted state. For clarity, 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 form 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 arranged in the vertical direction. The functions of the plurality of third terminal portions may not be symmetric with respect to the vertical direction.

[0317] The main body second terminal 341 (also referred to as the fourth terminal 341) may form 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 the 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 opposite with respect to the vertical direction.

[0318] As shown in FIG. 39, the second terminal 260 may form a second game controller terminal group, like the first terminal 160. The second game controller terminal group has a plurality of second terminal portions each composed of one or more terminals. The plurality of second terminal portions are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0319] The order of functions of the plurality of first terminals 160 and the order of functions of the plurality of third terminals 331 may be the same with respect to the vertical direction in the main body device. The functions of the plurality of first terminals 160 may be, in order from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the vertical direction in the main body device, ground, connection detection from one to the other, signal, power supply from one to the other, vacant, power supply from the other to one, signal, connection detection from the other to one, ground. Similarly, the functions of the plurality of third terminals 331 may be, in order from the upper side to the lower side, ground, connection detection from one to the other, signal, power supply from one to the other, vacant, power supply from the other to one, signal, connection detection from the other to one, ground.

[0320] The order of functions of the plurality of second terminals 260 and the order of functions of the plurality of fourth terminals 341 may be the same with respect to the vertical direction in the main body device. The functions of the plurality of second terminals 260 may be, in order from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the vertical direction in the main body device, ground, connection detection from one to the other, signal, power supply from one to the other, vacant, power supply from the other to one, signal, connection detection from the other to one, ground. Similarly, the functions of the plurality of fourth terminals 341 may be, in order from the upper side to the lower side, ground, connection detection from one to the other, signal, power supply from one to the other, vacant, power supply from the other to one, signal, connection detection from the other to one, ground.

[0321] Similar to the plurality of first terminal portions, the plurality of second terminal portions have a second left terminal portion 260a, a second right terminal portion 260b, and a second intermediate terminal portion 260c. The second left terminal portion 260a is located at the leftmost position in the left - right direction. The second right terminal portion 260b is located at the rightmost position in the left - right direction. The second intermediate terminal portion 260c is located between the second left terminal portion 260a and the second right terminal portion 260b.

[0322] The plurality of third terminal portions include an upper third terminal portion 331a, a lower third terminal portion 331b, and an intermediate third terminal portion 331c. The upper third terminal portion 331a is located at the uppermost position in the vertical direction of the main body device 3. The lower third terminal portion 331b is located at the lowermost position in the vertical direction of the main body device 3. The intermediate third terminal portion 331c is located between the upper third terminal portion 331a and the lower third terminal portion 331b.

[0323] The plurality of fourth terminal portions include an upper fourth terminal portion 341a, a lower fourth terminal portion 341b, and an intermediate fourth terminal portion 341c. The upper fourth terminal portion 341a is located at the uppermost position in the vertical direction of the main body device 3. The lower fourth terminal portion 341b is located at the lowermost position in the vertical direction of the main body device 3. The intermediate fourth terminal portion 341c is located between the upper fourth terminal portion 341a and the lower fourth terminal portion 341b.

[0324] <Connection state>

[0325] As shown in FIG. 39, in the first connection state, the first terminal 160 is connected to the main body first terminal 331. The first right terminal portion 160a is electrically connected to the upper third terminal portion 331a. The first left terminal portion 160b is electrically connected to the lower third terminal portion 331b. The first intermediate terminal portion 160c is electrically connected to the intermediate third terminal portion 331c.

[0326] In the first connection state, the second terminal 260 is connected to the main body second terminal 341. The second left terminal portion 260a is electrically connected to the upper fourth terminal portion 341a. The second right terminal portion 260b is electrically connected to the lower fourth terminal portion 341b. The second intermediate terminal portion 260c is electrically connected to the intermediate fourth terminal portion 341c.

[0327] FIG. 40 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing a second example of the connection state of the terminals. FIG. 41 is a front schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1000 in the second connection state.

[0328] 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 lower 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 lower 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.

[0329] FIG. 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 unit first terminal group. The second left side terminal portion 260a is electrically connected to the third lower side terminal portion 331b. The second right side terminal portion 260b is electrically connected to the third upper side terminal portion 331a. The second middle terminal portion 260c is electrically connected to the third middle terminal portion 331c.

[0330] In the second connection state, the first game controller terminal group is connected to the second main unit terminal group 341. The first right side terminal portion 160a is electrically connected to the fourth lower side terminal portion 341b. The first left side terminal portion 160b is electrically connected to the fourth upper side terminal portion 341a. The second middle terminal portion 260c is electrically connected to the fourth middle terminal portion 341c.

[0331] According to the controller set of this embodiment, both the first terminal 160 and the second terminal 260 are provided on the back side of the inner wall surface. On the other hand, the main body first terminal 331 and the main body second terminal 341 of the main body device 3 are both provided on the back of the tongue body. Therefore, even if the first game controller 1 and the second game controller 2 are attached to the main body device 3 on the opposite side in the left - right direction while being inverted in the up - down direction respectively, the game controllers can be electrically connected to the main body device 3. For example, when the main body device 3 has audio input / output terminals only on the upper surface, the user can attach the game controller with the audio input / output terminals facing up or down. Thus, for example, the user can insert earphones into the audio input / output terminals from a preferred direction. Note that the main body device 3 may swap the up and down of the image displayed on the display 305 according to the attachment direction of the game controller. That is, the image may be output so that the upper side in the integrated gripping state coincides with the upper side of the image displayed on the display 305. In this embodiment, in the left - right direction, the arrangement of the first terminals 160 is opposite to the arrangement of the second terminals 260, but the arrangement of the terminals may be in other modes.

[0332] Note that any controller may be attachable to the recesses 310 on both sides such that the front of the game controller faces the back side of the main body device. However, according to the arrangement of the terminals in this embodiment, the terminals are not connected to each other at this time. <Other removal modes>

[0333] FIG. 43 is a top schematic view of the main body device showing the state before removing the first game controller 1 from the main body device 3. FIG. 44 is a top schematic view of the main body device showing the second state during the process of removing the first game controller 1 from the main body device 3.

[0334] Here, as shown in FIG. 33, in the present embodiment, when the operation unit 182 is operated by the user, the first game controller 1 can be easily removed from the main body device 3. 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, with the longitudinal end of the first convex portion 100 as a fulcrum, the user rotates the first game controller 1 along the direction of the first arrow A1, and the first game controller 1 may be removed from the main body device 3. Even when the first game controller 1 has a removal mechanism, the first game controller 1 may be removed from the main body device 3 without operating the operation unit 182.

[0335] Also, the first game controller 1 may be removed by being rotated in a direction different from the above. As shown in FIG. 44, with the back side of the convex portion 100 (for example, the back side of the outer peripheral surface 107 or the back side region of the upper surface 11) as a fulcrum, the first game controller 1 is rotated along the direction of the second arrow A2, and the first game controller 1 may be removed from the main body device 3. After the first game controller 1 rotates along the direction of the second arrow A2, it may be pulled out along the left - right direction.

[0336] Note that these removal directions are just examples. The method for removing the first game controller 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above. The first game controller 1 may be taken out from the recess 310 simply by being pulled along the left - right direction without being rotated. The method for removing the second game controller 2 is substantially the same as the method for removing the first game controller 1. <Internal Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus>

[0337] FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main body device 3. The main body device 3 includes, as an example, each of the 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 the main body device 3.

[0338] The main body device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2081. The CPU 2081 is an information processing unit that executes various information processes executed in the main body device 3. The CPU 2081 executes various information processes by executing an information processing program stored in a storage unit accessible to itself (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 2084 or an external storage medium mounted in the first slot 304 and the second slot 2024).

[0339] The main body device 3 includes a flash memory 2084 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 2085 as an example of an internal storage medium built into itself.

[0340] The main body device 3 includes a plurality of slots. A storage medium is mounted in each slot. The CPU 2081 appropriately reads and writes data between the flash memory 2084, the DRAM 2085, and each of the above storage media to execute the above information processes.

[0341] 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 (specifically, wirelessly communicates) with an external device via a network. In the present embodiment, the network communication unit 2082 is, for example, a communication module that has received Wi-Fi authentication, and in addition to (or instead of) the function of communicating with an external device via a wireless LAN, it may have a function of connecting to a mobile communication network (in other words, a mobile phone communication network) and communicating. That is, the communication module may include a wireless chip.

[0342] The main body device 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. The communication method between the main body device 3 and each controller is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, the controller communication unit 2083 performs communication with each controller in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0343] The CPU 2081 is connected to the left terminal 341, the right terminal 331, and the lower terminal 303. When the CPU 2081 performs wired communication with the second controller 2, it transmits and receives data to and from the second controller 2 via the left terminal 341. Also, when the CPU 2081 performs wired communication with the first controller 1, it transmits and receives data to and from the first controller 1 via the right terminal 331. Further, when the CPU 2081 communicates with the cradle 5, it transmits and receives data to and from the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 303.

[0344] Thus, in the present embodiment, the main body device 3 can perform both wired communication and wireless communication with each of the first controller 1 and the second controller 2. (Configuration regarding input / output to the main body device)

[0345] The display 305 is connected to the CPU 2081. The CPU 2081 displays an image generated (for example, by executing the above information processing) and / or an image acquired from the outside on the display 305.

[0346] The main body 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. Also, although not shown, the power control unit 2097 is connected to each part of the main body device 3 (specifically, each part that receives power supply 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 the above-mentioned each part based on a command from the CPU 2081.

[0347] FIG. 46 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 1000. Note that the details of the internal configuration of the main apparatus 3 in the information processing apparatus 1000 are shown in FIG. 45, and thus are omitted in FIG. 46.

[0348] The second controller 2 includes a communication control unit 2101 that communicates with the main apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 46, the communication control unit 2101 is connected to each component including the above-described second terminal 260. In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 2101 can communicate with the main apparatus 3 both by wired communication via the second terminal 260 and by 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 that the second controller 2 performs with the main apparatus 3. That is, when the second controller 2 is attached to the main apparatus 3, the communication control unit 2101 communicates with the main apparatus 3 via the second terminal 260. When the second controller 2 is removed from the main apparatus 3, the communication control unit 2101 performs wireless communication with the main apparatus 3 (specifically, the controller communication unit 2083). The wireless communication between the controller communication unit 2083 and the communication control unit 2101 is performed according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0349] 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 referred to as a microprocessor), and executes various processes by executing firmware stored in the memory 2102. That is, the communication control unit 2101 has a function as an information processing unit.

[0350] Each button 2103 and joystick 2032 outputs information regarding operations performed on itself to the communication control unit 2101 at appropriate timings. The second controller 2 may also have various other sensors. For example, it may have a sensor 274 for mouse operations. Information from the various sensors is output to the communication control unit 2101 and transmitted to the main body device 3.

[0351] Also, commands may be transmitted from the communication control unit 2101 to the various sensors. For example, the communication LED 2045 disposed in the second light emitting unit 250 is controlled by a command from the main body device 3.

[0352] The second controller 2 includes a power supply unit 2108. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 2108 has a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and to each part of the second controller 2 (specifically, each part that receives power supply from the battery). The power control circuit controls the power supply from the battery to the above-mentioned parts.

[0353] Also, the battery is connected to the second terminal 260. In the present embodiment, when the second controller 2 is attached to the main body device 3, under predetermined conditions, the battery is charged by power supply from the main body device 3 via the second terminal 260.

[0354] Since the first controller 1 has the same configuration as the second controller 2, the description thereof is omitted. Note that 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. Note that 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 body device 3. [Second Aspect]

[0355] In the following, other aspects are shown. Note that when only one of the controllers is illustrated, the other controller may have a similar configuration. Also, when an aspect where only one of the controllers is attached to the device is illustrated, the other controller may also be attached.

[0356] FIG. 47 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of a second aspect of the game controller 1. The configuration of the game controller 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the first aspect mainly in that the convex portions are divided into a plurality of parts. Among the plurality of convex portions, at least two or more convex portions are configured to fit into the recess as a whole. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from the first aspect.

[0357] As shown in FIG. 47, the plurality of convex portions of the game controller 1 are divided into a plurality in the left - right direction. As shown in FIG. 47, the game controller 1 has a right convex portion 510, a left convex portion 520, and a central convex portion 530. Each convex portion is separated. In the left - right direction, the central convex portion 530 is located between the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520. From another perspective, the right convex portion 510, the left convex portion 520, and the central convex portion 530 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Also, at least the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11.

[0358] The right convex portion 510 is provided with an upper - surface button (right) 110. The upper - surface button (right) 110 includes a magnet or a soft magnetic material. The upper - surface button (right) 110 may be arranged on the top surface of the right convex portion 510. The upper - 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] The first terminal 160 is provided on the central convex portion 530. A sensor 174 for mouse operation and a synchronization button 50 may be provided on the central convex portion 530. A light emitting portion 150 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the central convex portion 530.

[0361] At least the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520 are configured to fit into a recess 310 provided in the main body device 3 as a whole. From another perspective, the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520 are configured to fit into the recess 310 in a region including at least the longitudinal ends of the longitudinally extending recess 310. The central convex portion 530 may also be configured to fit into the recess 310 provided in the main body device 3. That is, the right convex portion 510, the central convex portion 530, and the left convex portion 520 may be configured to fit into the recess 310 provided in the main body device 3 as a whole.

[0362] Note that the height of the central convex portion 530 from the upper surface 11 may be lower than that of the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520. The width of the central convex portion 530 in the front-rear direction may be thinner than that of 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. At least having an upper surface button including a magnet or a soft magnetic material, and the right convex portion 510 and the left convex portion 520 on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 protruding sufficiently from the upper surface 11 and fitting into the recess, the game controller 1 can be firmly attached to the main body device 3.

[0363] Note that the number of convex portions is not limited to three. For example, the game controller 1 may have two convex portions, a right convex portion 510 and a left convex portion 520, without having a central convex portion 530. Also, the number of convex portions may be four or more. Also, which convex portion each component is arranged on is not particularly limited. Note that the height of the convex portions on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface from the upper surface 11 may be higher than the height of the other convex portions from the upper surface 11. Also, a convex portion having a button including a magnet or a soft magnetic material may be provided so as to sandwich the convex portion where the first terminal 160 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The first terminal 160 may not be provided. Also, the button may not include a magnet or a soft magnetic material, and only buttons that do not include a magnet and a soft magnetic material, or only a magnet or a soft magnetic material may be provided on the convex portion.

[0364] Also, as another aspect, the outer shapes of the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 themselves may form part of the convex portions 510 and 530. That is, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 may be configured such that when the user presses the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 in the pressing direction, the convex portions 510 and 530 themselves sink into the inside of the controller housing 10. The third convex portion 530 may be configured not to sink into the inside of the controller housing 10. [Third Aspect]

[0365] Next, the configuration of the third aspect of the game controller 1 will be described. The configuration of the controller according to the present embodiment is different from the first aspect mainly in that the upper surface buttons do not include a magnet and a soft magnetic material. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration different from the first aspect.

[0366] FIG. 48 is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the third aspect of the game controller 1. The upper buttons 110 and 120 are made of a non-magnetic material. The upper buttons 110 and 120 do not contain magnets and do not contain soft magnetic materials. The upper buttons 110 and 120 are made of, for example, resin. The upper buttons 110 and 120 are provided on the upper surface 11 of the controller housing 10. The upper buttons 110 and 120 are exposed from the openings provided on the upper surface 11. The upper buttons 110 and 120 may be placed on the upper surface 11.

[0367] The first adsorption part 601 and the second adsorption part 602 are provided on the upper surface 11. The first adsorption part 601 and the second adsorption part 602 are not buttons. The adsorption parts 601 and 602 contain soft magnetic materials. The first adsorption part 601 and the second adsorption part 602 are made of, for example, iron. The adsorption parts 601 and 602 may have non-magnetic parts. The adsorption parts 601 and 602 may contain magnets. The adsorption parts 601 and 602 protrude from the upper surface 11. The adsorption parts 601 and 602 may move in the vertical direction or may not move. In the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11, the adsorption parts 601 and 602 are arranged side by side with the upper buttons 110 and 120. The adsorption part 601 may be located on the longitudinal end side of the upper surface 11. From another perspective, the upper buttons 110 and 120 may be arranged between the adsorption parts 601 and 602 in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, a convex part having the first terminal 160 may be provided between the upper buttons 110 and 120. The upper buttons 110 and 120 may be pressed so as to move in the direction of the upper surface 11 with respect to the adsorption parts 601 and 602 and the convex part.

[0368] In the present embodiment, at least the adsorption parts 601 and 602 are adsorbed to the magnetic elements 410 and 420 of the main body device 3, whereby the first game controller 1 is attached to the main body device 3. Note that the adsorption parts 601 and 602, the upper buttons 110 and 120, and the first terminal 160 may have a convex shape as a whole and may be configured to fit into the recess 310 as a whole. Further, the adsorption parts 601 and 602, the upper buttons 110 and 120, and the first terminal 160 may have a shape that partially follows the shape of the recess 310.

[0369] In addition, suction portions 601 and 602 may be provided on the convex portion provided on the upper surface 11, and upper surface buttons 110 and 120 may be provided at positions on the upper surface 11 that do not fit into the recess 310. For example, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 may be provided behind the convex portion. The upper surface buttons 110 and 120 may be provided at a position behind the convex portion and overlapping the convex portion in the left - right direction, or may be provided at a position outside the convex portion in the left - right direction. Also, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 may be provided at a position overlapping in the front - rear direction in the left - right direction of the convex portion. Further, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 may be provided at a position protruding upward on the upper surface 11. Also, the upper surface buttons 110 and 120 may be provided on a protruding portion protruding rearward on the back surface. [Modification Example]

[0370] The main body device 3 may be capable of executing processes other than game processing. Also, in other aspects, the main body device 3 may be capable of executing only processes other than game processing. Also, in other aspects, the main body device 3 may not have a recess. As an example, a device capable of fixing an electronic device equipped with a display such as a game device, a smartphone, or a tablet has a recess, and the convex portion 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 the electronic device in a manner where the display is exposed. As an example, the device may have a recess at a position that sandwiches the fixed electronic device. The device may or may not be electrically connected to the fixed electronic device.

[0371] In the first aspect, the main body device 3 was generally in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape is not limited to this. For example, the opposite side faces may be inclined with respect to the front face. From another perspective, when viewed from the front, it may have a shape other than a rectangle, such as a trapezoid. In another aspect, the main body device 3 may be foldable. For example, the main body device 3 may include a display and a keyboard, and may be configured such that the display and the keyboard face each other when folded. Note that the recess may be provided on the side face sandwiching the display, or may be provided on the side face sandwiching the keyboard.

[0372] In the first aspect, the first game controller 1 did not have magnets for attracting to the magnetic elements 410 and 420 of the main body device 3, but it may have them.

[0373] The game controller may have additional magnetic elements other than the upper surface 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, or may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion, or may be provided inside the game controller. Such an additional magnetic element on the game controller side may be attracted by magnetic force together with the upper surface buttons to the magnetic element provided at the bottom of the recess of the main body device. On the main body device side as well, an additional magnetic element may be provided at the bottom of the recess 310, and the additional magnetic element on the game controller side may be attracted to the additional magnetic element on the main body device side.

[0374] The upper surface button (right) and the upper surface button (left) do not have to be arranged symmetrically.

[0375] The shape of the game controller is not limited to the disclosed shape. For example, the game controller may have a protruding portion for gripping. Also, for example, the front face of the game controller may be semi-circular.

[0376] Further, the game controller may have a portion that bulges on the upper surface side and does not fit into the recess of the main body device 3. When using the game controller as a mouse, in addition to or instead of the convex portion, such a bulging portion may contact the ground surface. By increasing the area of contact with the ground surface or increasing the number of contact points, the stability during mouse operation is improved.

[0377] The upper surface button may not be movable in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. At this time, the game controller may not have an elastically deformable body compressed by the upper surface button moving in the direction opposite to the pressing direction inside the convex portion.

[0378] The height from the upper surface at the initial position of the button top surface of the upper surface button may be the same as or higher than the highest height from the upper surface of the top surface of the convex portion.

[0379] The top surface of the convex portion may be flat. Note that a mouse sole may be placed on the flat convex portion top surface.

[0380] The game controller may not be provided with a removal mechanism. Note that the game controller may be provided with a mechanism different from the disclosed removal mechanism. For example, the game controller may be provided with a mechanism in which a pusher automatically protrudes by operating a specific input portion. Alternatively, the pusher may automatically protrude from the recess according to an instruction from the game controller or the main body device 3. Alternatively, the removal mechanism may be constituted by a mechanical mechanism or an electrical mechanism different from the pusher.

[0381] The game controller may not be provided with an engagement hole. Note that the game controller may be provided with other mechanical holding means instead of the engagement hole. For example, it may have a pressing member that protrudes in the outer peripheral surface direction of the convex portion and presses against the inner peripheral surface of the recess.

[0382] The elastic deformable body provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion of the game controller may be provided from the upper surface side to the top surface of the convex portion. Further, the elastic deformable body may be provided only on the top surface side of the convex portion. Further, the game controller may not have an elastic deformable body on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion.

[0383] The game controller may not be able to perform mouse operations. That is, the game controller may not have a sensor for mouse operations. At this time, the game controller may not have a mouse sole. On the other hand, even in such a case, instead of the mouse sole, the game controller may have some kind of cushioning material on the top surface of the convex portion (which may be the same material as a general mouse sole). By providing such a cushioning material, the stress generated between the top surface of the convex portion and the bottom surface of the recess when the game controller is adsorbed to the main body device by magnetic force can be alleviated.

[0384] The opening for the mouse sensor may be provided on the back surface of the game controller. That is, the user may place the game controller on the ground surface with the back surface facing the ground surface and perform mouse operations. Note that the sensor for mouse operations may be housed inside the controller housing.

[0385] The Z shoulder button may be provided at the central portion of the back surface, that is, closer to the center than the right end portion and the left end portion on the back surface. At this time, a wall portion for arranging the Z shoulder button may protrude in the back surface direction from the central portion of the back surface.

[0386] The terminals of the game controller and the main body device 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 convex portion. The terminals of the main body device may be provided substantially flush with the bottom surface at the bottom surface of the recess.

[0387] The light emitting portion may emit light that constitutes an image such as a moving image or a still image, not limited to mere light.

[0388] The game controller and the main body device 3 according to the present disclosure can also be regarded as a game system. That is, a game system composed of a game device capable of executing game processing, a first game controller, and a second game controller, wherein the game device has recesses on each of its right and left sides, and two magnets are provided at the bottom of each recess. The first game controller includes a first input portion provided on the front surface, and a convex portion protruding from a first side surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the front surface, the convex portion being configured to fit into the recess on the right side surface of the game device, and two buttons provided on the top surface of the convex portion and pressed by the user, each button being adsorbed by magnetic force to at least one of the magnets provided in the recess on the right side surface. The second game controller includes a first input portion provided on the front surface, and a convex portion protruding from a first side surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the front surface, the convex portion being configured to fit into the recess on the left side surface of the game device, and two buttons provided on the top surface of the convex portion and pressed by the user, each button being adsorbed by magnetic force to at least one of the magnets provided in the recess on the left side surface. It can also be regarded as a game system.

[0389] Also, in another aspect, the game controller may not include a convex portion. At this time, the game controller may include a different mechanism for being attached to the main body device 3. Further, the game controller may include at least any one, or all of, an upper surface button, a terminal, an opening for a mouse sensor, a mouse sole, and an opening through which a pusher protrudes, on the upper surface or a different mechanism. Also, the game controller may include a mechanism for suppressing positional deviation from the main body device 3.

[0390] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0391] 1 First game controller, game controller 2 Second game controller 3 Device, main body device 10 Controller housing 11 Upper surface 12 Right side surface 13 Left side surface 14 Lower surface 15 Front surface 16 Rear surface 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 Synchronization button 51 Ground connection part 52 First elastic deformation body 52a First elastic part 52b Second elastic part 52c First elastic region 52d Second elastic region 53 Ground connection part 54 Second elastic deformation body 61 Front side housing 62 Rear side 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 circuit 91 Bottom plate 92 Fastening member 100 Convex part 101 First region 102 Second area 103 Third area 104 Fourth area 105 Fifth area 106 Top surface 107 Outer peripheral surface 110 Upper button (right) 111 First protrusion 112 Second protrusion 113 Flange 114 Body part 115 Operation surface 117 Tact switch 118 Side wall 120 Upper button (left) 123 Flange 124 Body part 125 Operation surface 127 Tact switch 128 Side wall 130 Shoulder button (right) 133 Third protrusion 134 Fourth protrusion 135 Fifth 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 opening 155 Double-sided tape 160 First terminal 160a First right-side terminal part 160b First left-side terminal part 160c First middle terminal part 161 Socket 162 Female connector 164 First front-side wall surface 165 First back-side wall surface 166 Inner wall surface 167 Terminal housing part 170 Mouse sensor opening 171 Light source 172 Light-receiving sensor 174 Sensor for mouse operation 181 Pusher 182 Operating part 183 Biasing part 184 Rotating shaft 185 Pusher operating part 186 Pusher operating member 191 Mouse sole 192 Mouse sole 193 First engaging hole 194 Second engaging hole 195 Opening for synchronization button 196 Opening for terminal 197 First opening 198 Second opening 200 Protrusion 210 Upper surface button (right) 211 Upper side surface 215 Front surface 220 Upper surface button (left) 230 Shoulder button (left) 240 Z-shoulder button (left) 250 Light-emitting part 253 Mouse sole 254 Mouse sole 260 Second terminal 260a Second left terminal part 260b Second right terminal part 260c Second middle terminal part 270 Opening for mouse sensor 274 Sensor for mouse operation 282 Operating part 301 Audio input / output terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 Memory media slot 305 Display 306 Main body housing 307 Power button 310 Depression 311 Base surface 3120 Inner peripheral surface 3121 Bottom surface Right side of the main body 313 Left side of the main body 314 Front side of the main body 315 Upper side of the main body 316 Lower side of the main body 317 Controller holding part 318 External connection connector 319 Dent 320 Second bottom surface 321 Second inner peripheral surface 322 First plug connector 330 Main body first terminal, third terminal, right terminal 331 Third upper terminal part 331a Third lower terminal part 331b Third intermediate terminal part 331c First tongue body 332 Support part 333 Step screw 334 Through hole 337 Cover 338 Second plug connector 340 Main body second terminal, fourth terminal, left terminal 341 Fourth upper terminal part 341a Fourth lower terminal part 341b Fourth intermediate terminal part 341c Second tongue body 342 Mouse sensor through hole 350 Front side of the main body side 351 Back side of the main body side 352 Main body part 380 Upper side 381 Outer peripheral surface 382 Lower side 383 First hole 401 Second hole 402 First magnetic element 410 Yoke member 411 First magnet 413 Main body part 414 Flange part 415 Second magnetic element 420 Yoke member 421 Magnet 423 Main body part 424 425 Flange part 430 Third magnetic element 440 Fourth magnetic element 510 Right convex part 520 Left convex part 530 Central convex part 601 First suction part 602 Second suction part 1000 Information processing device 1071 Front-side outer peripheral surface 1072 Back-side outer peripheral surface A1 First arrow A2 Second arrow A3 Third arrow B1 First distance B2 Second distance B6 Sixth distance B8 Interval C1 First width C2 Second thickness F Ground plane G Gap R1 First direction R2 Second direction R3 Third direction R4 Fourth direction R5 Fifth direction R6 Sixth direction T1 First height T2 Second height T3 Third height T4 Fourth height T5 Fifth height T6 Sixth height T7 Seventh height T8 Eighth height T9 Ninth height T10 Tenth height T11 Eleventh height W1 First length W2 Second length W3 Third diameter W4 Fourth diameter W5 Fifth length W6 Sixth length

Claims

1. A game controller that is detachably attached to a main body device capable of executing a game process and having a recess with a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, comprising: a first input unit provided on the front surface; a convex portion that protrudes from a first side surface and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface, and is configured to fit into the recess; a first button and a second button provided along the longitudinal direction on the top surface of the convex portion and pressed by a user, the first button being attracted by the magnetic force of the first magnet and the second button being attracted by the magnetic force of the second magnet.

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 at least in part thereof.

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

5. The game controller according to claim 4, wherein the first button and the second button have a magnet or a soft magnetic material disposed behind the exposed portion and moving integrally with the portion.

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

7. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein portions of the first button and the second button that are made of a magnet or a soft magnetic material and have conductivity are each 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 include a soft magnetic material at least in part thereof and do not include a magnet.

10. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first button and the second button are each 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 forces of the first magnet and the second magnet.

11. The convex portion has, on its top surface, a first opening and a second opening that respectively expose the top surfaces of the first button and the second button. The first button and the second button each have side walls that extend from the top surface of the button through the first opening and the second opening respectively into the interior of the convex portion, and flanges that extend outward from portions of the side walls located inside the convex portion. A first biasing component and a second biasing component that are disposed below the first button and the second button and bias the first button and the second button in opposite directions when at least pressed respectively. The game controller according to claim 10, further comprising a first elastic deformable body and a second elastic deformable body that are disposed between the flanges of the first button and the second button and the first inner surface, which is the inner surface of the convex portion facing the 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 elastic deformable body and the second elastic deformable body are fixed to the first inner surface.

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

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

15. The 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 the highest height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface, The game controller according to claim 10, wherein the first button and the second button are each configured to be movable to a position where the height of the top surface of the button from the first side surface reaches the highest height or a position higher than that.

16. The 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 the highest height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface, The game controller according to claim 10, wherein the first button and the second button are each configured such that the height of the button top surface is movable to near the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion.

17. The height of each button top surface of the first button and the second button in the initial position from the first side surface is lower than the maximum height of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface. The game controller according to claim 10, wherein the first button and the second button are each configured such that when the game controller is attached to the main body device, the height of the button top surface is movable in a direction approaching the bottom of the recess by the magnetic force of the first magnet and the second magnet.

18. The game controller according to claim 17, wherein the first button and the second button are each configured such that when the game controller is attached to the main body device, the height of the button top surface is movable until it contacts the bottom of the recess by the magnetic force of the first magnet and the second magnet.

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

20. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the convex portion has a width of the top surface that becomes narrower toward the end at least in the end region in the longitudinal direction.

21. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the height of at least one end region in the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the convex portion from the first side surface is higher than the height of the regions where the first button and the second button are respectively provided from the first side surface.

22. A terminal housing portion for housing a terminal is open on the top surface of the convex portion. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the height of the region on the top surface of the convex portion where the terminal housing portion is open from the first side surface is higher than the height of the regions where the first button and the second button are respectively provided from the first side surface.

23. A terminal housing portion for housing a terminal is open on the top surface of the convex portion. Among the top surfaces of the convex portions, the height from the first side surface in at least one end region in the longitudinal direction is higher than the height from the first side surface in the region where the terminal accommodating portion opens. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

24. The maximum height from the first side surface of the top surface of the convex portion is higher than the depth of the recess. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

25. An apparatus having an engaging element is detachably attached to the game controller. Among the outer peripheral surfaces of the convex portions, an engaging hole to which the engaging element can be engaged is provided at at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

26. Among the outer peripheral surfaces of the convex portions, a first engaging hole is provided at at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction. An apparatus having a first engaging element corresponding to the first engaging hole is detachably attached. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

27. Among the outer peripheral surfaces of the convex portions, a second engaging hole is provided at the other end surface in the longitudinal direction. An apparatus further having a second engaging element corresponding to the second engaging hole is detachably attached. The game controller according to claim 26.

28. The first engaging hole and the second engaging hole have different shapes. The game controller according to claim 27.

29. An elastic deformable body is further provided on the back side of the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

30. An elastic deformable body is further provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion, and the elastic deformable body is provided adjacent to the first side surface. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

31. An operation unit operated by a user, A pusher protruding from a third opening provided on the top surface of the convex portion in response to an operation on the operation unit. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

32. The operation unit is provided on the back surface. The game controller according to claim 31.

33. It further has a protruding portion protruding from the back surface, The operation unit is disposed on the surface on the first side surface side of the protruding portion. The game controller according to claim 32.

34. The operation direction of the operation unit is opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion. The game controller according to claim 33, wherein the operation unit, when operated, is buried in the protruding portion.

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

36. The game controller according to claim 33, wherein the maximum height of the operation unit from the back surface is lower than the maximum height of the protruding portion from the back surface.

37. The game controller according to claim 33, wherein a shoulder button is arranged on the protruding portion.

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

39. The first button is arranged on a side of one end from the center in the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the convex portion, and the second button is arranged on a side of the other end from the center. The game controller according to claim 31, wherein the third opening is provided on either a side of the one end from the first button or a side of the other end from the second button in the longitudinal direction.

40. The game controller according to claim 38, wherein the third opening is provided above a button that is located on the upper side in a use state where the game controller is attached to the main body device among the first button and the second button.

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 where the height from the first side surface is the highest.

42. A rotation shaft to which the operation unit is connected, The game controller according to claim 31, further comprising a pusher actuator connected to the rotation shaft and contacting the pusher to project the pusher in response to an operation on the operation unit.

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

44. The game controller according to claim 42, wherein the distance from the rotation shaft to the contact portion between the pusher actuator and the pusher is longer when the protruding amount of the pusher is large than when it is small.

45. The main body device further comprises a main body device side terminal provided in the recess. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a terminal provided between the first button and the second button as viewed from the direction of the top surface of the convex portion and electrically connected to the terminal on the main body device side.

46. The game controller according to claim 45, wherein the upper end of the terminal is disposed at a position where the height from the first side surface is lower than the top surface of the convex portion.

47. The main body device further comprises a main body device side terminal provided in the recess, The convex portion has a fourth opening between the first button and the second button, A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a terminal provided inside the convex portion accessed from the fourth opening and electrically connected to the terminal on the main body device side.

48. The main body device further comprises a main body device side terminal provided in the recess, The convex portion has a fourth opening which is an opening of a terminal accommodating portion between the first button and the second button, A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a terminal provided along the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion and electrically connected to the terminal on the main body device side.

49. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a light emitting portion on the front side of the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion.

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

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

52. The game controller according to claim 48, wherein the terminal is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion and on the inner peripheral surface of the back side among the inner peripheral surface of the front side and the inner peripheral surface of the back side.

53. A fifth opening is provided in the top surface of the convex portion, A light emitting portion that emits light outward from the fifth opening, and A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a light receiving sensor that receives the reflected light of the light of the light emitting portion, which is received from the fifth opening and changes with the relative movement with respect to the ground plane.

54. The convex portion has a first opening and a second opening on the top surface that expose the button top surfaces of the first button and the second button, respectively. The game controller according to claim 53, wherein the fifth opening is provided between the first opening and the second opening.

55. The main body device further includes a main body device side terminal provided in the recess, On the top surface of the convex portion, a fourth opening is provided between the first button and the second button, The inside of the convex portion accessed from the fourth opening further includes a terminal electrically connected to the main body device side terminal, The game controller according to claim 54, wherein the fifth opening is provided between the first opening and the fourth opening.

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

57. The game controller according to claim 53, wherein the height of the region where the fifth opening is provided from the first side surface on the top surface of the convex portion is higher than the height of the region where the first button and the second button are provided from the first side surface.

58. The game controller according to claim 53, further comprising a mouse sole that is placed on the top surface of the convex portion and grounds to the ground surface when the game controller is placed such that the top surface of the convex portion faces the ground surface.

59. The mouse sole has a through hole, An operation part operated by a user, 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 part, and further comprising, The game controller according to claim 58, wherein the mouse sole is placed such that the through hole communicates with the third opening.

60. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second input part on a side surface different from the first side surface.

61. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a third input part on the back surface.

62. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first input part includes a cross key or a set of four buttons and a joystick.

63. The first input part includes a third button pressed by a user and a joystick, The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second input part on a side surface different from the first side surface.

64. When viewed in a usage mode with the first side surface as the upper side, The first button and the second button are arranged symmetrically left and right. The joystick is provided on the left side of the third button. The second input unit is provided on a side surface continuous from the right end of the first side surface. The game controller according to claim 63.

65. When viewed in the usage mode with the first side surface as the upper side, The first button and the second button are arranged symmetrically left and right. The joystick is provided on the left side of the third button. The second input unit is provided on a side surface continuous from the left end of the first side surface. The game controller according to claim 63.

66. The main body device has a horizontally long shape and is detachably attached with the first side surface facing the side surface of the main body device. The game controller according to claim 64.

67. The recess is provided on both the first side surface and the second side surface of the main body device. The convex portion is configured to fit into the recess in each of the recess on the first side surface and the recess on the second side surface. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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

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

Images