Game Controller

Abstract

To improve operability of a game controller.SOLUTION: One example of a game controller includes a housing body composed by connecting a housing member in a front side and a housing member in a rear side. The housing body includes grasping parts on the right and left sides. A pair of grip parts for covering the whole of the grasping parts is connected to the right and left grasping parts. A boundary part of the two housing members is covered with a grip part, thus easily fitted to hands when a user grips the grip part and hence improving operability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game controller. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been game controllers that are held with both hands for performing game operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 157052 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in conventional game controllers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0006] One example of the present invention is a game controller comprising a housing and left and right grip portions attached to the housing, wherein a front view is when a user holds the left and right grip portions and views the game controller from the front, and in this front view, the boundary portions between the left and right grip portions and the housing are each formed to extend upward from the center of the game controller towards the side, and a rear view is when a user holds the right grip portion with their left hand and the left grip portion with their right hand and views the game controller from the rear, and in this rear view, the boundary portions between the left and right grip portions and the housing are each formed to extend upward from the center of the game controller towards the side, and the shape of the boundary portion on the front side is different from the shape of the boundary portion on the rear side.

[0007] In another configuration, the boundary portion on the front side may extend in a straight line from the center of the game controller toward the side, and the boundary portion on the back side may extend in a curved line from the center of the game controller toward the side.

[0008] In another configuration, the boundary portion on the rear side may be shaped to bulge more toward the center of the game controller than the boundary portion on the front side.

[0009] In another configuration, the boundary portion on the front side may extend in a straight line when viewed from the front, and the boundary portion on the rear side may have a vertical portion extending in an approximately vertical direction and a horizontal portion extending in an approximately horizontal direction when viewed from the rear.

[0010] In another configuration, the left and right grip portions have openings, and the boundary portion is formed by inserting the housing into the openings, and the openings of the left and right grip portions may be approximately oval in shape, with the central side of the game controller being more pointed than the side sides of the game controller.

[0011] In another configuration, the left and right grip portions have openings, and the boundary portion is formed by inserting the housing into the openings, and the openings of the left and right grip portions have a central portion located toward the center of the game controller and a side portion located toward the side of the game controller, and the central portion of the openings of the left and right grip portions may have a greater curvature than the side portion of the openings of the left and right grip portions.

[0012] In another configuration, the boundary portion on the front side may extend in a straight line when viewed from the front, and the boundary portion on the rear side may have a first portion that has a first angle with respect to the horizontal direction when viewed from the rear, and a second portion that has a second angle with respect to the horizontal direction that is smaller than the first angle when viewed from the rear. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a novel game controller having a grip portion can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game system including a game controller 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Appearance of Game Controller 1 [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the top surface of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a state in which a user holds a game controller 1 with both hands. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the game controller 1 [Figure 6] Appearance of button frame 30 [Figure 7] External view of the ZR button 7b key top [Figure 8A] Enlarged view of the R button 6b from the front [Figure 8B] Enlarged view of the R button 6b from above [Figure 8C] Enlarged view of the R button 6b from the right side [Figure 9] A diagram of game controller 1 placed on a flat surface and viewed from a direction parallel to the surface. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a structure for fixing the ZR button 7b to the button frame 30. [Figure 11] 1 is a top view of the button frame 30 when the key tops of the R button 6b and the ZR button 7b are removed. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the movement of the index finger when the user operates the ZR button 7b and the R button 6b. [Figure 13] Enlarged view of part (c) in Figure 6 [Figure 14] An external view of the game controller 1 with the grip part 8 removed. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the right grip portion 8b of the game controller 1 is being removed. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an external view of a grip portion 8a fitted into a first grip portion 18a of a housing 10. [Figure 17A] Cross section of line AA in Figure 16 [Figure 17B] Cross section of line BB in Figure 16 [Figure 18A] Front view of first substrate 20 [Figure 18B] Rear view of the first substrate 20 [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a front view of the first substrate 20, showing the NFC antenna 26 disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate 20 projected onto the front surface. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 shows the position of an NFC antenna 26 on a game controller 1. [Figure 21] Cross section of Figure 20 along line XX [Figure 22] Cross section of line YY in Figure 20 [Figure 23] Front view of second substrate 40 [Figure 24] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a first substrate 20 and a second substrate 40. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vibration motor provided in a grip portion 8 of a game controller 1. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the vibration direction of the vibration motor 50. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a vibration motor 50. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a grip portion 8b incorporating a vibration motor 50b, showing an example of the internal structure of the grip portion 8b. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second housing 10b on the rear side of the game controller 1, and is an enlarged view of the second grip portion 18b on the right side of the second housing 10b. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a holder 51b for fixing a vibration motor 50b in a housing 10. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the grip portion 8b. [Figure 32] A diagram showing an example of the structure of the home button 3d [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a recess in a light guide section 91 provided directly above two LEDs 95. [Figure 34] 9 is a perspective view of an integrally molded member 93 in which a light guide portion 91 and a light blocking portion 92 are integrally formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A game controller 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game system including a game controller 1 according to this embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes a game controller 1, a game device 100, and a display device 200. The game device 100 includes a CPU, RAM, and a storage device (non-volatile memory, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.), none of which are shown. The CPU of the game device 100 is capable of executing game processing based on a predetermined game program, and outputs the results of the game processing to the display device 200. The display device 200 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The game device 100 may be a stationary game device, or may be a portable game device integrated with the display device 200. The game device 100 is not limited to a device dedicated to games, and may also be an information processing device capable of executing any program other than a game program, such as a personal computer or a smartphone.

[0017] The game device 100 and the game controller 1 are connected by wire or wirelessly, and operation data corresponding to operations performed on the game controller 1 is output to the game device 100. For example, the game controller 1 and the game device 100 may be connected by Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0018] The game controller 1 will be described in detail below. FIG. 2 is an external view of the game controller 1. (a) of FIG. 2 is a front view of the game controller 1. (b) of FIG. 2 is a left side view of the game controller 1. (c) of FIG. 2 is a right side view of the game controller 1. (d) of FIG. 2 is a top view of the game controller 1. (e) of FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the game controller 1. (f) of FIG. 2 is a rear view of the game controller 1. The xyz coordinate system in FIG. 2 is a coordinate system based on the game controller 1, with the direction perpendicular to the front of the game controller 1 (for example, the direction in which the A button 2a is pressed) defined as the z-axis direction, the left-right direction of the game controller 1 (for example, the direction connecting the A button 2a and the Y button 2y) defined as the x-axis direction, and the up-down direction of the game controller 1 (for example, the direction connecting the B button 2b and the X button 2x) defined as the y-axis direction.

[0019] 2(a), an A button 2a, a B button 2b, an X button 2x, and a Y button 2y are arranged in the right area on the front of the game controller 1. A plus button 3b and a home button 3d are arranged on the right side in the central area on the front of the game controller 1. A right analog stick 4b is arranged below the Y button 2y and the home button 3d.

[0020] Additionally, a minus button 3a and a capture button 3c are located on the left side of the central area on the front of the game controller 1. Additionally, a left analog stick 4a is located on the left side of the front of the game controller 1. Additionally, a cross key 5 is located below the minus button 3a and the capture button 3c.

[0021] The A button 2a, the B button 2b, the X button 2x, and the Y button 2y are buttons that can be pressed in the depth direction (positive z-axis direction) of FIG. 2(a) and are used for game operations. The minus button 3a, the plus button 3b, the capture button 3c, and the home button 3d are buttons that can be pressed in the positive z-axis direction. The home button 3d may be used, for example, for operations other than game operations, and pressing the home button 3d may display a menu screen or a setting screen of the game device 100. For example, the user may press the home button 3d at any timing while the game device 100 is executing a game program. When the home button 3d is pressed while the game program is being executed, the game program being executed is interrupted and a predetermined menu screen is displayed. Pressing the home button 3d may also control power on / off of the game device 100 or sleep on / off of the game device 100. The capture button 3c is, for example, a button used to capture an image displayed on the display device 200. The capture button 3c and home button 3d are not used for normal game operations, and are therefore used less frequently during the game than other game operation buttons (A button 2a, B button 2b, X button 2x, Y button 2y, L button 6a, R button 6b, ZL button 7a, ZR button 7b, etc.). The structure of the home button 3d will be described in detail later.

[0022] The left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b are devices for indicating directions, and are configured so that the stick portions operated by the user's fingers can be tilted in any direction (up, down, left, right, and any angle diagonally). The left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b may also be capable of being pressed in the positive direction of the z-axis. The cross key 5 is a device for indicating directions up, down, left, and right.

[0023] The positions of the left analog stick 4a, cross key 5, right analog stick 4b, A button 2a, B button 2b, X button 2x, and Y button 2y are not limited to those shown in Fig. 2. For example, the left analog stick 4a may be provided in the position of the cross key 5 shown in Fig. 2, and the cross key 5 may be provided in the position of the left analog stick 4a shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the right analog stick 4b may be provided in the position of the A, B, X, and Y buttons shown in Fig. 2, and the A, B, X, and Y buttons may be provided in the position of the right analog stick 4b shown in Fig. 2.

[0024] Furthermore, the cross key 5 may not be an integrated key top, but may be configured as four independent buttons. That is, the button corresponding to the up direction of the cross key 5, the button corresponding to the right direction, the button corresponding to the down direction, and the button corresponding to the left direction may each be provided as an independent button.

[0025] The keytops of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b have the same shape, size, and material, but the weight when tilting (the amount of force required to tilt by the same angle) is different between the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b. Specifically, an elastic member (spring) is provided inside the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b, and when the keytop is tilted, the restoring force of this elastic member causes the keytop to return to its original position. By making the characteristics (spring constant) of the elastic member provided inside this analog stick different, the weight of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b is made different.

[0026] Specifically, the left analog stick 4a is lighter than the right analog stick 4b. Depending on the game program executed by the game device 100, for example, the left analog stick 4a is used to move a game character. On the other hand, the right analog stick 4b is used to move a virtual camera and move a crosshair for the user to aim. When using an analog stick to move an object, if the analog stick is too light, even a small amount of force will cause the analog stick to tilt significantly, preventing the user from moving the object as intended. Therefore, by making the right analog stick 4b heavier than the left analog stick 4a, for example, when using the right analog stick 4b to move a virtual camera, the virtual camera can be moved more precisely, improving operability.

[0027] The left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b may be the same weight, or the right analog stick 4b may be lighter than the left analog stick 4a. The left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b may also be of different shapes, sizes, or materials.

[0028] In addition to the weight of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b, the following configurations may be used to differentiate the feel of operation. For example, the tilt range (movable range) of the key tops of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b may be differentiated. The sensitivity (resolution) of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b may also be differentiated. For example, by making the tilt range of the right analog stick 4b larger than that of the left analog stick 4a, more precise operation can be performed when moving the virtual camera or the aim. Furthermore, by making the sensitivity of the right analog stick 4b lower than that of the left analog stick 4a, precise operation can be performed and unintended input can be prevented. Conversely, the tilt range of the left analog stick 4a may be larger than that of the right analog stick 4b, or the sensitivity of the left analog stick 4a may be lower than that of the right analog stick 4b. Furthermore, the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b may be differentiated in any one of the three characteristics, "weight," "tilt range," and "sensitivity," or two or more of them may be differentiated.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the top surface of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b. FIG. 3 is a side view of the top surface (the portion touchable by the user) of the analog stick 4a or 4b. As shown in FIG. 3, the top surfaces of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b have a concave portion in the center. The concave portion is circular when viewed from above. The concave portion bulges slightly upward, and the height of the highest point of the concave portion is approximately the same as the height of the highest point on the outer periphery of the concave portion. Furthermore, the sides of the top surfaces of the left analog stick 4a and the right analog stick 4b are formed with multiple concentric ribs (concaves and recesses) that circumferentially surround the top surface. This allows the user's fingers to easily catch on the sides of the top surfaces of the analog sticks. In other words, the user's fingers are less likely to slip when tilting the analog stick in any direction, improving operability. Furthermore, by not providing a rib in the center of the top surface of the analog stick, the tactile feel of the user's fingers when operating the analog stick is improved.

[0030] 2(e), four LEDs 9 are provided on the bottom surface of the game controller 1. When multiple game controllers 1 are connected to the game device 100, the LEDs 9 light up so that the user can distinguish between the game controllers 1. For example, when four game controllers 1 are connected to the game device 100, only the first LED from the left of the four LEDs 9 lights up in the first game controller 1, only the second LED from the left of the four LEDs 9 lights up in the second game controller 1, only the third LED from the left of the four LEDs 9 lights up in the third game controller 1, and only the fourth LED from the left of the four LEDs 9 lights up in the fourth game controller 1. Note that the multiple game controllers may be distinguished from one another by the number of LEDs 9 that light up.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, grip portions 8a and 8b protruding downward (in the negative direction of the y-axis) are provided on the left and right sides of the center of the game controller 1. Grip portion 8a is held by the user's left hand, and grip portion 8b is held by the user's right hand. As shown in Figure 2(b) and (c), grip portions 8a and 8b are formed so as to curve toward the back of the game controller 1 (in the positive direction of the z-axis).

[0032] 2(d), an L button 6a, a ZL button 7a, an R button 6a, and a ZR button 7a are provided on the top surface of the game controller 1. Specifically, the L button 6a is provided on the left edge of the top surface of the game controller 1. The ZL button 7a is provided on the back side of the game controller 1 (on the positive z-axis side) of the L button 6a. The R button 6b is provided on the right edge of the top surface of the game controller 1. The ZR button 7b is provided on the back side of the game controller 1 (on the positive z-axis side) of the R button 6b.

[0033] The L button 6a, the R button 6b, the ZL button 7a, and the ZR button 7b are buttons used for game operations. The ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b may also be trigger buttons.

[0034] Furthermore, although each button (A, B, X, Y, L, R, ZL, and ZR buttons) in this embodiment is capable of outputting a signal (ON / OFF signal) indicating whether the button is pressed or not, in other embodiments, the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b may be buttons capable of outputting an analog value corresponding to the amount of depression of the button. For example, when the user presses the ZL button 7a or the ZR button 7b to a first position, an analog value corresponding to the first position may be output, and when the user presses the button to a second position below the first position, an analog value corresponding to the second position may be output.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a user holds a game controller 1 with both hands. As shown in FIG. 4, when a user holds grip portion 8a with his left hand and grip portion 8b with his right hand, the user can operate the left analog stick 4a and the cross key 5 with the thumb of his left hand. The user can also operate the minus button 3a and the capture button 3c with the thumb of his left hand. The user can also operate the L button 6a and the ZL button 7a with the index finger (or middle finger) of his left hand. The user can also operate the A button 2a, the B button 2b, the X button 2x, the Y button 2y, the right analog stick 4b, the plus button 3b, and the home button 3d with the thumb of his right hand. The user can also operate the R button 6b and the ZR button 7b with the index finger (or middle finger) of his right hand. Note that FIG. 4 shows a typical way of holding the game controller 1, and different ways of holding it may be used by different users.

[0036] [Details on the L / R and ZL / ZR buttons] Next, the L button 6a, ZL button 7a, R button 6b, and ZR button 7b provided on the top surface of the game controller 1 will be described in detail.

[0037] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the game controller 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the housing 10 of the game controller 1 is formed by connecting a first housing 10a on the front side of the game controller 1 and a second housing 10b on the back side of the game controller 1. A button frame 30 is housed inside the housing 10. A first board 20 and a second board 40 are also housed inside the housing 10.

[0038] FIG. 6 is an external view of the button frame 30. (a) of FIG. 6 is a front view of the button frame 30 (a view of the button frame 30 seen from the front of the game controller 1). (b) of FIG. 6 is a left side view of the button frame 30. (c) of FIG. 6 is a right side view of the button frame 30. (d) of FIG. 6 is a top view of the button frame 30. (e) of FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the button frame 30. The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in FIG. 6 correspond to the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an external view of the key top of the ZR button 7b. (a) of FIG. 7 is a front view of the key top of the ZR button 7b (a view of the key top of the ZR button 7b from the front of the game controller 1). (b) of FIG. 7 is a right side view of the key top of the ZR button 7b. (c) of FIG. 7 is a top view of the key top of the ZR button 7b. (d) of FIG. 7 is a rear view of the key top of the ZR button 7b. (e) of FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the key top of the ZR button 7b. (f) of FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the key top of the ZR button 7b. The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in FIG. 7 correspond to the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0040] The ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b are symmetrical, and have the same shape. The L button 6a and the R button 6b are symmetrical, and have the same shape. In the following, only one of the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b will be described, but the other button is similar. In the following, only one of the L button 6a and the R button 6b will be described, but the other button is similar. In the following, the L button 6a and the R button 6b will sometimes be collectively referred to as the L / R button 6, and the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b will sometimes be collectively referred to as the ZL / ZR button 7.

[0041] 6, the L button 6a, the R button 6b, the ZL button 7a, and the ZR button 7b are configured as one unit with the frame portion 33 housed inside the housing 10. As will be described later, the button detection portions of the respective buttons are also configured as one unit. When the button frame 30 is housed in the housing 10, the L button 6a, the R button 6b, the ZL button 7a, and the ZR button 7b are exposed from the top surface of the housing 10.

[0042] (L / R button explanation) 6(d), the R button 6b has a horizontally elongated shape (long in the x-axis direction). That is, the R button 6b is formed so that its length in the side direction of the game controller 1 is longer than its length in the rear direction of the game controller 1. The width of the R button 6b also narrows from the center of the game controller 1 toward the side (positive direction of the x-axis).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the R button 6b is generally inclined downward from the center toward the side in the left-right direction of the game controller 1.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(a), a downwardly sloping inclined portion 61b is provided at the end of the R button 6b on the central side (the negative x-axis side) in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. Figure 8A is a partial enlarged view of the R button 6b as seen from the front. Figure 8B is a partial enlarged view of the R button 6b as seen from above. Figure 8C is a partial enlarged view of the R button 6b as seen from the right side.

[0045] 8A and 8B, the inclined portion 61 of the R button 6b at the central end of the game controller 1 is inclined in two stages, with the angle of inclination being greater at the portion closer to the central end of the R button 6b on the game controller 1. That is, the inclined portion 61b of the R button 6b has a side portion and a central portion, and the angle of inclination of the central portion is greater than the angle of inclination of the side portion with respect to the horizontal direction (x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the R button 6b has a downwardly inclined portion 62b at the end on the side surface (x-axis positive direction) in the left-right direction of the game controller 1.

[0047] 8A and 8B, the edge of the R button 6b on the side of the game controller 1 is inclined in two stages, with the angle of inclination being greater in the portion closer to the edge of the R button 6b on the side of the game controller 1. That is, the inclined portion 62b of the R button 6b has a side portion and a central portion, and the angle of inclination of the side portion is greater than the angle of inclination of the central portion relative to the horizontal direction (x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6(c), the R button 6b has a downwardly inclined portion 63b at the end on the front side (negative z-axis direction side) of the game controller 1.

[0049] 8C, the inclined portion 63b of the R button 6b at the front end of the game controller 1 is inclined in two stages, with the angle of inclination being greater at the portion closer to the front end of the R button 6b at the game controller 1. That is, the inclined portion 63b of the R button 6b has a front portion and a rear portion, and the angle of inclination of the front portion is greater than the angle of inclination of the rear portion relative to the horizontal direction (z-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system).

[0050] In this way, even people with long fingers can easily operate the R button 6b by providing the inclined portion 61b toward the center of the R button 6b on the game controller 1. That is, if a user has long fingers, when operating the R button 6b, the fingertip reaches the end of the R button 6b toward the center of the game controller 1. However, by providing the inclined portion 61b at the end toward the center, the inclined portion 61b fits the finger well, making it easier for the user to operate the R button 6b.

[0051] Furthermore, by providing the inclined portion 62b on the edge of the R button 6b on the side of the game controller 1, the R button 6b can be easily operated by both users with long fingers and users with short fingers. That is, users with short fingers can operate the R button 6b by placing their fingertip on the edge of the R button 6b on the side of the game controller 1. On the other hand, for users with long fingers, when operating the R button 6b, the tip of their index finger will hit the center edge of the R button 6b, and the side edge of the R button 6b will hit the base of their finger or the vicinity of their second joint. By providing the inclined portion 62b on this side edge, the force (reaction force) applied to the base of their finger or the vicinity of their second joint when pressing the center edge of the R button 6b with the tip of their index finger can be reduced, making it easier for users to press the R button 6b.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing the inclined portion 63b on the end of the R button 6b on the front side of the game controller 1, the user can more easily operate the R button 6b. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , some users hold the game controller 1 by placing their hands over the front of the game controller 1, rather than holding the grip portion 8 with both hands. By providing the inclined portion 63b on the R button 6b, such users can also easily operate the R button 6b and the ZR button 7b. Specifically, such users do not access the L / R button 6 and the ZL / ZR button 7 with their fingers (index finger and / or middle finger) from the side of the housing 10, but access the L / R button 6 and the ZL / ZR button 7 with their fingers from the front side of the housing 10. Here, if the inclined portions 63(a, b) were not provided on the end of the front side of the L / R button 6, the user's fingers would hit the corners on the front side of the L / R button 6, making it difficult for the user to operate the L / R button 6. Furthermore, when such a user tries to operate the ZL / ZR button 7 on the back side, their fingers may hit the corners on the front side of the L / R button 6, causing them to accidentally press the L / R button 6. In this embodiment, since the inclined portion 63 is provided on the front side of the L / R button 6, even when the user holds the game controller 1 with their hands over the front of the game controller 1, it is easy to operate the L / R button 6 and the ZL / ZR button 7, and it is possible to prevent the L / R button 6 from being accidentally pressed when operating the ZL / ZR button 7.

[0053] 6(a), the L button 6a and the R button 6b are configured to be rotatable about shafts 32a and 32b, which are located in the center of the button frame 30. The shafts 32a and 32b are arranged to extend in the z-axis direction (toward the rear of the game controller 1). The L button 6a extends from the shaft 32a toward the side of the game controller 1 (the negative x-axis direction), and the R button 6b extends from the shaft 32b toward the side of the game controller 1 (the positive x-axis direction). The L button 6a and the R button 6b are configured to be pressed downward on the game controller 1 (the negative y-axis direction) by rotating about the shafts 32a and 32b, respectively.

[0054] As described above, the L button 6a and the R button 6b rotate around the pivots 32a and 32b located at the center of the game controller 1, are generally inclined toward the sides, and have the inclined portions 61(a, b) and 62(a, b), making them easy for users to operate. For example, a user with long fingers places the tip of their index finger on the central inclined portion 61b, and the index finger touches the R button 6b from its tip to its base along the curve of the R button 6b that slopes downward to the right. In this case, the user can easily press the R button 6b with their entire index finger. In particular, when the inclined portion 61b (see FIG. 8A) is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface, the force of the press causes the R button 6b to rotate around the pivot 32b. Therefore, even users with long fingers can easily operate the R button 6b. Furthermore, for example, a user with short fingers places the tip of their index finger on the inclined portion 62b on the side. In this case, the user can easily press the R button 6b with the tip of their index finger, and in particular, when the inclined portion 62b (see FIG. 8A) is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface, the force of the press causes the R button 6b to rotate around the axis 32b, making it easy for users with short fingers to operate the R button 6b.

[0055] (ZR / ZL button explanation) Next, the ZR / ZL buttons will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the ZL button 7a is located on the rear side of the game controller 1 relative to the L button 6a. The ZR button 7b is located on the rear side of the game controller 1 relative to the R button 6b. The ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b are horizontally elongated (longer in the x-axis direction). That is, the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b are formed so that their length in the side direction of the game controller 1 is longer than their length in the rear direction of the game controller 1.

[0056] 6, the ZR button 7b has a protrusion 71b that protrudes toward the rear of the game controller 1 (positive direction of the z-axis) and toward the side of the game controller 1 (positive direction of the x-axis: rightward). Similarly, the ZL button 7a has a protrusion 71a that protrudes toward the rear of the game controller 1 (positive direction of the z-axis) and toward the side of the game controller 1 (negative direction of the x-axis: leftward).

[0057] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the ZR button 7b is composed of an upper portion 72b including a protrusion 71b and a lower portion 73b below the upper portion 72b. The upper portion 72b of the ZR button 7b is the portion that the user directly touches when pressing the button. When the ZR button 7b is integrated with the button frame 30 and the button frame 30 is housed in the housing 10, the upper portion 72b of the ZR button 7b is exposed to the outside, while the lower portion 73b of the ZR button 7b is mostly hidden by the housing 10 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 7(e), the protrusion 71b protrudes in the positive direction of the z axis (toward the back of the game controller 1) and the positive direction of the x axis (toward the side of the game controller 1) beyond the outer edge of the upper end of the lower portion 73b.

[0058] More specifically, the protrusion 71b extends continuously from the rear side to the side of the game controller 1. The portion of the protrusion 71b extending from the rear side to the side of the game controller 1 (the portion diagonally extending between the z-axis and the x-axis shown in FIG. 7E) has an arc shape (R-shape). As shown in FIG. 7E, the protrusion length L2 in the positive z-axis direction and the positive x-axis direction is longer than the protrusion length L1 in the positive z-axis direction. That is, the protrusion 71b is configured such that the length L2 in the diagonal direction between the z-axis and the x-axis is longer than the length L1 along the z-axis. The protrusion 71b protrudes less toward the side. Specifically, the length L3 in FIG. 7E is shorter than the length L2. At the side end of the ZR button 7b, the protrusion 71b protrudes slightly in the positive x-axis direction (to the right) beyond the lower portion 73b.

[0059] As described above, the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b have protrusions 71 (a and b) that protrude both rearward and sideward. This allows the area of ​​the top surfaces of the keytops of the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b to be increased, making it easier for users to operate the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b. If the entire ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b (the entire button including the upper portion 72b and the lower portion 73b) were to be enlarged, the area of ​​the top surfaces of the keytops of the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b could also be increased, but the entire button would be larger, which would also increase the size of the housing 10. However, by providing the protrusions 71 on the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b as in this embodiment, the area of ​​the top surfaces of the keytops of the buttons can be increased without increasing the size of the entire button. This allows the keytops of the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b to be enlarged without increasing the size of the entire housing, making it easier for users to operate the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b.

[0060] In this embodiment, the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b protrude not only toward the rear but also toward the side, making them easy to operate even for users with short fingers. That is, because the ZL / ZR button 7 protrudes not only toward the rear but also toward the side, the user can, for example, place their fingers on the protruding portion of the ZL / ZR button 7 that protrudes toward the side to operate the buttons. For example, because the ZR button 7b protrudes toward the side (to the right), the user can access the ZR button 7b with the fingers of their right hand from the right side of the game controller 1 and press the ZR button 7b by placing their fingers on the protruding portion of the ZR button 7b that protrudes toward the side. Because the ZR button 7b has a protruding portion 71b that protrudes toward the right side, even users with short fingers can easily place their fingers on the right side of the ZR button 7b and easily operate the ZR button 7b. Furthermore, the user can, for example, place their fingers on the rounded portion of the ZL / ZR button 7 between the side and rear directions to operate the buttons. This allows the user to operate the ZL / ZR button 7 without having to extend his or her fingers all the way to the central portion of the ZL / ZR button 7 (for example, the portion that protrudes only toward the rear).

[0061] Furthermore, the protruding portion 71 of the ZL / ZR button 7 extends continuously from the rear side to the side, and the portion of the ZL / ZR button 7 extending from the rear side to the side is rounded. This provides a more natural appearance and improved operability than a ZL / ZR button 7 having a portion protruding only toward the rear and a portion protruding only toward the side. If the protruding portion 71 of the ZL / ZR button 7 were divided into a portion protruding only toward the rear and a portion protruding only toward the side, and the portion extending from the rear side to the side did not protrude in either the rear or side directions, the button would have a discontinuous shape and would appear unnatural. Furthermore, with a button of such a shape, a user would operate the button by placing their finger on the portion protruding only toward the rear or the portion protruding only toward the side. If their finger were placed between the portions (between the rear and the side), the button would not be operable. In contrast, the protruding portion 71 of the ZL / ZR button 7 is formed continuously from the rear side to the side, and the portion extending from the rear side to the side is rounded, resulting in a natural shape. Furthermore, the game controller 1 of this embodiment has an overall curved shape, and the R-shaped portion of the protrusion 71 of the ZL / ZR button 7 matches the overall shape of the game controller 1, so there is no visual discomfort. Furthermore, because the protrusion 71 of the ZL / ZR button 7 is formed continuously from the back side to the side side, the user can press the button at any position along this continuously formed portion, making it easy to operate the ZL / ZR button 7.

[0062] 7, the top surface of the protruding portion 71b of the ZR button 7b forms an integral surface with the top surface of the portion of the ZR button 7b other than the protruding portion 71b. That is, the top surface of the ZR button 7b forms a continuous surface from the portion other than the protruding portion 71b (the portion that does not protrude toward the back or side) to the protruding portion 71b, and there is no step at the boundary between the protruding portion 71b and the portion other than the protruding portion 71b on the top surface of the ZR button 7b. This allows the user to operate the ZR button 7b without any discomfort.

[0063] 7(b), the rear end of the protrusion 71b has a rounded R-shape when viewed from the side of the game controller 1. That is, the portion extending from the upper surface of the protrusion 71b to the surface in the rear direction has an R-shape. Although the ZR button 7b curves upward toward the rear direction as shown in the figure, the rear end of the ZR button 7b is not sharp but has an R-shape, so the user does not feel uncomfortable when pressing the rear end of the ZR button 7b with their finger.

[0064] 7(d), a downwardly sloping inclined portion 74b is provided at the end of the ZR button 7b that is toward the center (negative x-axis direction) in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. Specifically, the inclined portion 74b at the end of the ZR button 7b that is toward the center of the game controller 1 is inclined in two stages, with the angle of inclination of the portion of the ZR button 7b closer to the center of the game controller 1 being slightly larger. In other words, the inclined portion 74b of the ZR button 7b has a side portion and a center portion, and the angle of inclination of the center portion is larger than the angle of inclination of the side portion relative to the horizontal direction (x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system).

[0065] 7(d), a downwardly sloping inclined portion 75b is provided on the end of the ZR button 7b on the side surface (positive x-axis direction) in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. Specifically, the inclined portion 75b on the side surface end of the ZR button 7b on the game controller 1 is inclined in two stages, with the angle of inclination of the portion of the ZR button 7b closer to the side surface end of the game controller 1 being slightly larger. In other words, the inclined portion 75b of the ZR button 7b has a side portion and a central portion, and the angle of inclination of the side portion is larger than the angle of inclination of the central portion relative to the horizontal direction (x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system).

[0066] In this way, even people with long fingers can easily operate the ZR button 7b by slanting the end of the ZR button 7b toward the center of the game controller 1. That is, if a user has long fingers, when operating the ZR button 7b, their fingertip will reach the end of the ZR button 7b toward the center of the game controller 1. However, by providing the slanted portion 74b at the end toward the center, the slanted portion 74b fits the finger, making it easier for the user to operate the ZR button 7b (see FIG. 4).

[0067] Furthermore, because the edge of the ZR button 7b on the side of the game controller 1 is inclined, the ZR button 7b can be easily operated by both users with long fingers and users with short fingers. That is, users with short fingers can operate the ZR button 7b by placing their fingertip on the edge of the ZR button 7b on the side of the game controller 1. On the other hand, for users with long fingers, when operating the ZR button 7b, the edge of the ZR button 7b on the side touches the base or near the second joint of the index finger, and the fingertip touches the edge of the ZR button 7b on the center side. By providing the inclined portion 75d on this edge on the side, when pressing the center side edge of the ZR button 7b with the tip of the index finger, the force (reaction force) applied to the base or near the second joint of the finger can be reduced, making it easier to press the ZR button 7b.

[0068] 2(c), the tip of the ZR button 7b on the rear side of the game controller 1 (the end in the positive z-axis direction) is located closer to the front of the game controller 1 than the outer edge (plane parallel to the rear) of the center of the back of the housing 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(d), the tip of the ZR button 7b on the rear side protrudes slightly rearward from the outer edge of the back of the housing 10 at the position of the ZR button 7b, but is located closer to the front than the outer edge of the center of the back of the housing 10. Therefore, when the game controller 1 is placed on a flat surface, the game controller 1 is supported by the center of the back of the housing 10.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a diagram of the game controller 1 when it is placed on a flat surface and viewed from a direction parallel to the surface. As shown in FIG. 9, when the game controller 1 is placed on a flat surface, the grip portions 8a, 8b, and the center of the back surface of the housing 10 come into contact with the surface, and the load of the game controller 1 is applied to these three points. Note that when the game controller 1 is placed on a flat surface, at least one of the ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b may come into contact with the surface, but the load is mainly applied to the center of the back surface of the housing 10, the grip portions 8a, and 8b. The ZL button 7a and the ZR button 7b are not pressed even when the game controller 1 is placed on a flat surface. Furthermore, even if a large load is applied to the game controller 1, such as when the game controller 1 is placed on a flat surface and accidentally stepped on, the large load is applied to the center of the back surface of the housing 10, the grip portions 8a, and 8b, but not to the ZL / ZR buttons 7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ZL / ZR button 7, which is structurally weaker than the housing 10, from being subjected to a large load and being damaged.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the ZR button 7b curves upward toward the rear of the game controller 1. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6(c) and 7(b), the ZR button 7b curves downward from the front end toward its center on the game controller 1 and then curves upward near the rear end. The ZR button 7b curves gradually more from the front end toward the rear end, and slopes downward toward the rear end (the sloped portion 75d wraps around to the rear side). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the curvature r1 of the top surface of the ZR button 7b on the rear side of the game controller 1 is greater than the curvature r2 on the front side of the game controller 1. That is, the curvature differs between the front end (point A) of the top surface of the ZR button 7b, the center of the ZR button 7b (point B midway between points A and C in Figure 7(b)), and the front part of the downward-sloping end on the back side of the ZR button 7b (point C), and the curvature gradually increases as you move from point A to point B and then point C. Furthermore, the change in curvature from point B to point C is greater than the change in curvature from point A to point B.

[0071] As described above, in the game controller 1 of this embodiment, the ZR button 7b curves upward toward the rear, the degree of curvature of the ZR button 7b gradually increasing, and the end on the rear side is inclined downward, making it easy for the user to operate the ZR button 7b. For example, if the degree of curvature of the ZR button 7b suddenly changes, it can be an obstacle for users with long fingers, making it difficult to operate the button. For example, if the index finger is placed on the rear side of the game controller 1 rather than on the ZR button 7b when not operating the ZR button 7b, the user must move their finger from the rear side to the ZR button 7b to operate the ZR button 7b. However, if the degree of curvature of the ZR button 7b suddenly changes, the user's finger will hit the apex of the curved portion. However, in the game controller 1 of this embodiment, the degree of curvature of the ZR button 7b gradually increases, making it less likely that the user's finger will hit the apex of the curved portion, making it easier to operate the ZR button 7b. Furthermore, the end of the ZR button 7b on the rear side of the game controller 1 is inclined downward, so that the user's fingers are less likely to come into contact with the curved portion.

[0072] Specifically, the ZR button 7b has an inclined portion 71b on its rear side, and the upper end of the second housing 10b does not protrude toward the rear. This allows the user to easily access the ZR button 7b and the R button 6b when placing their fingers on the rear side of the housing 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the tip of the ZR button 7b on the rear side protrudes slightly toward the rear beyond the outer edge of the second housing 10b at the position of the ZR button 7b, but the inclined portion 71b is provided, and the upper end of the second housing 10b does not protrude toward the rear. Therefore, when the user moves their finger from the rear side of the housing 10 to the position of the ZR button 7b or the R button 6b, their finger is less likely to hit the tip of the ZR button 7b on the rear side or the upper end of the housing 10 on the rear side, allowing them to smoothly move their finger from the rear side to the position of the ZR button 7b or the R button 6b.

[0073] 7(b) and 7(c), a lower portion 73b of the ZR button 7b has a bearing portion 76b, and is rotatably supported by a shaft extending in the left-right direction (x-axis direction) of the game controller 1. The bearing portion 76b is provided on the front side (negative z-axis direction) of the game controller 1. The ZR button 7b is configured to be pressed downward on the game controller 1 (negative y-axis direction) by rotating around the shaft.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a structure for fixing the ZR button 7b to the button frame 30. FIG. 10 is a top view of the ZR button 7b. As shown in FIG. 10, the ZR button 7b is rotatably supported by a shaft 35. A bearing portion 34 for receiving the shaft 35 is provided at the right end of the button frame 30. The shaft 35 is inserted from the center of the game controller 1 toward the side, not from the side. Because the shaft 35 is configured to be inserted only from the center of the game controller 1, the ZR button 7b can be extended to near the side end of the game controller 1. The opening of the bearing portion 34 is slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 35 and narrows toward the back. For example, a cushioning material 36 is applied to the inner surface of the bearing portion 34 toward the back. This allows the shaft 35 to be firmly fixed to the button frame 30 when inserted. The position of the buffer material 36 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and the buffer material may be provided at any position where the ZR button 7b comes into contact with a part of the button frame 30.

[0075] (Relationship between L / R buttons and ZL / ZR) Next, the relationship between the L / R buttons and the ZL / ZR buttons will be described. As shown in (d) of Figure 6, the length of the L button 6a in the left-right direction (x direction) is longer than the length of the ZL button 7a in the left-right direction. Also, the length of the ZL button 7a in the vertical direction (z direction: toward the front of the game controller 1) is longer than the length of the L button 6a in the vertical direction. In other words, the ZL button 7a is formed longer toward the back of the game controller 1 than the L button 6a.

[0076] Furthermore, the L / R buttons 6 are inclined downward as they move toward the sides of the game controller 1. This makes it easier for the user to operate the ZL / ZR buttons 7 located on the rear side and prevents the user from accidentally pressing the L / R buttons 6 when pressing the ZL / ZR buttons 7. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , when a user presses the ZL / ZR buttons 7 on the rear side with their index finger, for example, the part of the index finger between the first and second joints may come into contact with the L / R button 6. In this case, if the L / R buttons 6 do not incline downward as they move from the center of the game controller 1 toward the sides, the user's finger would likely come into contact with the L / R buttons 6. However, because the L / R buttons 6 are inclined downward, the user's finger is less likely to come into contact with the side edges of the L / R buttons 6, preventing the user from accidentally pressing the L / R buttons 6 when pressing the ZL / ZR buttons 7.

[0077] Furthermore, the side edge of the L / R button 6 is provided with a two-stage inclined slope 62 (a and b). This makes it difficult for a user's finger to hit the side edge of the L / R button 6 when operating the ZL / ZR button 7, thereby preventing the user from accidentally pressing the L / R button 6. For example, a user with long fingers may operate the ZL / ZR button 7 by placing their finger on the central edge of the ZL / ZR button 7. At this time, the base of their finger may hit the side edge of the L / R button 6. In this embodiment, the side edge of the L / R button 6 is inclined downward, making it difficult for the base of their finger to hit the side edge of the L / R button 6, thereby preventing the user from accidentally pressing the L / R button 6 when operating the ZL / ZR button 7.

[0078] Furthermore, the width (width in the z direction) of the L / R buttons 6 narrows toward the side of the game controller 1. This prevents the user from accidentally pressing the L / R buttons 6 when pressing the ZL / ZR buttons 7. For example, if the width of the L / R buttons 6 is wide at the edge of the side, when the user moves their finger from the position of the L / R buttons 6 to the position of the ZL / ZR buttons 7 to operate the ZL / ZR buttons 7, their finger may touch the edge of the side of the L / R buttons 6, causing them to accidentally press the L / R buttons 6. However, because the width of the L / R buttons 6 narrows toward the side, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally pressing the L / R buttons 6.

[0079] Furthermore, the L / R button 6 has inclined portions 63 (a and b) at its end on the front side. This makes it easier for the user to access the L / R button 6 when their fingers are placed on the front side of the housing 10, and also makes it easier to access the ZL / ZR button 7. In other words, because the end on the front side of the L / R button 6 is inclined, it is possible to prevent the user's fingers from touching the L / R button 6 when moving their fingers from the front side of the housing 10 to the ZL / ZR button 7. Furthermore, as described above, because the end on the front side of the L / R button 6 is inclined, it is easier for a user who holds the game controller 1 by covering the front surface of the game controller 1 with their hands rather than by gripping the grip portion 8 of the game controller 1 to operate the ZL / ZR button 7, and it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally pressing the L / R button 6 when operating the ZL / ZR button 7.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6(d), the ZR button 7b is located closer to the side of the game controller 1 than the R button 6b. Specifically, the left end of the ZR button 7b (the end closer to the center in the left-right direction of the game controller 1) is located closer to the side of the game controller 1 (toward the positive x-axis direction) than the left end of the R button 6b (the end closer to the center in the left-right direction of the game controller 1). On the other hand, the right end of the ZR button 7b (the end closer to the side in the left-right direction of the game controller 1) is approximately aligned with the right end of the R button 6b (the end closer to the side in the left-right direction of the game controller 1). Therefore, in terms of the center positions of the buttons, the ZR button 7b is located closer to the side of the game controller 1 than the R button 6b. The same positional relationship applies to the button detectors provided below the ZR button 7b and the R button 6b.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a top view of the button frame 30 when the key tops of the R button 6b and the ZR button 7b are removed.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 11, an R button detector 69b for detecting an operation on the R button 6b is disposed below the key top of the R button 6b. Similarly, an L button detector 69a for detecting an operation on the L button 6a is disposed below the key top of the L button 6a. Furthermore, a ZR button detector 79b for detecting an operation on the ZR button 7b is disposed below the key top of the ZR button 7b. Similarly, a ZL button detector 79a for detecting an operation on the ZL button 7a is disposed below the key top of the ZL button 7a.

[0083] Specifically, the R button detector 69b is located approximately in the center of the keytop of the R button 6b in the left-right direction (x-axis direction) and the front-back direction (z-axis direction). The ZR button detector 79b is located approximately in the center of the keytop of the ZR button 7b in the front-back direction (z-axis direction), and is located slightly closer to the center of the game controller 1 than the center of the keytop of the ZR button 7b in the left-right direction.

[0084] Comparing the R button detector 69b and the ZR button detector 79b, the ZR button detector 79b is located closer to the side of the game controller 1 than the R button detector 69b. Similarly, comparing the L button detector 69a and the ZL button detector 79a, the ZL button detector 79a is located closer to the side of the game controller 1 than the L button detector 69a. In other words, the ZL button detector 79a and the ZR button detector 79b are located on the outer side of the game controller 1, and the L button detector 69a and the R button detector 69b are located on the inner side of the game controller 1.

[0085] The ZL button 7a and ZR button 7b (ZL button detection unit 79a and ZR button detection unit 79b) on the back side are positioned further out to align with the trajectory of the user's finger when operating the ZR button 7b and R button 6a, for example, with their index finger.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the index finger when the user operates the ZR button 7b and the R button 6b. As shown in FIG. 12, when the index finger moves from the position of the R button 6b to the position of the ZR button 7b, the user's finger moves in an arc centered on the base of the finger. For example, when the user holds the grip portion 8b with his or her right hand, the base of the index finger is typically located on an extension of the R button 6b on the right side of the game controller 1 (see FIG. 4). When the user operates the ZR button 7b while placing his or her index finger on the R button 6b, the user moves the finger toward the rear while keeping the base of the index finger substantially stationary. Therefore, the user's index finger moves in an arc centered on the base, and the more the finger is moved toward the rear of the game controller 1, the more the tip of the finger moves toward the side of the game controller 1. Therefore, the tip of the index finger is located toward the side (outside) of the game controller 1 after moving to the position of the ZR button 7b than when the finger is at the position of the R button 6a.

[0087] Taking such user finger movements into consideration, in the game controller 1 of this embodiment, the ZR button 7b is positioned further outward than the R button 6b. Similarly, the ZR button detector 79b is positioned further outward than the R button detector 69b. This button layout makes it easier for the user to operate the ZR button 7b and the R button 6a. Furthermore, by similarly arranging the detectors for each button, the detector for each button can be positioned approximately directly below the user's finger when pressing each button, ensuring reliable detection of the user's operation.

[0088] Returning to FIG. 6, a partition 31b (a predetermined surface) is provided between the R button 6b and the ZR button 7b to separate these buttons. The partition 31b is part of the button frame 30. Here, the height of the partition 31b and the heights of the R button 6b and the ZR button 7b will be explained. Note that the "height" of the R button 6b, the ZR button 7b, and the partition 31b here refers to the distance from a plane parallel to the z-axis (an axis parallel to the direction in which the A button 2a, etc., provided on the front of the game controller 1 is pressed) and the x-axis (an axis parallel to the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the game controller 1) with the game controller 1 as the reference point. In other words, the "height" of the R button 6b, the ZR button 7b, and the partition 31b refers to the height with the z-axis and x-axis as the reference point, and indicates the distance in the y-axis direction.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged view of (c) in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 13, the height of the partition 31b is lower than that of the R button 6b. Even when the R button 6b is pressed, the height of the partition 31b is lower than that of the R button 6b. That is, whether the R button 6b is pressed or not, if a line is extended in the z-axis direction from any point on the top surface of the R button 6b, the line will not hit the partition 31b. Furthermore, when the ZR button 7b is not pressed, the height of the end 311b of the partition 31b on the rear side of the game controller 1 is slightly lower than the height of the end 77b of the ZR button 7b on the front side of the game controller 1. That is, when the ZR button 7b is not pressed, if a line is extended in the negative z-axis direction from the end 77b of the ZR button 7b, the line will not hit the end 311b on the rear side of the partition 31b. Even when the ZR button 7b is pressed, the height of the rear-side end 311 of the partition 31b is slightly lower than or approximately the same height as the front-side end 77b of the ZR button 7b on the game controller 1. In other words, if a straight line is extended in the negative z-axis direction from the end 77b of the ZR button 7b while the ZR button 7b is pressed, the straight line will not hit the rear-side end 311b of the partition 31b or will pass through the end 311b of the partition 31b.

[0090] By providing the partition 31b between the R button 6b and the ZR button 7b, the user can place their fingers on the partition 31b when not operating the R button 6b or the ZR button 7b, preventing them from accidentally operating the R button 6b or the ZR button 7b. Furthermore, whether the ZR button 7b is pressed or not, the height of the front-side end 77b of the ZR button 7b on the game controller 1 is higher than (or substantially the same as) the height of the rear-side end 311b of the partition 31b, making it less likely for a finger to become pinched between the ZR button 7b and the partition 31b. Because the ZR button 7b rotates around the pivot 35 (see FIG. 10) located on the partition 31b side in FIG. 13 as a fulcrum, pressing the ZR button 7b creates a gap between the ZR button 7b and the partition 31b. However, even when the ZR button 7b is pressed, if the partition 31b is lower than (or substantially the same as) the ZR button 7b at the boundary between the ZR button 7b and the partition 31b, it is difficult for a finger to fit into the gap between the ZR button 7b and the partition 31b and the finger is unlikely to get pinched.

[0091] Furthermore, when comparing the heights of the R button 6b on the front side and the ZR button 7b on the rear side, the end 68b of the R button 6b on the rear side of the game controller 1 is higher than the end 77b of the ZR button 7b on the front side of the game controller 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , the R button 6b is higher overall from the front end 67b to the rear end 68b of the game controller 1 than the ZR button 7b. In other words, if a straight line is extended in the z-axis direction from any point on the top surface of the R button 6b, the straight line will not hit the ZR button 7b. Therefore, the user can tell whether it is the R button 6b or the ZR button 7b just by touching the R button 6b or the ZR button 7b with their finger.

[0092] Note that the R button 6b slopes downward as it approaches the side, and therefore its edge on the side (the edge toward the front of the paper in FIG. 13) is at approximately the same height as the ZR button 7b. That is, as shown in FIG. 2(f), when the game controller 1 is viewed from the rear, the heights of the edge on the side of the L / R button 6 and the ZL / ZR button 7 are approximately the same. Therefore, when the user moves their finger in the front-to-rear direction of the game controller 1, their finger is less likely to come into contact with the edge on the side of the L / R button 6 and the ZL / ZR button 7, which makes it possible to prevent the user from accidentally pressing the ZL / ZR button 7 when pressing the L / R button 6, or conversely, from accidentally pressing the L / R button 6 when pressing the ZL / ZR button 7.

[0093] As described above, in this embodiment, the ZL / ZR button 7 is provided on the rear side of the game controller 1 relative to the L / R button 6. The ZL / ZR button 7 has protrusions 71 that protrude rearward and laterally, making it easy for the user to operate the ZL / ZR button 7 located on the rear side. Furthermore, because the L / R button 6 and the ZL / ZR button 7 have the above-mentioned characteristics (sloped portions at the ends in the left-right direction (x-axis direction), sloped portions at the ends in the front-back direction (z-axis direction), left-right position, height in the y-axis direction, etc.), the user is less likely to confuse the L / R button 6 and the ZL / ZR button 7, making it easy to operate them.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the L / R button 6, the ZL / ZR button 7, the shafts that support these buttons, and the detectors that detect when these buttons are pressed are integrally formed as the button frame 30. This reduces manufacturing errors for each button compared to when each button is fixed to the housing 10, and prevents rattling when the buttons are operated.

[0095] [Grip section explanation] Next, the grip portion 8 of the game controller 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is an external view of the game controller 1 when the grip portion 8 is removed. FIG. 14(a) is a front view of the game controller 1 when the grip portion 8 is removed. FIG. 14(b) is a left side view of the game controller 1 when the grip portion 8 is removed. FIG. 14(c) is a rear view of the game controller 1 when the grip portion 8 is removed. FIG. 15 is a view showing the state in which the right grip portion 8b of the game controller 1 is being removed. The x, y, and z axes in FIG. 14 correspond to the x, y, and z axes in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0096] 14 and 15, the grip portions 8a and 8b of the game controller 1 are each configured to be separable from the housing (main body housing) 10. As described above, the housing 10 is formed by connecting the first housing 10a on the front side of the game controller 1 and the second housing 10b on the back side (FIG. 5).

[0097] As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 10 formed by connecting the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b includes a controller main body provided with various operation buttons and analog sticks for game operations, a first grip portion (first protrusion) 18a, and a second grip portion (second protrusion) 18b. The first grip portion 18a protrudes downward (in the negative y-axis direction) from the left side of the center of the controller main body and, as shown in FIG. 14(b), is curved toward the rear (positive z-axis direction). The second grip portion 18b protrudes downward (in the negative y-axis direction) from the right side of the center of the controller main body and is curved toward the rear (positive z-axis direction). The first grip portion (first protrusion) 18a is the portion that is held by the user's left hand (via the grip portion 8a) when the grip portion 8a is connected. Here, the first gripping portion (first protruding portion) 18a is not a portion that is directly gripped by the user, but is a portion that is indirectly gripped, and therefore will be referred to as the "first gripping portion." The same applies to the second gripping portion (second protruding portion) 18b.

[0098] A guide 181a is provided on the front side of the first gripping portion 18a. The guide 181a is a long, narrow, concave groove that is used to guide the gripping portion 8a to a predetermined position during the process of fitting the gripping portion 8a into the first gripping portion 18a. The guide 181a extends from the tip (bottom in FIG. 14) to the base (upper) of the first gripping portion 18a, and is formed so that the tip side is wider than the base side.

[0099] 14(c), a guide 182a is provided on the back side of the first gripping portion 18a. The guide 182a is a long, narrow, concave groove that is used to guide the gripping portion 8a to a predetermined position during the process of fitting the gripping portion 8a into the first gripping portion 18a. The guide 182a extends from the tip (bottom) to the base (top) of the first gripping portion 18a, and is formed so that the tip side is wider than the base side.

[0100] 14(b), a screw hole 183a for inserting a screw is provided at the tip of first holding portion 18a. Grip portion 8a is fixed to first holding portion 18a by fitting it into first holding portion 18a and fastening it with a screw. Note that the screw hole does not necessarily have to be provided at the tip of first holding portion 18a, and the screw hole may be provided in the tip portion including the tip (including the tip and its vicinity).

[0101] The same is true for second gripping portion 18b. That is, guides 181b and 182b are provided on the front and back sides of second gripping portion 18b. Also, a screw hole 183b for inserting a screw is provided at the tip of second gripping portion 18b.

[0102] Next, the grip portion 8 will be described in detail. Fig. 16 is an external view of the grip portion 8a that fits into the first grip portion 18a of the housing 10. Fig. 16(a) is a front view of the grip portion 8a, viewed from the same direction as Fig. 2(a). Fig. 16(b) is a left side view of the grip portion 8a, Fig. 16(c) is a right side view of the grip portion 8a, Fig. 16(d) is a top view of the grip portion 8a, Fig. 16(e) is a bottom view of the grip portion 8a, and Fig. 16(f) is a rear view of the grip portion 8a. Fig. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 16. Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 16.

[0103] 16, 17A, and 17B omit a structure for fixing the vibration motor 50, which will be described later. The structure for fixing the vibration motor 50 will be described in detail later.

[0104] Furthermore, the left grip portion 8a and the right grip portion 8b are bilaterally symmetrical. Only the left grip portion 8a will be described below, but the same applies to the right grip portion 8b. Furthermore, below, the grip portions 8a and 8b may be collectively referred to as "grip portion 8," and the first grip portion 18a and the second grip portion 18b may be collectively referred to as "grip portion 18."

[0105] As shown in Figure 16, the grip portion 8a is a hollow member that protrudes in a predetermined direction (downward), and when cut along a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the outer periphery of the cross section is approximately elliptical. Specifically, the outer periphery of the cross section is a deformed ellipse, being approximately oval with a blunt end and a pointed end (Figure 17B). Note that the cross section is not limited to an approximately ellipse, and may be any shape, such as a polygon with rounded corners (e.g., a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, etc.).

[0106] The upper end of grip portion 8a is open, and the lower end is closed (except for the screw holes). Furthermore, the left side of grip portion 8a is longer in the vertical direction than the right side, and the left side of grip portion 8a has a larger area than the right side. When a user holds grip portion 8a with their left hand, the center of the palm touches the left side of grip portion 8a, the base of the thumb touches the front side of grip portion 8a, and the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger wrap around from the back side of grip portion 8a to the right side. That is, the left side of grip portion 8a, which has a larger area, touches the center of the user's palm, and the right side of grip portion 8a, which has a smaller area, touches the middle finger, ring finger, little finger, etc.

[0107] Grip portion 8a is not formed by connecting two housing components (10a and 10b) with screws or the like like housing 10, but is molded as a single unit. The surface of grip portion 8a is smooth and does not have any steps like those that occur at the boundary between two components when they are connected like housing 10. Note that, depending on the molding method of grip portion 8a, the boundaries between multiple components may be visible from the outside, but the surface is almost smooth and does not have any steps like those that occur at the boundary between components when multiple separate components are assembled and connected with screws or the like.

[0108] 16, 17A, and 17B, inside grip portion 8a, guide 81a is provided on the front side of game controller 1, and guide 82a is provided on the back side. Guide 81a and guide 82a are provided in opposing positions. In other words, guide 81a and guide 82a are provided on a straight line that divides grip portion 8a into approximately two equal parts.

[0109] Guide 81a and guide 82a are elongated convex portions. Specifically, guide 82a is formed so as to extend from the opening (base) of grip portion 8a to the lower end (tip) of grip portion 8a. Guide 81a is formed so as to extend from the opening (base) of grip portion 8a to just before the lower end (tip) of grip portion 8a. Guide 81a and guide 82a are narrow at the opening (base) and become wider as they approach the tip.

[0110] The grip portion 8a can be fitted into the first grip portion 18a of the housing 10 by aligning the convex guide 81a of the grip portion 8a with the concave guide 181a of the first grip portion 18a, and by aligning the convex guide 82a of the grip portion 8a with the concave guide 182a of the first grip portion 18a, and then sliding the grip portion 8a (upward as shown in Figure 15).

[0111] As described above, the widths of guides 81a and 82a of grip portion 8a are formed to become wider toward the tip, and the widths of guides 181a and 182a of first holding portion 18a are formed to become wider toward the tip. Therefore, when fitting grip portion 8a into first holding portion 18a, the narrow portions (convex) of guides 81a and 82a of grip portion 8a are initially aligned with the wide portions (concave grooves) of guides 181a and 182a of first holding portion 18a, making it easy to fit grip portion 8a into first holding portion 18a. Furthermore, because guides 81a and 82a extend close to the tip of grip portion 8a, it is easy to insert and remove grip portion 8a.

[0112] Furthermore, a screw hole 83a is provided at the tip of the grip portion 8a. The screw 183a is inserted into this screw hole 83a and screwed in, thereby connecting the first holding portion 18a and the grip portion 8a. Because the grip portion 8a is screwed to the first holding portion 18a at the tip of the grip portion 8a, the screw hole is difficult for the user to touch during game operation. In other words, when the user holds the grip portion 8 as shown in FIG. 4, the tip of the grip portion 8 is difficult for the user's hand to touch, eliminating any sense of discomfort when holding the grip portion 8. The screw hole 83a may be a hole with a thread or a hole without a thread.

[0113] As is clear from FIG. 15 , the grip portion 8 covers the entire outer periphery of the grip portion 18 of the housing 10. When the grip portion 18 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the grip portion 8 covers the entire outer periphery of the cross section of the grip portion 18. That is, the entire grip portion 18, including the boundary between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b, is covered by the grip portion 8. This prevents a user from feeling uncomfortable when gripping the grip portion 8. That is, when the housing 10 is formed by connecting the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b, a step is created at the boundary between the two components, which can cause the user to feel uncomfortable when gripping the grip portion 18 and interfere with game operation. In this embodiment, covering the boundary between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b with the grip portion 8 allows the game controller 1 to fit comfortably in the user's hand and improves the feel when holding the grip portion.

[0114] Furthermore, when the housing 10 and the grip portion 8a are connected, the boundary portion (see FIG. 15) is smoothly connected. Specifically, the height of the surface on the grip portion 8a side at the boundary portion between the housing 10 and the grip portion 8a is substantially the same height as the surface of the housing 10 on the controller main body side at the boundary portion. In other words, there is no step at the boundary portion between the grip portion and the controller main body. Because the surfaces at the boundary portion between the controller main body and the grip portion 8 are the same height, the user can enjoy a good feel when holding the game controller 1.

[0115] The above-described configuration of the grip portion 8 and the holding portion 18 is merely an example, and the following configuration may also be used.

[0116] For example, in the above, convex guides 81 and 82 are provided on the grip portion 8 side, and concave guides 181 and 182 are provided on the holding portion 18 side, but concave guides may be provided on the grip portion 8 side, and convex guides may be provided on the holding portion 18 side. Also, the above guides 81a, 82a, 181a, and 182a do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0117] Furthermore, although screws are used to connect the grip portion 8 and the housing 10 in the above description, the fixing structure for fixing the grip portion 8 to the housing 10 is not limited to this. For example, a locking portion (hook) may be provided on one of the grip portion 8 or the housing 10, and a locked portion may be provided on the other, and the grip portion 8 may be fixed to the housing 10 by mating the locking portion and the locked portion. For example, instead of fixing the grip portion 8 to the holding portion 18 with screws, a locking portion (hook) may be provided on the tip of a guide used when fitting the grip portion 8 into the holding portion 18, and the guide may guide the grip portion 8, and the locking portion (hook) may be hooked on the locked portion of the holding portion 18 when the grip portion 8 is fully fitted. Furthermore, for example, a rubber member (or other cushioning buffer material, elastic member, etc.) may be provided on the inside or outside of the grip portion 8, and the grip portion 8 may be press-fitted into the holding portion 18 to fix the grip portion 8 to the holding portion 18. Furthermore, for example, the grip portion 8 and the holding portion 18 may be provided with threads, and the grip portion 8 may be fixed to the holding portion 18 by screwing the grip portion 8 into the holding portion 18 .

[0118] Furthermore, the color and material of the grip portion 8 may be the same as or different from those of the housing 10. For example, the grip portion 8 and the housing 10 may be made of the same material and color, or the same material but different colors, or different materials but the same color. For example, the grip portion 8 may be made of a softer or harder material than the housing 10.

[0119] Furthermore, although the grip portion 8 covers the entire grip portion 18 in the above, it is not necessary for the grip portion 8 to cover only a portion of the grip portion 18. For example, the grip portion 8 may cover at least a portion of the boundary portion of the grip portion 18 between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b. Furthermore, the grip portion 8 does not necessarily cover the entire circumference of the grip portion 18, but may cover the boundary portion between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b and cover at least a portion of the outer periphery of the grip portion 18.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above description, the left and right grip portions 8 are fitted into the housing 10 (main body housing) of the game controller 1, but for example, the above-described grip portions may be connected to the grip portions of a portable game device in which a processing device (such as a CPU) that performs game processing and a display device are integrated. The portable game device may be provided with a main body housing having grip portions formed by connecting a first housing and a second housing, and with a grip portion that covers the grip portions. The grip portion is configured to cover at least the boundary portion of the grip portion between the first housing and the second housing.

[0121] Furthermore, the above-described grip portion may be used not only for game controllers 1 held in both hands, but also for controllers held in one hand. For example, a controller held in one hand may have a main housing having a grip portion formed by connecting a first housing and a second housing, and may be provided with a grip portion that covers the grip portion. The grip portion is configured to cover at least the boundary portion between the first housing and the second housing on the grip portion of the controller held in one hand.

[0122] [Explanation of NFC and internal circuit board] Next, we will explain the boards inside the game controller 1. As shown in Figure 5, a first board 20 and a second board 40 are housed inside the housing 10. The first board 20 is located on the front side of the game controller 1, and the second board 40 is located on the back side of the game controller 1. In other words, the game controller 1 has a two-layer structure having the first board 20 and the second board 40.

[0123] Specifically, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front (front face), the first board 20 and the second board 40 arranged inside the housing 10 overlap. In other words, when the first board 20 and the second board 40 are projected (parallel projection) onto a plane parallel to the front face of the game controller 1, the first board 20 after projection overlaps at least a portion of the second board 40 after projection. The first board 20 and the second board 40 will be described below.

[0124] 18A is a front view of the first substrate 20. FIG. 18B is a rear view of the first substrate 20.

[0125] 18A, a switch (contact) 22a corresponding to the A button 2a, a switch 22b corresponding to the B button 2b, a switch 22x corresponding to the X button 2x, and a switch 22y corresponding to the Y button 2y are arranged in the right region of the front surface of the first substrate 20. When the first substrate 20 is housed in the housing 10, the switches 22a, 22b, 22x, and 22y are located directly below the A button 2a, the B button 2b, the X button 2x, and the Y button 2y, respectively. For example, when the A button 2a is pressed while the first substrate 20 is housed in the housing 10, the switch 22a is also pressed, and the press on the A button 2a is detected. The same applies to the B button 2b, the X button 2x, and the Y button 2y.

[0126] Also provided in the center region on the front surface of first substrate 20 are switch 23a corresponding to minus button 3a, switch 23b corresponding to plus button 3b, switch 23c corresponding to capture button 3c, and switch 23d corresponding to home button 3d. Also, LEDs 95 are arranged above and below switch 23d corresponding to home button 3d. The detailed structure of home button 3d will be described later.

[0127] When first board 20 is housed in housing 10, switches 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are located directly below minus button 3a, plus button 3b, capture button 3c, and home button 3d, respectively. For example, when minus button 3a is pressed while first board 20 is housed in housing 10, switch 23a is also pressed, and the press of minus button 3a is detected. The same applies to plus button 3b, capture button 3c, and home button 3d.

[0128] Additionally, switches 25 (25a to 25d) corresponding to the cross key 5 are arranged in the lower left region on the front surface of the first substrate 20. Specifically, the upward direction of the cross key 5 corresponds to switch 25a, the right direction of the cross key 5 corresponds to switch 25b, the downward direction of the cross key 5 corresponds to switch 25c, and the left direction of the cross key 5 corresponds to switch 25d. For example, when the upward direction of the cross key 5 is pressed, switch 25a is also pressed, and a press of the upward direction of the cross key 5 is detected. The same applies to the other directions of the cross key 5.

[0129] 18B, an NFC antenna 26 is disposed in the central region of the rear surface of the first substrate 20 (the surface on the rear side of the game controller 1). The NFC antenna 26 is an antenna used for contactless communication. A spiral antenna or a loop antenna is used as the NFC antenna 26.

[0130] Here, "contactless communication" in this specification refers to a communication technology that performs communication over an extremely short distance (for example, a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters, typically 10 cm or less). In other words, "contactless communication" in this specification does not refer to a communication technology that allows communication even over a distance of several meters to several tens of meters, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN, but refers to a communication technology that performs communication by holding up an external storage device (IC tag). For example, contactless communication may be NFC (Near Field Communication) or RFID at the above-mentioned extremely short distance. In this embodiment, contactless communication is assumed to be NFC. Note that the communication standard is not limited to the NFC standard, and may be another communication standard that performs contactless communication at the above-mentioned extremely short distance.

[0131] When an external storage device is present within a predetermined communication range, the game controller 1 can read data from the external storage device and write data to the external storage device. The predetermined communication range is typically within an area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26, and the distance from the NFC antenna 26 in the z-axis direction (both positive and negative directions) shown in FIG. 18B is within the extremely short distance. Communication is possible with external storage devices that do not have a battery. When an external storage device is placed within the predetermined communication range, an electromotive force is generated in the external storage device by electromagnetic waves transmitted from the NFC antenna 26, allowing the game controller 1 to communicate with the external storage device. Note that the external storage device may have a power source and be operable even without electromotive force from the game controller 1. Note that the external storage device may be in any form, such as a card, a figurine in the shape of a predetermined character, or an electronic device such as a mobile phone or smartphone.

[0132] Fig. 19 is a front view of the first substrate 20, showing the NFC antenna 26 arranged on the rear surface of the first substrate 20 projected onto the front surface. In Fig. 19, the NFC antenna 26 arranged on the rear surface is indicated by a dashed line.

[0133] 19, the switch 23c corresponding to the capture button 3c and the switch 23d corresponding to the home button 3d are arranged in the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26. That is, the switch 23c corresponding to the capture button 3c and the switch 23d corresponding to the home button 3d are arranged in the front-side area corresponding to the back-side area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26. In other words, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front, the NFC antenna 26 (the area occupied by the NFC antenna 26), the capture button 3c, and the home button 3d overlap. Specifically, the switch 23c corresponding to the capture button 3c and the switch 23d corresponding to the home button 3d are provided in a second area around a first area near the center of the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26.

[0134] In addition, a switch 23b corresponding to the plus button 3b is arranged on the NFC antenna 26. The other switches are arranged outside the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26.

[0135] When an external storage device (IC tag) is placed within the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26, the game controller 1 can communicate with the external storage device. However, if the external storage device is placed outside the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26, the game controller 1 cannot communicate with the external storage device. Note that the "area surrounded by the antenna" refers to the area including the antenna line and the inside of the antenna. Therefore, when an external storage device is placed (held over) near the capture button 3c and the home button 3d located in the center of the game controller 1, the game controller 1 can read data stored in the external storage device and write data to the external storage device. On the other hand, if an external storage device is placed on, for example, the A button 2a, the B button 2b, or the cross key 5, the game controller 1 cannot communicate with the external storage device.

[0136] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the position of the NFC antenna 26 on the game controller 1. The center shown in Fig. 20 indicates the center of the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26 shown in Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 20, the NFC antenna 26 is located in the center of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 20, the capture button 3c and the home button 3d are located in the central area on the front of the game controller 1, and a predetermined area including the positions of these buttons 3c and 3d is surrounded by the NFC antenna 26. Therefore, an external storage device is placed in the area indicated by the dashed line in the figure. This area is substantially flat, and has a shape that makes it easy to place an external storage device. Note that the game controller 1 may be able to communicate with an external storage device even outside the dashed area in FIG. 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the area near the plus button 3b (switch 23b) is included in the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26, so even if the external storage device is placed near the plus button 3b, the game controller 1 may be able to communicate with the external storage device. However, the dashed area including the center of FIG. 20 is the area that is easiest to communicate with an external storage device.

[0138] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in Fig. 20.

[0139] 21, the first board 20 is disposed on the front side of the game controller 1. That is, the first board 20 is provided closer to the front side than the center of the game controller 1 in the front-to-rear direction inside the housing 10. Therefore, the NFC antenna 26 is disposed in a position closer to the front side of the game controller 1. Therefore, when an external storage device is placed on the front side of the game controller 1, it is easy for the game controller 1 to communicate with the external storage device.

[0140] A second board 40 is disposed on the rear side of the game controller 1. A battery 11 is disposed on the rear side of the second board 40. A light-guiding material 12 for guiding light from the LEDs on the second board 40 is provided on the lower side of the housing 10. The light-guiding material guides the light from the LEDs to the outside, causing the LEDs 9 to emit light.

[0141] 22, the top surfaces of the key tops of the capture button 3c and the home button 3d are substantially flush with the surface of the first housing 10a. Because the top surfaces of the key tops of the capture button 3c and the home button 3d are substantially flush with the surface of the first housing 10a, the capture button 3c and the home button 3d will not be pressed even if an external storage device is placed on them.

[0142] Here, "the upper surfaces of the key tops are substantially at the same height as the surface of the housing" means that the key tops are at a height where the buttons are not pressed (a height where the press is not detected) even when an external storage device is placed on the key tops. In other words, when an external storage device is placed on the capture button 3c and the home button 3d, the upper surfaces of the key tops of the capture button 3c and the home button 3d may be slightly higher than the surface of the first housing 10a so that the capture button 3c and the home button 3d are not pressed (a height where the press is not detected).

[0143] The top surfaces of the capture button 3c and the home button 3d may be lower than the surface of the first housing 10a.

[0144] On the other hand, the key tops of the Y button 2y and the A button 2a (as well as the B button 2b and the X button 2x) protrude above the surface of the first housing 10a. If an external storage device is placed on the Y button 2y, the Y button 2y will be pressed by the external storage device.

[0145] As is clear from FIG. 22, FIG. 2, etc., the capture button 3c and the home button 3d are smaller than the Y button 2y, the A button 2a, etc.

[0146] As with the capture button 3c and the home button 3d, the top surfaces of the keytops of the plus button 3b and the minus button 3a may be configured to be substantially flush with the surface of the first housing 10a. Also, the top surfaces of the keytops of the plus button 3b and the minus button 3a may be lower than the surface of the first housing 10a. By preventing the top surfaces of the keytops of the plus button 3b and the minus button 3a from protruding from the surface of the first housing 10a in this way, it is possible to prevent these buttons from being pressed accidentally when placing the external storage device in the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26.

[0147] Furthermore, the top surfaces of the keytops of the plus button 3b and the minus button 3a may be slightly higher than the top surfaces of the keytops of the capture button 3c and the home button 3d. By making the top surfaces of the keytops of the plus button 3b and the minus button 3a slightly higher than the top surfaces of the keytops of the capture button 3c and the home button 3d, the user can distinguish between the plus button 3b and the minus button 3a just by touching them without looking at their hands, thereby preventing erroneous operation. Furthermore, by making the capture button 3c and the home button 3d lower than the plus button 3b and the minus button 3a, erroneous operation of the capture button 3c and the home button 3d, which are closer to the center of the reading area of ​​the external storage device, can be further prevented. In other words, by preventing the capture button 3c, home button 3d, plus button 3b, and minus button 3a from protruding from the surface of the first housing 10a, it is possible to prevent accidental operation of these buttons when placing the external storage device in the reading area, and by making the capture button 3c and home button 3d lower than the plus button 3b and minus button 3a, it is possible to make these buttons easier to distinguish and to further prevent accidental operation of the capture button 3c and home button 3d.

[0148] In this way, the capture button 3c, home button 3d, plus button 3b, and minus button 3a may not protrude from the surface of the first housing 10a. The top surfaces of these buttons may be lower than the surface of the first housing 10a when pressed, or may be invisible when viewed from the side (horizontally) of the surface of the first housing 10a when not pressed. Furthermore, these buttons may be configured so that pressing of the button is not detected when the top surfaces of the buttons and the surface of the housing are at the same height (for example, when the top surfaces of the buttons slightly protrude from the surface of the housing and are then slightly pressed down to be flush with the surface of the housing).

[0149] 23 is a front view of the second substrate 40. As shown in FIG. 23, a left analog stick 4a is arranged on the left side and a right analog stick 4b is arranged on the right side of the front surface of the second substrate 40 (the surface on the front side of the game controller 1). Four LEDs are also arranged near the bottom end of the center in the left-right direction of the second substrate 40. A connection part 41 is also arranged below the left analog stick 4a. The first substrate 20 and the second substrate 40 are connected via the connection part 41.

[0150] 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 40. As shown in Fig. 24, the second substrate 40 is provided with various control circuits for controlling the game controller 1, in addition to the analog sticks 4a and 4b. For example, the second substrate 40 is provided with, as control circuits, an operation control circuit 42 for generating and packetizing operation data indicating whether or not each button (2a, 2b, 2x, 2b, 3a to d, 5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) has been pressed, a communication module (communication circuit and antenna) 43 for transmitting the operation data to the game device 100, an NFC circuit 44 for controlling NFC communication, a power supply control circuit 45 for controlling the power supply, and the like.

[0151] Each switch arranged on the first substrate 20 is connected to an operation control circuit 42. When each switch arranged on the first substrate 20 is pressed, a signal corresponding to the press flows to the second substrate 40. Then, operation data is generated and packetized by the operation control circuit 42 arranged on the second substrate 40, and the operation data is output to the game device 100 via the communication module. In addition, the NFC circuit 44 controls the transmission of radio waves using the NFC antenna 26, the reading of data from an external storage device, the writing of data to an external storage device, etc.

[0152] In this way, by including the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 40, the game controller 1 can have more functions without increasing the size of the controller itself. That is, the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 40 overlap when viewed from the front (or rear) of the game controller 1. Because the substrates have a two-layer structure, the area of ​​the substrates does not need to be increased, and the game controller 1 can be made smaller. Furthermore, by arranging the NFC antenna 26 on the first substrate 20, which is on the front side of the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 40, the distance between the front surface of the housing 10 and the NFC antenna 26 can be shortened. This reduces the distance to the external storage device, making communication with the external storage device easier.

[0153] Furthermore, by arranging a switch on the front surface of the first substrate 20 and arranging the NFC antenna 26 on the rear side of the first substrate 20 at the position where the switch is arranged, a button can be arranged in the area where an external storage device is placed (held over). This allows the game controller 1 to have NFC communication functionality and various buttons to be arranged. Typically, to prevent erroneous operation when reading an external storage device, a reading area (antenna) for reading an external storage device is arranged in a position where there are no buttons, but this would result in a larger game controller. In this embodiment, by lowering the top surface of the button, erroneous button operation can be prevented while the reading area (antenna) can be arranged in the position of the button, thereby achieving space savings. In other words, by lowering the top surface of the button, the problem of erroneous button operation when the button and the reading area of ​​the external storage device are arranged overlapping can be resolved, and the game controller can be made smaller. Furthermore, the smaller the area of ​​the NFC antenna, the narrower the communication range becomes, so a certain amount of area is required. If the NFC antenna 26 were arranged on a single substrate, it would be difficult to arrange other circuits in the area surrounded by the NFC antenna 26. For this reason, if the NFC antenna 26 is arranged on a single board while various buttons are arranged on it, the board will become larger. Conversely, if various buttons are arranged on the same board without increasing the size of the board, the area for the NFC antenna 26 will become smaller. In this embodiment, the board has a two-layer structure, with the NFC antenna 26 arranged on the first board 20 and the control circuit arranged on the second board 40, allowing the NFC antenna 26 to be separated from other circuits, increasing design flexibility. Furthermore, by providing an operation button switch on the front side of the first board 20 and the NFC antenna 26 on the back side, the NFC antenna 26 can be arranged regardless of the position of the operation buttons.

[0154] In this embodiment, the analog sticks 4a and 4b are disposed on the second substrate 40 on the rear side. The analog sticks are used to input directions by tilting their operation sections, and therefore require a certain amount of height. For this reason, if the second substrate 40 having the analog sticks were disposed on the front side of the game controller 1, the thickness of the game controller 1 would increase. In this embodiment, by disposing the second substrate 40 on the rear side of the game controller 1, the game controller 1 can be configured to be thinner. Furthermore, by mounting the analog sticks 4a and 4b on a substrate (second substrate 40) and integrating them with the substrate, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the analog sticks 4a and 4b are separate parts.

[0155] Furthermore, by using a two-layer structure for the board and arranging the NFC antenna 26 on the first board 10 near the front surface of the housing 10, the degree of freedom in arranging the second board 40 is improved. For example, the second board 40 can be arranged to match the height of the analog stick. Note that the analog stick may be mounted on a separate board different from the second board 40.

[0156] The above-described configuration of the game controller 1 may be applied not only to a game controller 1 held in both hands, but also to a controller held in one hand. For example, a controller held in one hand may have a first substrate on the front side and a second substrate on the back side, with a button switch provided on the surface of the first substrate (the surface on the front side of the controller) and an NFC antenna provided on the back side of the first substrate. The switch on the surface of the first substrate is provided in an area corresponding to the area surrounded by the NFC antenna provided on the back side. Furthermore, a controller held in one hand may have an analog stick, and the analog stick may be provided on the second substrate.

[0157] [Vibration motor explanation] Next, we will explain the vibration motors provided in the game controller 1. Figure 25 is a diagram schematically showing the vibration motors provided in the grip part 8 of the game controller 1. Note that, below, vibration motors 50a and 50b will be collectively referred to as vibration motor 50.

[0158] 25, vibration motors 50a and 50b are respectively disposed inside grip portions 8a and 8b of the game controller 1. Vibration motor 50a is disposed inside grip portion 8a on the left side in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. Vibration motor 50b is disposed inside grip portion 8b on the right side in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. In other words, vibration motor 50 is provided on the side of grip portion 8 that the user's hand comes into contact with.

[0159] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the vibration direction of the vibration motor 50. As shown in FIG. 26, the vibration motor 50 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a first surface and a second surface that are orthogonal to each other. The vibration motor 50 is capable of vibrating in a first direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the first surface, and also in a second direction (up-down direction) perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, the vibration motor 50 is a vibration motor known as a "linear vibration actuator" (or a "linear vibration motor"). Specifically, the vibration motor 50 is configured to vibrate linearly in the first direction at a first resonant frequency and to vibrate linearly in the second direction at a second resonant frequency different from the first resonant frequency. For example, the first resonant frequency may be 320 Hz and the second resonant frequency may be 160 Hz.

[0160] Here, the operating principle of the vibration motor 50 will be briefly explained. FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically illustrating the operating principle of the vibration motor 50. As shown in FIG. 27, the vibration motor 50 has a coil, a magnet, and a spring. When a current is passed through the coil, an upward magnetic force is generated, causing the coil to move upward, and the spring's reaction force causes the coil to move downward. This operation is repeated, causing the vibration motor 50 to vibrate in the vertical direction of FIG. 27 at a predetermined resonance frequency. The vibration motor 50 is configured such that the spring has two resonance frequencies, and vibrates at different resonance frequencies in the vertical direction of FIG. 27 and in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 27. The vibration motor 50 can also vibrate in an oblique direction due to a composite wave that combines vibrations in a first direction and vibrations in a second direction.

[0161] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a grip portion 8b incorporating a vibration motor 50b, showing an example of the internal structure of the grip portion 8b. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a second housing 10b on the rear side of the game controller 1, and is an enlarged view of a portion of the second grip portion 18b on the right side of the second housing 10b. FIG. 29 shows the second grip portion 18b of the second housing 10b as seen from the right side. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a holder 51b for fixing the vibration motor 50b inside the housing 10.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 28, a vibration motor 50b is provided inside the grip portion 8b. Specifically, the vibration motor 50b is housed in a holder 51b. The holder 51b is used to fix the vibration motor 50b inside the housing 10 and is made of an elastic material that easily absorbs vibrations from the vibration motor 50b. For example, the holder 51b is made of a relatively soft material (a material softer than the housing 10), such as silicone rubber or synthetic rubber. For example, the holder 51b may be made of ABS resin. In contrast, the housing 10 (first housing 10a and second housing 10b) is made of a relatively hard material. The holder 51b is fixed by being fitted (press-fitted) into a vibration motor fixing portion 15b (see FIG. 29), which is part of the second housing 10b.

[0163] 28 and 29, the vibration motor fixing portion 15b is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape and has an opening 151b on the right side of the game controller 1, an opening 152b on the rear side of the game controller 1, and an opening 153b on the center side of the game controller 1. The vibration motor fixing portion 15b is configured to be substantially the same size as or slightly smaller than the holder 51b. The holder 51b is press-fitted into the vibration motor fixing portion 15b, thereby fixing the holder 51b to the second housing 10b.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 30, holder 51b has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes surface 521b (the surface at the back of the figure), surface 522b (the surface at the top of the figure), surface 523b (the surface at the left of the figure), surface 524b (the surface at the right of the figure), and surface 525b (the surface at the bottom of the figure). The front surface of holder 51b facing back surface 521b is open (opening 511b in FIG. 30). The lower surface of holder 51b facing upper surface 522b is partially open (opening 512b in FIG. 30). Opening 511b of holder 51b corresponds to the first surface of vibration motor 50b, and opening 512b of holder 51b corresponds to the second surface of vibration motor 50b. That is, when the vibration motor 50b is fitted into the holder 51b, the first surface of the vibration motor 50b is exposed through the opening 511b, and the second surface of the vibration motor 50b is exposed through the opening 512b. The holder 51b also has an opening on a portion of its surface 521b (opening 513b). When the holder 51b is fitted into the vibration motor fixing portion 15b of the second housing 10b, the opening 513b of the holder 51b and the opening 153b of the vibration motor fixing portion 15b are configured to coincide with each other. The opening 513b of the holder 51b and the opening 153b of the vibration motor fixing portion 15b are openings for passing the wiring of the vibration motor 50b through.

[0165] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the grip portion 8b. As shown in FIG. 31, a surface 81b is provided on the right side of the interior of the grip portion 8b. Two protruding ribs 82b are provided on the lower side of the interior of the grip portion 8b. The surface 81b is substantially flat and is inclined at a predetermined angle when viewed from the direction of the figure. This is to facilitate the removal of the grip portion 8b from the mold during the manufacturing process of the grip portion 8b. For example, the surface 81b has a slope of several degrees relative to the removal direction. The surface 81b contacts the first surface of the vibration motor 50b. The rib 82b contacts the second surface of the vibration motor 50b. The portion of the grip portion 8b that contacts the second surface of the vibration motor 50b may be substantially flat, like the surface 81b, rather than a rib.

[0166] 28, when the vibration motor 50b is fixed in the housing 10, the first surface of the vibration motor 50b directly contacts the right surface 81b of the grip portion 8b. The second surface of the vibration motor 50b directly contacts the lower rib 82b of the grip portion 8b. That is, the vibration motor 50b directly contacts the grip portion 8b on its first surface (the surface corresponding to the first direction in which it vibrates at the first resonant frequency) and its second surface (the surface corresponding to the second direction in which it vibrates at the second resonant frequency). Meanwhile, the surface of the vibration motor 50b facing the housing 10 (10b) is surrounded by the holder 51b, so the vibration motor 50b does not directly contact the housing 10 but contacts it via the holder 51b.

[0167] Here, a thin sheet (e.g., a sheet with a thickness of about 0.1 mm) may be sandwiched between the first and second surfaces of the vibration motor 50b and the grip portion 8b. In other words, "the first and second surfaces of the vibration motor 50b directly contact the grip portion 8b" also includes the case where a thin sheet (e.g., a sheet with a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 1 mm) is present between the first and second surfaces of the vibration motor 50b and the grip portion 8b. Such a sheet is intended to firmly bring the vibration motor into contact with the housing 10 to prevent rattling, but is not intended to make it difficult for vibrations from the vibration motor 50b to be transmitted to the grip portion 8b. On the other hand, the holder 51b is made of a thicker and softer material than the above-mentioned sheet, and therefore makes it difficult for vibrations from the vibration motor 50b to be transmitted to the grip portion 8b.

[0168] The left grip portion 8a is symmetrical to the right grip portion 8b and is identical to the right grip portion 8b. That is, the left grip portion 8a is also provided with a vibration motor 50a and a holder 51a, just like the right grip portion 8b. The vibration motor 50a vibrates in a first direction and a second direction, and is in direct contact with the grip portion 8a on a first surface corresponding to the first direction and a second surface corresponding to the second direction, and is in contact with the housing 10 via the holder 51a.

[0169] In this way, by directly contacting the grip portion 8 with the first surface corresponding to the first direction and the second surface corresponding to the second direction, the vibrations of the vibration motor 50 can be more easily transmitted to the grip portion 8, and the vibrations can be more easily transmitted to the user's hand that is in contact with the grip portion 8. In other words, the user can feel the vibrations more strongly. Meanwhile, the vibration motor 50 contacts the housing 10 via the holder 51. Because the holder 51 is made of a relatively soft material, it easily absorbs the vibrations of the vibration motor 50 and makes it difficult for the vibrations of the vibration motor 50 to be transmitted to the housing 10. Therefore, for example, it is possible to make it difficult for the vibrations of the right vibration motor 50b to be transmitted to the left grip portion 8a, thereby applying vibrations only to the user's right hand, or applying vibrations with different vibration patterns to the left and right hands. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the vibrations of the left and right vibration motors from mixing with each other, thereby separating the left vibrations from the right vibrations.

[0170] For example, if the housing of a game controller and the left and right grips are integrally formed and vibration motors are provided inside the left and right grips, vibrations from the left grip may be transmitted to the right grip via the housing. In this case, even if only the vibration motor provided inside the left grip is vibrated to apply vibrations only to the user's left hand, the vibrations may also be transmitted to the right grip, making it impossible to transmit the intended vibrations to the user. Furthermore, if a first pattern of vibration is applied to the user's left hand and a second pattern different from the first pattern is applied to the user's right hand, the vibrations from the vibration motor provided inside one grip may also be transmitted to the other grip, and the two vibrations may mix, making it impossible to transmit the intended vibrations to the user.

[0171] In this embodiment, left and right grip portions 8 are connected to the housing 10, and vibration motors 50 are provided inside the left and right grip portions 8. The left and right vibration motors are in direct contact with the grip portions 8, and in contact with the main body housing via holders. That is, in this embodiment, the game controller includes a main body housing (housing 10), a first grip member (8a) connected to the main body housing and held with one hand of the user, and a second grip member (8b) separate from the first grip member, connected to the main body housing, and held with the other hand of the user. A first vibrator is provided inside the first grip member, and a second vibrator is provided inside the second grip member. The first vibrator is in direct contact with the first grip member and in contact with the main body housing via a first cushioning member, and the second vibrator is in direct contact with the second grip member and in contact with the main body housing via a second cushioning member.

[0172] As described above, in this embodiment, the first vibrator is in direct contact with the first grip member but is in contact with the main body housing via a buffer member. Furthermore, the second vibrator is in direct contact with the second grip member but is in contact with the main body housing via a buffer member. This allows, for example, the vibration of the first vibrator to be easily transmitted to the first grip member, but is less likely to be transmitted to the main body housing because the vibration is absorbed by the buffer member. The same applies to the vibration of the second vibrator. Therefore, the vibration of the first grip member and the vibration of the second grip member can be separated, for example, preventing the vibrations of the two grip members from crossing each other, making it easier to transmit the intended vibration to the user. Furthermore, for example, when only one vibrator (grip member) is vibrated, the vibration can be prevented from being transmitted to the other grip member, allowing vibration to be applied to only one of the user's hands. In this way, in this embodiment, the vibrations of the two grip members can be separated from each other, and various vibration patterns can be transmitted to the user as intended.

[0173] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration motor 50 has two different resonance frequencies, which allows two vibrations that are felt differently by the user, and allows for various vibration patterns to be produced.

[0174] 28, a first surface of the vibration motor 50 contacts the inside of the right side surface of the grip portion 8b. A second surface of the vibration motor 50 contacts the inside of the back surface of the grip portion 8b (the surface on the lower side in FIG. 28).

[0175] The first direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor 50, is essentially the left-right direction (x-axis direction) of the game controller 1. As shown in FIG. 4, when a user holds the game controller 1 with both hands, for example, the right side surface of the grip portion 8b comes into contact with approximately the center of the palm of the user's right hand. Therefore, the first direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor 50b, is approximately perpendicular to the user's palm. This makes it easier for vibrations in the first direction to be transmitted to the user's palm.

[0176] Furthermore, the second direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor 50, is essentially the front-to-rear direction of the game controller 1 (z-axis direction: up-and-down direction in FIG. 28). As shown in FIG. 4, when a user holds the game controller 1 with both hands, the back surface of the grip portion 8 comes into contact with the user's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. Therefore, the second direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor 50, is approximately perpendicular to the user's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, and vibrations in the second direction are easily transmitted to the user's fingers.

[0177] In this embodiment, the resonant frequency in the second direction is lower than the resonant frequency in the first direction. This allows the user to feel different types of vibrations. In this embodiment, the first surface of the vibration motor 50b contacts the right side surface inside the grip portion 8b, and the second surface of the vibration motor 50b contacts the lower side surface inside the grip portion 8b. Therefore, high-resonant-frequency vibrations are easily transmitted to the right side surface of the grip portion 8b, and low-resonant-frequency vibrations are easily transmitted to the lower side surface of the grip portion 8b. Since the right side surface of the grip portion 8b contacts the center of the user's palm and the lower side surface of the grip portion 8b contacts the user's fingers, high-resonant-frequency vibrations can be applied to the center of the user's palm and low-resonant-frequency vibrations can be applied to the user's fingers. In this way, by making the resonant frequencies different in the first and second directions, vibrations of different frequencies can be applied to various parts of the user's hand. Note that the resonant frequency in the second direction may be higher than the resonant frequency in the first direction.

[0178] 28, the right side surface of the grip portion 8b is thinner than the bottom surface. That is, the grip portion 8 has a first portion (right side surface portion) and a second portion (bottom surface portion) that is thicker than the first portion, and the first surface of the vibration motor 50 contacts the first portion of the grip portion 8. Because the vibration motor 50 contacts the thinner first portion of the grip portion 8, vibrations in the first direction are more easily transmitted to the user's hand.

[0179] It should be noted that the above-described configuration is merely an example, and other configurations are also possible. For example, the vibration motor 50 (holder 51) is fixed to the second housing 10b on the rear side, but it may also be fixed to the first housing 10a. The vibration motor 50 may also be fixed by being sandwiched between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b. The vibration motor 50 may also be fixed to the grip portion 8 instead of the second housing 10b. When the vibration motor 50 is fixed to the grip portion 8, it is possible to prevent the vibration motor 50 from coming into direct or indirect contact with the housing 10.

[0180] In addition, as a configuration to make it difficult for the vibrations of the vibration motor 50 to be transmitted to the housing 10, ribs (protrusions) may be provided on the inside of the holder 51 (the surface with which the vibration motor 50 comes into contact) to make it easier to attenuate the vibrations of the vibration motor 50.

[0181] Furthermore, when fixing holder 51 to second housing 10b, holder 51 may have a floating structure in which holder 51 partially contacts second housing 10b rather than contacting all four surfaces (four surfaces excluding the opening) of holder 51. For example, second housing 10b may be provided with a plurality of ribs (protrusions) so that holder 51 is fixed to second housing 10b in a floating manner.

[0182] In the above embodiment, the surface 81b is disposed on the right side of the inner surface of the grip portion 8b, and the rib 82b is disposed on the lower side. However, the rib 82b may be disposed on the right side and the surface 81b may be disposed on the lower side. Furthermore, both the right side and the lower side may be surfaces. That is, the two surfaces of the grip portion 8 that come into contact with the vibration motor 50 may both be flat, or both may be ribbed, or one may be a rib and the other may be flat.

[0183] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vibration motor 50b is configured to directly contact the right side (the side of the game controller 1) and the bottom side of the grip portion 8b, but the vibration motor 50b may also be configured to directly contact the left side (the center side of the game controller 1) of the grip portion 8b.

[0184] Furthermore, the game controller 1 may be provided with vibration motors 50 on the left and right grip portions 8, and may also have another vibration motor provided inside the main body of the housing 10 (inside the housing 10 where a circuit board or the like is arranged). The vibration motor provided inside the main body of the housing 10 may be a vibration motor that vibrates in the first and second directions like the vibration motor 50 provided on the grip portion 8, or may be a vibration motor that vibrates in only one direction, or may be an eccentric vibration motor.

[0185] In the above embodiment, one vibration motor 50 capable of vibrating in the first direction and the second direction is used. In other embodiments, a vibration motor that vibrates only in the first direction and a vibration motor that vibrates only in the second direction may be combined to be capable of vibrating in the first direction and the second direction.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the vibration motor is vibrated substantially in the left-right direction (x-axis direction) and the front-back direction (z-axis direction), i.e., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the game controller 1 that the user's hand touches, because the user can feel the vibration more easily in their hand than when the vibration motor is vibrated in the up-down direction (y-axis direction) (see FIG. 28). In other embodiments, the vibration motor may be vibrated substantially in the up-down direction of the game controller 1 (y-axis direction: the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 8).

[0187] Furthermore, the vibration motor described above may be provided not only in a game controller 1 held in both hands, but also in a controller held in one hand. For example, a controller held in one hand has a portion that is gripped by the user, and a vibration motor is disposed in the gripped portion. The vibration motor is capable of vibrating in a first direction and a second direction at different resonance frequencies, and is configured to directly contact the housing on a first surface corresponding to the first direction and a second surface corresponding to the second direction.

[0188] [Details of the home button structure] Next, the detailed structure of the home button 3d will be described. The housing 10 of the game controller 1 of this embodiment is, for example, transparent or white. The home button 3d is configured so that the area around the button is illuminated. The structure for illuminating the area around the home button 3d will be described below.

[0189] Fig. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a home button 3d. Fig. 32(a) is a partially enlarged view of the home button 3d. Fig. 32(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in Fig. 32(a), and Fig. 32(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 32(a).

[0190] As shown in FIG. 32, the home button 3d includes a key top 90 that is pressed by the user and a light guide portion 91 that surrounds the periphery of the key top 90. The key top 90 is cylindrical and is a member that does not transmit light. The light guide portion 91 is a tubular member that surrounds the outer periphery of the key top 90. Note that the term "tubular member" here also includes a ring-shaped member. The light guide portion 91 is made of a light-transmitting material and guides incident light to the surface of the housing 10 while diffusing the light.

[0191] 32(b) and (c), the outer periphery of the light guide section 91 is surrounded by a cylindrical light shielding section 92. The light shielding section 92 is a member that does not transmit light.

[0192] A switch 23d is disposed directly below the key top 90 of the home button 3d. An elastic member 94 is provided between the key top 90 and the switch 23d. The elastic member 94 is made of a light-transmitting rubber-like material.

[0193] Further, below the elastic member 94, two LEDs 95 are provided on the first substrate 20 on which the switch 23d is provided. The two LEDs 95 are arranged below the elastic member 94 at positions overlapping with the elastic member 94 (positions covered by the elastic member 94). Specifically, the two LEDs 95 are arranged inside the area surrounded by the light-shielding portion 92 and directly below the light-guiding portion 91. The two LEDs 95 are arranged symmetrically in the up and down direction (y-axis direction) with the key top 90 as the center (see (c) of FIG. 32 or FIG. 18A).

[0194] The elastic member 94 pushes the keytop 90 upward (toward the front of the game controller 1: in the negative direction of the z-axis). When the keytop 90 is pressed downward, the keytop 90 pushes the elastic member 94 downward, and the downward force deforms the elastic member 94, thereby pressing down the switch 23d via the elastic member 94. Even when the keytop 90 is pressed down, the light-guiding section 91 and the light-blocking section 92 around the keytop 90 are not pressed down.

[0195] 32(b) and (c), the upper surfaces of the key tops 90 and the light guiding section 91 are exposed from the surface of the housing 10. The upper surfaces of the key tops 90 and the light guiding section 91 are substantially flush with the surface of the housing 10. Specifically, the upper surface of the key top 90 pressed by the user is slightly higher than the surface of the housing 10 and slightly higher than the upper surface of the light guiding section 91.

[0196] On the other hand, the upper surface of the light-shielding portion 92 is lower than the upper surfaces of the key tops 90 and the light-guiding portion 91, and is not exposed from the surface of the housing 10. Note that the upper surface of the light-shielding portion 92 may be exposed from the surface of the housing 10.

[0197] Light emitted from the two LEDs 95 passes through the elastic member 94 and enters the light guide 91 located directly above the LEDs 95, then passes through the inside of the light guide 91 and is guided to the surface of the first housing 10a. The light guide 91 is surrounded by a light-shielding portion 92 that does not transmit light. The keytop 90 also does not transmit light. Therefore, when the two LEDs 95 emit light, the light guide 91 around the keytop 90 on the surface of the first housing 10a emits light, and light does not leak around the light guide 91. Therefore, even if the housing 10 is made of a transparent or light-transmitting material such as white, it is possible to emit light in a ring shape only around the keytop 90.

[0198] 32(c), a recess is formed in the light-guiding section 91 directly above (in the negative z-axis direction) the two LEDs 95. This recess is formed so as to surround the LEDs 95, and is intended to increase the incident area onto which light from the LEDs 95 enters.

[0199] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recess in the light guide 91 provided directly above two LEDs 95. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a portion including the LEDs 95 and the recess in the light guide 91 in FIG. 32(c) cut along the xz plane in FIG. 32(c) as viewed from the positive direction of the y-axis, with the downward direction in FIG. 33 being the positive direction of the z-axis in FIG. 32. As shown in FIG. 33, the light guide 91 is formed to surround the LEDs 95. By forming recesses in the light guide 91 so as to surround the LEDs 95, light from the LEDs 95 can be received over a wider surface area, making it easier to take in light into the light guide 91. Note that the shape of the recesses directly above the two LEDs 95 is merely an example, and the recesses may be formed, for example, in an arc shape.

[0200] Here, the light guiding portion 91 and the light blocking portion 92 are formed as a single unit. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an integrally molded member 93 in which the light guiding portion 91 and the light blocking portion 92 are formed as a single unit. FIG. 34(a) is an external perspective view of the integrally molded member 93, and FIG. 34(b) is a diagram showing a cross section of the integrally molded member 93 cut along a plane parallel to the y-axis. As shown in FIG. 34, the integrally molded member 93 has the light blocking portion 92 formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the light guiding portion 91. In the integrally molded member 93, the light guiding portion 91 and the light blocking portion 92 are formed as a single unit by two-color molding. Note that the light guiding portion 91 and the light blocking portion 92 may be molded separately, and the two members may be assembled.

[0201] As described above, the home button 3d in the game controller 1 of this embodiment has a cylindrical light-guiding portion 91 that surrounds the outer periphery of the key top 90, and a cylindrical light-blocking portion 92 that surrounds the periphery of the light-guiding portion 91. This allows a configuration in which only the periphery of the home button 3d (the key top 90 pressed by the user) is illuminated in a ring shape, while other portions do not light up.

[0202] In this embodiment, the periphery of the key top 90 can be illuminated with the above-described simple structure.

[0203] In this embodiment, the key top 90 is made of a material that does not transmit light, but the key top 90 may be made of a material that transmits light. When such a key top is used, the key top of the home button 3d and the area around the key top can be made to emit light.

[0204] Also, if there is a structure that pushes up the key top 90 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, it is not necessary to provide the elastic member 94. Also, in (c) of Fig. 32, the elastic member 94 is arranged in a position that overlaps with the LED 95 (a position that covers the LED 95 from above), but the elastic member 94 may be made smaller so that it does not overlap with the LED 95 (so that it does not cover the LED 95).

[0205] In the above embodiment, the light guiding portion 91 is surrounded by the light blocking portion 92, but a light blocking agent may be applied to the outer periphery of the light guiding portion 91 to prevent light from leaking from the light guiding portion 91. Such an applied light blocking agent can be used as a substitute for the light blocking portion 92.

[0206] As described above, the game controller 1 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned components. The above-mentioned components are not limited to game controllers held with both hands, and may be used in other controllers.

[0207] For example, the above-described configurations may be applied not only to a game controller 1 held in both hands but also to a controller held in one hand. For example, the R button and ZR button may be provided on a controller held in one hand. Furthermore, the configuration of the grip portion, NFC function, vibration motor, and home button may be applied to a controller held in one hand.

[0208] Furthermore, each of the components provided in the game controller 1 described above may be provided in a portable game device having a display device and a processing device capable of executing game processing. For example, the portable game device may be equipped with the L / R buttons and ZL / ZR buttons of the game controller 1. Furthermore, the above-described configuration of the grip portion, NFC function, vibration motor, and home button may be applied to the portable game device.

[0209] The components of the game controller 1 may also be applied to peripheral devices of any information processing device, such as a PC or a smartphone. For example, the R button and ZR button configuration may be applied to a smartphone peripheral device. The grip portion, NFC function, vibration motor, and home button configuration may also be applied to a peripheral device.

[0210] As described above, the game controller of this embodiment may have the following configuration.

[0211] (Configuration A1) A game controller, a grip portion to be gripped by a user; a first button on an upper surface of the game controller that can be operated by a user's finger while holding the grip portion; The first button has a protrusion that protrudes toward the rear and the side of the game controller.

[0212] According to the above configuration A1, the key top of the first button provided on the top surface of the game controller can be enlarged, making it easier for the user to operate the first button, thereby improving the operability of the first button provided on the top surface of the game controller.

[0213] (Configuration A2) The game controller according to configuration A1, wherein the protrusion is formed continuously from the rear side to the side side of the game controller.

[0214] According to the above configuration A2, the first button has a protrusion that is formed continuously from the rear side to the side side of the game controller, making it easier for the user to operate the first button.

[0215] (Configuration A3) The game controller according to configuration A2, wherein the portion of the protrusion extending from the rear side to the side side is formed in an R-shape.

[0216] According to the above configuration A3, the portion of the protrusion extending from the rear side to the side is formed in an R-shape, which fits comfortably in the user's fingers and improves operability.

[0217] (Configuration A4) The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A3, wherein the protrusion is provided so that an upper surface of the protrusion forms an integral surface with an upper surface of the portion of the first button other than the protrusion.

[0218] According to the above-mentioned configuration A4, the top surface of the first button is formed as an integral surface with the protruding portion and the portion other than the protruding portion. That is, the top surface of the first button is formed so that there is no step at the boundary between the protruding portion and the portion other than the protruding portion. Therefore, there is no sense of discomfort when operating the first button.

[0219] (Configuration A5) the first button is provided on a side surface of the game controller, The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A4, wherein the side direction from which the protruding portion protrudes is the side direction on the side of the game controller on which the first button is arranged.

[0220] According to configuration A5, if the first button is provided on the right side of the game controller, for example, the protrusion of the first button protrudes to the right. This allows even a user with short fingers to operate the first button by placing their finger on the protrusion (the portion protruding to the side, for example, the portion protruding to the right) of the first button from the side (for example, to the right) of the game controller.

[0221] (Configuration A6) The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A5, wherein an end of the protrusion in the rear direction is formed in an R-shape when viewed from the side of the game controller.

[0222] According to the above configuration A6, the rear end of the protrusion is formed in an R-shape, so there is less discomfort when pressing the rear end of the first button than when, for example, the rear end of the protrusion is pointed.

[0223] (Configuration A7) The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A6, wherein an inclined portion is provided on an end of the first button that is closer to the center of the game controller.

[0224] According to the above configuration A7, an inclined portion is provided on the end of the first button that is closer to the center of the game controller, making it easier for users with long fingers to operate the first button, for example.

[0225] (Configuration A8) A game controller described in any of configurations A1 to A7, wherein an inclined portion is provided at the end of the first button in the lateral direction, and the inclined portion has a portion inclined at a first inclination angle and a portion inclined at a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle.

[0226] According to the above-described configuration A8, the first button has an inclined portion at its lateral end, making it easier for the user to operate the first button. For example, a user with short fingers can easily operate the first button by placing their fingertip on the inclined portion at the lateral end of the first button. Furthermore, because the inclined portion is inclined in two stages, the sense of discomfort when operating the first button can be reduced compared to when the first button has a steep inclination shape with a single inclined portion.

[0227] (Configuration A9) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A8, wherein the second button is inclined downward toward a side of the game controller.

[0228] According to the above-mentioned configuration A9, the second button can be provided on the front side of the game controller of the first button. Since the second button slopes downward toward the side of the game controller, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally pressing the second button when operating the first button on the back side.

[0229] (Configuration A10) A game controller as described in configuration A9, wherein the lateral end of the second button has an inclined portion having a portion inclined at a first inclination angle and a portion inclined at a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle.

[0230] According to configuration A10, the second button is inclined downward toward the side of the game controller, and furthermore, an inclined portion (two-stage inclined portion) having a portion inclined at a first inclination angle and a portion inclined at a steeper second inclination angle is provided at the end of the side. This makes it easier for the user to operate the first button and prevents the second button from being accidentally pressed when operating the first button on the back side.

[0231] (Configuration A11) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A10, wherein the width of the top surface of the second button narrows toward the side of the game controller.

[0232] According to the above configuration A11, the width of the second button is narrow on the side of the game controller, so when operating the first button on the back side, it is difficult for the finger to reach the second button, preventing the second button from being operated by mistake.

[0233] (Configuration A12) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A11, wherein the second button has an inclined portion at an end on the front side of the game controller.

[0234] According to the above configuration A12, the front end of the second button provided on the front surface is inclined, making it easier to access the first button and the second button from the front surface of the game controller.

[0235] (Configuration A13) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A12, wherein a predetermined surface is provided between the first button and the second button.

[0236] According to the above configuration A13, by providing a predetermined surface (e.g., a partition) between the first button and the second button, the user can place their fingers on the surface when not operating the first button and the second button, thereby preventing the first button and the second button from being operated by mistake.

[0237] (Configuration A14) A game controller according to configuration A13, wherein the height of the rear end of the specified surface of the game controller is lower than the height of the front end of the first button on the game controller when the first button is pressed.

[0238] According to the above configuration A14, even when the first button is pressed, the rear end of the specified surface can be lower than the front end of the first button, making it less likely that a finger will get caught between the specified surface and the first button.

[0239] (Configuration A15) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A14, wherein the second button has an inclined portion at an end portion thereof that is closer to the center of the game controller.

[0240] According to the above configuration A15, an inclined portion is provided on the end of the second button closer to the center of the game controller, making it easier for users with long fingers to operate the second button, for example.

[0241] (Configuration A16) The game controller according to configuration A15, wherein the second button is rotatably supported by a second shaft disposed in the center of the game controller and extends from the second shaft toward a side of the game controller.

[0242] According to the above configuration A16, the second axis is located closer to the center, so the user can press the second button by pressing a part of the game controller closer to the side than the second axis.

[0243] (Configuration A17) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; an operation unit that can be pressed by a user's finger is provided on a front surface of the game controller; A game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A16, wherein the front end of the first button is lower than the rear end of the second button, based on a straight line parallel to the pressing direction of the operation unit.

[0244] According to the above configuration A17, the heights of the first button and the second button are different at least at the boundary between them, so that the user can distinguish between the first button and the second button just by touching them with their finger, thereby preventing the user from pressing the wrong button.

[0245] (Configuration A18) The game controller of configuration A17, wherein the first button is lower from its front edge to its back edge than the second button.

[0246] According to the above configuration A18, the user can distinguish between the first button and the second button just by touching them with his / her finger, and can prevent pressing the wrong button.

[0247] (Configuration A19) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; A game controller described in any of configurations A1 to A18, wherein the end of the first button closer to the center of the game controller is located closer to the side of the game controller than the end of the second button closer to the center of the game controller.

[0248] According to the above configuration A19, since the second button is located toward the center of the game controller and the first button is located toward the side of the game controller, the user can move their finger from the position of the second button to the position of the first button by, for example, rotating their finger around the base of their finger, which makes it easier to operate the first button and the second button.

[0249] (Configuration A20) The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A19, wherein when the game controller is placed on a flat surface with its front face up, the game controller is supported by the back surface of the housing of the game controller.

[0250] According to the above configuration A20, when the game controller is placed on a flat surface, the weight of the game controller can be supported by the back of the housing, and the first button can be prevented from being pressed even when the game controller is placed on a flat surface.

[0251] (Configuration A21) The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A20, wherein the first button is curved upward so that the curvature increases toward the rear side of the game controller.

[0252] According to the above configuration A21, the first button is gradually curved upward, making it easier to operate the first button.

[0253] (Configuration A22) the first button is rotatably supported by a first shaft extending in the left-right direction of the game controller, The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A21, wherein the first shaft can only be inserted from the center of the game controller toward the side.

[0254] According to the above configuration A22, the first button can be extended to the edge of the side surface of the game controller.

[0255] (Configuration A23) The game controller according to configuration A22, wherein the first shaft is inserted into a shaft insertion opening arranged at a lateral end of the game controller, and a buffer material is provided inside the shaft insertion opening.

[0256] According to the above configuration A23, the first button can be firmly fixed, and rattle can be prevented.

[0257] (Configuration A24) a second button is provided on the top surface of the game controller and is positioned closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; the first button includes a first detection unit that detects that the first button is pressed; the second button includes a second detection unit that detects that the second button is pressed; The game controller according to any one of configurations A1 to A23, wherein the first detection unit is located on a side of the game controller relative to the second detection unit.

[0258] According to the above configuration A24, by arranging the first detection portion of the first button on the side of the game controller and the second detection portion of the second button on the center side, it is possible to make the first button and the second button easier to operate.

[0259] (Configuration A25) the first button includes a first detection unit that detects that the first button is pressed; the first button is rotatably supported by a first shaft extending in the left-right direction of the game controller, The game controller of any one of structures A1 to A24, wherein the first button, the first detection unit, and the first axis are integrally configured.

[0260] According to the above configuration A25, the first button, the first axis for fixing the first button, and the first detection unit are configured as a single unit, thereby reducing manufacturing errors in the first button and preventing rattling when operating the first button.

[0261] (Configuration A26) A game controller, a grip portion to be gripped by a user; a first button on an upper surface of the game controller that can be operated by a user's finger while holding the grip portion; a second button disposed on an upper surface of the game controller closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; the first button has a protrusion that protrudes toward the rear of the game controller, The first button and the second button are formed so that their length in the side direction of the game controller is longer than their length in the rear direction of the game controller.

[0262] According to the above configuration A26, the key top of the first button provided on the top surface of the game controller can be enlarged, making it easier for the user to operate the first button. Furthermore, since the lengths of the first button and the second button are longer in the side direction than in the back direction, switching between the operation of the first button and the second button can be performed smoothly.

[0263] (Configuration A27) A game controller, a grip portion to be gripped by a user; a first button on an upper surface of the game controller that can be operated by a user's finger while holding the grip portion; a second button disposed on an upper surface of the game controller closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; a first inclined portion is provided at an end of the first button on a central side of the game controller; a second inclined portion is provided at an end of the second button on a central side of the game controller; A game controller, wherein a third inclined portion is provided at the end of the second button in the lateral direction, the inclined portion having a portion inclined at a first inclination angle and a portion inclined at a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle.

[0264] According to the above-described configuration A27, the top surface of the game controller is provided with a first button on the rear side and a second button on the front side. The central ends of the first and second buttons are inclined, and the lateral end of the second button is inclined in two stages. This makes it easy for even users with long fingers to operate the first and second buttons. For example, when operating the first button, a user with long fingers may place their finger on the first inclined portion of the central end of the first button to operate the first button. In this case, their finger may hit the lateral end of the second button, causing them to accidentally press the second button. However, since the lateral end of the second button is inclined, such erroneous operation can be prevented.

[0265] (Configuration A28) A game controller, a grip portion to be gripped by a user; a first button on an upper surface of the game controller that can be operated by a user's finger while holding the grip portion; a second button disposed on an upper surface of the game controller closer to the front of the game controller than the first button; a predetermined surface is provided between the first button and the second button; The first button has a protrusion that protrudes at least toward a side of the game controller.

[0266] According to the above-described configuration A28, a predetermined surface is provided between the first button and the second button, so that a user can place a finger between the first button and the second button when the first button and the second button are not being operated. In this case, a user with short fingers may have difficulty reaching the first button. However, because the first button has a protruding portion that protrudes laterally, even a user with short fingers can easily operate the first button.

[0267] (Configuration B1) A game controller for holding with both hands to perform game operations, a controller main body in which an operation unit for game operation is arranged, a main body housing having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and configured by connecting a first housing member and a second housing member; a first grip member that is held by one hand of a user, the first grip member being connected to the first protrusion of the main body housing and covering at least a portion of a boundary between the first housing member and the second housing member; A game controller comprising: a second grip member that is separate from the first grip member and is held by the user's other hand, the second grip member being connected to the second protrusion of the main body housing and covering at least a portion of the boundary between the first housing member and the second housing member.

[0268] According to the above configuration B1, the boundary portion between the first housing member and the second housing member can be covered with the grip member, making it easier for the user to hold the protruding portion (grip portion) of the game controller, thereby improving operability.

[0269] (Configuration B2) The game controller of configuration B1, wherein the first grip member and the second grip member are symmetrically shaped.

[0270] According to the above configuration B2, for example, it is possible to provide a game controller having symmetrical grip members.

[0271] (Configuration B3) The game controller according to configuration B1 or B2, wherein the first grip member and the second grip member are hollow members and have a shape that protrudes in a predetermined direction.

[0272] According to the above-mentioned configuration B3, the grip portion can be shaped to protrude in a predetermined direction, making it easy for the user to grip, and improving operability.

[0273] (Configuration B4) the first protrusion and the second protrusion have a shape that protrudes in a predetermined direction, A game controller described in any of configurations B1 to B3, wherein the first grip member and the second grip member cover the entire outer periphery of the cross section of the first protrusion and the second protrusion when the first protrusion and the second protrusion are cut along a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0274] According to the above configuration B4, the first grip member covers the entire outer periphery of the first protrusion, and the second grip member covers the entire outer periphery of the second protrusion, so that when a user holds the grip portion of the game controller, it fits comfortably in the hand, improving operability.

[0275] (Configuration B5) A game controller described in any of configurations B1 to B4, wherein when a user holds the first grip member and the second grip member and views the game controller from the front, the first protrusion and the second protrusion protrude downward from the controller main body.

[0276] According to the above-mentioned configuration B5, the user can hold the grip portion that protrudes downward from the controller main body. When the user holds the grip portion, the controller main body can be seen from the front, improving the operability of the controller.

[0277] (Configuration B6) A game controller described in any of configurations B1 to B5, wherein when a user holds the first grip member and the second grip member and views the game controller from the front, the first protrusion and the second protrusion curve toward the back of the game controller.

[0278] According to the above-mentioned configuration B6, the grip member is curved toward the rear, so that the user can easily hold the grip portion, thereby improving operability.

[0279] (Configuration B7) A game controller described in any of configurations B1 to B6, wherein when a user holds the first grip member and the second grip member and views the game controller from the front, the first protrusion is located to the left of the center of the controller main body, and the second protrusion is located to the right of the center of the controller main body.

[0280] According to the above configuration B7, the user can hold the game controller between his / her left and right hands.

[0281] (Configuration B8) A game controller as described in any of configurations B1 to B7, comprising a first fixing structure for fixing the first grip member to the first protrusion, and a second fixing structure for fixing the second grip member to the second protrusion.

[0282] According to the above configuration B8, the first and second grip members can be firmly fixed to the first and second protruding portions.

[0283] (Configuration B9) the first grip member has a first guide portion that guides the first grip member to a predetermined position when connecting the first grip member to the first protrusion, the first protrusion has a second guide portion corresponding to the first guide portion, the second grip member has a third guide portion that guides the second grip member to a predetermined position when connecting the second grip member to the second protrusion, The game controller according to any one of configurations B1 to B8, wherein the second protrusion has a fourth guide portion corresponding to the third guide portion.

[0284] According to the above configuration B9, the first and second grip members can be easily connected to the first and second protrusions.

[0285] (Configuration B10) A game controller described in configuration B9, wherein the first guide portion, the second guide portion, the third guide portion, and the fourth guide portion each have a guide portion on the front side and a guide portion on the back side of the game controller.

[0286] According to the above-mentioned configuration B10, the first and second grip members can be guided by the two guide portions, and the first and second grip members can be easily connected to the first and second protruding portions.

[0287] (Configuration B11) the first grip member and the second grip member are connected to the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively, from one side to the other side; The first guide portion of the first grip member is formed to extend from the one side of the first grip member to the other side, The third guide portion of the second grip member is formed to extend from the one side of the second grip member to the other side, The first guide portion of the first grip member is wider on the other side than on the one side, The game controller according to configuration B9 or B10, wherein the third guide portion of the second grip member is wider on the other side than on the one side.

[0288] According to the above configuration B11, the first and second grip members can be easily connected to the first and second protrusions.

[0289] (Configuration B12) A game controller described in any one of configurations B9 to B11, wherein the first guide portion of the first grip member and the third guide portion of the second grip member are convex guide portions, and the second guide portion of the first protrusion and the fourth guide portion of the second protrusion are concave guide portions.

[0290] According to the above configuration B12, the convex guide portion of the grip member and the concave guide portion of the protrusion can guide the grip member when connecting the grip member to the protrusion.

[0291] (Configuration B13) A game controller described in any one of configurations B1 to B12, wherein the first grip member has a hole at its tip into which a screw for connecting to the first protrusion is inserted, and the second grip member has a hole at its tip into which a screw for connecting to the second protrusion is inserted.

[0292] According to the above-mentioned configuration B13, since a hole for inserting a screw is provided at the tip of the grip member, the grip portion can be fixed to the protrusion, and the user's hand can be prevented from touching the hole when operating the game controller, eliminating any discomfort when holding the grip portion, thereby improving the operability of the controller.

[0293] (Configuration B14) when a user holds the first grip member and the second grip member and views the game controller from the front, the first protrusion is located to the left of the center of the controller main body, and the second protrusion is located to the right of the center of the controller main body; A game controller described in any of configurations B1 to B13, wherein the first grip member and the second grip member are formed so that, when viewed from the front, the vertical length of the left and right end sides is longer than the vertical length of the center side of the game controller.

[0294] According to the above-mentioned configuration B14, since the left and right ends of the grip members are longer, for example, the left side surface of the left grip member can be made wider, and the right side surface of the right grip member can be made wider. This makes it possible to widen the area where the approximate center of the user's palm comes into contact, making it easier for the user to grasp the grip members and improving operability.

[0295] (Configuration B15) a height of a surface on the first grip member side at a boundary portion between the first grip member and the controller main body when the first grip member and the first protrusion are connected is substantially the same as a height of a surface on the controller main body side at the boundary portion; A game controller described in any one of configurations B1 to B14, wherein when the second grip member and the second protrusion are connected, the height of the surface on the second grip member side at the boundary between the second grip member and the controller main body is substantially the same as the height of the surface on the controller main body side at the boundary.

[0296] According to the above-mentioned configuration B15, the boundary between the grip member and the controller body can be smoothed without any steps, which improves the feel when the user holds the game controller and improves operability.

[0297] (Configuration B16) A game controller according to any one of configurations B1 to B15, wherein the first housing member is a housing member on the front side of the game controller, and the second housing member is a housing member on the back side of the game controller.

[0298] According to the above configuration B16, the main body housing can be configured by the front housing member and the rear housing member.

[0299] (Configuration B17) a vibrator is provided inside the first grip member and the second grip member; A game controller described in any one of configurations B1 to B16, wherein the vibrator is in direct contact with the first grip member and the second grip member, and the vibrator is in contact with the first protrusion and the second protrusion via a buffer member.

[0300] According to the above configuration B17, it is possible to easily transmit vibrations to the user's hands.

[0301] (Configuration B18) A pair of grip members attached to a main body housing of a game controller configured by connecting a first housing member and a second housing member, The pair of grip members includes a first grip member that is held by one hand of a user and a second grip member that is held by the other hand of the user, The first gripping member is a first protrusion connected to the main body housing and covering at least a portion of the boundary between the first housing member and the second housing member; The second gripping member is A pair of grip members that are separate from the first grip member, connected to a second protrusion of the main housing, and cover at least a portion of the boundary between the first housing member and the second housing member.

[0302] According to the above configuration B18, the two protrusions of the main body housing can be covered by a pair of grip members, making it easier for the user to hold the grip portion attached to the game controller in their hand, thereby improving the operability of the controller.

[0303] (Configuration B19) A pair of grip members attached to a main body housing of a game controller configured by connecting a front housing member and a rear housing member, The pair of grip members includes a first grip member that is held by one hand of a user and a second grip member that is held by the other hand of the user, The first gripping member is a first protrusion connected to the main body housing and covering at least a portion of the boundary between the front housing member and the rear housing member; The second gripping member is a member separate from the first grip member, connected to the second protrusion of the main body housing, and covering at least a portion of the boundary between the front housing member and the rear housing member; the first gripping member and the second gripping member are hollow members, the first grip member has a hole at its tip end into which a screw for connecting to the first protrusion is inserted, The second grip member has a hole at its tip into which a screw for connecting to the second protrusion is inserted.

[0304] According to the above configuration B19, the two protrusions of the main body housing can be covered by a pair of grip members, making it easier for the user to hold the grip portion attached to the game controller, thereby improving the operability of the controller.

[0305] (Configuration B20) A game controller for holding with both hands to perform game operations, A main body housing; a first grip member connected to the main body housing and held by one hand of a user; a second grip member that is separate from the first grip member, connected to the main body housing, and held by the user's other hand; a first vibrator provided inside the first grip member; a second vibrator provided inside the second grip member, the first vibrator is in direct contact with the first grip member and in contact with the main body housing via a first buffer member; The second vibrator is in direct contact with the second grip member and in contact with the main body housing via a second buffer member.

[0306] In the above-described configuration B20, the first vibrator is in direct contact with the first grip member and in contact with the main body housing via a buffer member. The second vibrator is in direct contact with the second grip member and in contact with the main body housing via a buffer member. This allows the vibrations of the first grip member and the second grip member to be separated, and, for example, prevents the vibrations of the two grip members from interfering with each other.

[0307] (Configuration C1) A game controller capable of reading data from an external storage device through contactless communication, Housing and an antenna built into the housing and used for the contactless communication; a first operation button provided on the housing, the first operation button is disposed in a reading area on the housing where data can be read from the external storage device using the antenna; A game controller, wherein the height of the top surface of the first operation button is substantially the same as or lower than the surface of the housing.

[0308] According to the above-described configuration C1, a first operation button can be disposed in the reading area. Since the height of the upper surface of the first operation button is substantially the same as or lower than the surface of the housing, it is possible to prevent the first operation button from being accidentally pressed even when an external storage device is placed in the reading area, thereby improving the operability of a game controller with a contactless communication function. Furthermore, by lowering the upper surface of the first operation button and disposing the first operation button in the reading area, it is possible to prevent the first operation button from being accidentally pressed and to achieve space saving.

[0309] (Configuration C2) The game controller according to configuration C1, wherein, when the game controller is held and viewed from the front, the first operation button is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of an area surrounded by the antenna.

[0310] According to the above-mentioned configuration C2, the first operation button can be overlapped with the area where the antenna is arranged, thereby making effective use of the space. Note that the area surrounded by the antenna may be on the line of the antenna or may be inside the antenna.

[0311] (Configuration C3) The housing has a first region including a position corresponding to the center of the reading region and a second region surrounding the first region, The game controller of configuration C1 or C2, wherein the first operation button is located in the second region on the housing.

[0312] According to the configuration C3, the first operation button can be arranged around the center of the reading area, and for example, the first operation button can be avoided from being touched when reading data from an external storage device through contactless communication. Also, for example, if the external storage device is small, the first operation button can be operated while performing contactless communication with the external storage device.

[0313] (Configuration C4) The game controller according to any one of configurations C1 to C3, wherein a plurality of the first operation buttons are provided.

[0314] According to the configuration C4, a plurality of operation buttons can be arranged in the reading area.

[0315] (Configuration C5) The game controller of any of configurations C1 to C4, wherein the first operation button is a home button.

[0316] (Configuration C6) The game controller of any of configurations C1 to C5, wherein the first operation button is a button used for capturing a screen.

[0317] According to the configurations C5 and C6, a home button or a capture button can be placed in the reading area. These buttons are used relatively infrequently during normal games, so they can perform contactless communication with the external storage device without interfering with game operations.

[0318] (Configuration C7) a second operation button different from the first operation button is arranged on the surface of the housing on which the first operation button is provided; The game controller of any one of configurations C1 to C6, wherein the height of the first operation button from the surface of the housing is lower than the height of the second operation button from the surface of the housing.

[0319] According to the above configuration C7, the first operation button arranged in the reading area can be lower than the second operation button, and when performing contactless communication, the external storage device can come into contact with the first operation button, preventing erroneous operation of the first operation button, thereby improving operability.

[0320] (Configuration C8) The game controller according to configuration C7, wherein the second operation button is positioned farther from the antenna than the first operation button.

[0321] According to the above-mentioned configuration C8, by arranging the second operation button at a position away from the antenna, it is possible to prevent the external storage device from coming into contact with the second operation button during contactless communication, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the second operation button. Furthermore, since the second operation button is higher from the surface of the housing than the first operation button, the second operation button has better operability.

[0322] (Configuration C9) The game controller according to any one of configurations C1 to C8, wherein the antenna is disposed inside the housing, closer to the front than the center of the game controller in the front-to-rear direction.

[0323] According to the above configuration C9, the antenna is disposed in a position close to the front of the game controller, which makes it easier to perform contactless communication with an external storage device placed in front of the game controller.

[0324] (Configuration C10) The game controller of any one of configurations C1 to C9, wherein the antenna is positioned in the center of the game controller in the left-right direction.

[0325] According to the configuration C10, the center of the game controller in the left-right direction can be set as the reading range.

[0326] (Configuration C11) The game controller according to any one of configurations C1 to C10, wherein the non-contact communication is communication using NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0327] (Configuration C12) The game controller according to any one of configurations C1 to C10, wherein the non-contact communication is communication using RFID.

[0328] According to the above configurations C11 and C12, contactless communication can be performed using NFC technology or RFID technology.

[0329] (Configuration C13) a first board and a second board disposed on a rear side of the game controller relative to the first board, provided within the housing; The game controller of any of configurations C1 to C12, wherein the antenna is disposed on the first substrate.

[0330] According to the above configuration C13, an antenna can be provided on the first board located on the front side of the game controller, facilitating contactless communication with an external storage device placed on the front side of the game controller. Also, by making the boards a two-layer structure, the area of ​​each board can be reduced, allowing for a smaller controller configuration.

[0331] (Configuration C14) The game controller of configuration C13, wherein the second substrate includes a control circuit for controlling the game controller.

[0332] According to the above configuration C14, the control circuit can be provided on the second substrate arranged on the rear side.

[0333] (Configuration C15) The game controller of any one of configurations C13 and C14, wherein the antenna is disposed on a back side of the first substrate.

[0334] According to the above configuration C15, it is possible to effectively utilize the limited area of ​​the substrate, and to improve the degree of freedom in design.

[0335] (Configuration C16) The game controller according to configuration C15, wherein a switch for detecting operation of the first operation button is disposed on the front side of the first substrate.

[0336] According to the above configuration C16, the switch of the first operation button can be arranged on the front side of the first substrate, and the antenna can be arranged on the back side, so that the first operation button can be arranged regardless of the position of the antenna.

[0337] (Configuration C17) A game controller capable of reading data from an external storage device through contactless communication, Housing and an antenna built into the housing and used for the contactless communication; a first operation button provided on the housing, the first operation button is disposed in a reading area on the housing where data can be read from the external storage device using the antenna; When the game controller is held and viewed from the front, the first operation button is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of an area surrounded by the antenna.

[0338] According to the above-described configuration C17, the first operation button can be overlapped with the area where the antenna is arranged, thereby making effective use of space. Note that the area surrounded by the antenna may be on the line of the antenna or may be inside the antenna.

[0339] (Configuration C18) The game controller of any of configurations C1 to C17, wherein the first operation button is lower than the surface of the housing when pressed.

[0340] According to the above configuration C18, the first operation button is lower than the surface of the housing when pressed, so that when the external storage device is placed in the reading area, it is possible to prevent an unintentional press of the first operation button from being detected. That is, with this configuration, even if the external storage device is placed in the reading area and the external storage device touches the first operation button, the position of the first operation button may drop to a position approximately flush with the surface of the housing, but the first operation button is unlikely to be lower than the surface of the housing. Therefore, when a user simply places the external storage device in the reading area without intending to press the first operation button, it is unlikely that the press of the first operation button will be detected, and it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation.

[0341] (Configuration D1) A game controller capable of reading data from an external storage device through contactless communication, a first substrate provided within the housing; a second board provided in the housing and positioned closer to a rear surface of the game controller than the first board; A game controller, wherein an antenna used for the contactless communication is disposed on the first substrate.

[0342] According to the above-described configuration D1, a first board and a second board disposed behind the first board are provided within the housing of the game controller, and an antenna for contactless communication is provided on the first board. This facilitates contactless communication with an external storage device placed in front of the game controller. Furthermore, by providing the board with a two-layer structure, the layout of other circuits can be determined without affecting the position of the antenna, improving design flexibility.

[0343] (Configuration D2) The game controller of configuration D1, wherein the antenna is disposed on a back surface of the first substrate.

[0344] According to the above configuration D2, the antenna is placed on the back surface of the first substrate, so that, for example, other circuits can be placed on the front surface of the first substrate, thereby making effective use of the limited area of ​​the substrate.

[0345] (Configuration D3) The game controller according to configuration D2, wherein a switch for detecting an operation on an operation button is provided on the front surface of the first substrate.

[0346] According to the above configuration D3, the operation button switch is placed on the front surface of the first substrate and the antenna is placed on the back surface, so that the operation button can be placed regardless of the position of the antenna, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design.

[0347] (Configuration D4) The game controller of configuration D3, wherein the switch is positioned at a position on the housing corresponding to an area surrounded by the antenna.

[0348] According to the above configuration D4, the switch of the operation button is provided at a position corresponding to the area surrounded by the antenna, so that the operation button can be arranged in an area on the housing where contactless communication is possible.

[0349] (Configuration D5) The game controller according to any one of configurations D1 to D4, wherein a control circuit that controls the non-contact communication is disposed on the second substrate.

[0350] According to the above configuration D5, the antenna is placed on the first substrate, while its control circuit is placed on the second substrate, so that the control circuit can be placed regardless of the position of the antenna, thereby improving design freedom.

[0351] (Configuration D6) The game controller of any one of configurations D1 to D5, wherein an analog stick is disposed on the surface of the second substrate.

[0352] According to the above-mentioned configuration D6, the antenna is arranged on the first board on the front side of the housing of the game controller, and the analog stick is arranged on the second board on the rear side. This makes it possible to shorten the distance between the antenna and the front side of the housing while ensuring the length of the analog stick operation part. Furthermore, by arranging the analog stick on the board, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0353] (Configuration D7) A game controller described in any of configurations D1 to D6, wherein when the first substrate and the second substrate are projected onto a plane parallel to the front of the game controller, the first substrate after projection overlaps with at least a portion of the second substrate after projection.

[0354] According to the above configuration D7, the game controller can be made small because the boards are stacked in two layers.

[0355] (Configuration D8) A game controller described in any one of configurations D1 to D7, wherein when the switch and the antenna are projected onto a surface parallel to the front of the game controller, the projected switch is positioned in an area surrounded by the projected antenna.

[0356] According to the above configuration D8, the operation buttons can be arranged in an area where contactless communication is possible.

[0357] (Configuration E1) Housing and a vibrator disposed in the housing and vibrating in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction; The vibrator contacts the housing at least on a first surface corresponding to the first direction.

[0358] According to the above configuration E1, the vibrator is in contact with the housing at the first surface thereof, so that vibrations of the vibrator in the first direction can be easily transmitted to the housing, thereby improving the vibration experience of the user.

[0359] (Configuration E2) The game controller of configuration E1, wherein the vibrator contacts the housing on a first surface corresponding to the first direction and a second surface corresponding to the second direction.

[0360] According to the above configuration E2, the vibrator is in contact with the housing on its first and second surfaces, which makes it easier for the vibrations of the vibrator in the first and second directions to be transmitted to the housing, thereby improving the user's vibration experience.

[0361] (Configuration E3) The game controller of configuration E2, wherein the first surface is a surface substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the second surface is a surface perpendicular to the second direction.

[0362] According to the above configuration E3, the surface perpendicular to the vibration direction is in contact with the housing, so that the vibration of the vibrator can be easily transmitted to the housing.

[0363] (Configuration E4) The game controller of any of configurations E1 to E3, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular.

[0364] According to the above configuration E4, the game controller can be vibrated using vibrators that vibrate in directions perpendicular to each other, allowing the user to experience vibrations in different directions.

[0365] (Configuration E5) The game controller according to any one of configurations E1 to E4, wherein the first direction is essentially the left-right direction of the game controller when viewed from the front.

[0366] According to the above configuration E5, the game controller can be vibrated in the left-right direction, allowing the user to experience left-right vibrations.

[0367] (Configuration E6) The game controller according to any one of configurations E1 to E5, wherein the second direction is substantially the front-to-rear direction of the game controller when the game controller is viewed from the front.

[0368] According to the above configuration E6, the game controller can be vibrated in the front-rear direction, allowing the user to experience the vibration in the front-rear direction.

[0369] (Configuration E7) The game controller of any of configurations E1 to E6, wherein the vibrator is substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped.

[0370] According to the above configuration E7, for example, the vibrator can be brought into contact with the surface of the housing over a wider area, making it easier to transmit vibrations to the user.

[0371] (Configuration E8) The game controller of any of configurations E1 to E7, wherein the vibrator contacts a flat portion on the inner surface of the housing.

[0372] According to the above configuration E8, the vibrator is in contact with the flat surface of the housing, so the contact area can be increased, making it easier to transmit the vibration of the vibrator to the housing and the vibration to the user.

[0373] (Configuration E9) The housing has a first portion and a second portion that is thicker than the first portion, The game controller of any of configurations E1 to E8, wherein the vibrator contacts the first portion of the housing.

[0374] According to the configuration E9, the vibrator comes into contact with the thinner portion of the housing, so that the vibration of the vibrator can be easily transmitted to the housing, and the vibration can be easily transmitted to the user.

[0375] (Configuration E10) The game controller of any of configurations E1-E9, wherein the vibrator contacts a rib on the inner surface of the housing.

[0376] According to the configuration E10, the vibrator can be brought into contact with the rib portion (protrusion) inside the housing.

[0377] (Configuration E11) The game controller of any of configurations E1 to E10, wherein the vibrator is housed in a holder, and the holder is fixed to the housing.

[0378] According to the above configuration E11, the vibrator can be accommodated in the holder, and the holder can be fixed to the housing, thereby fixing the vibrator within the housing.

[0379] (Configuration E12) The game controller according to configuration E11, wherein the holder has a shape that covers at least a portion of the vibrator, and at least a surface that corresponds to the first surface of the vibrator is open.

[0380] According to the above-described configuration E12, the first surface of the vibrator can be exposed from the opening of the holder, and the other surfaces of the vibrator can be covered by the holder. Because the first surface of the vibrator is exposed from the opening of the holder and comes into contact with the housing, vibrations in the first direction can be easily transmitted to the housing, making it easier to transmit the vibrations to the user. On the other hand, because the other surfaces of the vibrator are covered by the holder, the vibrations of the vibrator can be absorbed by the holder and made less likely to be transmitted to the housing.

[0381] (Configuration E13) The game controller of any one of configurations E11 to E12, wherein the holder is formed from a resilient material.

[0382] According to the above configuration E13, the vibrator can be covered with a relatively soft material, and vibrations of the vibrator can be easily absorbed by the holder.

[0383] (Configuration E14) the game controller includes a first vibrator and a second vibrator as the vibrators; the first vibrator is capable of vibrating in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction; the second vibrator is capable of vibrating in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction; the housing has a left grip portion to be held by a user's left hand and a right grip portion to be held by a user's right hand, the first vibrator is disposed in the left grip portion, and the second vibrator is disposed in the right grip portion; the first vibrator contacts the left grip portion on a first surface corresponding to the first direction and a second surface corresponding to the second direction; The game controller of any one of configurations E1 to E13, wherein the second vibrator contacts the right grip portion on a first surface corresponding to the first direction and a second surface corresponding to the second direction.

[0384] According to the above-described configuration E14, the vibrators can be arranged on the left and right grip portions held by the user, allowing vibrations to be applied to the user's left and right hands, respectively. Furthermore, since the first and second surfaces of the vibrators contact the left and right grip portions, respectively, vibrations are easily transmitted to the left and right grip portions. Furthermore, since the left and right grip portions can be vibrated separately, left and right vibrations can be separated, allowing the user to experience various types of vibrations. Note that the expression "the first vibrator can vibrate in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction" means that the first vibrator itself can vibrate in two directions. Similarly, the expression "the second vibrator can vibrate in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction" means that the second vibrator itself can vibrate in two directions. When the game controller is used as a reference, depending on the orientation of the first vibrator and the second vibrator, the two vibration directions of the first vibrator may or may not coincide with the two vibration directions of the second vibrator.

[0385] (Configuration E15) The housing has a grip portion to be held by a user's hand, The game controller of any one of configurations E1 to E14, wherein the first surface of the vibrator contacts a first portion of the grip portion that is in contact with the user's palm.

[0386] According to the above configuration E15, by bringing the first surface of the vibrator into contact with the first portion of the grip portion, it is possible to facilitate transmission of vibrations of the vibrator in the first direction to the palm of the user.

[0387] (Configuration E16) the grip portion has a second portion different from the first portion; The first portion contacts a substantially central portion of a user's palm, and the second portion contacts a portion of a user's fingers. a second surface of the vibrator corresponding to the second direction contacts the second portion of the grip portion; The game controller of structure E15, wherein the resonant frequency of the vibration in the first direction is different from the resonant frequency of the vibration in the second direction.

[0388] According to the above configuration E16, it is possible to apply vibrations of different frequencies to the central part of the user's palm and to the finger parts, allowing the user to feel different types of vibrations depending on the part of the hand.

[0389] (Configuration E17) When the game controller is viewed from the front, the first direction is a substantial left-right direction of the game controller, and the second direction is a substantial front-back direction of the game controller, The game controller of any of configurations E1-E16, wherein a resonant frequency of vibration in the first direction and a resonant frequency fraction of vibration in the second direction are different.

[0390] According to the above configuration E17, the game controller can be vibrated at different resonance frequencies in the left-right direction and the front-back direction, allowing the user to feel different types of vibration in the left-right direction and the front-back direction.

[0391] (Configuration E18) The housing is composed of a main body housing and a grip portion to be held by a user's hand, The game controller of any of configurations E1 to E17, wherein at least the first surface of the vibrator is in direct contact with the grip portion.

[0392] According to the above configuration E18, the vibrator can be brought into direct contact with the grip portion of the housing, making it possible to easily transmit vibrations of the vibrator to the grip portion.

[0393] (Configuration E19) The game controller according to configuration E18, wherein the vibrator contacts the main body housing via a buffer member.

[0394] According to the above-described configuration E19, the vibrator is in direct contact with the grip portion and in contact with the main body housing via the buffer member, which makes it easier for the vibration of the vibrator to be transmitted to the grip portion and makes it harder for the vibration to be transmitted to the main body housing.

[0395] (Configuration E20) The game controller of any of configurations E1 to E19, wherein a resonant frequency of vibration in the first direction is different from a resonant frequency of vibration in the second direction.

[0396] According to the above configuration E20, the game controller can be vibrated at different resonance frequencies, allowing the user to feel vibrations at different resonance frequencies.

[0397] (Configuration E21) A game controller equipped with a vibrator, The vibrator has a first resonant frequency and a second resonant frequency different from the first resonant frequency.

[0398] According to the above configuration E21, the game controller can be vibrated at different resonance frequencies, allowing the user to feel vibrations at different resonance frequencies.

[0399] (Configuration E22) The game controller of configuration E21, wherein the vibrator is a linear vibration actuator.

[0400] According to the above configuration E22, a linear vibration actuator can be used as the vibrator that vibrates at different resonance frequencies, and the vibrator can be vibrated in a linear direction.

[0401] (Configuration F1) a housing having an opening; a key top of an operation button exposed through the opening and pressed by a user's finger; A light-emitting portion; a cylindrical light guide portion that guides light from the light emitting portion and surrounds the outer periphery of the key top; a light-shielding portion surrounding the outer periphery of the light-guiding portion; a switch disposed below the key top, The upper surface of the keytop and the upper surface of the light guiding portion are exposed through the opening.

[0402] According to the above-described configuration F1, the light guide portion is exposed from the opening of the housing and is surrounded by the light-shielding portion, which prevents light from leaking from the light guide portion and allows light to be guided to the surface of the housing, causing the operation button to emit light in, for example, a ring shape.

[0403] The light-shielding portion includes a member formed from a light-shielding material and a light-guiding portion coated with a light-shielding agent on its outer periphery.

[0404] (Configuration F2) The game controller of configuration F1, wherein the switch is located below the center of the keycap.

[0405] According to the above configuration F2, the switch is provided below the key top, so that the button structure can be simplified.

[0406] (Configuration F3) an elastic portion disposed below the key top and biasing the key top in a direction opposite to the pressing direction; The game controller of configuration F1 or F2, wherein the keytop contacts the switch via the elastic portion when the keytop is pressed.

[0407] According to the above configuration F3, the key top can be pushed up with a simple structure.

[0408] (Configuration F4) the elastic portion is formed of a light-guiding material, The game controller according to configuration F3, wherein the light-emitting unit is positioned below the elastic portion and overlaps the elastic portion.

[0409] According to the above configuration F4, even if the elastic portion is disposed at a position overlapping the light emitting portion, the elastic portion can transmit light from the light emitting portion and cause the light to be incident on the light guide portion.

[0410] (Configuration F5) The game controller of any one of configurations F1 to F4, wherein the light-shielding portion is cylindrical.

[0411] According to the above configuration F5, the cylindrical light guide portion can be covered with the cylindrical light blocking portion.

[0412] (Configuration F6) The game controller according to any one of configurations F1 to F5, wherein the light-emitting portion is disposed inside an area surrounded by the light-blocking portion.

[0413] According to the above configuration F6, it is possible to prevent light from the light emitting portion from leaking outside the light blocking portion.

[0414] (Configuration F7) The game controller according to any one of configurations F1 to F6, wherein a plurality of the light-emitting units are provided.

[0415] According to the above configuration F7, the light guide section can emit light while eliminating unevenness in the light.

[0416] (Configuration F8) The game controller according to any one of configurations F1 to F7, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the keytop.

[0417] According to the above configuration F8, the light emitting portions are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the key top, so that unevenness in light can be eliminated and the light guide portion can emit light uniformly.

[0418] (Configuration F9) A game controller according to any one of configurations F1 to F8, wherein the light-shielding portion is not exposed from the surface of the housing.

[0419] According to the above configuration F9, the light-shielding portion can be made less noticeable.

[0420] (Configuration F10) The game controller according to any one of configurations F1 to F9, wherein the light guide portion is not pressed in the pressing direction of the keytop even when the keytop is pressed.

[0421] According to the above configuration F10, it is possible to provide an operation button in which only the key top is pressed down and the surrounding light-emitting light guide portion is not pressed down.

[0422] (Configuration F11) The game controller of any one of configurations F1 to F10, wherein the switch and the light-emitting unit are disposed on a substrate provided within the housing.

[0423] According to the above configuration F11, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0424] (Configuration F12) The game controller of any of configurations F1 to F11, wherein an upper surface of the light guide is substantially flush with a surface of the housing.

[0425] (Configuration F13) The game controller of any of configurations F1 to F12, wherein the top surface of the keytop is substantially flush with the surface of the housing.

[0426] According to the above configurations F12 and F13, the operation button can be made substantially flat with the surface of the housing.

[0427] (Configuration F14) The game controller of any of configurations F1 to F13, wherein the operation button is a home button.

[0428] According to the above configuration F14, the home button can be illuminated. For example, the home button is used to perform operations different from normal game operations (for example, displaying a menu screen), and the area around such a home button can be illuminated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0429] 1 game controller 2a A button 2b B button 2x X buttons 2y Y button 22a, 22b, 22x, 22y switches 3a Minus button 3b Plus button 3c Capture button 3D Home Button 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d switches 4a left analog stick 4b Right Analog Stick 5 D-pad 6a L button 6b R button 7a ZL button 7b ZR button 71a, 71b protrusion 8a, 8b Grip section 10. Housing 10a 1st Housing 10b Second Housing 18a 1st grip part 18b Second grip part 20 First board 26 NFC antenna 30 Button Frames 40 Second board 50 Vibration Motor 51 Holder 90 Home button keycap 91 Light guide section 92 Light blocking section 94 Elastic Members 95 LED

Claims

1. A game controller comprising: a main body; a left grip portion extending downward from a lower left portion of the main body when viewed from the front; and a right grip portion extending downward from a lower right portion of the main body when viewed from the front; a left stick, a first button, and a second button are provided in a left area on a front surface of the main body at positions operable by the left thumb of a user when the user holds the left grip portion in his / her left hand; a third button, a fourth button, and a fifth button arranged vertically and horizontally in a right area on the front of the main body at positions that can be operated by the right thumb of the user when the user holds the right grip portion with his or her right hand; The first button is located to the upper right of the right end of the top surface of the left stick, The second button is located to the lower right of the first button, The fourth button is located above and to the left of the third button located on the left side of the four third buttons, The fifth button is located to the lower left of the fourth button, a protrusion amount of the second button from the surface of the main body is smaller than a protrusion amount of the first button from the surface of the main body, and a protrusion amount of the first button from the surface of the main body is smaller than a protrusion amount of the left stick from the surface of the main body; a game controller in which the fifth button protrudes from the surface of the main body by a smaller amount than the fourth button, and the fourth button protrudes from the surface of the main body by a smaller amount than the third button.

2. The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the first button protrudes from the surface of the main body by a smaller amount than the third button protrudes from the surface of the main body.

3. 3. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the first button and the fourth button protrude from the surface of the main body by the same amount.

4. The game controller according to claim 3 , wherein the second button and the fifth button protrude from the surface of the main body by the same amount.

5. the game controller includes a communication unit for performing short-distance wireless communication with an external device; a front surface of the main body portion having a communication area in which the short-range wireless communication can be performed when the external device is at least in contact with the surface, and an incommunication area in which the short-range wireless communication cannot be performed when the external device is in contact with the surface, The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein the communication area includes at least a part of an area surrounded by the first button, the second button, the fourth button, and the fifth button.

6. the main body is provided with an antenna for performing short-range wireless communication with an external device; 5. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein when the main body is viewed from the front, at least a portion of an operation surface of at least one of the first button, the second button, the fourth button, and the fifth button is located in an area surrounded by the antenna.

7. The game controller according to claim 6 , wherein when the main body is viewed from the front, the operation surface of the second button and the operation surface of the fifth button are entirely located in an area surrounded by the antenna.

8. the main body is provided with an antenna for performing short-range wireless communication with an external device; 5. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein when the main body is viewed from the front, an area surrounded by the first button, the second button, the fourth button, and the fifth button at least partially overlaps with an area surrounded by the antenna.

9. the main body is provided with switches that detect pressing of the first button, the second button, the fourth button, and the fifth button, 9. The game controller according to claim 6, wherein the antenna is provided closer to the rear surface of the main body than the switch.

10. 10. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the third button is a button used for a game operation, and the second button and the fifth button are buttons used for an operation other than the game operation.

Images