Detachable Controller Layout for Portable and Console Play

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable information processing devices lack versatility in usage modes, limiting their functionality and user experience.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system comprising a main unit and detachable controllers that can be used in both portable and console-type configurations, allowing image display on the main unit or a separate display device like a TV, with controllers that can be attached and detached for various input methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the device is designed as a portable information processing device with integrated display and operation sections, then portability and compactness are improved, but usage versatility and functionality are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidusage modes
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable components: a main body unit and detachable controller units. The main body contains the display and processing sections, while controllers contain operation sections. This segmentation allows the device to function as a compact portable unit when components are integrated, and as a versatile console-type system when controllers are detached and used separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device configuration is made dynamic through detachable connections between the main body and controllers. Users can switch between integrated portable mode and separated console mode according to usage needs, transforming the device from a fixed configuration to an adaptable system that changes structure based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the device is designed for portable use with integrated components, then ease of carrying is improved, but operational versatility and input method diversity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidinput methods
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The main body unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a portable display device when used alone and as a base station for console-type operation when controllers are attached. The controllers serve dual purposes as both input devices and portable game pads, providing universal functionality across different usage modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By separating operation sections into detachable controllers, the device enables diverse input methods including button presses, analog stick operations, and directional controls that would be impractical in an integrated portable design. This segmentation preserves portability while adding operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If detachable controllers are added to enable console-type operation, then usage versatility is improved, but device complexity and structural requirements are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage modesVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Connection terminals serve as intermediaries between the main body and controllers, enabling detachable attachment while maintaining electrical and data connections. These terminals facilitate the transition between portable and console modes without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the core device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4212221B1Information processing system, information processing device, controller device and accessory
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP4212221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4212221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4212221B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example information processing system includes a main unit, a first controller device and a second controller device. The main unit includes a display. The first controller device is configured for removable attachment to the main unit, and the first controller device is configured to transmit first operation data representing an operation performed on the first controller device to the main unit, irrespective of whether the first controller device is attached to the main unit. The second controller device is configured for removable attachment to the main unit, and the second controller device is configured to transmit second operation data representing an operation performed on the second controller device to the main unit, irrespective of whether the second controller device is attached to the main unit. The main unit displays, on the display, an execution result of an information process based on the first and the second operation data.