Nintendo can be secretive when it comes to upcoming projects, be it hardware or software. Just ask fans waiting for an update on the next Mario Kart. And although it usually keeps its community in complete secrecy until the right moment, sometimes tiny details slip through. That’s exactly the case with the latest Nintendo leak.

A Twitter user recently came across a peculiar patent filed by the Japanese video game giant. Although it is too early to draw conclusions fans have spotted some peculiar similarities between the patent and a legacy portable console.

Twitter user finds a mysterious Nintendo patent

Being the massive company it is, Nintendo has filed several prominent patents in its lifetime. The most famous example of this is the trusty D-Pad. Although the patent itself has expired, the evergreen tech continues to be a major part of the modern gaming industry. A more infamous example would be the Sanity system, a mechanic which jumbles the player experience depending on, you guessed it, their sanity.

However, this recent patent is a little different. It pertains to some variation of a controller that differs from existing Nintendo offerings. Significantly, the patent was reportedly filed in the summer of last year, but nothing has come of it yet. Could this be the design for the Switch pro controller? Is Nintendo doing an N64 throwback? It’s hard to say with no substantiated claims.

It is important to note that patents do not always result in a finished product. Case in point, the Sanity system, which is yet to find an implementation in a Zelda game. But it shows what ideas the company deems important enough to secure.

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The patent showcases a controller design that many have likened to the N64 controller; however, with significant differences. It lacks the typical prongs, Z trigger, and some of the face buttons. But the resemblance to the 1996 controller is uncanny. And netizens have noticed.

Comfort is a priority.

Game Boy Advance for NSO confirmed?

A fair question.

Some heavy design inspiration for sure.

Until more details arrive, it is hard to confirm what purpose the design might serve. However, there’s no denying that the discovery has led to some excited reactions from the community. Are you intrigued by the design?

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Tell us in the comments below.