Hi everyone, this is my first post. I have followed this thread for quite a while and recently found a way to make a contribution.
I needed a refresher on one of the 3D modeling programs I use, so I decided to create a quick Switch 2 mock-up. My intent is outlined below the images:
1) Many design-oriented companies will revisit old concepts, whether re-imagining ideas that were implemented in past products or even looking for opportunities in the discard pile, and Nintendo is no exception. I set out to explore a fusion of Switch, Wii & 3D auto-stereoscopic display, while not veering too far from the initial Switch design
2a) I don’t care for the Joy-cons (in practice, great idea though). I feel them flexing when in handheld mode, and they are so diminutive that my hands cramp after a few hours. In tabletop mode or used as individual controllers the effect is even worse. Too small and not enough ergonomic design.
2b) Sliding the Joy-cons into place IS a satisfying experience; however, the way the controllers connect does not offer any lateral stability (which is why they flex). The thought here was to use magnets that connect all along the controller perimeter on two perpendicular surfaces. This would be akin to Apple’s MagSafe power bricks but with considerably more hold
3) Nintendo’s discarded concept of having a tablet screen with two adjacent Wii remotes has always been intriguing to me. The Wii remote always felt comfortable in hand, and the idea that you could have two identical controllers flanking the screen, interchangeable in either right or left position seemed like an apt way of advancing the controller concept
4) Face buttons, D-Pad, and Joystick would be modular; using similar magnetic tech mentioned in #2 to interchange and customize location in two possible areas on the controllers
5) I really loved the immersion created by the 3D effect on New 3DS and think now would be a great time to re-incorporate at a higher resolution and with the significant advancements in eye-tracking tech. the extent of what you see in the rendering above is just the inclusion of the dual front-facing cameras.
I honestly didn’t think about the dock design at all, but If I have more time in the future I may revisit that