Nintendo NX release date, news & update: console may come with a 'freeform touchscreen display' & second screen [RUMORS]

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The Nintendo NX may come out with a freeform touchscreen display and have a second screen as the company files a patent that will possibly be used for the hybrid console.

The latest patent filed by Nintendo shows a controller device that has a freeform touchscreen display. It is elliptical in shape and takes up most of the front aside from the grips that it comes with. There is also a pair of shoulder buttons, but there are no traditional pushbuttons on it like on a console. The main screen is the display panel while the second screen is the touch panel.

The abstract for the patent is as follows:

"A non-limiting example information processing apparatus comprises a housing, and a first portion of the housing is formed in an elliptical form when viewing from the front. A display panel and a touch panel constitute one main surface of the first portion. Holes are formed in left and right end portions of the display panel and the touch panel, and two operation sticks are provided through the two holes. When viewing the first portion from the front, an area except key tops of the operation sticks becomes a display area."

It is unclear if the patent will be used for the Nintendo NX, but it could be possible as well. According to NZ Gamer, Nintendo has collaborated with Sharp to make the "free-form display" technology which is similar to the patent.

It has been previously rumored that the NX will be a hybrid game device with a part that can be detached and can be carried around. Wii U Daily notes a patent outline which shows just that with the game network having a console and a "supplemental computing device." The outlet adds that the patent application stated that the supplemental device may be able to support more than one console and the user that shares may be "compensated" if they agree.

For other features, International Business Times reports that AMD may possibly be the one creating the processor for the gaming device since the company has been making one for Wii U as well. The possibility may be true as the PS4 and Xbox One already use the same or similar AMD processors and if Nintendo NX is aiming to compete, it may be made with more advanced chips that are graphics-centered.

Nintendo has not released any definite news for the NX. Its launch date may not be anytime soon or next year as there is very little time to create games for the device. However, the company will be unveiling information about the device in 2016.