Nintendo has filed a listing of what looks to be a new wireless controller under the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It’s too early to tell what it could mean for the company’s future console plans, but there’s a couple possibilities that would make sense—including the possibility of it being a new Pro Controller to go with the OLED version of the Switch.
We don’t know too much so far besides a few details, as Nintendo submitted a “180-day request for confidentiality” to the FCC on 26 July—hiding more details of the device, like photos and actual schematics. But the details we do know include that the device is wireless and uses Bluetooth, and it appears to draw more power at 3.5mW than the Joy-Con’s 2.7mW.
According to Nintendo’s listing under FCC, the new device has received the model number HAC-043. The model number is one model number higher than Nintendo’s wireless SNES controller from 2019. This resulted in some speculation that the new controller could replicate an old console’s controller, like what the wireless SNES controller did for the SNES. So, perhaps Nintendo is planning to release a wireless controller for the N64 or the GameCube.
Another possibility is that it might mean a new Pro Controller would be released to go with the OLED Nintendo Switch, which will be releasing in October. Nintendo has not revealed any added information about their Joy-Cons that would come with the OLED Switch. But since they’re usually coming up with the unexpected, these speculations might not even be in the eye of the target.
Not too long ago, Nintendo announced that they finally added Bluetooth audio for the Switch in a new software update. This means that the consoles have already had this ability—they just didn’t want to enable it until now. That’s so Nintendo!
