Nintendo is no stranger to innovating with its game systems. The 3DS handheld provides glasses-free 3D (though the feature hasn’t seen much use); the Wii introduced effective motion-based gaming to the masses; and the Wii U utilizes a tablet-like GamePad that works in conjunction with a system. Now Nintendo could very well take gaming to a new level with an unusual screen technology..
Polygon has reported that the video game giant is looking into purchasing “free-form” LCD-based screens from Sharp for use with a future device (possibly a new console), based on a previous report from the Japan Times. This technology allows displays in unusual shapes beyond the usual rectanges we’ve come to expect from smartphone and television screens. With that technology, the displays could be used in a number of unique places, including car dashboards, as the illustration from Sharp shows.
The technology was introduced earlier this year, and since that time has been making waves, despite not having a specific release date for the market. With Nintendo’s involvement, we may see Sharp’s free-form display technology come to market in a consumer device sometime next year.
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed any plans yet, although it’s certainly been on the move with the introduction of new gadgets this year that would be in line with what Sharp is putting together. The company revealed a modified version of its 3DS handheld back in August with a second analog stick, more refined 3D movement (based on the location of the player) and a stronger processor. Nintendo also discussed a sleep monitoring device in October, a part of its new “Quality of Life” initiative.
More confirmation is likely to come next year, perhaps even as soon as the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Sharp is likely to be in attendance. For now, though, one can’t help but wonder what Nintendo could do with technology like this – and how effectively it would work for a Mario game. It’s not obvious how a non-rectangular display could affect game play, though it could help make a device more ergonomic or at least more unusual in its form factor.
