Force feedback and rumble heading to the next DS?

Nintendo has filed a patent for a new force feedback system which has sparked speculation that the next DS handheld console will have rumble features.

The patent, which is an add-on to one previously filed in 2005, seemingly shows the new design to deliver a vibration to the gamer through the DS stylus.

“A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a touch panel is placed on a top surface of the LCD. A player instructs an enemy character displayed on the LCD by use of a stick to attack the enemy character. For example, in a case that the enemy character exists at a depth of a game screen, little damage is applied to the enemy character, and a weak vibration is applied to the game apparatus,” the patent reveals.

“Conversely, in a case that the enemy character exists at a front of the game screen, much damage is applied to the character, and a strong vibration is applied to the game apparatus. In either case, the vibrations are transmitted to the fingers or hands of the payer via the stick,” it concludes.

You can read the whole patent in full here.

So, rumble in your next Nintendo handheld, eh? I lose enough of the styluses as it is without them shaking out of my hand all the time, but what do you lot think? Let us know.

Via: Kotaku