Nintendo NX is the codename of the rumored upcoming console from the Japanese company. Nintendo has remained largely silent but its recently filed patent has shed some light on what kind of console can be expected.

Nintendo recently filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The application is for a hand-held information processing apparatus. The Inquisitr believes that the patent application is a preparatory step before Nintendo unveils its latest console.

Several of the diagrams showed the front and perspective view of the console. The application also described how and where the speakers will be placed and arranged inside the housing. From the looks of the drawings, it seems that this upcoming console has a touch control screen.

The drawings also showed a picture demo on how to play the game. The console can emit vibrations in order to better "immerse" the player to the game. An image of the screen showed how a player can manipulate the character in the game. Another image showed the interface in selecting items or weapons and how to input choices. There is also a diagram on how to input text on this particular console.

Another diagram shows handheld console with standard buttons and controls of a 3DS. However, the new console is sporting a single screen instead of the dual screen of the 3DS. There are also rumors that the Nintendo NX will not use discs but cartridges instead.

There are speculations that Nintendo is planning to replace the five-year-old 3DS with the NX. This has not been confirmed but the 3DS technology is now showing its age. A new sleek design and updated handheld console can help Nintendo capture or at least maintained its market share in this market.

Nintendo however, has announced that gamers can expect the new NX to be out by March of next year, according to IGN.