Nintendo has submitted a patent for a new controller it calls a "training implement, training system, and input device".

Patent drawings of Nintendo's new "training device".

An assortment of images from Nintendo's patent drawings.

Patent image showing a user performing a squat in front of a "portable terminal".

Spotted and documented by NeoGAF user Rösti , the controller resembles a horseshoe-shaped regular game controller (oddly, not dissimilar to Xbox 360's Wireless Speed Wheel ), but includes an accelerometer, gyrometer, temperature sensor and load sensor.Most likely, this is a fitness-focused peripheral, which fits into Nintendo's interest in creating "quality of life" products (last year, the company patented a ceiling projector "sleep monitor" ).Other diagrams in the WIPO patent filing show exercises utilising the controller, and what appears to be a grip-strengthening add-on.The patent describes the controller as being hollow, with the body made of an aluminium alloy. It would appear to be designed to link to a game or simulation, too - rough translations of the Japanese patent documents refer to "the game controller [communicating] with a game system".More interestingly, translations also allude to "portable terminals" that seem to be connected with using the device, as seen in the image below:Predictably, no specific mention is made as to whether the controller would connect to the upcoming Nintendo NX We can more or less rule out it being the NX's primary controller, however - with some industry insiders saying new console launches seem imminent , it's extremely unlikely Nintendo is patenting central implements this late in the day.

Joe Skrebels is IGN's UK News Editor, and he's going to Photoshop four of these babies onto a horse's legs as soon as possible. See the results on Twitter