Nintendo has filed a patent for what appears to be a new handheld device.

Figures showcasing handheld unit and speaker system

Figures showcasing game screen and weapon select interface

Handheld unit with traditional button layout

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The patent, which was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (spotted by Twitter user ZhugeEX ), is for a "handheld information processing apparatus" that has a single screen and some sort of touch interface. The unit also has built-in speakers that emit sound from the ends of the device, as well as a vibration system to provide a "higher sense of immersion."Several other images are contained in the patent, including one showcasing a game screen that features a button overlay, as well as one image for weapon selection, and another for text input.Another design included in the patent showcases a handheld unit that has Nintendo's traditional ABXY button layout, as well as a circle pad and d-pad.Nintendo is planning to release its next console, codenamed NX, in March 2017 . While the company has yet to detail what form the device will take, president Tatsumi Kimishima has said it will offer a "new way of playing games" and won't be a "pure replacement for the Wii U ."While some have speculated Nintendo is working on a brand-new handheld, prior rumors suggest Nintendo NX may use cartridges instead of discs.

Alex Osborn is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter and subscribe to him on YouTube