Could Nintendo be thinking about producing a new type of Joy-Con controller for the Nintendo Switch? A recently filed patent seems to suggest that this is the case, although this new model wouldn't really allow players to attach it to the console itself.
While the patent was filed in May of 2018, it was actually registered worldwide in April of this year, and it shows some designs of a Joy-Con controller that features four buttons, one analogue stick, and two shoulder buttons; no capture, + and -, or home buttons in sight.
The design itself is veyr restricting, since the images suggest that it can only be used in an upright positiong, unlike the original Joy-Con controllers that can be used as a mini controller; each with four directional buttons, a + or - button, SR and SL shoulder buttons, and one analogue stick.
These images also suggest that this could end up being a budget Joy-Con controller; no capture or home buttons, no infrared sensor, and it is possible that it doesn't even feature an NFC reader or HD rumble.
If this were the case, and Nintendo were to sell them individually, it would be great for those with a broken Joy-Con to purchase another one without having to buy them in pairs. Could this be synched as either a left or right Joy-Con? A standalone, budget Joy-Con definitely sounds appealing if so.
It is worth mentioning that video game companies are constantly filing these sorts of patents, but they don't always end up being produced — as these are only ideas they have that companies don't want others registering before they do, and this standalone Joy-Con seems to fit that category.