While we still wait on solid news about what the NX will look like and do, in spite of numerous well crafted fakes circulating recently, a discovered patent has revealed a snippet of information about the upcoming console.

Much like the Wii U, the NX will support the previous generation's accessories.  However, it will also support all previous Nintendo accessories from their back catalogue of home consoles.

Anyone that has held on to their beloved WaveBird, DK Bongos or SNES mouse will be pleased to hear they won't have to take part in the inevitable eBay bidding wars that will lead up to the release of the NX, which we're still anticipating to be released at the end of this year.

While the controls will primarily be used for Virtual Console games they can also be used for any games with simple control inputs if the developers allow for it.

The more unusual accessories will serve a variety of purposes.  The Expansion Pack that boosted the N64 will apparently allow you to stream two different games - one on the console and one on the controller - while R.O.B. will act as a personal assistant and information point much like the Amazon Echo.

At present it is mostly officially licensed accessories, but there's a few popular third party accessories in the list.  We expect that Nintendo will announce how all the accessories will work in the near future, but according to the patent the following will be compatible with the NX:

Wii U

• Wii U GamePad
• Wii U Pro Controller
• Amiibos
• Nintendo GameCube controller Adapter for Wii U
• Nintendo GameCube controller Super Smash Bros. Edition
• Wii U Microphone
• Wii U Game Pad High Capacity Battery
• Official Nintendo Wii U Licensed Stereo Chat Headset
• HORI Pokken Tournament Pro Pad Limited Edition Controller

Wii

• Wii Remote
• Wii Nunchuck
• Wii Remote Plus
• Wii MotionPlus
• Wii Remote Jacket
• Wii Wrist Strap
• Wii Remote Rechargeable Battery
• Wii Sensor Bar
• Wii Vitality Sensor
• Wii Zapper
• Wii Wheel
• Wii Classic Controller
• Wii Classic Controller Pro
• Wii Balance Board
• Wii Speak
• Wii LAN Adaptor
• Wii Steering Wheel
• Wii Blaster
• Wii SD Memory Cards
• Wii Lens Cleaning Kit
• GameCube Controller for Wii
• We Sing Microphone
• We Dance Mat
• Speedlink Light Sword
• CTA Dumbell Set
• PopStar Guitar AirG
• Fighting Stick Wii
• Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom Arcade Fightstick
• Pair and Go 8 in 1 Soft Sports Olympics Kit
• Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller
• Guitar Hero World Tour Drum Kit
• DJ Hero Turntable
• Neo Geo Stick 2
• Wii jOG
• Wii Fitness First Controller Grip with Pedometer
• TaTaCon
• Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Wii Remote
• The Shaft
• Sonic Wii Remote Charger
• Impact Double Lightsword Set
• Sports Pack
• Samba de Amigo Maracas
• Wii Inflatable Racing Kart with Steering Wheel

GameCube

• GameCube Controller
• GameCube Memory Card 59
• GameCube Memory Card 251
• GameCube Memory Card 1019
• WaveBird
• GameCube-Game Boy Advance Cable
• GameCube Modem Adaptor
• GameCube Broadband Adaptor
• GameCube Microphone
• Game Boy Player
• Hori Game Boy Player Controller
• DK Bongos
• Dance Dance Revoltuion: Mario Mix Action Pad
• MC Groovz Dance Craze Beat Pad
• ASCII Keyboard Controller
• Logitech Speed Force Racing Wheel
• Freeloader
• Mayflash Cub Joy Box
• Hip Screen

Nintendo 64

• Nintendo 64 Controller
• Nintendo 64 Controller Pak
• Nintendo 64 Rumble Pak
• Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak
• Nintendo 64 Jumper Pak
• Nintendo 64 Transfer Pak
• 64DD
• Mario Artist: Paint Studio Mouse
• Glove Controller
• Wide-Boy64
• Voice Recognition Unit
• Cleaning Kit
• Bio Sensor
• Tilt Pak
• GB Hunter
• N64 Passport
• Mad Katz Steering Wheel
• Tristar 64
• High Rez Pack
• Nyko Hyper Pak Plus

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

• SNES Controller
• Super Scope
• SNES Mouse
• Super Advantage
• Super Multitap
• Super Multitap 2
• Super Game Boy Adaptor Cartridge
• XBAND
• Game Doctor
• Super Wildcard
• Satellaview
• Mega-CD

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

• NES Controller
• NES Controller 2
• Famicom Controller
• Zapper Light Gun
• R.O.B.
• NES Advantage
• NES Max
• NES Four Score
• Hands Free Controller
• NES Lockout
• Power Pad
• Satellite
• Freedom Pad
• Famicom Data Recorder
• Famicom Light Gun
• Famicom 4-Players Adaptor
• Family Computer Disck System
• Famicom 3D System
• Power Glove
• Family BASIC Keyboard
• Magic Key
• LaserScope
• Pro Beam Light Gun

The patent indicates that third parties will be able to make their accessories compatible, meaning we could see even more by the time the NX is out.  However it does specify that the NGamer Wii Wheel will not be compatible "because it is a piece of garbage".  Strong words from a patent but it seems Nintendo isn't a fan of the £7 piece of plastic.

Let us know what you think of Nintendo's ambitious backwards compatibility plan and which of the accessories you already own.

Update: Yes obviously this was an April Fools (that was leaked early because of our blasted RSS feed!), but hopefully it inspired some  people to dig out their Power Gloves.