Recent months have seen growing rumors about a successor to the Nintendo Switch , and now, some intriguing Nintendo patent filings have come to light. These filings were originally submitted by the Japanese gaming company on November 11, 2022, and have recently become public on the ‘World Intellectual Property Organization’ website, as of October 26, 2023.
While it’s important to approach these discoveries with caution, one particular filing has ignited excitement among Nintendo enthusiasts. It describes a “dual-screen, detachable device” that bears some resemblance to the iconic Nintendo 3DS. The concept designs showcase this innovation, and here is the full description: the Nintendo Switch
“This electronic apparatus consists of a first device and a second device, which can be detached and attached to each other. The first device features a first surface with a first display and a first connection unit. The second device comprises a second surface with a second display, a second rear surface on the reverse side of the second surface, and a second connection unit on the second rear surface. The second connection unit can connect to the first connection unit in two orientations, the first orientation and the reverse of it. In the first connection state, where the second connection part is attached to the first connection part in the first orientation, the second rear surface covers the first display. In the second connection state, with the second connection part attached to the first connection part in the reverse orientation, the second rear surface does not cover the first display.”
These patent filings have sparked speculation about the potential direction Nintendo might take with its gaming hardware, and fans are eagerly awaiting any official announcements regarding a new gaming device.
Keep in mind that applications like these ones as well as patents don’t necessarily guarantee some sort of announcement or product in the future. Before the Switch launch, one Nintendo patent filing doing the rounds online showed a handheld system featuring an oval-shaped design with analog sticks coming out of the screen.