Nintendo's New Dual-Screen Gaming Patent: What We Know

Nintendo is no stranger to innovation in the gaming world. The latest discovery from the company indicates they might be exploring a dual-screen gaming device that has the unique capability to split in two.

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Intricate Details of the New Patent

Per Gamerant, the patent, at a first glance, looks reminiscent of the Nintendo 3DS, but with a unique twist. This device can be divided in two, enabling wireless gaming between two players. Even when the console is closed, an exterior touchscreen provides an interactive element, enhancing the overall user experience.

Nintendo Handheld Patent - Figure 1 | Image: Nintendo

Relation to the Anticipated Nintendo Switch 2

The gaming community is abuzz with anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2. And with every patent or potential leak from the company, the excitement and speculation only grow.

Nintendo Handheld Patent - Figure 25 | Image: Nintendo

It's well-known that the Switch has dominated as one of Nintendo's most triumphant creations, holding strong for over six years. This recent patent has fueled curiosity about how this new device fits into Nintendo’s upcoming hardware roadmap.

As expected, Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the next-gen "Nintendo Switch 2" console - even as rumors have continued to increase throughout the year. Last month, the game maker reportedly offered a sneak peek during Gamescom into the highly anticipated console. Prior to that, there was even news of game developers beginning to receive development kits for the Switch 2.

Speculation on Bringing DS Games to Switch Online

A noteworthy aspect of this patent is the potential integration with the Nintendo Switch Online library. If this innovative dual-screen device becomes a reality, it could pave the way for numerous essential DS games to be added to the online collection.

However, it's crucial to understand that a patent doesn't always guarantee a commercial product. Big corporations, including Nintendo, regularly patent potential innovations, safeguarding their ideas even if they don’t immediately or ever translate into purchasable products.

TLDR: Take this information with a grain of salt. Nothing is promised; however, it can potentially be an indicator of the type of console model Nintendo is leaning towards as we look towards the future.

The Handheld Dimension and Hybrid Model Success

The patent seemingly describes a purely handheld device. With the original Switch, Nintendo successfully blended the realms of handheld and home consoles, given its hybrid nature. As we know, Nintendo claims the Nintendo Account system is the key to providing a seamless shift from the current gen to next-gen gaming.

Recently, Nintendo of America's President, Scott Bowser, had this to say regarding the Nintendo Account System:

"In the past, every device we transitioned to had a whole new account system. Creating the Nintendo Account will allow us to communication with our players if and when we make a transition to a new platform, to help ease that process or transition."

This suggests that the successor might not deviate drastically from the current Switch model. The resounding success of the hybrid model further reinforces this belief, making it hard to imagine Nintendo moving away from it completely.

Nintendo's Legacy of Innovation

Nintendo is renowned for its innovative approaches and thinking beyond conventional boundaries. Predicting their next move is a challenge, given their history of unveiling unexpected yet groundbreaking products. With this in mind, a detachable 3DS-like device feels right in line with the surprises Nintendo has been known to present.

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