Japan Patent Office Archives

The gaming community is buzzing with speculation after the Japan Patent Office published a new filing from Nintendo. Spotted initially by GameRant, the patent could be our first glimpse into what the next generation of the Nintendo Switch might look like. Although patents don't always lead to actual products, the timing and specifics are causing both excitement and debates among fans. The General Design Elements The patent was filed in late 2022 but only recently made public. In the drawings accompanying the filing, Nintendo appears to be shifting away from the familiar design of the existing Switch model. The current Switch features two four-button arrays, two joysticks, and several other buttons including a home and screenshot button. Interestingly, the new patented design significantly simplifies the input layout. In place of the multitude of controls, the device in the patent showcases a relatively smooth face with just one four-button array and a single joystick. Reconfigured Inputs and Ports Not only is the new design considering a simplified face, but it's also rethinking the placement of other inputs and ports. For example, the power button and the volume rocker have swapped positions compared to the current Switch model. The screenshot button has moved to the bottom of the console, and the USB-C charging port is now located on the side of the device. Despite these changes, the console maintains a headphone jack and a cartridge slot, alleviating concerns about the exclusion of wired headphones and physical media. The Enigma of Detachable Controllers A particularly intriguing aspect of the patent is its ambiguity about detachable controllers, commonly known as Joy-Cons. The drawings don't make it clear whether the new design includes these detachable elements, assumes they are detached, or dispenses with them entirely. GameRant's interpretation leans toward a Switch Lite-like device that cannot be disassembled for TV play. However, given the flat sides shown in the patent, it's also plausible that the new design could support detachable controllers. Speculation and Reality While the gaming community is eagerly dissecting every detail of the patent, it's crucial to remember that companies often file patents without turning them into actual products. The patent may or may not manifest as the "Switch 2," as fans have colloquially termed it. As the original Nintendo Switch nears its seventh year in the market, it's natural for speculation to run high, but it's essential to note that few features are guaranteed. Final Thoughts This newly revealed patent from Nintendo raises several questions about the future of the Switch console. The design changes, if implemented, could redefine how players interact with the device. It also opens a dialogue about the company's direction in merging or diverging from the existing models like the Switch and Switch Lite. As the gaming world watches, only time will reveal the real implications of this patent. Also Read:

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Japan Patent Office

Nintendo’s New Patent: What It Reveals About the Potential Switch 2