A recent update to a technology patent from Nintendo has reignited rumors of a potential 3-screen DS-style handheld gaming device, which could be produced and launched as an upgraded version of the Switch 2. While Nintendo has registered dozens of patents over the years that never came to fruition, this unexpected change to an old registration has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Early rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 designed like a DS gained traction in 2023, when a patent filing gave audiences an early look at a triple-screen device that resembled a larger DS handheld but with a third exterior screen. In spite of no official word from Nintendo on that filing, a recent update to the document's registration has once again fueled rumors of possible new hardware coming with a Nintendo gaming system.
Nintendo Switch 2 Could Come with a Phone Holder Attachment
Nintendo appears to be experimenting with an unusual console attachment that could theoretically allow for dual-screen gaming on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Patent Shows Switch x DS Hybrid
According to the now-updated patent registration, the vaguely named "Electronic Device" details a handheld system that would feature three separate screens, with one on the lower portion of the device and two on the upper portion. One of the upper screens would be displayed on the exterior of the handheld, while the other two would be on the interior, similar to older Nintendo DS handheld systems. Essentially, this patent would allow for a larger version of a DS with a third exterior touchscreen, offering a wider variety of potential gameplay mechanics and software implementations. Interestingly, the Electronic Device also shows a hinge between the upper and lower portions of the device that allows for the two halves to be separated, possibly allowing for one device to be shared by two people at the same time.
While the possibility of a Switch 2-sized DS hybrid gaming device may be very exciting, it is always key to remember that patent registrations, and even updates, are no guarantee that a product will be launched to the public. Numerous Nintendo gaming technology patents remain unreleased, though there have been several software and even hardware patents, such as OLED screens and mouse-control Joy-Con, that have been fully realized in recent years. Still, it remains to be seen if the Nintendo Switch 2 will ever get an upgraded DS-hybrid version that will be made available to the public.
Big-name companies like Nintendo often file a number of video game hardware patents and even a wide array of software registrations, largely to protect ideas that may or may not be utilized in the future. Even with patents receiving new updates, audiences will want to await any official announcements from Nintendo before jumping to any conclusions about these types of documents.
- Brand
- Nintendo