A recently discovered patent from Nintendo suggests something much more exciting though. Perhaps the company is already lining up to launch some kind of Nintendo DS games expansion to its Nintendo Switch Online service! Excitement is already sky-high with rumors swirling around an upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This new console could even feature a special accessory that allows you to recreate the handhelds’ widely adored dual-screen setup.
The Nintendo DS, lauded for its ground-breaking stylus controls on its touch-based lower screen, made playing many games an entirely new experience. This design delivered a more interactive experience, which has been essential for many games and functions to offer intuitive touch controls. In fact, the DS family of consoles—including the DSi, DS Lite, 2DS, and 3DS—were very much stylus forward. This feature quickly became a hallmark of the series.
Patent Details
Just a week ago on September 4th, a new patent describing a possible holster-like accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2 was published. The accessory is rumored to be a second screen attachment. This handheld is supposed to be a revival of the much adored dual-screen experience that Nintendo DS users savored. Adding a second screen, like the original Nintendo DS, would dramatically enhance gameplay. It can help revitalize retro titles on a new platform or format.
Nintendo’s Switch consoles have, up till now, only had a single screen. With the release of this accessory, it seems that the company wants to expand them further. The patent highlights some of the design features behind the Switch 2. It has a USB-C port on the top edge, along with a vent, a 3.5mm microphone input jack and dedicated power switch. Together, these features represent a new, optimized design for this new device.
Implications for Retro Gaming
Fans and industry analysts speculate about what this means for the future of retro gaming on the Nintendo Switch Online service. The inclusion of Nintendo DS games would not only appeal to nostalgic players but introduce a new generation to iconic titles. The potential for additional retro console platforms such as the 3DS and possibly even the Wii U further enhances the allure of this announcement.
The patent suggests that Nintendo is considering a strategy to revitalize interest in its older games by leveraging modern technology. By recreating the DS magic on the Switch 2, it would pull in both lapsed players and new players together. Such a move would align with Nintendo’s commitment to preserving its gaming legacy while innovating for contemporary audiences.
What Lies Ahead
As you can imagine, Nintendo fans are going buzzard crazy as they speculate about the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and its whacking new accessory. An official release date has not yet been confirmed. What a lot of people are hoping is that this patent indicates serious and concrete plans from Nintendo to go big online. Subclassing these DS games as their own available-on-demand subscription catalog through Switch Online could be a watershed moment for retro gaming enthusiasts.
