A recent patent filed by Nintendo suggests that the company could be working on a new dual-screen device that separates into two consoles.
Nintendo fans predict that this patent could have something to do with the Switch 2, which has been rumoured to be on the way.
A recent patent suggests the Switch 2 could have more similarities to previous consoles than initially expected
According to GameRant, Nintendo has recently filed a patent for a handheld device with a detachable second screen.
Naturally, the clamshell design has reminded a lot of Nintendo fans of the DS series of consoles, which have recently suffered after the loss of the eshop.
It seems like the patented device will allow two gamers to play together wirelessly by separating the two halves of the console.
Alternatively, players may be able to use both halves in a similar manner to how the DS was used, with the top screen showing different content to the bottom.
A third screen on the top of the console may also allow players to play solo with only one screen, even when the device is closed.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that Nintendo will ever produce or sell the patented product, but the dual screens could allow for many DS and potentially even 3DS games to see the light of day once again if it was made.
Nintendo fans predict the device could have something to do with the future of the Switch
While some people feel quite strongly that the new Switch could be named Switch DS, assuming the patent comes to be, there are several other name ideas which have been raised. Both Switch U and Switch Split have been suggested online.
However, many people are sceptical that the patent could impact the Switch 2, especially since it has only just been finalised.
On the GameFAQs forum, one user pointed out that the Switch 2 is probably almost ready to be released, stating: “If they’re just patenting this now, it’s not gonna be on the Switch 2. Switch 2 hardware has likely been mostly finalised by this point.”
This has not stopped users hoping that a DS-Switch hybrid could happen in the future which brings the clamshell, dual-screen design to the Switch’s size and power.
Given the rumours that a Switch 2 device was shown behind closed doors at Gamescom, it is highly likely that the recent patent has nothing to do with the successor to the popular console.
Instead, if it ever does come to fruition, it will likely be for a future release that we haven’t even started thinking about.
