Nintendo has once again grabbed the spotlight with the recent public disclosure of a patent that was initially filed last November. The patent outlines the design of a dual-screen handheld gaming device with detachable screens, stirring curiosity and speculation among fans and industry analysts alike.
The newly-revealed design bears a resemblance to the Nintendo 3DS, but with an intriguing twist: it features two separate screens that can be detached, enabling wireless multiplayer gaming. This unique design prompts questions about Nintendo’s future plans and whether the company aims to introduce a fresh multiplayer experience.
Unlike some of Nintendo’s recent hybrid offerings, this patented device appears to be strictly handheld. According to the details released, there are “no hybrid capabilities,” ruling out the possibility of this device being a successor or a variant of the Nintendo Switch, which can be docked to play games on a TV.
One notable feature of the device is a screen that can “face out” even when folded. This raises practical concerns about the need for a protective case, as the outward-facing screen would be susceptible to damage.
The patent also provides technical details, specifying that each part has its “first surface, and a first display and a first connection unit” along with similar features for the second device. Two configurations allow the devices to be connected: one where the second device covers the first device’s screen, and another where it remains exposed.
The device’s design has led to ample speculation, but it’s “very unlikely” to be associated with the next iteration of the Nintendo Switch, according to analysts. This was further underscored by Nintendo’s recent developer presentations, where an enhanced version of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” was shown, presumably for future hardware.
It’s worth noting that patents don’t always translate into actual products. However, the innovative design and unique features of this dual-screen device have certainly piqued interest. With Nintendo’s history of game-changing devices, fans are eager to see what’s next, even if this particular design remains in the realm of possibility.