Nintendo patent application shows a dual-screen system that can be split into two parts

Details have emerged about an alleged series of patent applications filed by Nintendo in November 2022, revealing the concept for a new dual-screen gaming device concept that can be split into two parts. However, it is important to remember that even a granted patent – let alone applying for a patent – does not mean that a real product will ever see the light of day.

Shared on the World Intellectual Property Organization’s website (via ResetEra and first spotted by GameRant), Nintendo’s device is reminiscent of its DS and 3DS handheld consoles, which used a dual-screen setup for gaming on those systems. Depending on the application, the top and bottom halves can operate independently, something the DS and 3DS handhelds could not. When the two halves are closed, a screen is still visible from the outside.

“This electronic device consists of a first device and a second device,” the patent application states. “The first device and the second device can be detachably attached to each other. The first device has a first surface and a first display and a first connection unit positioned on the first surface. The second device has a second surface, a second display positioned on the second surface, a second rear surface located on the back of the second surface, and a second connection unit positioned on the second rear surface. “

It’s worth noting that Nintendo has filed several patents for new devices in the past, including an oval handheld device, and many of these ideas were never fully implemented beyond the application phase. For now, this could be another case of Nintendo future-proofing its technological breakthroughs if it ever decides to release a dual-screen handheld gaming console again.

What is known about the next Nintendo console is that the transition from the current Switch to its successor could potentially be smoother. Nintendo of America boss Doug Bowser has stated that the Nintendo Account system present on the Switch will carry over to everything Nintendo is said to be working on. Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa had also previously discussed this, stating that the next Nintendo console will use the same Nintendo Account system as the Switch. Whether that means Nintendo’s next system will support backwards compatibility with Switch games remains to be seen, however.

The company may have unveiled its new system to developers at Gamescom in August, and it has been reported that some studios may already have the console.