Summary
Nintendo might be exploring the idea of a smartphone holder attachment for theSwitch 2, according to some newly surfaced patent documentation reviewed by Game Rant. While the patented concept could potentially allow for even wider applications, it’s unclear if it was actually developed with theSwitch 2in mind.
Nintendo announced the Switch 2on January 16, committing to releasing it in 2025. The company’s reveal trailer outlined the overall design of the device and some of its features, such as magnetic Joy-Cons and backward compatibility support. However, many details remain unknown, including plans for official Switch 2 accessories. More information is expected to be revealed during the early April 2025 Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.
In the meantime, Nintendo has recently patented a unique console attachment that might hint at itsaccessory plans for the Switch 2. The concept is described as a coupling structure comprising two apparatuses that can rotate around a magnetic connection point. The patent documentation reviewed by Game Rant specifically mentions a mobile phone holder as one potential apparatus that would be compatible with Nintendo’s design. But the patent itself is much broader in scope, even though it doesn’t go into many more details regarding potential applications.
Nintendo’s New Connection Structure Patent
The ability to hold and rotate a phone relative to a console could potentially allow for dual-screen gaming using multiple devices. The Switch maker has thoroughly explored dual-display experiences across multiple console generations, spanning the DS, 3DS, and Wii U. More recently, in 2023, Nintendo patented adual-screen gaming device that looks similar to the 3DS, except that it can be split into two.
The company’s newly emerged patent mentions bedclothes fitting instruments among its potential applications, suggesting that the central connection mechanism could even be used for securing objects to soft materials. Its broad design also leaves room for a modular accessory system, enabling various devices to attach to a console magnetically. A general-purpose console stand would be another possible use of the technology.
The mere existence of this patent doesn’t guarantee it will ever be commercialized. According to a recent report by GreyB, 2024 was Nintendo’s least productive year in terms of patents in over a decade, yet it still saw the company secure 154 of them, while filing for dozens of others. In a typical year, Nintendo averages around 270 patent filings, many of which are never commercialized directly. That notwithstanding, some official information on the company’s next-gen console accessories could arrive as early as April 2, when thefirst Switch 2-centric Nintendo Directwill take place.
