Never run out of controllers again – patent teases possible Switch 2 feature
Four players, but only three controllers — a scenario all too familiar to console gamers. A recently published patent from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reveals a potential solution that could eliminate controller shortages for Nintendo Switch users.
The patent outlines a system allowing smartphones to serve as controllers. By scanning a QR code shown on the TV screen, players can link their phones directly to the console. This innovation could not only compensate for missing controllers but also enable larger multiplayer sessions than what Joy-Cons (priced at $78 on Amazon) and Pro Controllers (priced at $76 on Amazon) currently allow. Additionally, smartphones might function as secondary screens, unlocking new possibilities for local multiplayer gameplay.
Notably, the patent does not explicitly suggest this feature is tied to a potential Switch 2. The accompanying illustration depicts a standard Nintendo Switch. However, with the anticipated release of Nintendo’s next console expected by March 2025, it’s plausible the company may hold back such features for the future.
The patented technology was developed by Ikki Niwa and Yusuke Akifusa, both closely tied to Nintendo. Niwa contributed as a game designer for Nintendo Switch Sports, while Akifusa’s portfolio includes work on titles like Pokémon Stadium 2 and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. He also served as director for applications such as Nintendo 3DS Sound and Nintendo 3DS Camera. Although Nintendo has made no official statements, it seems likely the company played a direct role in the development.
On Reddit, many users see the potential for smartphones to transform local multiplayer gaming. However, some are skeptical, fearing the feature might end up as a mere gimmick, much like the Wii U’s second screen. For now, it remains uncertain whether this innovation will make its way to the anticipated successor of the Nintendo Switch (priced at $299 on Amazon).
