Nintendo patent shows Switch connectivity with smartphones for a multitude of uses

The wild world of Nintendo patents is the gift that keeps on giving. Patents from the Big N pop up quite frequently, and you never know if you’re getting a glimpse at what’s next from Nintendo, or a project that never releases to the public. Well, it’s time to hedge your bets once again, as yet another interesting patent has surfaced, and this one might bring back memories of the Wii U.

Nintendo has filed a patent that basically connects what looks to be a Switch to multiple smartphones. This would let the Switch connect with smartphones for a variety of uses, including virtual controllers, second screens, remote play and more.

The patent involves the Switch showing a QR code that can be scanned by smartphones, which then connects them to whatever software is running on the Switch. Once tethered, the options for what a smartphone can be used for in conjunction with Switch software is near limitless, with the uses restrained by nothing more than a developer’s imagination.

This wouldn’t be Nintendo’s first foray into second-screen gaming, as they certainly tried a spin on that idea with the Wii U. That didn’t exactly pan out, but with this patent, it’s clear Nintendo still sees a lot of opportunity left in second-screen gaming. On top of that, it’s much easier to get people to connect a smartphone and use it for gameplay than it was trying to explain the Wii U GamePad to newcomers.

Will this patent see the light of day as an actual feature for Switch or its successor? Only time will tell, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.