Nintendo has been surrounded by mystery about its upcoming new device. The speculation has now made fans eagerly expect the release of a highly successful Nintendo Switch successor. But that may not be the case.
It is because a recent FCC filing suggests that Nintendo is working on another intriguing device, CLO-001. This mysterious wireless device isn't a console or a controller but a standalone gadget with unique capabilities.
The FCC Filing and What It Reveals
Nintendo's FCC filing provides minimal information about this new device. The only notable detail is that it is listed as a wireless device, not a gaming console or controller like Nintendo's iconic Joy-Cons.
Its model number, CLO-001, suggests it's the first in a new series. This hints that the device isn't part of the Switch family.
Diagrams in the FCC filing revealed that the device has a square-like shape with rounded corners, and the FCC label will be placed at the bottom. The most crucial reveal by these documents is that it does not have a built-in battery and operates only when plugged in via a USB. None of these specs point toward it being a successor to the current Switch console.
Wireless Technology and Sensor Capabilities
Another tidbit about the mystery device is its lack of wireless capabilities. The Verge says it does not have 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, it does support a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio and a 24 GHz mmWave sensor.
The 24 GHz mmWave sensor is fascinating. It can detect movements very precisely, opening up possibilities like motion tracking and gesture control. This technology has been used in other devices, like the Google Pixel 4, to enable motion-sensing abilities and detect proximity.
This sensor could let the device recognize user movements or nearby objects up to a hundred meters away.
Potential Uses: Gesture Control or AR Integration?
Given the specs, this new device could be a gaming or entertainment accessory. With Nintendo's legacy of motion controls from the Wii, it could also be a new gesture-control interface.
Alternatively, it could also be part of an AR system to enhance real-world interaction with virtual environments. While these ideas are speculative, they align with Nintendo's history of experimenting with new and conventional gaming experiences.