Nintendo Switch 2 patent surely can’t be the system’s real design

Paper Mario looks at a Nintendo Switch 2 patent confused

Paper Mario looks at a Nintendo Switch 2 patent confused

A bizarre patent from Nintendo has been published, and it shows what many believe is the Switch 2. Its radical design changes have fans talking, as the joycon-free patent has switched many buttons' positions.

The internet has been filled with Switch 2 speculation since the original Switch launched in 2017. Nintendo's consoles always seem to shift their designs and priorities with each new release, but we may have seen a glimpse of the future with four drawings in a patent originally filed by the company in 2022.

There are some key differences between the designs seen in the patent and the Switch that fans are familiar with. The iconic joycons are missing - though they may be included in a separate unreleased patent - while the handheld features a bigger screen and rearranged buttons.

Switch 2 patent with several labelled sections
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Credit: Nintendo
Don't let the larger screen distract - several buttons have been moved

The displaced features have mostly been moved to the top and bottom sides of the console, with the front reserved for a joystick on the left and the A-B-X-Y buttons on the right. The screen is reportedly pressure-sensitive, providing an interesting foundation for gameplay mechanics in future Nintendo titles.

Nintendo Switch 2 patent bottom with ports, speakers, and home button
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Credit: Nintendo
Several ports and even the home button are present on the bottom of the console

The bottom of the console has become home to speakers, a USB-C port, and a button akin to the DualSense's Create button - this will supposedly let it capture screenshots and gameplay clips. The home button has also moved down here, likely to keep the front as minimalistic as possible.

Nintendo Switch 2 patent top with volume controls and power button
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Credit: Nintendo
The buttons at the top of the console have seen some rearranging

At the top of the console, you'll find the volume controls and power button. These have noticeably changed positions when compared to the original Switch, but the cartridge slot and headphone jack are still present. Many assume the Switch 2 will support backwards compatibility, and the similar designs seem to indicate this.

It's always possible that the design will evolve beyond this original patent, but for the time being it's provided plenty of excitement. We can't wait to see how the technology evolves - hopefully this one can handle the latest Mortal Kombat game a little better.