A new patent filing from Nintendo could indicate that a potential DS app is on its way to the Nintendo Switch Online service. The patent, possibly related to Nintendo Switch Online, demonstrated that users could connect one or two Switch consoles wirelessly to emulate the DS’ dual-screen controls, or swap between the top and bottom DS screens via a controller input.
Originally released in 2004, the DS family of consoles is Nintendo’s best-selling system, having tallied over 154 million units sold as of 2016. The DS released several iterations over its lifespan, starting with the original “fat DS” model and later including the DS Lite and DSi systems. The DS was known for its two screens, with the bottom one having touch input controls. The original DS and DS Lite also included a Game Boy Advance cartridge slot for backward compatibility. The DS was also the home of two mainline Pokemon game generations, from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl to Pokemon Black 2 and White 2.
Nintendo Patent Could Lead to DS Games Coming to Switch Online
Although Nintendo has filed patents concerning DS-inspired systems, this latest finding could be its most practical to date. As reported by Twitter user Mike Odyssey, a Nintendo patent filing published on October 16 would allow users with one or two Switch consoles to play Nintendo DS games via three methods. The first method was described as a “parent-and-child” setup in Nintendo’s patent. In this scenario, a Switch “parent” unit would wirelessly connect to a second Switch console, which would become the “child” unit. The parent would become the DS’s top screen, and the child would act as the DS’s bottom screen for accessing touch controls. On paper, this method is similar to the Switch 2’s GameShare functionality, which allows a host console with a supported game to share it with nearby consoles, including ones that do not have the game in question.
Two other methods would require just one Switch console, as a Picture-In-Picture mode and a Switch Screen option were also listed in Nintendo’s patent. Both methods were previously utilized by the Wii U’s Virtual Console lineup, which allowed DS games to be played either on the TV or the Wii U GamePad. The Wii U Virtual Console also allowed users to prioritize which DS screen to control on the GamePad, and it was configurable on a per-game basis.
With the Nintendo Switch Online periodically adding games across multiple apps, the possibility of a Nintendo DS app would add more value to the service. Needless to say, any patent filings from Nintendo should be taken with a fine pinch of salt.
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Original Release Date
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June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$449.99
- Operating System
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Proprietary
- Resolution
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1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR Support
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Yes
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on June 5, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
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