Patent WO2023203801 – Electronic Apparatus filed last year in November might not seem like much when you just read it out like that, but it definitely sounds more exciting if I tell you that it’s a dual-screen device filed by Nintendo.
There’s a little more to it than just “dual-screen”, though, according to the patent description. This device is designed to be split into two for on-the-go, two-player gaming sessions.
The full description reads:
This electronic apparatus comprises a first device and a second device. The first device and the second device can be detachably attached to each other. The first device has a first surface, and a first display and a first connection unit which are positioned on the first surface. The second device has a second surface, a second display that is positioned on the second surface, a second rear surface that is on the reverse side from the second surface, and a second connection unit that is positioned on the second rear surface. The second connection unit can be connected to the first connection unit in a first orientation or in a second orientation that is the reverse from the first orientation. When in a first connection state in which the second connection part has been connected to the first connection part in the first orientation, the second rear surface is positioned so as to cover the first display. When in a second connection state in which the second connection part has been connected to the first connection part in the second orientation, the second rear surface is positioned so as not to cover the first display.
While it all sounds like a dance recital moving back and forth between the first and second positions, what it is suggesting is that there will be two devices, each with its own screen, that can be connected together in various combinations. Either the two devices can be laid flat on top of each other, forming one thick device, or they can be used together, similar to the 3DS, as a dual-screen device. The top screen can also be connected in a way where the top screen will face outward instead of inward, perhaps so others can see what you’re playing on the main screen.
In any case, it’s a versatile-looking mobile machine, quite typical of the hand-helds we’ve seen out of Nintendo lately. We know, though, that the Switch 2 has already been demoed in person, so this device won’t be that, but perhaps a 4DS is in the works. Guess we’ll have to wait and see if it ever becomes something or if it’s just another design to fill up the shelves.
What do you think of this “detachable attachable” device? Let us know in the comments