Rumors concerning the subsequent Nintendo console have been swirling in current months as we method the seventh anniversary of the Change. In all probability, the Change 2 (or no matter Nintendo calls it) will likely be unveiled early subsequent yr, with a launch reportedly slated for Fall 2024. Within the meantime, we nonetheless don’t know what the Change 2 will appear like, however Nintendo lately revealed a brand new patent that may have spoiled some important modifications to the design.
As noticed by Sport Rant, the patent in query was filed in late 2022 and revealed in October 2023. The patent contains 4 drawings of a conveyable gaming gadget that’s just like the Change however with a couple of notable variations within the design:
Within the first drawing, we see a joystick and 4 face buttons on the entrance of the hand-held gadget. Offered this patent is concerning the Change 2, this is able to seemingly counsel that Nintendo is taking away removable Pleasure-Con controllers and putting the controls on the console itself. There are shoulder buttons on prime of the console as nicely.
This could be a giant shift from the earlier era, because the Change and Change OLED require gamers to make use of a separate controller with a view to play video games. It seems to be extra just like the Change Lite, but it surely’s lacking a second joystick and a D-Pad. It’s additionally extra in keeping with a number of the Change’s current competitors, comparable to retro handhelds and transportable PCs just like the Steam Deck.
One other fascinating change is the house button transferring to the underside of the console, as Nintendo claims that gamers hardly ever have to entry the button whereas taking part in video games. Sport Rant additionally notes that the quantity rocker and the facility button have apparently swapped locations on the Change 2, whereas the headphone jack and cartridge slot have been untouched.
The patent additionally talks a few pressure-sensitive contact display screen, which could allude to Nintendo’s newest gimmick, as all of its consoles have a minimum of one.
Take all of this with a grain of salt for now, but it surely’s attainable that is our first take a look at the brand new design Nintendo is contemplating for the Change 2 subsequent yr.
