Other than surprise, there’s no reason to think so Nintendo switch 2 is about to abandon the hybrid console layout of the original model, but that doesn’t mean the big N video games can’t make some significant changes. That’s where a patent recently filed in Japan may come up with a rather odd design, but one that may also be aimed at other devices.

Looking at the images of the patent filed by Nintendo, the exterior finish of the device can be seen with a rectangular and apparently not very ergonomic design. Compared to the original Switch, the volume control and power button can be seen to have changed, in addition to the logical cartridge slot and headphone jack.

But perhaps the most surprising thing about the filed patent is that shows a compact device with no detachable controls and a single joystick, which may remind you of the Nintendo 3DS. There is no visible crossbar, and at button level it will have four up front, which would correspond to the usual A, B, X and Y.

The home button would be located at the bottom of the alleged device (Home), a USB port for charging the battery, speakers and a button for taking screenshots of games. At the top, in addition to the volume button and the 3.5mm jack connector, there are what appear to be two triggers and a cooling outlet.

Will this patent filing be part of the Nintendo Switch 2? If so, it is obvious that would aim to be only part of the device and not the whole assembly as the controls presented are insufficient not just for the latest games, but for almost anything that is 3D. Without going any further, most Nintendo 64 games would be extremely difficult to play unless there were at least two additional triggers to compensate for the set of C buttons that console’s controller contained.

The patent presented by the big N video games is rather surprising and it would be very strange if it corresponds to the entire Nintendo Switch 2. Other possibilities that can be raised are that it is another device, a peripheral for a future console or simply a patent attempt created to defend or challenge in court, and that driving others to court at least is perhaps one of the “official sports” of society, even if in some cases it is correct.