A new patent application from Nintendo could indicate that a potential DS application is on the way to Nintendo Switch online service. The patent, possibly related to Nintendo Switch Online, demonstrated that users could wirelessly connect one or two Switch consoles and emulate DS dual-screen control, or switch between the upper and lower DS screens via controller input.
Originally released in 2004, the DS family of consoles is Nintendo's best-selling system, reaching over 154 million units sold in 2016. The DS has released several iterations throughout its lifespan, starting with the original “fat DS” and later including the DS Lite and DSi systems. The DS was known for its two screens, with the lower one having touch input controls. The original DS and DS Lite also included a slot for Game Boy Advance cartridges for backward compatibility. The DS was also home to two generations of the main Pokemon games, from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl on Pokemon Black 2 and White 2.
Nintendo patent could lead to DS games going online
Although Nintendo has filed patents related to DS-inspired systems, this latest finding might be the most practical yet. As reported by Twitter user Mike Odyssey, a Nintendo patent application published on October 16 will allow users with one or two Switch consoles to play Nintendo DS games in three ways. The first method was described as a “parent-and-child” setup in a Nintendo patent. In this scenario, the “parent” Switch unit would wirelessly connect to the other Switch console, which would become the “child” unit. The parent would become the upper screen of the DS and the child would act as the lower screen of the DS to access touch controls. On paper, this method is similar to the Switch 2's GameShare feature, which allows a host console with a supported game to share it with nearby consoles, including those that don't have the game.
The other two methods would only require one Switch console, as Picture-In-Picture mode and the Switch Screen option were also mentioned in Nintendo's patent. Both methods were previously used by the Wii U Virtual Console series, which allowed DS games to be played either on a TV or on the Wii U GamePad. The Wii U Virtual Console also allowed users to prioritize which DS screen to control on the GamePad, and was configurable for individual games.
With Nintendo Switch Online regularly adding games to multiple apps, a Nintendo DS app option would add more value to the service. Needless to say, any patent filings from Nintendo should be taken with a fine grain of salt.
- Mark
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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 2017 successor to the Nintendo Switch continues on 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 Nintendo Switch 2 Basic Bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, controller straps, dock, AC adapter, HDMI cable and Joy-Con 2 grip.
