New Nintendo Patent Has Interesting Implications for Future Games

Nintendo has a busy year ahead, and one of its latest patents could hint at the possibility of upgraded visuals for remakes of older 2D games. While the company has been quiet about the titles fans can expect to see on the upcoming Switch 2, that hasn’t stopped rumors from circulating, with many speculating that the platform could see several remakes and remasters to take advantage of the new hardware. A new patent from Nintendo may add fuel to that fire, as it has intriguing implications for future first-party titles.

This is just the latest in a series of filings from the video game giant. In February, Nintendo secured an anti-Palworld patent as part of its ongoing legal battle against the game. Beyond that, the company has filed several hardware and software-related patents as the Switch 2 nears its as-of-yet unannounced release date. While securing such copyright protection doesn’t necessarily mean Nintendo will implement the technology in question anytime soon, it’s hard not to speculate about what the endgame could be for this activity.

Related

Nintendo Patent Hints at Switch 2 Upgrade

A Nintendo patent suggests that the Switch 2 console could feature a big upgrade over its predecessor.

As spotted by Universo Nintendo, Nintendo has secured a patent that combines 2D and 3D visuals. The full name and the text contained in the document are a mouthful, but the basic idea is that the technology renders a 3D environment in a way that looks and feels like a 2D space. Usually, 3D graphics use perspective to show depth, which is apparent in far-away objects looking smaller. This Nintendo patent takes a different approach, instead flattening the distance between 3D objects and using a unique shadowing technique to represent depth. The end result may be something similar to Square Enix games like Octopath Traveler or Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, the latter of which was the best-selling game in Japan in 2024, which suggests fans may enjoy such an art style.

Nintendo Patent Makes 3D Renderings Look 2D

The patented technology could suggest Nintendo wants to put out more 2D-feeling games in the future. However, if they used this method, they’d technically be 3D games and have all the visual depth and performance benefits that come with that, despite maintaining a 2D aesthetic. A previous patent gives the Nintendo Switch 2 AI-based upscaling in handheld mode, so the combination of these technologies could result in some impressive and unique visuals.

Arguably the biggest takeaway is the patent’s potential impact on remakes. Some fans have expressed that Super Metroid deserves a remake, and this new rendering method would make the classic look and perform to modern standards without sacrificing its iconic 2D visuals. Others have pointed out how the patent could make a Link to the Past remake feel more engaging while staying true to the original’s art style. Still, it’s important to remember that a patent alone doesn’t mean anything like this is coming soon. Many companies file patents before planning to implement them just to have the technology at hand for later use, should an opportunity to capitalize on it arise. Fans will have to wait and see what comes of it.