iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 13h

Four patent applications for Zelda Notes are published in the US. They cover the interactions between the Switch game, online server, and mobile app, including the data generation and transmission to facilitate the navigation (img 2), Autobuild sharing (img 3), and item sharing (img 4) features.

Drawing from patent publication US 20260295435:
FIG. 1 is an example non-limiting diagram showing an example of a game system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment

Drawing from patent publication US 20260295415:
FIG. 13 shows a flow of operations of the game apparatus 20, a server 10, and the smartphone 30 when guidance to the first game object 41 is performed

Drawing from patent publication US 20260295425:
FIG. 17 is a sequential diagram showing a non-limiting example of a communication process operation between a game system 1, a communication terminal 150, and a server 200

Drawing from patent publication US 20260295414:
FIG. 6 is an example non-limiting diagram showing the flow of the deposit and the withdrawal of an item

1133

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

(Not legal advice) When AI can clone your game faster than you can make it, consider protecting yourself by filing for copyrights, trademarks, and/or patents—within your means, of course. Copyright: $45+ Trademark: $350+ Patent: $65+ provisional, $400+ nonprovisional (but you may need a lawyer)

Reddit post by user _sodoj:
Our upcoming game was stolen and turned into an AI slop
Hello everyone,
A couple of weeks ago, we published the Steam store page for our upcoming and unreleased puzzle game, 204Snake, and today we decided to look up our game on search engines. The results were rather troubling. Alongside our actual game, we found countless links leading to a complete and blatant AI generated ripoff, shamelessly using the exact same name as our own game.
The ripoff has the same premise as our game, the same control scheme, similar level layouts and it hopelessly attempts to emulate our game's visual style. Aside from some of the rules being slightly different, one distinguishing and disgusting feature of the AI version is that it locks move undos behind advertisements.
https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1wlvx7h/our_upcoming_game_was_stolen_and_turned_into_an/

Screenshot of Automaton article:
AI-generated rip-off of unfinished Japanese indie game beats original to release, sparking concerns about safety of sharing dev progress
A generative-AI user has published a self-pronounced "rip-off" of an unreleased indie game to the Japanese game platform Unityroom.
https://automaton-media.com/en/news/ai-generated-rip-off-of-unfinished-japanese-indie-game-beats-original-to-release-sparking-concerns-about-safety-of-sharing-dev-progress/

X post by user LandfallGames:
Yeah we have been reporting a bunch of these AI slop things for the past year 🙂‍↕️the process takes a while
https://x.com/LandfallGames/status/1954627616226615673

27732

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

US patent publication 20260295416 discloses a minor (and mildly interesting) detail of the Switch 2 audio system. A game is free to set different volumes for 1) built-in speakers, 2) HDMI output, and 3) audio output—headphone jack, Bluetooth audio, etc. 1/

Drawing from patent publication US 20260295416:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example process performed by game apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

3235

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

To a few journalists reading this: Many Nintendo trademark applications you saw in the US are not “renewals”. NoA has been filing Section 66(a) applications to extend protection of international trademarks into the US, even when the same trademarks are already registered here. 1/

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

On the same day that the GCN Controller’s wireless certificate was updated in Japan (see last thread), Nintendo also filed to update the certificates for Switch 2 console, Joy-Con 2, and Pro Controller 2 in Taiwan, adding a new manufacturer—Foxconn EV Energy & Component in Vietnam. … 1/

Cropped screenshot of wireless certificate for BEE-001 (Switch 2 console)
製造廠商:
1.Hong Fu Jin Precision Electrons (Yantai) Co., Ltd.
2.Zhuhai Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd
3.Hosiden Vietnam (Bac Giang) Co., Ltd.
4. Minebea (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. SYS-O Division
5. FOXCONN EV ENERGY & COMPONENT (VIETNAM) CO., LTD
[Source] Go to https://nccmember.ncc.gov.tw/etrade2/QRY/QRY02 and search for “BEE-001”

Cropped screenshot of wireless certificate for BEE-008 (Pro Controller 2)
製造廠商:
1.Hong Fu Jin Precision Electrons (Yantai) Co., Ltd.
2.Qingdao Mitsumi Electrics Co., Ltd.
3.Minebea (Cambodia) Co, Ltd, AMM Div
4.Minebea (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. SYS-O Division
5.FOXCONN EV ENERGY & COMPONENT (VIETNAM) CO., LTD
[Source] Go to https://nccmember.ncc.gov.tw/etrade2/QRY/QRY02 and search for “BEE-008”

1120

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

There are evidences that the new battery-replaceable GameCube Controller and Nintendo 64 Controller will be available outside of Europe. Img 1: The Japanese wireless certificate of BEE-021 GCN Controller was updated on Sep 10, adding a new model number BEE-021(-01)

登録証明機関による工事設計認証に関する詳細情報
工事設計認証番号 007-ＡＮ0132
工事設計認証をした年月日令和7年1月28日
工事設計認証を受けた者の氏名又は名称任天堂株式会社
工事設計認証を受けた特定無線設備の種別第２条第１９号に規定する特定無線設備
工事設計認証を受けた特定無線設備の型式又は名称ＢＥＥ－０２１
電波の型式、周波数及び空中線電力Ｆ１Ｄ　2441ＭＨz　0.000052～0.000186Ｗ／ＭＨz
Ｇ１Ｄ　2441ＭＨz　0.000026～0.000093Ｗ／ＭＨz
Ｆ１Ｄ　2402～2480ＭＨz(2000kＨz間隔40波)　0.003715Ｗ
スプリアス規定新スプリアス規定
周波数等を維持する機能無
備考変更履歴は次のとおり。
・令和8年9月10日に下記のとおり変更
【型式又は名称】ＢＥＥ－０２１又はＢＥＥ－０２１（－０１）
登録証明機関名 (株)ＵＬ　Ｊａｐａｎ
[Source] https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/giteki/SearchServlet?pageID=jg01_01&PC=007&TC=N&PK=1&FN=250613N007&SN=認証&LN=8&R1=*****&R2=*****

1323

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Dust jacket front panel and back panel of the photo book “Family Computer & Nintendo Entertainment System” 1. Photo source: x.com/mushroombows...

1181

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Seeing the cartridge images in the new Famicom/NES photo book (img 1) motivates me to explain the masthead image of this account (img 2). As many of you know, some early NES cartridges—circa 1985—actually contain a Famicom cartridge board plus a 60-to-72-pin adapter (img 3). 1/

Promo image of photo book “Family Computer & Nintendo Entertainment System” for the Nintendo Museum shop
https://x.com/Museum_Nintendo/status/2105613951027597496

Interior photo of a 1985 NES cartridge (Pinball game), showing a 60-pin Famicom board plugged into a 60-to-72-pin adapter
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamecollecting/comments/1d93aki/got_my_first_famicom_to_nes_converter_nes_game/

1225

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The long-awaited Game-Key Card patent has been published in EU and China. Key points (no pun intended): • GKC contains title info, icon image, app ID, vendor ID, cartridge ID, “etc.” • When inserted for the first time, download app and icon from server; downloaded icon replaces the GKC icon 1/

Drawing from patent publication EP 4813482:
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a connection between the cartridge and a game apparatus or an old game apparatus

Drawing from patent publication EP 4813482:
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of processes at respective components of the game system in the case where a first-type cartridge is inserted in the game apparatus

Drawing from patent publication EP 4813482:
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the game apparatus when a cartridge is inserted

25210

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Depending on the zoom level in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, the cursor operates differently (img 1). Patent application US 19536850 details the gazing point behavior, object types treatment, and mode switch continuity (imgs 2-4). 1/

Drawings from patent publication US 20260263929:
FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting example of a game screen according to an exemplary embodiment
FIG. 9 shows a non-limiting example of the game screen according to the exemplary embodiment

Drawing from patent publication US 20260263929:
FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting example of a camera mode

Drawings from patent publication US 20260263929:
FIG. 11 shows a non-limiting example of the game screen according to the exemplary embodiment
FIG. 12 shows a non-limiting example of a cursor collision area

Drawings from patent publication US 20260263929:
FIG. 13 shows a non-limiting example of an access area
FIG. 15 illustrates a non-limiting example of the building access in the case of the ground camera

1176

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

US20260288257 describes the mouse/gyro mode switching and gyro correction for Joy-Con 2. • Gyro to mouse (img 1): the mouse sensor hole is blocked AND the long axis is roughly horizontal (within a range) • Mouse to gyro (img 2): the sensor hole is unblocked AND the long axis tilts to 30° 1/

Drawing from patent publication US 20260288257:
FIG. 5 illustrates a first example according to an exemplary embodiment

Drawing from patent publication US20260288257:
FIG. 8 illustrates a second example according to the exemplary embodiment

1140

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The latest beta firmware enables Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max to emulate the Switch 2 Dock. When connecting to a Switch 2 via USB-C, it becomes a 1440p monitor (imgs 1-3). 120Hz input is possible with other sources, but presently the Dock emulation only supports 60Hz. HDR and VRR are not supported. … 1/

Photo of a Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max being used as an monitor for a Switch 2; showing the Home Screen
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/AjKazxjQxdc

Photo of a Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max being used as an monitor for a Switch 2; showing a single USB-C cable between the two devices
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/AjKazxjQxdc

Screenshot of the Switch 2 System, showing 1440p/60Hz output without HDR or VRR
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/AjKazxjQxdc

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Mobapad announced that M12 Pro, featuring HD Rumble 2 and mouse mode, will launch on Oct 28. Interestingly, they developed their own haptic actuator instead of using Alp Alpine’s. Since NYXI’s HDR2 emulation is reportedly not fully identical, I’m keen on reading reviews of M12 Pro. (URL in alt text)

Promo image of Mobapad M12 Pro:
Mobapad HD Rumble 2.0
Powered by Mobapad's self-developed LRA motors, delivering a wider vibration frequency range for richer, more detailed haptic feedback.
https://www.mobapad.com/products/mobapad-m12-pro-joycon-for-switch-2

Promo image of Mobapad M12 Pro:
Mouse Mode
Precise control with ultra-low latency for smooth, responsive aiming.
https://www.mobapad.com/products/mobapad-m12-pro-joycon-for-switch-2

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Nintendo’s R&D in controller continues unabated. A recent patent publication discloses an input button that affords three controls: button touch, analog press, and full press. patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de... • Button touch: A keycap electrode (40 in imgs below) detects finger resting on top 1/

Drawing from patent publication US 20260290719:
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 1 when the finger of the user is in contact with the keycap and depressing

Drawing from patent publication US 20260290719:
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device.

Drawings from patent publication US20260290719:
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of part of a substrate.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the substrate.

3265

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Secret that Nintendo Museum staff only tells you after you visit 23 times (sounds like an RPG secret side quest; URL in alt text)

X post by user R_GameTV (machine translation followed by original text):
Yesterday, when I went to the Nintendo Museum for the 23rd time, a staff member told me this little tidbit I'd never heard before despite having been there 23 times: "There's a Mew hidden somewhere inside the museum," and I couldn't believe my ears...
Then, with the hint they gave me, I went looking for it, and it was hidden in such a shocking spot that I was like, "No way anyone would figure this out." If they hadn't told me, I'd never have noticed it in my lifetime. Nintendo is insane...
昨日23回目のニンテンドーミュージアムに行ったら、スタッフさんが「館内にミュウが隠れてますよ」という23回行ってるのに初めて聞く小ネタを教えてくれて耳を疑った……
で、ヒント貰って探したら「こんなんわかるか」って衝撃の場所に隠れてた。聞かなかったら一生気付かなかった。任天堂ヤバい……
https://x.com/R_GameTV/status/2104173181150142968

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Wake up babe, new Sakurai patents just dropped. These applications describe the City Trial mode in Kirby Air Riders. It gives an overview but focuses more on the rubber-banding mechanics that helps players who are walking or have less items—via machine placement, access, and protection. 1/

Drawing from patent publication US 20260284536 and 20260284537:
FIG. 13 illustrates a non-limiting example of values related to the number of acquired items

Drawing from patent publication US 20260284536 and 20260284537:
FIG. 14 illustrates a non-limiting example of a game screen

Drawing from patent publication US 20260284536 and 20260284537:
FIG. 12 illustrates a non-limiting example of a game screen

1439

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I’m very happy to be proven wrong re: the prospect of Switch 2 VRR on 3 party docks. A few on Amazon US already claim to support VRR. I bought one and it indeed works as advertised (imgs 1-2). Note that you may need to contact the seller for the latest firmware. 1/

Screenshot of Switch 2 System Settings » Display » Video Output Information » Current Video Output of this System
Resolution 3840 x 2160
Refresh rate 60Hz
HDR Outputting HDR
VRR Outputting VRR

Screenshot of Switch 2 System Settings » Display » Video Output Information » Current Video Output of this System
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate 120Hz
HDR Outputting HDR
VRR Outputting VRR

1318

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Led by Foxconn, the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA) will build a multibillion Technology Park in Poland, taking over the land originally reserved for Intel. Although the plan is to make AI servers and EV parts, once the manufacturing capacity is established …

1154

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

How does Switch 2 Joy-Con reliably switch between the mouse and stick controls? US 20260273389 and 20260273410 provide the details: [In mouse mode] a. If the mouse sensor hole is open uninterruptedly for 0.5 sec, switch to stick mode 1/

1264

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

(This is a media literacy piece. I’ve no opinion on Physint or all parties involved.) The press release from Kojima Productions is a classic PR sleight-of-hand. • Claimed the studio is “profitable”, but did NOT deny Death Stranding 1/2 underperformed Sony’s expectations 1/

X post by Kojima Productions, part 1 of 2:
You may have seen a recent article that mentions KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, speculating on the reasons for the change in publishing partners for PHYSINT.
Normally, we would not comment on unsubstantiated speculation on the internet, but these aspersions around our relationship with PlayStation, the commercial performance of the DEATH STRANDING franchise, and the broader production planning and investment for PHYSINT, have reached beyond the studio and have touched our fans, our creative partners, and colleagues we have worked alongside with for three decades.
https://x.com/KojiPro2015_EN/status/2101631479704883571

X post by Kojima Productions, part 2 of 2:
None of the claims written came from any official or on-the-record source and as such we encourage you to take them with a dose of scepticism.
Make no mistake, this was a serious situation for the studio with a range of potentially significant implications. While we recognise that the article may have caused alarm, we want to reassure you all, for the record: that the studio is in a healthy, profitable state, development for PHYSINT continues to move forward with XBOX, and our relationship with PlayStation remains strong.
Thank you for your continued support,
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS
https://x.com/KojiPro2015_EN/status/2101631479704883571

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The developer of Moomin: Midsummer Madness talked with 4Gamer at TGS. They were disappointed by some users asking them if the game was made with AI, and stressed that four artists and four animators produced the artwork. The animation was hand-drawn frame by frame … 1/

Photo of the Moomin: Midsummer Madness demo booth at TGS 2026

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

At TGS, IO Interactive answered questions re: 007 First Light for Switch 2. • Taking time to optimize NS2 version, such as using meshlet rendering • Meshlets will improve experience on other platforms too • Only targeting 30fps; no higher fps mode (tested 60fps but didn’t work) 1/

Photos of 007 life-size model at TGS 2026
Image source: https://x.com/H2InteractiveJP/status/2101464971859329057

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

In a TGS 2026 talk re: the rise of indie games in Japan, Shuhei Yoshida stated that the popularity of Switch and Nintendo’s Indie World promos was the turning point for Japanese indies. Kazuhisa Okada, Editor-in-Chief of 4Gamer, added that since then, articles about indie games began being read … 1/

Presentation slide from the TGS 2026 talk なぜ日本のインディーは毎年大ヒットを生み出すのか:
2017年:Nintendo Switchで火がついた瞬間
(photo of Switch and screenshots of Indie World streams)

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Nikkei Research released its 2026 Brand Equity Score rankings, based on surveys of 80k consumers and 80k business professionals in Japan. #1 Toyota #2 Nintendo #3 Uniqlo The only foreign company in the top 10 is #7 Apple. 1/

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I placed an order thinking it was a Virtual Boy carrying case 🤦

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

There are questions about OOT remake’s hyper-detailed clothing and items, vis-à-vis the smooth-looking characters. As I suggested before, it seems to be inspired by the ceramic figurines and toys. Vintage porcelain dolls have elaborate clothes and sometimes human hair wigs. May be uncanny to some.

Image compilation of porcelain doll clothes:
https://bebetabito.com/column/gender/
https://re-musubi.jp/column/kottou/bisque-doll

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Joy-Con Violin patent application that I shared last year has been filed in the US too. It uses the mouse mode to simulate a violin bow. Since it’s now in English, check it out if interested. My summary: ninpatentswatch.com/2025/08/26/j... US patent filing: image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-pu...

Drawing from patent application US 20260273407:
FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate a non-limiting example of an
operation on the mouse

2221

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Intelligent Systems just opened its own online shop. There are 403 items—all Fire Emblem merch—from Fortune’s Weave all the way back to Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light. intsys.shop

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The homely side of HORI Electric Ocarina of Time that they didn’t show you Source: game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/21...

Back side photo of HORI Electric Ocarina of Time, showing a battery cover, several screw holes, and numerous speaker holes

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Is Canada getting the Switch 2 with replaceable battery?

0343

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

A Tomodachi Life Switch Lite bundle is announced in Europe (img 1). Before you scoff, know that Switch Lite is mainly positioned as an “additional purchase” for households that already own at least one other Switch console, extending the demand to “one per person” (img 2). 1/

Packaging image of Tomodachi Life Switch Lite bundle
https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/News/2026/September/Nintendo-Switch-2-bundles-available-for-the-holidays--3198890.html

Nintendo management policy presentation slide:
Diversification of Demand for Nintendo Switch
• New purchases, additional purchases and replacement purchases
• Units purchased as additional systems accounted for about 30% of all Nintendo Switch sales in this fiscal year
• From “one per home” to “multiple per home,” and further to “one per person”

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Remember Tokotoko Mario (img 1)? The walking toy was featured in the Super Nintendo World Direct and sold there from the start. It was however quietly discontinued post Nov 2022. A new JPO patent finally offers an explanation: the construction was overly complex (img 2), implying high costs. 1/

Promo image of Tokotoko Mario
https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/44135546-904e-4fce-8b4b-373ac4a23fda

Drawings from patent US 11369891 (for the Tokotoko Mario toy):
FIG. 2 is a side view of the walking toy in the same walking state as FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the walking toy in which a torso is omitted, in the same walking state as FIG. 2.

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A patent application for the relationship UI of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was published last week in the US. It covers the user input, camera transition, info/menu display, NPC actions, and the effects of relationship stats. Get the full details here: patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...

Drawing from patent application US 20260263937:
FIG. 12 shows a non-limiting example of the game screen according to the exemplary embodiment

Drawing from patent application US 20260263937:
The virtual resident A moves and reaches a position overlapping the (stationary) cursor as shown in FIG. 60. In this case, the virtual resident A may be set as the correlation reference character, and if the virtual resident B is within a predetermined range from the virtual resident A, a correlation diagram image for the virtual resident A and the virtual resident B may be displayed as shown in FIG. 60.

Drawing from patent application US 20260263937:
FIG. 33 shows a non-limiting example of the game screen according to the exemplary embodiment

Drawing from patent application US 20260263937:
FIG. 29 shows a non-limiting example of the game screen according to the exemplary embodiment

0191

Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

It surprises me that the Game Designers Award within Japan Game Awards is ending after 16 years. According to Sakurai, the reason is that “there is no one to replace me”. I hope this doesn’t happen to Smash. 😨 1/

Photo of Sakurai handing out the Game Designers Award (Japan Game Awards 2026 ceremony)

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Nintendo achieves the steady release cadence through a combination of: • New titles, large and small (DxD, Dream Buffet) • Remakes and remasters • Iterative sequels based on previous systems/assets (Sports Report, Echoes of Wisdom) • NS2 Editions and Wii U ports • 3rd party licenses (Warriors games)

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Nintendo HK reportedly leased a new office on “one of the top floors” in the 59-story Langham Place Office Tower in Mong Kok, spanning ~17,000 ft². They currently occupy a space of “several thousand” ft² in Hung Hom, so the new lease is going to be a major upgrade. ps.hket.com/article/4193... 1/

Photo of Langham Place building
https://www.championreit.com/properties-and-portfolio/langham-place

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

For those missing out on Labo VR, the Customer Appreciation Sale is a good opportunity to pick up the Virtual Boy accessory and these games with a VR mode: BotW, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, and Odyssey. Smash Ultimate also supports VR, but it’s not on sale. List: www.nintendo.com/en-gb/games/...

Screenshot of Breath of the Wild in VR mode
https://nintendoeverything.com/technical-director-of-breath-of-the-wild-talks-about-the-games-upcoming-vr-mode/

Screenshot of Captain Toad Treasure Tracker in VR mode
https://www.uploadvr.com/nintendo-vr-game-ranked/

Screenshot of Super Mario Odyssey in VR mode
https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/tcb1bv/all_nintendo_switch_games_that_support_labo_vr/

Screenshot of Nintendo of America online shop, showing Virtual Boy accessories on sale

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Although Nintendo holds “OCARINA OF TIME” and “時のオカリナ” trademarks since 1997, new applications are filed in Japan to cover musical instruments (Class 15). It’s surely to protect their upcoming Playable Ocarina, and also license it to HORI for the eclectic version. (URLs in alt text) 1/

JPO trademark application 2026104854:
OCARINA OF TIME
公開日2026-09-15
公報種別公開商標公報
出願日2026-09-07
区分第15類(楽器)
商品役務楽器,楽器用ケース,楽器用スタンド,楽器用ストラップ,楽器用マウスピース,楽器用ピック,楽譜台,オルゴール,音さ,調律機,オカリナ
出願人任天堂株式会社
https://chizai-watch.com/t/2026104854

JPO trademark application 2026104855:
公開日2026-09-15
公報種別公開商標公報
出願日2026-09-07
区分第15類(楽器)
商品役務楽器,楽器用ケース,楽器用スタンド,楽器用ストラップ,楽器用マウスピース,楽器用ピック,楽譜台,オルゴール,音さ,調律機,オカリナ
出願人任天堂株式会社
https://chizai-watch.com/t/2026104855

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Nintendo will officially release the Switch systems in Indonesia on December 10. Switch 1: 4,230k IDR (~240 USD) Switch 1 Pikachu & Eevee Edition: 4,450k IDR (~250 USD) Switch 2: 10,000k IDR (~570 USD) No Switch Lite 🤔 A Pokémon event is also planned. Source: www.nna.jp/news/2967109 1/

Photo of press conference, showing a slide of Switch systems release date and pricing
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOGM1495A0U6A910C2000000/

Photo of press conference, showing two jersey-clad Pikachus and a few youth soccer/football players; “Pokémon Sports Project” is shown on the screen in the back
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOGM1495A0U6A910C2000000/

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

US20260263943 is a patent application for the system and implementation of the Kamek item in Mario Kart World. The item transforms racers into a specific character (e.g., Spike; GIF source: IGN), and places obstacle characters (e.g., Spike Balls) on the field. 1/

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Scratching my head over influencers calling OOT Link “AI” and Epona “yassified”. It seems stemming from a lack of art critique vocabulary or limited frame of reference outside of pop culture. Apart from OOT being a pun on ceramic ocarina, Aonuma said that the visual is to evoke nostalgia (懐かしさ). 1/

Side-by-side comparison of characters in Ocarina of Time remake to ceramic figurines:
In-game child Link vs. smiling child figurine
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/reference/e-260728-13/
In-game pony Epona vs. large-eyed pony figurine
https://www.lladro.com/en_us/baby-horse-figurine-en-us-01009029.html
Link Amiibo vs. sitting boy figurine
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4400642614/vintage-boy-figurine-signed-tired-ah1k
Zelda Amiibo vs sitting girl figurine
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1394819363/lladro-flower-harmony-children-with

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The trademark application for the Pikachu face has been filed in Japan. Although numerous Pokémon trademarks already exist, this is the first facial trademark AFAIK. I guess it’s reached that iconic status. Will the Surprised Pikachu be next? (URL in alt text)

JPO trademark application 2026103567 (image of Pikachu face):
公開日2026-09-11
公報種別公開商標公報
出願日2026-09-03
区分第14類(貴金属),第16類(紙),第18類(革),第20類(家具),第21類(家庭用器具),第24類(織物),第25類(被服),第28類(おもちゃ),第30類(加工食品)
出願人任天堂株式会社
https://chizai-watch.com/t/2026103567

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Poor reporting by Kotaku and other outlets. As I shared yesterday, Foxconn is doing a massive production run of Switch 2, and the Zelda Edition will most likely be restocked regularly: ninpatentswatch.com/2026/09/10/f... 1/

ninpatentswatch.com

Foxconn Data Suggests Switch 2 Zelda Edition Will Restock

Record Foxconn revenues in Jul–Aug 2026 (~US$690M/month) signal massive Switch 2 production. Don’t buy from scalpers—restocks of the Zelda Edition are likely.

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I’m pessimistic about the prospect of 3rd party Switch 2 docks supporting VRR. Just recently I looked at dozens of USB-C to HDMI and DP to HDMI adaptors, and none of them could do VRR. Even Sony and Nintendo took over a year to add the feature, so 3rd parties are probably unwilling to tackle this.

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

A teardown of European Switch 2 posted on RedNote/Xiaohongshu provides some additional details. • The Joy-Con battery is now integrated with the battery frame as one unit (img 1). The foam that was previously on the battery (img 2) is now attached to the back shell (img 3). Model# is BEE-004(-01R).

Photo of partially disassembled Joy-Con 2 (EU version), with the battery + frame removed

Photo of partially disassembled Joy-Con 2 (regular non-EU version); the battery is removed, but the battery frame is still attached to the Joy-Con board

Photo of partially disassembled Joy-Con 2 (EU version), with the back shell half-removed

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort ➡️ Mii sharing Metroid Ravenous ➡️ Dock VRR

Meme image:
Just according to keikaku.
(Translator’s note: keikaku means plan)

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

They did it! Nintendo had been working on the external VRR feature for some time, and filed a patent for maintaining System UI and GameChat stability while doing VRR: ninpatentswatch.com/2026/04/14/d...

ninpatentswatch.com

Docked Mode VRR

A patent filed after Nintendo quietly removed VRR from its website details how Switch 2 would support external HDMI VRR by sending completed frames immediately rather than waiting for the frame per…

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Nintendo Patents Watch @ninpatentswatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Even though the Zelda Edition of Switch 2 is sold out at the moment, do NOT buy from scalpers. Switch assembler Foxconn Technology Co. reported record revenues for Jul-Aug (~US$690M each month), indicating a massive production run. As a long-time watcher of this data, I think the reasons being: 1/

[Chart] Foxconn Technology Co. Revenue (unit: million NTD)
2024-01 3,448
2024-02 2,228
2024-03 3,165
2024-04 3,303
2024-05 4,220
2024-06 5,979
2024-07 7,826
2024-08 6,784
2024-09 5,606
2024-10 6,571
2024-11 11,452
2024-12 15,147
2025-01 8,503
2025-02 9,419
2025-03 12,051
2025-04 12,889
2025-05 14,754
2025-06 13,605
2025-07 15,585
2025-08 13,804
2025-09 12,963
2025-10 14,918
2025-11 13,830
2025-12 13,851
2026-01 13,391
2026-02 7,202
2026-03 4,689
2026-04 6,527
2026-05 8,758
2026-06 15,055
2026-07 21,422
2026-08 21,867

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