Summary

  • Nintendo's new patent could revolutionize game selection process for players, displaying snapshots of save game data on menu screens.
  • The patent hints at potential changes to Switch software, sparking speculation about future console developments by the gaming giant.
  • While the patented system shows promise, it is uncertain if Nintendo will implement this convenient game selection feature on current or future devices.

A patent published by Nintendo shows an interesting new user interface system that would display snapshots of save game data on a game selection menu, which aims to make it easier for players to remember their previous gameplay sessions when selecting a game to play. Several recent Nintendo Switch patents have raised speculation about planned changes to the existing Switch software, though there is the potential that Nintendo could be testing new features for future devices.

One of the most prominent names in gaming, Nintendo has served as a dominant force in video games for several decades and is showing no signs of slowing down. Rumors have been running rampant for years about the next generation of Nintendo consoles and whether the life cycle of the Switch is nearing its end. While no concrete evidence has been formally announced, a recent patent filing may give some insight into the company's efforts for current or next-gen software ideas.

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According to a recently published patent, Nintendo is working on a software application that would allow save game data to be utilized in featured snapshots to be displayed along with cover art for a game on a home menu selection screen. Currently, if a player starts up their Nintendo Switch game console, they are shown a home menu listing each of their downloaded and/or inserted games, with the cover art of each game shown. With this newly patented software, users would be able to highlight the cover art displayed on the home menu and then look through a series of images based on their current progress in their existing save files for the selected game. While this software has the potential to greatly change the game selection process for the Nintendo Switch, there is currently no guarantee that this technology will ever be utilized.

Nintendo Game Selection Convenience Software Patent Details

Figure 3 of the Nintendo game selection convenience software patent shows how this system could change the Switch UI. Rather than only displaying a game's cover art, this software would include a number of in-game captures from manual and auto-save data. This could potentially streamline players' game selection, as they would not have to launch a title to check their current progress. The patent does not specify whether the software could be implemented exclusively on the existing Switch console or if it could possibly be a sneak peek at the user interface plans for the rumored Switch 2 device. However, without any official word from Nintendo, it remains to be seen if this game selection software will ever make its way to any existing or future Nintendo systems.

A number of major hardware and software patents for gaming consoles have been filed in recent months, revealing the research and development efforts of top brands. It is key to note that these companies frequently file patents that are never brought to fruition, so only time will tell if the Nintendo game selection convenience software will make its way to consumers.

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Nintendo
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Date Founded
September 23, 1889
Headquarters
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
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Parent Company
Nintendo
Subsidiaries
The Pokemon Company, Nintendo of America, Retro Studios, Monolith Soft