September 26th 2024.
Is Nintendo exploring the world of wearable technology? Recent reports and speculations seem to suggest so. Experts have been hard at work trying to decipher the mystery surrounding Nintendo's new portable device, and it appears that the device may actually be something that can be worn.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a surge in rumors and leaks about Nintendo's upcoming console, indicating that a reveal may be imminent. While Nintendo has stated that they will showcase the follow-up to the Switch before April 2025, insider hints and leaked prototypes have sparked the possibility of an announcement before the end of this year, possibly even within the next couple of weeks.
Amidst all the buzz, Nintendo has submitted a new device to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), adding to the excitement. Although it is not the highly anticipated Switch 2, a wireless expert has suggested that it could be some form of wearable technology. Previously, there was no clear indication of what the device was, as Nintendo's application came with a confidentiality request that will be in effect for the next 180 days. This is because Nintendo claims that the device contains confidential information that they consider to be trade secrets.
Despite the secrecy, some documents have revealed a few details. The device is listed as a "wireless device," ruling out the possibility of it being a console or controller. It also has a square-like shape with curved corners when viewed from the bottom and is powered by a USB-C connection, but does not have a battery. While this may suggest that it is a peripheral, the device's model number suggests that it is an entirely new product line, unrelated to any other existing hardware.
For comparison, the original Switch has the code HAC-001, while peripherals have the same prefix with a higher number. The dock, for example, is HAC-007, and the Pro Controller is HAC-013. This raises the question: if it's not related to the next Switch, then what is it?
The most intriguing detail is that the device features a 24GHz mmWave sensor, typically used in smart devices to detect human presence or movement in a room. This could potentially be used for various purposes, such as gesture control in games, sleep tracking like in Pokémon Sleep, or even AR functionality like in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit.
In the past, Nintendo has released unique, low-cost peripherals for specific games during the GameCube and Wii era, including pedometers, microphones, and specialized controllers. It is possible that this new wireless device could be related to fitness, especially considering that Nintendo is likely to have a new game similar to Wii Fit or Ring Fit Adventure for the Switch 2.
A wireless expert has analyzed the patent and suggested that the device is designed to be worn on the body. A video by Remote Play Gaming provides a detailed breakdown of their findings, making a compelling case for the device being used to track movement while being worn or near the body.
However, there is still no clear explanation of what the device is and what type of game it may be used for. Since it is a patent, there is no guarantee that it will ever be used or unveiled during the early stages of the Switch 2's launch. However, the confidentiality request until March suggests that it may be revealed around the same time as, or shortly after, the Switch 2 itself.
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In other related news, Nintendo and Pokemon have filed a lawsuit against Palworld, seeking to shut down what they deem to be a "rip-off." Meanwhile, Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom is already being pirated, prompting Nintendo's lawyers to take action. There have also been reports claiming that the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 may be moved forward due to the recent PS5 Pro speculation.
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