3 articlesNintendo has done some wild things lately, bringing the Virtual Boy to the Nintendo Switch Online Classics lineup might just top that list. But according to a newly discovered patent, the company might be gearing up for something even more nostalgic: Nintendo DS games on the Switch/ Switch 2.
The patent, published on October 16, 2025, describes a system designed to handle dual-screen gameplay on a single device like the Switch or its successor. Filed by Nintendo Co., Ltd., the document outlines multiple ways players could experience DS titles without the need for the original hardware’s clamshell design.
Three Display Options for Dual Screens
The patent details three distinct display modes, allowing players to customize how DS games appear on the screen:
- Dual Screen Mode (Parent/Child Screens): Displays both screens simultaneously, mimicking the original DS experience.
- Single Screen Mode (Picture-in-Picture): Shows one screen as the main view with the other as a smaller overlay.
- Switch Mode (Swap Between Screens): Let players alternate between the two screens using a button or touch input.
This flexibility could make DS emulation far more accessible on a hybrid console, accommodating different play styles whether docked, handheld, or on the go.
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As always with patents, this doesn’t guarantee that the feature will see the light of day. However, the timing is certainly interesting. Between the Virtual Boy’s unexpected revival and Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to expand the Switch Online Expansion Pack, this discovery could hint at something big brewing for retro fans.
It’s worth noting that Nintendo DS titles previously appeared on the Wii U’s Virtual Console, meaning the groundwork for DS emulation already exists within Nintendo’s software ecosystem. The company could easily adapt that framework for the Switch 2, giving players access to another era of Nintendo classics.
Fans Are Already Hyped
The discovery was first highlighted by Mike Odyssey on X, who humorously noted that after the Virtual Boy surprise, he wouldn’t rule out anything anymore. The idea of revisiting DS hits like The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Pokémon Platinum, or Mario Kart DS on the Switch 2 has sent longtime fans into a nostalgic frenzy.
While there’s no official confirmation yet, the patent offers a glimpse into Nintendo’s forward-thinking approach to preserving its vast library. Whether through a new Nintendo Classics: DS lineup or the Switch Online service, the future of handheld nostalgia looks bright.
