Nintendo DS Games Could Be Coming to Switch 2, New Patent Suggests

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Nintendo has been surprising fans recently, and adding Virtual Boy games to the Nintendo Switch Online library was a big one. However, a newly revealed patent suggests they might have an even bigger throwback in store: bringing Nintendo DS games to the Switch or the next-generation Switch console.

A new patent, published on October 16, 2025, details a system from Nintendo for playing games on a single device as if it had two screens, similar to the Nintendo Switch or future consoles. The patent explores several ways to recreate the experience of older ‘DS’ games without needing the original handheld’s folding design.

Three Display Options for Dual Screens

This patent describes three different ways to adjust how games look on the DS screen, giving players options to personalize their gaming experience.

  1. Dual Screen Mode (Parent/Child Screens): Displays both screens simultaneously, mimicking the original DS experience.
  2. Single Screen Mode (Picture-in-Picture): Shows one screen as the main view with the other as a smaller overlay.
  3. Switch Mode (Swap Between Screens): Let players alternate between the two screens using a button or touch input.


Honestly, being able to emulate DS games like this would be awesome on a handheld console. It means I could play however I want – hooked up to my TV, in handheld mode, or even while traveling. It just opens up so many options for how and where I can enjoy my games!

The Patent’s Implications

Like all patents, this doesn’t necessarily mean this feature will actually be released. But the timing is notable. With the surprising return of the Virtual Boy and Nintendo’s continued work on the Switch Online Expansion Pack, this discovery suggests exciting things could be coming for fans of classic games.

Nintendo DS games were previously available on the Wii U’s Virtual Console, so Nintendo already has the technology to play them. They could easily use this existing system on the Switch 2, letting players enjoy classic DS games on a new console.

Fans Are Already Hyped

Mike Odyssey first shared the news on X, jokingly saying that after the Virtual Boy announcement, he’s expecting anything is possible. The possibility of seeing classic Nintendo DS games like *The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass*, *Pokémon Platinum*, and *Mario Kart DS* on the Switch 2 has excited many longtime fans, bringing back fond memories.

Although Nintendo hasn’t officially announced anything, a recently discovered patent suggests they’re exploring ways to bring classic games to modern systems. This could mean a new collection of DS games, or the addition of older titles to the Switch Online service, offering exciting possibilities for fans of retro handheld gaming.

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2025-10-17 12:37