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The Nintendo Switch 2 reintroduces an old Wii feature? A patent points to a comeback in motion control, which has been a success and criticism.
seems to be working on a revival: According to a published patent, thebringing back a feature that players have known since the Wii. It's about motion control via sensor bar - a feature that was central to games like "Wii Sports" or "Just Dance" at the time - and was also heavily criticized.
Switch 2: Nintendo's patent shows possible return of Wii motion controls
The patent, republished on January 15, 2025, describes a motion sensing device that attaches to a television. Similar to the Wii's sensor bar, it is intended to detect movements of a controller and transfer them to the screen. The technology is based on light reflections and calculates changes in the position and direction of a “moving body” (this was also used on the rather flopped WiiU). Nintendo could use this to bring the precise motion controls from the Wii era to themodernize.
According to GameRant, the documentation for the patent dates back to a filing in April 2022, while a supporting document was published in October 2023. The idea: A device that scans player movements and uses them as input for “game programs”.
Success and criticism of the Wii:After the Switch, which is the most successful Nintendo console of all time with over 129 million units sold, the Wii follows with around 101 million sales. The reason for the success was also very imprecise:
- Their success was based primarily on innovative motion control, which opened up new target groups and made casual gaming popular.
- The Wii Sensor Bar was a milestone in 2006, but it was also criticized for its limited tracking capabilities.
- With the Switch 2, Nintendo could offer an improved version of this feature, which should be particularly popular with party or fitness games. Games like “Just Dance” could once again benefit from more precise movement sequences.
This is what you should know about patents
Patents do not always mean market launch. Companies often only secure ideas that are not later developed further. Fans can be curious to see whether the sensor box will actually become part of the Switch 2 strategy - or whether Nintendo will surprise us again. Like with thoseapplies, keep calm until it is officially announced.
Confirmed hardware information and features of the Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings some exciting innovations that clearly set it apart from its predecessor. Here is an overview of the most important changes:
- Bigger screen: Slimmer bezels and a larger display.
- Improved audio quality: New speakers for better sound.
- More powerful: Support DLSS 3.5 and ray tracing.
- New magnet system: Joy-Cons dock magnetically instead of on rails.
- Advanced Docking Station: Round design with optimized ventilation.
- Rubber Feet: Non-slip feet for more stable gaming in handheld mode.
- New controls such as a mysterious button under the home button - we'll look at them in detail here: All of them
Following the official reveal of the Switch 2, expectations are high for Nintendo's next generation of consoles. While competitors like Sony and Microsoft shine with technical power, Nintendo remains true to its line: innovative gaming experiences. The return of a revamped motion control system would show Nintendo putting a modern spin on its own classics.
