A new Nintendo patent has everyone connecting the dots because it outlines three clean ways to mimic the DS’s two-screen setup on modern Switch hardware without requiring a permanent second display.
One setup pairs two consoles, where the main unit serves as the top screen and the connected one functions as the touch screen below.
Both remaining options are designed for a single device: picture-in-picture shows both screens together for titles that use the bottom display for maps or menus, while quick-swap lets players switch focus so crowded interfaces have more room.
None of this is a formal announcement, but it mirrors what Nintendo already pulled off with DS games on Wii U’s Virtual Console and lines up neatly with how retro platforms have been added to Nintendo Switch Online over time.
How Could It Work on the Switch 2?
If Nintendo rolls this out on Switch 2, expect a few quality-of-life tweaks so DS titles feel natural in both handheld and docked play.
Touch is a non-issue in handheld. Docked play would lean on a cursor or mouse-style pointer for precision taps, with gyro helping where it makes sense.
System prompts and software options can take care of “Close the lid” and microphone functions, as the Wii U once did.
The library is expected to debut with flagship Nintendo titles and some third-party entries that are easier to license, before growing gradually. Accessories are a wild card, but they keep coming up for good reason.
A vertical grip could stack two views cleanly on one screen, and a detachable or clip-on panel would make stylus-heavy games feel closer to their original intent.
None of that is necessary for the patent’s designs to function, though optional extras could make the experience feel more authentic for games that relied heavily on the DS’s touch screen.
What Does This Mean for the Future of DS Games?
The patent collectively points to Nintendo developing support for DS-style functions on its current hardware, possibly leading to a DS app for Switch 2.
The dual-device mode supports two full screens, the picture-in-picture layout recreates the map-and-action setup, and the swap-on-demand feature keeps the interface clear during busy moments.
The timeline and lineup still need confirmation, but the current tech and UX setup are both stable and scalable.
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