– Nintendo registered four confidential designs on the EUIPO, suggesting multiple SKUs for the same product (e.g., colorways, accessories).
– Previous confidential filings preceded launches like the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, LABO kits, and Alarmo, hinting at upcoming hardware.
– Speculation includes a cheaper Switch 2 Lite or OLED model, partly to address price increases and offer a handheld alternative.
– Rumors indicate Nintendo may be redesigning the Switch 2 for easier battery replacement due to EU right-to-repair regulations.
– Rising component costs make new hardware risky, but console variations are considered inevitable based on past patterns.
Nintendo’s Latest Moves Hint at New Hardware
After Nintendo’s latest fiscal report included a jump in R&D expenses, there are more signs that new hardware will arrive soon. Nintendo Patents Watch noted that the company registered four mysterious designs on the EUIPO website. The sealed text or images could reveal a Switch 2 console variation, controllers, or accessories. Its clear that they have something cooking behind the scenes.
EUIPO Filings and Confidentiality
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) allows manufacturers to submit protected designs. Rivals are then unable to use the same ideas or branding with their products. Unfortunately, the filings registered on May 29th are temporarily confidential. Still, past activity from the gaming giant provides clues. This is typical for them at this stage of development.
Multiple SKUs Under Consideration
The records are numbered 015143440-0001, 015143440-0002, 015143440-0003, and 015143440-0004. That implies Nintendo is preparing multiple SKUs for the same product. The explanation could be as simple as different colorways for a controller or accessory. But there could be more to it then meets the eye when you look at their history.
- Patents Watch detailed how earlier filings predated the launch of Nintendo accessories.
- The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, which enables Switch Pro-like functionality, is one example.
- Other registrations predicted the LABO Vehicle and VR Kits, as well as a canceled iteration of the Alarmo clock.
Speculation on Switch 2 Variants
One popular guess on social media is an updated Ring Fit, but that may require a new Adventure game. The company could also be readying refreshed versions of its Switch 2 console. In January 2026, a dataminer found traces of an unfamiliar product code on the Nintendo Account portal site. Speculation was that it identified a Switch 2 Lite or a Switch 2 OLED. This has got fans buzzing about what comes next.
Pricing and Repairability Concerns
Following the price increase, Nintendo may be anxious to unveil a cheaper Lite alternative to the handheld. Even so, rising component costs have made it a perilous time to introduce hardware. Regardless, considering the history of past systems, variations are likely inevitable. They are also dealing with new rules from Europe.
The manufacturer is also rumored to address EU right-to-repair regulations. In March, reports emerged that it was tweaking the Switch 2 design to facilitate easier battery replacement. The changes may not be exclusive to the Switch 2 console, with critics complaining about the repairability of the Pro Controller. It seems they are trying to cover all bases.