Nintendo Files Patent That Shows SNES Controller

Nintendo is flying pretty high with their Switch console. The system has sold very well and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. One thing that’s not been in the fast lane, however, is the virtual console aspect. While Nintendo’s systems in general hasn’t been the greatest in retro titles since the Wii, the Switch’s online service has been a slow drip, to say the least. While it’s doubtful that drip is getting any faster, we could be seeing other platforms if a new patent filing is anything to go by.

In a new filing with the FTC, Nintendo has a patent for a new device with the picture of what is clearly a SNES shaped controller. If you recall, when the Switch Online launched, it came with a special edition NES styled controller that you could order to go along with the titles at launch from that system. It’s possible they are planning something similar when SNES games finally hit the service.

Of course, patents are filed all the time, so it could also mean nothing. For whatever reason, Nintendo hasn’t been in too big of a hurry to mine their legacy content on the Switch. Though, you know, there is a new revision on the way later this year, so it wouldn’t be too godawful of a time to drop some sweet SNES on us.