Nintendo has filed a Switch-related trademark that has inevitably sparked a lot of speculation online – but is there really anything to it?
This latest Nintendo Switch trademark was registered in Europe under the name “NSW”. Originally viewed by users on reset (opens in new tab)speculation has begun on whether or not the trademark will be substantial.
‘NSW’ is Nintendo’s official abbreviation for the Nintendo Switch console and a trademark for the abbreviation can mean a number of things. The question is, why would Nintendo want to register the initials.
If we let our speculations run ahead of us, it could mean that Nintendo is planning to release some new hardware, like another revision like the Nintendo Switch Lite or the Nintendo Switch OLED. Or better yet, it could be a sign that the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon.
Should we really take stock of a brand?
Ultimately though, I think it’s best not to get your hopes up with this latest Nintendo Switch-related trademark. The most likely reason for the filing simply comes down to the fact that Nintendo wants to protect its intellectual property. That and making the abbreviation ‘NSW’ even more official as something tied to Nintendo Switch systems. The people of New South Wales, Australia may have trouble capturing Nintendo’s initials, but that shouldn’t get in the way of Nintendo’s lawyers.
It’s not the first time Nintendo has done something like this, and it most likely won’t be the last. Earlier this year, as reported by Nintendo Life (opens in new tab), Nintendo renewed its trademarks for The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Donkey Kong franchises. It’s very likely a bit of trademark spring cleaning on Nintendo’s part.
There is no doubt that the ‘NSW’ brand comes at a curious time. Nintendo recently launched its Wide Care repair service in Japan. This is a subscription-based service that covers damages for Nintendo Switch consoles, Joy-Con controllers, and more. As such, there’s a slim chance that the latter brand could hint at a European launch for the Wide Care service. But this is just speculation on my part.
I’m keeping my expectations low for now, but any sort of plan for the future of Nintendo Switch is certainly appealing. Fans have long wanted an ‘updated’ Nintendo Switch model, thanks to the console’s lack of hardware power when compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X. It’s harder to ignore the question, ‘Is Nintendo Switch worth it in 2022?’ when the competition is much more powerful.
And considering we’re half a decade into the Switch’s lifecycle, the handheld hybrid is definitely very old at this point. A Switch review, then, couldn’t come at a better time than now.