The Nintendo Switch 2 is all but confirmed. After mountains of leaks, it was reportedly shown off behind closed doors at Gamescom, boasting visuals that are allegedly on par with the PS5 and Xbox Series. According to reports, it's launching next year, finally putting to bed the Switch 2 rumours and speculation.

However, a new design filing shows a completely different device that we know nothing about, seemingly separate from the new Switch.

Imagine a DS that you can snap in half, but your parents won't yell at you. That's basically what the design shows. As reported by Eurogamer, it's a wireless handheld-only console that, when separated, can be used for wireless multiplayer gaming.

Nintendo made the filing last year but the design was only made public earlier this month. The description provided by the World Intellectual Property Organisation reads,

"This electronic apparatus comprises a first device and a second device. The first device and the second device can be detachably attached to each other. The first device has a first surface, and a first display and a first connection unit which are positioned on the first surface. The second device has a second surface, a second display that is positioned on the second surface, a second rear surface that is on the reverse side from the second surface, and a second connection unit that is positioned on the second rear surface.

"The second connection unit can be connected to the first connection unit in a first orientation or in a second orientation that is the reverse from the first orientation. When in a first connection state in which the second connection part has been connected to the first connection part in the first orientation, the second rear surface is positioned so as to cover the first display. When in a second connection state in which the second connection part has been connected to the first connection part in the second orientation, the second rear surface is positioned so as not to cover the first display."

Given what we know from reports about the Switch 2, it's likely that this idea never got past the design phase, but it's interesting nonetheless as it shows Nintendo toying around with new ideas beyond the hybrid console. In fact, the hybrid element appears completely absent in this design, focusing purely on handheld gaming and multiplayer.

It's an interesting excursion into what the future of Nintendo could have looked like, but there are still some mysteries around the Switch 2 itself as Nintendo has yet to officially announce it. We don't know if it'll be backward compatible with older games, there's no word on when it'll be announced, and there are reports of two models, one digital and one physical. Hopefully, things clear up soon.

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