Nintendo Switch patent could put an end to cheaters before Splatoon 3 arrives

techradar.com:

Nintendo has filed a patent for a new anti-cheat program that may be used to combat nefarious players in the upcoming Splatoon 3 and other online multiplayer games on the Nintendo Switch console.

The patent, discovered by OpAttack, is referred to as an «attestation program.» In short, the program will detect any unintended modifications to Nintendo Switch game software and code. Examples of such changes include preventing the player from taking damage and artificially boosting movement speed, or weapon accuracy, far beyond the limits of what's intended in any given title.

That's really not any different from existing DRM (digital rights management) or anti-cheat software, but this would mark the first time Nintendo has developed its own bespoke system.

Now would perhaps be the aptest time for Nintendo to implement its own anti-cheat system, too. Splatoon 3, launching this September, is likely to be a huge commercial hit following the success of the past two games in the series. Splatoon as a series also has a significant competitive scene that would otherwise be ripe for cheating players to spoil.

Splatoon 3, of course, isn't the only game that could benefit from a bespoke anti-cheat system for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has made a big push in its online multiplayer presence since its latest console launched. 

Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, to this day, have thriving online multiplayer communities. Not to mention the recently released Nintendo Switch Sports, which heavily encourages players to play online with other players at all times.

That's not to say a dedicated Nintendo Switch anti-cheat system would be universally effective. On the contrary, DRM and anti-cheat software are often