Nintendo Switch trademark hints at the console's future

techradar.com:

Nintendo has filed a Switch-related trademark that's inevitably sparked a great deal of speculation online – but is there really anything to it?

This latest Nintendo Switch trademark has been filed in Europe under the name «NSW.» Originally spotted by users over on Resetera(opens in new tab), speculation began as to whether or not the trademark will amount to anything substantial.

'NSW' is Nintendo's official shorthand for the Nintendo Switch console and a trademark for the abbreviation could mean a number of things. The question is, why would Nintendo want to trademark the initials.

If we were to let our speculations run ahead of us, then it could mean Nintendo is planning on rolling out some new hardware, such as another revision like the Nintendo Switch Lite or Nintendo Switch OLED. Or better yet, it could be a sign that the long-rumored Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon.

Ultimately, though, I think it's best not to get too hopeful about this latest Nintendo Switch-related trademark. The more likely reason for the filing simply comes down to Nintendo wanting to protect its IP. That, and to further officiate the 'NSW' abbreviation as something tied to Nintendo Switch systems. The people of New South Wales in Australia may take issue with Nintendo's initials grab, but that shouldn't get in the way of Nintendo's lawyers.

It's not the first time Nintendo would've done something like this, and very 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. This is very likely to be a bit of trademark spring cleaning on Nintendo's part.

There's no doubt that the 'NSW' trademark comes at a curious time,