Smartphones instead of controllers: Nintendo may change co-operative gameplay

There's been a lot of talk lately about Nintendo's new console, which is rumoured to be unveiled as early as January. The manufacturer has officially confirmed that it will get backwards compatibility, and insiders have mentioned that the Switch 2 will be comparable in power to the PS4 in portable mode and to the PS4 Pro when connected to a dock.

But the Japanese company might be preparing another surprise.

Here's What We Know

A Nintendo patent has been discovered online, according to which an unnamed device (possibly the Switch 2) will be able to connect to multiple players' smartphones and use them not only as an additional screen, but also to control games.

It's not yet known how this will work, but it's possible the new patent has something to do with the so-called "big local co-op" project.

According to reports, the console will reportedly generate a unique QR code that is scanned with a phone or tablet. Once connected, the mobile device can act as a controller or an additional screen. Obviously, in this way the company intends to diversify co-operative games.

It is likely that such a concept will support co-operative mode in more advanced games, not only in local co-operative, but also online. In part, similar technology has been used before in the Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, but then it was not a matter of connecting smartphones, but involving additional displays on the console itself.

Unfortunately, the fact that a patent has been filed doesn't mean it will ever be realised and it's not at all certain that such functionality will appear in Switch 2, but it's good to see the Japanese giant looking for new ways to surprise gamers.

Source: TechSpot