Nintendo launched the Switch Lite, a low-cost handheld version of the popular Switch console. The Lite model with integrated controls is going on sale worldwide in September. A new trademark application raises the suspicion that Nintendo will soon introduce something new for its Switch platform.
Nintendo Switch Do
On July 8, 2019, Nintendo filed a trademark for the name Nintendo Switch Do. The application has been filed by Nintendo Co Ltd with the ILPO (The Israel Patent Office). The application was actually approved and published on 16 July. The request is classified as Class 28, 41, 9. Due to the detailed description, it is unfortunately still unclear what Switch Do will be. Among other things, it is stated, ‘games, portable games with LCD screen, handheld games, entertainment services, (downloadable) electronic game programs’.
Nintendo may want to make its Switch Lite even more attractive by developing a corresponding game service for handheld gaming. Last year, for example, the Nintendo Switch Online service was created, a subscription service for online multiplayer gaming. We will have to wait and see if Switch Do has something to do with this or if Nintendo has something completely different in store for us.
New Nintendo store in Israel
Another possibility is that it has something to do with the retail store that Nintendo opened in June 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Finally, this is also the place where the trademark is submitted. The Japanese video game manufacturer has only two physical stores in the world, the first was opened 14 years ago in New York. A second official Nintendo store has now been added in Tel Aviv. It is possible that a large Nintendo game experience zone will be set up here, for which the name Switch Do will be used.
It is clear that Nintendo is fully committed to its popular Switch platform. The Switch Lite is an affordable variant of the standard Switch, besides the company is reportedly working on a Switch Pro, also called Switch 2. It will be the most powerful model. This game console is also expected in 2019.
