Nintendo has introduced a Switch related brand that has inevitably generated a great deal of speculation online – but is there really anything to it?
The latest Nintendo Switch trademark has been filed in Europe under the name “NSW”. It was originally spotted by users on RESTERA (Opens in a new tab)Speculation has begun as to whether or not the brand will reach anything substantial.
‘NSW’ is Nintendo’s official abbreviation for the Nintendo Switch console and the branding of the acronym can mean a number of things. The question is, why would Nintendo want to brand the initials.
If we let our speculation run its course, it could mean that Nintendo is planning to release some new hardware, like another review like the Nintendo Switch Lite or the Nintendo Switch OLED. Or better yet, it could be a sign that the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 is long on the horizon.
Should we really value a brand?
In the end, though, I think it’s best not to get too hopeful about this latest Nintendo Switch related brand. The most likely reason for the deposit is simply because Nintendo wants to protect its IP. That, and to further the acronym “NSW” as something associated with Nintendo Switch systems. Residents of New South Wales in Australia may object to the seizure of Nintendo’s initials, but that shouldn’t get in the way of a Nintendo lawyer.
This isn’t the first time Nintendo has done something like this, and it probably won’t be the last. Earlier this year, as I mentioned Nintendo Live (Opens in a new tab)Nintendo has renewed its brands for The Legend of Zelda, Metroid and Donkey Kong series. This is very likely a bit of a branding spring cleaning on the part of Nintendo.
There is no doubt that the “NSW” brand comes at a strange time. Nintendo recently launched its Wide Care repair service in Japan. This is a subscription-based service that covers damage to Nintendo Switch consoles, Joy-Con consoles, and more. As such, there is little chance that this latest brand will signal a European launch of Wide Care. But this is nothing more than speculation on my part.
I’m keeping my expectations low for now, but any sort of plans for the future of the Nintendo Switch are certainly tempting. Fans have long wanted the ‘upgraded’ model of the Nintendo Switch, thanks to the console’s lack of hardware power compared to the likes of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It’s hard to ignore the question, is the Nintendo Switch worth it in 2022? ‘ When the competition is stronger.
Considering that we’re entering a half-decade of the Switch’s lifecycle, the handheld hybrid is definitely a long way to go at this point. So our Switch review couldn’t come at a better time than now.
