When Nintendo unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, many fans and critics argued that the company played it too safe. Compared to the revolutionary motion controls of the Wii, the dual-screen ingenuity of the DS, or the hybrid handheld-console design of the original Switch, the Switch 2 appeared to be a straightforward upgrade—bigger, better, but not boundary-pushing.
The Dual-Mouse controls are a novel feature allowing precise motion-based inputs. Although I personally find them to be as innovative as past Nintendo gimmicks, their potential remains largely unexplored. Without a groundbreaking feature, the Switch 2 risks being seen as an iterative step rather than a bold leap.
However, Nintendo is potentially hiding a game-changing surprise in a feature many have already overlooked: the second USB-C port on the top of the console.
Smoke and Mirrors – The Potential
Nintendo’s official messaging about the second USB-C port has been understated. The company has emphasized its utility for convenient charging in handheld mode and compatibility with the Nintendo Camera or third-party cameras for utilizing GameChat or Kinect-like gameplay features in specific games.
On the surface, these use cases seem practical but hardly revolutionary. Many fans and analysts have dismissed the port as a minor convenience, assuming its functionality is limited to these purposes. But this is no ordinary port—it’s a USB-C port, a versatile standard capable of far more than charging or connecting a camera.
USB-C supports high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery, making it a gateway for a wide range of peripherals. What’s stopping Nintendo, or even third-party developers, from leveraging this port to introduce transformative accessories that elevate the Nintendo Switch 2 experience?
A Glimpse of the Future?
A compelling hint at the port’s potential lies in a patent filed by Nintendo and made public in October 2023. The patent describes a detachable second screen that connects to a Switch-like handheld device via a port, enabling dual-screen functionality reminiscent of the Nintendo DS.
According to the patent, this accessory screen can attach and detach seamlessly, allowing the device to switch between single-screen and dual-screen configurations. The second screen could display complementary game content: maps, inventories, or alternate perspectives.
The Screen Factor – The Dual Screen Potentially Returns
It could even enable new gameplay mechanics, like asymmetric multiplayer experiences where each screen serves a different player. This concept echoes the DS and Wii U’s innovative dual-screen design, which spawned iconic games like Nintendogs and Nintendoland.
If Nintendo brings this patent to life, the second USB-C port could serve as the connection point for this accessory, transforming the Nintendo Switch 2 into a modern successor to the DS’s dual-screen legacy. This could allow for more seamless DS and 3DS emulation if they were added to Nintendo Switch Online Classics after the GameCube.
Endless Possibilities – Nintendo VR Headset
The implications of this patent extend beyond a second screen. The USB-C port’s versatility opens the door to an ecosystem of peripherals that could redefine the Nintendo Switch 2’s feature set.
Imagine a VR headset attachment that leverages the port for delivering immersive experiences without the bulk of standalone VR systems.
Unlike the cardboard-based Nintendo Labo VR Kit for the original Switch, a dedicated USB-C-connected headset could offer a polished, lightweight solution tailored to the Switch 2’s enhanced processing power and higher resolution screen.
It could bring Nintendo’s iconic franchises into virtual reality, offering fresh ways to explore familiar worlds.
The Storage Factor – Potential for External Hard Drives
Another possibility is a plug-and-play external storage solution. The Nintendo Switch 2 supports MicroSD Express cards for expanded storage, but they aren’t made to be removed and inserted at the drop of a dime.
A compact external drive connected via the USB-C port could offer a more user-friendly alternative, allowing players to quickly swap between large game libraries or transfer data between devices. This would be especially appealing for gamers with extensive digital collections, streamlining storage management without sacrificing portability.
Who Needs A Mid-Gen Refresh?
Perhaps the most ambitious idea is an Expansion Pak-like module that boosts the Nintendo Switch 2’s performance. The original Nintendo 64’s Expansion Pak increased the console’s RAM, enabling enhanced graphics and larger game worlds in titles like The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask.
A modern equivalent could leverage the USB-C port to deliver additional processing power or specialized hardware, such as a dedicated graphics chip or AI accelerator. This would negate the need for a separate hardware refresh that Day 1 owners would feel pushed to purchase.
Could Nintendo Revive the Expansion Pack?
While this concept may seem far-fetched given the technical challenges of integrating external processing units, Nintendo’s history of bold hardware experiments suggests a willingness to push boundaries.
Even if a performance-boosting module never materializes, the USB-C port’s potential for other peripherals remains a key feature for the platform’s future.
Schrodinger’s USB-C
As the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a worthy successor to one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles. Whether or not the second USB-C port becomes the game-changing feature envisioned here, the Switch 2 is poised to deliver a stellar gaming experience that millions will undoubtedly enjoy.
However, the possibility of transformative peripherals—whether a dual-screen attachment, a VR headset, or something entirely unexpected makes the Nintendo Switch 2 a platform brimming with untapped potential. The future of Nintendo’s hybrid console is looking bright, but this little USB-C port could make it shine even brighter.
