Nintendo may be gearing up for a massive addition to the Switch Online's collection of retro gaming experiences and supported consoles as new details support the arrival of the DS.
According to a patent that has made its rounds online, it is possible that the Nintendo DS and its games are coming to the Switch Online service.
Prior to this latest report, there were speculations that Nintendo is working on the next retro gaming experience coming to the Switch Online service, which pointed to either the Wii or DS console being added to the platform.
Nintendo Switch Online Patent Hints DS Games Are Coming
Inside MikeOdysseyYT shared a new discovery about the next addition to the Nintendo Switch Online service because of a recently applied patent made by the Japanese gaming company. The patent in question is what many fans believe to be a second screen attachment meant for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the accessory meant to emulate the Nintendo DS.
The patent images reveal that this new accessory will serve as a flip-up attachment to the Switch 2 console and could potentially be an exclusive accessory as it was suggested that it would be mounted atop the console.
The Switch 2 is the only console that has a USB-C port located on its top edge alongside the vent, 3.5mm microphone jack, and power switch.
Here we go! Nintendo JUST Updated AGAIN what I believe is the Nintendo Switch 2 second screen accessory for NSO DS, 3DS and maybe Wii U. Patent published on Sep 4th (busy with Silksong hype) This is def. happening. (I am a blind creator and finding these are not easy. A credit… pic.twitter.com/yoyR7SJ3q9
— Mike Odyssey (@MikeOdysseyYT) September 8, 2025
The source claims that this accessory could be a potential attachment to bring different kinds of retro console platforms to the Switch online, including the DS, 3DS, and possibly the Wii U. It was revealed that the patent was originally published by Nintendo last September 4.
In a follow-up post, the source shared a rendered mockup image of this potential Switch 2 attachment, which is placed atop the hybrid console, emulating a dual-screen console reminiscent of the Nintendo DS.
When Is the DS Coming to Nintendo Switch Online?
According to ComicBook Gaming, the source and fans believe that the said patent is meant for the Switch to deliver the DS experience to the console, especially as the device only has a single screen.
The publication previously suggested that a hardware solution is needed for the DS to be possibly played on the Switch, especially as using it in docked mode would defeat the purpose of its touch or stylus-based controls.
The Nintendo DS, DSi, DS Lite, 2DS, and 3DS are best known for having stylus-based controls for the lower part of their screens, and this has served as an important mechanic for some games. Losing this ability in docked mode could render some games unplayable.
As of press time, the rumor has not been confirmed by Nintendo.
