Nintendo Patents Watch
@ninpatentswatch.bsky.social
Human-run account covering patents, tech, and business behind Nintendo products (任天堂特許ウォッチ; 任天堂专利追踪; 任天堂專利追蹤)
https://ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com
https://ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare handles V-sync
• Conventionally, the GPU begins rendering the next frame when the screen refreshes; GameShare host also works this way
• This can be an issue for GameShare guests, if the streamed image arrives after the rendering already started
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How GameShare handles V-sync
• Conventionally, the GPU begins rendering the next frame when the screen refreshes; GameShare host also works this way
• This can be an issue for GameShare guests, if the streamed image arrives after the rendering already started
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January 4, 2026 at 11:07 PM
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare handles V-sync
• Conventionally, the GPU begins rendering the next frame when the screen refreshes; GameShare host also works this way
• This can be an issue for GameShare guests, if the streamed image arrives after the rendering already started
1/
How GameShare handles V-sync
• Conventionally, the GPU begins rendering the next frame when the screen refreshes; GameShare host also works this way
• This can be an issue for GameShare guests, if the streamed image arrives after the rendering already started
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[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare synchronizes gameplay
• A “frame number” {n} is attached to each image frame and control data
• This is a reference number not actual frame number, since the host and GameShare may have different frame rates
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How GameShare synchronizes gameplay
• A “frame number” {n} is attached to each image frame and control data
• This is a reference number not actual frame number, since the host and GameShare may have different frame rates
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January 4, 2026 at 11:06 PM
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare synchronizes gameplay
• A “frame number” {n} is attached to each image frame and control data
• This is a reference number not actual frame number, since the host and GameShare may have different frame rates
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How GameShare synchronizes gameplay
• A “frame number” {n} is attached to each image frame and control data
• This is a reference number not actual frame number, since the host and GameShare may have different frame rates
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[Info from recent GS patents]
GameShare resolution and frame rate
• There isn’t a universal GameShare resolution or frame rate; they are set by each game
• If GameShare resolution < host resolution, the host scales down the image before streaming it
--- E.g., resize from 1080p to 720p
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GameShare resolution and frame rate
• There isn’t a universal GameShare resolution or frame rate; they are set by each game
• If GameShare resolution < host resolution, the host scales down the image before streaming it
--- E.g., resize from 1080p to 720p
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January 4, 2026 at 11:04 PM
[Info from recent GS patents]
GameShare resolution and frame rate
• There isn’t a universal GameShare resolution or frame rate; they are set by each game
• If GameShare resolution < host resolution, the host scales down the image before streaming it
--- E.g., resize from 1080p to 720p
1/
GameShare resolution and frame rate
• There isn’t a universal GameShare resolution or frame rate; they are set by each game
• If GameShare resolution < host resolution, the host scales down the image before streaming it
--- E.g., resize from 1080p to 720p
1/
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare transmits player input
• Each guest’s control input is sent P2P to the host, not server-mediated
• Gamepad, mouse, and motion inputs are queued every 5 ms; touch input is every 4 ms
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How GameShare transmits player input
• Each guest’s control input is sent P2P to the host, not server-mediated
• Gamepad, mouse, and motion inputs are queued every 5 ms; touch input is every 4 ms
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January 4, 2026 at 11:03 PM
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare transmits player input
• Each guest’s control input is sent P2P to the host, not server-mediated
• Gamepad, mouse, and motion inputs are queued every 5 ms; touch input is every 4 ms
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How GameShare transmits player input
• Each guest’s control input is sent P2P to the host, not server-mediated
• Gamepad, mouse, and motion inputs are queued every 5 ms; touch input is every 4 ms
1/
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare transmits image stream
• For local GameShare, the host sends an image stream to each guest directly (P2P)
• For online GameShare, if each guest has their own screen image, the streaming is also P2P
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How GameShare transmits image stream
• For local GameShare, the host sends an image stream to each guest directly (P2P)
• For online GameShare, if each guest has their own screen image, the streaming is also P2P
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January 4, 2026 at 11:02 PM
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare transmits image stream
• For local GameShare, the host sends an image stream to each guest directly (P2P)
• For online GameShare, if each guest has their own screen image, the streaming is also P2P
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How GameShare transmits image stream
• For local GameShare, the host sends an image stream to each guest directly (P2P)
• For online GameShare, if each guest has their own screen image, the streaming is also P2P
1/
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare and GameChat integrate
• Not all users in a GameShare session need to be in the same GameChat group (img 1)
• Likewise, a GameChat group can have users belong to different GameShare sessions
--- E.g., kart and poker sessions in one group (img 2)
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How GameShare and GameChat integrate
• Not all users in a GameShare session need to be in the same GameChat group (img 1)
• Likewise, a GameChat group can have users belong to different GameShare sessions
--- E.g., kart and poker sessions in one group (img 2)
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January 4, 2026 at 11:01 PM
[Info from recent GS patents]
How GameShare and GameChat integrate
• Not all users in a GameShare session need to be in the same GameChat group (img 1)
• Likewise, a GameChat group can have users belong to different GameShare sessions
--- E.g., kart and poker sessions in one group (img 2)
1/
How GameShare and GameChat integrate
• Not all users in a GameShare session need to be in the same GameChat group (img 1)
• Likewise, a GameChat group can have users belong to different GameShare sessions
--- E.g., kart and poker sessions in one group (img 2)
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Five GameShare patent applications were published on Xmas Day. There’s a lot of content so I’ll only share some highlights in the next few posts. Please refer to the docs for complete info.
Patent publication numbers:
US20250387700, US20250387701, US20250387702, US20250387703, US20250387704
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Patent publication numbers:
US20250387700, US20250387701, US20250387702, US20250387703, US20250387704
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January 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Five GameShare patent applications were published on Xmas Day. There’s a lot of content so I’ll only share some highlights in the next few posts. Please refer to the docs for complete info.
Patent publication numbers:
US20250387700, US20250387701, US20250387702, US20250387703, US20250387704
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Patent publication numbers:
US20250387700, US20250387701, US20250387702, US20250387703, US20250387704
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Do some people not know how quotation marks work? Yoshi P did not literally said “Please look forward to FF14 on switch 2!”
The source is just one heavily cropped tiny screenshot (see below). Regardless whether the image is even authentic, the statement was: “Please stay tuned regarding Switch”
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The source is just one heavily cropped tiny screenshot (see below). Regardless whether the image is even authentic, the statement was: “Please stay tuned regarding Switch”
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January 3, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Do some people not know how quotation marks work? Yoshi P did not literally said “Please look forward to FF14 on switch 2!”
The source is just one heavily cropped tiny screenshot (see below). Regardless whether the image is even authentic, the statement was: “Please stay tuned regarding Switch”
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The source is just one heavily cropped tiny screenshot (see below). Regardless whether the image is even authentic, the statement was: “Please stay tuned regarding Switch”
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A couple interesting pieces of info from the latest investor conference of Foxconn Technology Co. (鴻準, Switch assembler): irconference.twse.com.tw/2354_21_2025...
1. When asked whether the memory shortage will impact Switch 2 production in 2026, FTC stated that …
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1. When asked whether the memory shortage will impact Switch 2 production in 2026, FTC stated that …
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January 1, 2026 at 4:02 PM
A couple interesting pieces of info from the latest investor conference of Foxconn Technology Co. (鴻準, Switch assembler): irconference.twse.com.tw/2354_21_2025...
1. When asked whether the memory shortage will impact Switch 2 production in 2026, FTC stated that …
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1. When asked whether the memory shortage will impact Switch 2 production in 2026, FTC stated that …
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The patent regarding NSO Missions for Nintendo Classics is granted in Japan, and will be soon in the US:
www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
The Classics app (e.g. NES) contains a mission program (img 1) that monitors emulator program’s memory (img 2).
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www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
The Classics app (e.g. NES) contains a mission program (img 1) that monitors emulator program’s memory (img 2).
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January 1, 2026 at 2:14 PM
The patent regarding NSO Missions for Nintendo Classics is granted in Japan, and will be soon in the US:
www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
The Classics app (e.g. NES) contains a mission program (img 1) that monitors emulator program’s memory (img 2).
1/
www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
The Classics app (e.g. NES) contains a mission program (img 1) that monitors emulator program’s memory (img 2).
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A newly published HD Rumble patent details how vibration data is communicated btw the console and controller (img 1).
The key innovation is that the console does not simply pass a game’s raw vibration data to controller, but maps vibration frequencies to the closest musical notes (img 2).
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The key innovation is that the console does not simply pass a game’s raw vibration data to controller, but maps vibration frequencies to the closest musical notes (img 2).
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January 1, 2026 at 12:30 PM
A newly published HD Rumble patent details how vibration data is communicated btw the console and controller (img 1).
The key innovation is that the console does not simply pass a game’s raw vibration data to controller, but maps vibration frequencies to the closest musical notes (img 2).
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The key innovation is that the console does not simply pass a game’s raw vibration data to controller, but maps vibration frequencies to the closest musical notes (img 2).
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The patent application for the Switch system’s Accessibility » Key Mapping feature has been published, with more attention on the new GL/GR buttons.
This one is pretty straightforward, pretty much what we can already see in the System Settings: image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-pu...
This one is pretty straightforward, pretty much what we can already see in the System Settings: image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-pu...
January 1, 2026 at 10:53 AM
The patent application for the Switch system’s Accessibility » Key Mapping feature has been published, with more attention on the new GL/GR buttons.
This one is pretty straightforward, pretty much what we can already see in the System Settings: image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-pu...
This one is pretty straightforward, pretty much what we can already see in the System Settings: image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-pu...
While looking up info re: Symphonic Gamers 5 (see last post), I found AI generated fake news of the broadcast being canceled. This isn’t the first time I encountered agenticly fabricated stories—no matter how niche the subject is—contrived to outrage for engagements. Where is our gen-AI legislation?
December 31, 2025 at 11:20 PM
While looking up info re: Symphonic Gamers 5 (see last post), I found AI generated fake news of the broadcast being canceled. This isn’t the first time I encountered agenticly fabricated stories—no matter how niche the subject is—contrived to outrage for engagements. Where is our gen-AI legislation?
NHK broadcasted the Symphonic Gamers 5 concert on the 29th, and will again on the 2nd. Masahiro Sakurai co-MC’d the program.
The full program is not online, but here is the performance of Final Fantasy IX medley: youtu.be/G_mqwTyU-vw
The full program is not online, but here is the performance of Final Fantasy IX medley: youtu.be/G_mqwTyU-vw
Symphonic Gamers 5 - Melodies of an Adventure Beyond Time: Final Fantasy IX
YouTube video by xEzNaFF
youtu.be
December 31, 2025 at 10:40 PM
NHK broadcasted the Symphonic Gamers 5 concert on the 29th, and will again on the 2nd. Masahiro Sakurai co-MC’d the program.
The full program is not online, but here is the performance of Final Fantasy IX medley: youtu.be/G_mqwTyU-vw
The full program is not online, but here is the performance of Final Fantasy IX medley: youtu.be/G_mqwTyU-vw
Japanese musician Gen Hoshino gave a special performance of “Create” in the Nintendo Museum. It’s essentially a mini tour of the site and worth seeing.
Koji Kondo also made an appearance (and played!) while Hosino sang into a Famicom controller 2.
Video: youtu.be/mlshcZ3uZ80
Koji Kondo also made an appearance (and played!) while Hosino sang into a Famicom controller 2.
Video: youtu.be/mlshcZ3uZ80
December 31, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Japanese musician Gen Hoshino gave a special performance of “Create” in the Nintendo Museum. It’s essentially a mini tour of the site and worth seeing.
Koji Kondo also made an appearance (and played!) while Hosino sang into a Famicom controller 2.
Video: youtu.be/mlshcZ3uZ80
Koji Kondo also made an appearance (and played!) while Hosino sang into a Famicom controller 2.
Video: youtu.be/mlshcZ3uZ80
On a Nintendo careers page (embedded below), software engineer Matsumoto revealed that in 2018, he came up with the idea of moving the non-game audio (e.g., HOME menu sound) from the sound processor to a different processor (probably the CPU), to free up more sound processing resources to games.
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仕事を読み解くキーワード：技術で届ける「豊かなサウンド体験」｜採用情報｜任天堂
任天堂の現場ではたらく社員の声をご紹介する「仕事を読み解くキーワード」。キーワード「技術で届ける「豊かなサウンド体験」」の記事です。
www.nintendo.co.jp
December 29, 2025 at 1:22 AM
On a Nintendo careers page (embedded below), software engineer Matsumoto revealed that in 2018, he came up with the idea of moving the non-game audio (e.g., HOME menu sound) from the sound processor to a different processor (probably the CPU), to free up more sound processing resources to games.
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A Retro Studios patent for Metroid Prime 4 was granted last week (US12502603). Since the game’s highly dynamic scene is viewed through a visor, they need a lightweight technique to light the inside of the helmet while maintaining 60 fps on Switch 1.
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December 28, 2025 at 8:47 PM
A Retro Studios patent for Metroid Prime 4 was granted last week (US12502603). Since the game’s highly dynamic scene is viewed through a visor, they need a lightweight technique to light the inside of the helmet while maintaining 60 fps on Switch 1.
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I seldom write about other companies’ patents, but this Sony patent, published in June, caught my eyes: patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Basically SIE wants to put an neural processor (NPU) in the storage device, so the system gets AI generated assets directly from SSD w/o using CPU/GPU.
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Basically SIE wants to put an neural processor (NPU) in the storage device, so the system gets AI generated assets directly from SSD w/o using CPU/GPU.
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December 27, 2025 at 9:59 PM
I seldom write about other companies’ patents, but this Sony patent, published in June, caught my eyes: patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Basically SIE wants to put an neural processor (NPU) in the storage device, so the system gets AI generated assets directly from SSD w/o using CPU/GPU.
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Basically SIE wants to put an neural processor (NPU) in the storage device, so the system gets AI generated assets directly from SSD w/o using CPU/GPU.
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Did anyone get an Alarmo for X’mas?
Nintendo’s patent filing shows that they are interested in linking the Alarmo to mobile/Switch games (img 1) to output special sounds based on in-game events (imgs 2-3), such as boss raids or holiday festivities.
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Nintendo’s patent filing shows that they are interested in linking the Alarmo to mobile/Switch games (img 1) to output special sounds based on in-game events (imgs 2-3), such as boss raids or holiday festivities.
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December 26, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Did anyone get an Alarmo for X’mas?
Nintendo’s patent filing shows that they are interested in linking the Alarmo to mobile/Switch games (img 1) to output special sounds based on in-game events (imgs 2-3), such as boss raids or holiday festivities.
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Nintendo’s patent filing shows that they are interested in linking the Alarmo to mobile/Switch games (img 1) to output special sounds based on in-game events (imgs 2-3), such as boss raids or holiday festivities.
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Researchers at the Imperial College London and Kyushu Sangyo University found that for young adults, playing Mario and Yoshi games have these positive effects:
• rekindle childlike wonder
• boost happiness
• reduce burnout risk
games.jmir.org/2025/1/e84219/
• rekindle childlike wonder
• boost happiness
• reduce burnout risk
games.jmir.org/2025/1/e84219/
Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi Games’ Affordance of Childlike Wonder and Reduced Burnout Risk in Young Adults: In-Depth Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Unrelenting pressure and an “always-on” culture can leave no time for genuine rest among young adults. While playing video games has been noted to afford cognitive escapism and relaxation,...
games.jmir.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Researchers at the Imperial College London and Kyushu Sangyo University found that for young adults, playing Mario and Yoshi games have these positive effects:
• rekindle childlike wonder
• boost happiness
• reduce burnout risk
games.jmir.org/2025/1/e84219/
• rekindle childlike wonder
• boost happiness
• reduce burnout risk
games.jmir.org/2025/1/e84219/
While the US console sales showed signs of weakness, China’s console gaming revenue increased 86.33% in 2025 (img 1). Although still dwarfed by mobile and PC gaming (img 2), it is the fastest growing segment.
finance.eastmoney.com/a/2025121935...
finance.eastmoney.com/a/2025121935...
December 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
While the US console sales showed signs of weakness, China’s console gaming revenue increased 86.33% in 2025 (img 1). Although still dwarfed by mobile and PC gaming (img 2), it is the fastest growing segment.
finance.eastmoney.com/a/2025121935...
finance.eastmoney.com/a/2025121935...
A Reuters report suggests that Valve and Sony might delay releasing Steam Machine and PS6 due to the rising memory costs: www.reuters.com/business/how...
> [Joost] said sticker prices for consoles could rise another 10% to 15% over the next year or two, while PC prices could climb as much as 30%
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> [Joost] said sticker prices for consoles could rise another 10% to 15% over the next year or two, while PC prices could climb as much as 30%
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December 23, 2025 at 12:54 PM
A Reuters report suggests that Valve and Sony might delay releasing Steam Machine and PS6 due to the rising memory costs: www.reuters.com/business/how...
> [Joost] said sticker prices for consoles could rise another 10% to 15% over the next year or two, while PC prices could climb as much as 30%
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> [Joost] said sticker prices for consoles could rise another 10% to 15% over the next year or two, while PC prices could climb as much as 30%
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A buyer for some video game retailers in Japan confirmed that the Switch 2 MKW bundle is also ending there. See translated tweet below. (The person locked their account for some time after one of their posts got on Reddit. So I obscure their identity.)
December 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM
A buyer for some video game retailers in Japan confirmed that the Switch 2 MKW bundle is also ending there. See translated tweet below. (The person locked their account for some time after one of their posts got on Reddit. So I obscure their identity.)
Weltrend (偉詮電), supplier of the USB PD controller in Switch 2 charger, said the following in a Q&A about their gaming related revenue in 2026: “the growth may not be as high as this year’s”
That is to be expected, but at least the forecast isn’t a flat or down year. drive.google.com/file/d/1AXvU...
That is to be expected, but at least the forecast isn’t a flat or down year. drive.google.com/file/d/1AXvU...
December 22, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Weltrend (偉詮電), supplier of the USB PD controller in Switch 2 charger, said the following in a Q&A about their gaming related revenue in 2026: “the growth may not be as high as this year’s”
That is to be expected, but at least the forecast isn’t a flat or down year. drive.google.com/file/d/1AXvU...
That is to be expected, but at least the forecast isn’t a flat or down year. drive.google.com/file/d/1AXvU...
The production of Switch 2 MKW bundle, from the start, was planned to stop about now. It was disclosed on the Nintendo JP site (“end of December”) and NA site (“through fall”).
On the other hand, the Pokémon Z-A bundle is limited by quantity, not time: ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com/2025/09/08/l...
On the other hand, the Pokémon Z-A bundle is limited by quantity, not time: ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com/2025/09/08/l...
December 22, 2025 at 7:04 AM
The production of Switch 2 MKW bundle, from the start, was planned to stop about now. It was disclosed on the Nintendo JP site (“end of December”) and NA site (“through fall”).
On the other hand, the Pokémon Z-A bundle is limited by quantity, not time: ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com/2025/09/08/l...
On the other hand, the Pokémon Z-A bundle is limited by quantity, not time: ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com/2025/09/08/l...