For the Switch series consoles, the base is the core component to achieve "seamless switching between home consoles and handheld consoles." Currently, the bases of Switch and Switch 2 are incompatible with each other - older consoles cannot be plugged into the new base, and vice versa. However, a new patent recently filed by Nintendo in China shows that this "one console with one base" situation may be about to change.
According to Nintendo Patents Watch, Nintendo has submitted a dock patent in China, describing a new dock that is compatible with both the original Switch and Switch 2. What's more noteworthy is that the base has an intelligent identification function - it can automatically detect the host model plugged into it and dynamically allocate resources according to its performance needs.
The patent document shows that when the original Switch is plugged in, the base will use the USB 2.0 protocol; and when it detects that the Switch 2 is plugged in, it will automatically switch to USB 3.0 to provide higher data transmission bandwidth. In addition, Switch 2 will receive higher video output resolution and active cooling support provided by the internal fan of the base.
For home users who own both old and new consoles, having one base for both generations will undoubtedly bring great convenience - there is no need to carry different bases back and forth between the living room and the bedroom, and there is no need to purchase additional accessories.
It should be noted that Nintendo has always been known for its enthusiasm for "casting a wide net" patent registration - from somatosensory devices to cardboard peripherals, a large number of ideas ended up in patent documents and did not go to mass production. Therefore, the commercial prospects of this universal base are still unknown.