Nintendo Patent Hints at Super Nintendo Classic Edition Following NES Classic Success

Nintendo Patent Points Toward Potential Super Nintendo Classic Edition Release Nintendo continues to dominate the retro gaming market, building on its storied legacy with beloved hardware revivals.

A newly surfaced Japanese patent filed by Nintendo Co., Ltd.

in December 2016 is sparking renewed attention, as it may indicate plans for a Super Nintendo Classic Edition—a follow-up to the wildly successful NES Classic Edition.

The discovery, originally reported by Nintendo Everything and traced back via a Twitter user, underscores Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to bringing its legendary games to both new and longtime fans through modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch and the eShop, as well as through new hardware. According to publicly available patent records, Nintendo filed the application on December 5, 2016.

The filing describes a “home video game machine for program etc.” alongside reference to "home consoles other." While the language is standard for hardware device classification, its timing aligns closely with the NES Classic Edition’s launch, which swept holiday sales in 2016 and introduced a new wave of retro appreciation among gamers.

Nintendo Everything, a reputable news source within the Nintendo community, originally covered the story after it was highlighted by an observant Twitter user.

As per their translation and reporting, the patent lists Nintendo Co., Ltd.

as the applicant and specifies categories linked to home entertainment systems, further bolstering industry expectations that Nintendo could follow its winning formula with a Super Nintendo Classic Edition. The NES Classic Edition, released in November 2016, was widely praised for its authentic recreation of the original Nintendo Entertainment System experience, bundled with 30 classic titles and HDMI support for modern TVs.

It quickly became a top-selling product for Nintendo during the holiday season, with millions of units sold worldwide and frequent restocks selling out within minutes on the eShop and across retailers.

This unprecedented demand offered a strong signal to Nintendo’s management regarding the appetite for retro hardware. While Nintendo has yet to officially announce a Super Nintendo Classic Edition, the documented patent filing indicates active interest in expanding its mini console lineup.

The company's approach to retro gaming—combining nostalgia with modern convenience—has been a key strategy, supported by successful Nintendo Direct presentations and strong digital sales on the Switch eShop for legacy titles.

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

remains a pillar in the industry, consistently blending innovation with reverence for its heritage. Gaming enthusiasts and industry watchers alike eagerly anticipate further confirmation from Nintendo regarding new retro releases.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor official announcements and developments from Nintendo regarding potential new hardware like the Super Nintendo Classic Edition.

Nintendo Super Nintendo Classic Edition NES Classic Edition Nintendo Everything Nintendo Co. Ltd. Nintendo Switch Nintendo Direct eShop