Nintendo Switch 2 Patent Reveals IR Camera Integration on Console Hardware

Nintendo’s plans for its next-generation hardware are coming into sharper focus thanks to a recently published patent.

Filed in 2023 and now made public, the official Nintendo patent documentation details the intended addition of an infrared (IR) camera feature to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Unlike the original Nintendo Switch, where the IR camera is embedded within the right Joy-Con controller, this new design envisioned the IR camera as an integrated component on the right side of the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself. For context, the original Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017 and quickly became a major success for Nintendo, with over 125 million units sold worldwide as of early 2024.

A unique feature of the current generation's Joy-Con controllers is the inclusion of a compact IR motion camera in the right Joy-Con.

This hardware has enabled a range of innovative gameplay experiences, from mini-games in '1-2-Switch' to certain motion-based activities in other Switch titles.

The IR camera can perceive shapes, distance, and some hand gestures, adding depth to motion controls on Nintendo's popular hybrid console. The newly disclosed patent materials indicate a major shift for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

According to the patent diagrams, the IR camera was designed to be built directly into the frame of the console, allowing it to sense and interpret elements such as the user's hand movement.

This would mark a significant evolution from the original design, centralizing advanced sensor technology within the console itself rather than in detachable controllers. However, accompanying documentation reveals that the redesigned Joy-Con controllers intended for the Nintendo Switch 2—referred to in industry discussions as 'Joy-Con 2'—no longer house an IR camera.

Because of this hardware change, software that relies on IR functionality would need to use the legacy Nintendo Switch Joy-Con with the integrated IR sensor to maintain compatibility.

This decision signals a potential shift in how developers and players will interact with IR-supported features on the new platform. Nintendo has consistently pushed boundaries with its hardware innovation, evident from the original Wii’s motion controls to the hybrid functionality of the Nintendo Switch.

The move to embed an IR camera into the Nintendo Switch 2 console highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to unique user interfaces and interactive experiences. At the time of writing, Nintendo has not officially confirmed all hardware specifics for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, including launch date details.

The company continues to generate significant attention around new console innovations, as reflected by the active community discussions and analysis of patent data.

This latest patent disclosure provides concrete insight into the next hardware evolution and how IR camera capabilities could shape future Nintendo Switch gameplay experiences.

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