Nintendo Files Wave Race Trademark in Europe, Sparking Franchise Interest
Entry information
Published on: November 17, 2016
Description
Nintendo recently registered a trademark for “Wave Race” with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, drawing renewed attention to the beloved water racing franchise after years of dormancy.
The trademark, categorized as a Word mark, means Nintendo is seeking legal protection over the name 'Wave Race' in the European market.
While this action does not directly confirm development of a new Wave Race title, it does signal Nintendo’s continued interest in safeguarding its historic intellectual properties.
Originally debuting on the Game Boy in 1992, Wave Race quickly became synonymous with high-speed watercraft racing in the Nintendo library.
The franchise truly rose to prominence with Wave Race 64, launching for the Nintendo 64 in 1996 and quickly earning acclaim for its groundbreaking water physics and engaging multiplayer gameplay.
The series later expanded with Wave Race: Blue Storm on the Nintendo GameCube in 2001, further enhancing the franchise’s reputation for fun, arcade-style aquatic racing mechanics.
In a statement available on the EU Intellectual Property website, the new trademark registration confirms that Nintendo has formally secured rights over the 'Wave Race' name in Europe.
As is standard industry practice, this move allows Nintendo to maintain exclusive use of the brand for current and future products, whether digital or physical.
Series fans have eagerly awaited news of a Wave Race revival, but as of this writing, Nintendo has not announced plans for a new installment on the Nintendo Switch or upcoming hardware.
Aside from a re-release of Wave Race 64 on the Wii Virtual Console, the franchise has remained inactive for over a decade, making this trademark filing all the more notable.
Longtime Nintendo enthusiasts will remember that Wave Race defined an era of local multiplayer competition and technical innovation, especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Its absence from modern eShop lineups has been keenly felt by fans, who frequently cite the franchise as an example of a classic Nintendo property deserving of new life.
While registering a trademark is a routine act for protecting brands, it often reignites speculation about a possible return or remaster, especially when handled by an industry leader like Nintendo.
However, until Nintendo provides official word — such as during a future Nintendo Direct — the filing remains a legal measure to preserve a key part of the company's rich gaming heritage.
The lasting impact of Wave Race on Game Boy, Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii Virtual Console underscores its legacy in the Nintendo catalog and keeps hope alive for its eventual return.
