Two new 3DS patents show off possible upcoming features that are actually useful
So normally when we see patents from Nintendo, they have to do with bicycles to ride while playing Wii or footballs you can pretend to throw while pretending to be Brett Favre playing pretend quarterback in a pretend football game. This time, however, some (relatively) neat and potentially useful features for the 3DS have been patented.
1) System Updates via Download Play
The first patent filed would allow you to download system updates from another 3DS that has more contemporary firmware than you simply by checking a box before playing a game via download play. This is especially useful for kids who can’t access the internet on their device, or others who perhaps don’t have or have trouble connecting to the internet on the 3DS.
2) Hidden Storage of Download-Play Titles
Patent number 2 relates to download play as well, but this time it’s regarding the games. The idea is that, when you’re done playing a game via Download Play with someone, the data is actually continually stored on your 3DS in the background so that next time you want to play, you need not re-download the whole thing. Of course, I doubt you’ll be able to access the game short of actually playing with someone who owns it, but some games have terribly long download times (cough Plants vs. Zombies), so this will definitely come in handy if it’s ever implemented.
No word on whether these will ever happen or even if they’re actually in the works, but here’s to hoping!
