At the beginning of the week, Nintendo posted a new wireless device to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and we’ve been wondering if anyone knew exactly what it was. The model number is CLO-001 and it doesn’t immediately tell many things, but it definitely suggests there is something fresh on the way.
Another Console?
First things first: this isn’t called a ‘wireless game console’ or even a controller like the Joy-Con. In that case it isn’t a new handheld system, at least not in the same sense as we have it today. Nintendo’s Switch 2 is still expected to be introduced sometime before April next year but this CLO-001? It’s something different.
The model number that has us interested — Nintendo has used the “001” code before, like with the Switch and the DS.
A Squarish Mystery
The first two documents from the FCC reveal a simple diagram that indicates a square form factor with rounded edges. It has no body-worn accessories, and it’s not self-powered. Rather, it takes its power through a USB C charger, which is commonly known to be used with the Nintendo switch.
For a device with the G now branding, I expected more wireless technology on this thing. Not a single one has 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi, and there is no Bluetooth, either. Nevertheless, there is a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio and a 24GHz mmWave sensor available with it. Well, this mmWave sensor might be the secret to understanding what Nintendo has in its mystery device.
The Magic of the 24GHz Sensor
Well, what is a 24GHz mmWave sensor, and how does it make a difference? It is that kind of tech that can follow the motions –gesture control or even sign the presence of someone nearby. You know how some devices switch on as soon as you are near? This could be what the 24GHz sensor does for Nintendo’s new device.
Indeed, these radar sensors are manufactured by Infineon and these sensors are capable of detecting motion up to 100 meters! That’s pretty impressive, but it comes with a tradeoff: bigger size and poor quality. Therefore, whatever Nintendo is planning might not look as shiny and new as it should be, but perhaps it’s designed to be packed with all sorts of cool and user interactive bonuses.
What Could It Be?
Speculation around includes a new gesture control interface, which would be pretty cool though.
Some believe it could be an improved dock for the switch or even something to revive Nintendo’s Quality of life concept as they had it in the past several years ago. They once attempted to design a sleep-tracking gadget — is this an updated concept of that one? Or maybe it’s something to support augmented reality (AR), such as detecting objects in the real world for games like Mario Kart Live or Pokemon Go.
Or it might be something else entirely. Nintendo is famous for such tricks, and they enjoy playing with all of us until the very end.
What’s Next?
At this stage, we are all anxiously waiting for further information. It is like we are seeing the whole picture but without the parts that we want to focus on the most. With the Switch 2 rumors and this mysterious new device, Nintendo has a lot to reveal.
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