Mysterious Nintendo Device Certified by FCC as Switch 2 Hype Rages On

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Mysterious Nintendo Device Certified by FCC as Switch 2 Hype Rages On

Key Takeaways

  • The FCC certified a Nintendo device identified by model number CLO-001 in late September 2024.
  • The mysterious gadget has a rectangular form factor, basic Wi-Fi capabilities, no battery, and a mmWave transceiver that could be used for proximity or motion detection.
  • The device might be some kind of accessory for the Switch 2, Nintendo’s upcoming console that’s expected to be announced soon.

As a seasoned Nintendo enthusiast with over two decades of gaming under my belt, this latest development has me both intrigued and excited! The FCC certification of the mysterious CLO-001 device seems to suggest that we’re one step closer to the unveiling of the Switch 2.

A peculiar Nintendo gadget, featuring an odd mix of wireless technologies, has received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Although this device probably isn’t the Switch 2, it may be connected to Nintendo’s upcoming gaming console.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve been eagerly awaiting news about the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, Nintendo had set an end-of-March 2025 deadline for its announcement. However, a surge in leaks claiming to reveal details about this highly anticipated device hints that we might get a sneak peek much earlier than expected – potentially as early as late September or early October 2024!

FCC Certifies Nintendo CLO-001 Device

A device possibly connected to the upcoming Nintendo console has been checked by the FCC. The U.S. regulatory body recently assessed a “wireless device” labeled as model number CLO-001, according to a September 20 certification uncovered by The Verge. Although it’s not a definitive sign, this gadget is likely not a gaming console due to its rectangular shape with rounded edges and the fact that it’s powered via USB-C instead of having a built-in battery. Nintendo provided the same cable used for their Switch consoles for testing purposes. To clarify, it’s anticipated that the next Nintendo console, presumably called Switch 2, will maintain its hybrid form factor similar to the 2017 model.

Mysterious Nintendo Device Certified by FCC as Switch 2 Hype Rages On

Nintendo CLO-001 Has Basic Wireless Connectivity Features and a Radar

Regarding wireless capabilities, the CLO-001 device utilizes 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio. Compared to devices like the Switch, it lacks support for 5GHz connections. Given its basic Wi-Fi hardware and absence of a Bluetooth adapter, it appears that this gadget is not designed for heavy data transmission tasks. Interestingly, despite using relatively old Wi-Fi 4 technology, it includes a more recent mmWave sensor within the frequency range of 24.059 to 24.239GHz. This type of transceiver is often employed in certain smart home devices for proximity and motion/gesture detection, such as the Google Nest Hub, which boasts a 60GHz Soli sensor.

The Nintendo Switch gaming system and its accompanying items follow an HXX-xxx naming convention, where X represents a letter and x stands for a number. For instance, HEG-001 is one of the Switch OLED Model versions, while HAC-015 refers to a left Joy-Con controller.

Despite being uncommon in consumer electronics, a mmWave radar might play a crucial role in the operation of the CLO-001 device. This gadget was submitted to the FCC in August 2024, with Nintendo asking for a six-month confidentiality period before the FCC releases actual images of the wireless testing they performed on it, thereby disclosing its design. This is routine for FCC submissions and doesn’t necessarily imply that the device won’t be unveiled ahead of February 2025.

Based on the surge of leaks about the Switch 2, it seems possible that the CLO-001 could have some connection to Nintendo’s future console, scheduled for release in Q2 2025. Since this device may need certification before entering the market, we might expect that its function is related to the upcoming console. However, whether the CLO-001 is a revamped Switch charging dock or serves an entirely distinct purpose remains uncertain at this point.

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2024-09-23 21:24