Nintendo Patents System Resembling Achievements for Switch
Nintendo has filed a patent suggesting the potential implementation of an achievement-like system for the Nintendo Switch, reported by Gonintendo earlier this month. The patent, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark office on February 7, 2025 (patent number 20250276246), details a system where players complete in-game tasks to earn rewards.
Unlike customary achievement systems seen on platforms like Xbox and PlayStation, Nintendo’s proposed system appears to center around a centralized reward structure. Players would earn points through completing specific challenges across different games, which could then be redeemed for digital bonuses like wallpapers and icons, or used to purchase additional items.
The system is currently envisioned as a feature exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. However,the filing of a patent does not guarantee the feature will be implemented,as many patented technologies remain unused.
Nintendo has historically differed from competitors in its approach to gamification features. While Microsoft introduced Achievements with the Xbox 360 and Sony followed with Trophies mid-generation, Nintendo has largely remained disinterested, with limited implementations in titles like Mario Kart World. Steam also now features achievements as a standard offering on most major platforms. Nintendo recently added online functionality comparable to Microsoft’s two-decade-old services with the upcoming Switch 2, but continues to utilize Friend Codes or QR codes for friend connections.
