Nintendo is typically associated with games and, in recent days, it has quite some attention from the tech world as well thanks to a new wireless device that it submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The unknown offering is not the Nintendo Switch 2 that many expected. But the submission was a little more mysterious, showing a product with model number CLO-001, which left hopes open for what it would contain.
A New Product Line for Nintendo?
What's special about the CLO-001 model number that Nintendo has chosen? This isn't the first time Nintendo has used near-identical codes to signal fresh product lines, either: other examples include the original Switch (HAC-001) and the Nintendo DS (NTR-001). From this pattern, we surmise that what CLO-001 is not yet another update to a product but something entirely new.
Although the FCC filing offers little detail it does indicate that this is a wireless device (but notably, not listed as a wireless game console or controller). The fact that they have been labeled has made the some of curious minds start asking questions as Nintendo usually labels its gaming hardware in a straightforward manner.
The information shared with the FCC does show that the device has a squarish footprint with rounded corners, and it will have a USB-C charging port similar to the current Switch devices. Yet, there's a distinct lack of other common wireless technologies like Bluetooth or 5GHz Wi-Fi, which have become standard in modern gaming devices.
The Key Feature: 24GHz mmWave Sensor
24GHz mmWave Sensor — This is one of the most interesting features in the CLO-001 It isn't as wireless heavy as some other gaming tablets but this sensor could be a game changer whether its from Nintendo or anyone else.
This could mean that Nintendo may be working on creating some kind of gesture control or even proximity-based interaction, both of which would require the events and output stream to keep in check for smooth and fast recognition. This relies on these other sensors being similar, in the case of Google's Pixel 4, and detecting hand movements or even user presence via radar — automatically activating the display as you approach.
In gaming, such a feature could enable innovative control schemes, allowing players to interact with their environment without physically touching the device. Could this mean CLO-001 will be part of a new control interface? We can't say for sure, but it opens exciting possibilities for how Nintendo might evolve the user experience.
USB-C Powered Device with No Battery
The FCC paperwork also hints that CLO-001, which can't run on batteries and is presumably an always-on device, In tests, the device was powered by a standard USB-C charger that comes with Nintendo's Switch consoles. Nintendo Switch Pro could have almost identical components to the current modelThe M designation suggests that the CLO-001 might pack in some of the same hardware as current Nintendo Switch models, but not be a next-gen successor or peripheral.
The absence of a battery suggests that CLO-001 is intended for stationary use, in contrast to Nintendo's typical portable products. Its need for power, along with its wireless features, could point to this being a hub or companion device rather than a games console.
Possible Applications for CLO-001
Given what we know about the device’s specifications, the CLO-001 could have several different applications. Here are some of the most popular theories circulating in the tech world:
1. Gesture Control Interface
The 24GHz mmWave sensor might be designed into a gesture control system, giving the user to interact with his/her device without even laying their finger on it. That would fit with the motion-control tech that Nintendo has led the way on before — like DS, Wii Remote and Joy-Concontrollers.
A motion interface might enable a home entertainment system, for example, that allows users to control media or operate menus with mere hand flicks. With more simplicity, accessibility and functionality of Nintendo products, I think traditional gaming hardware will be pushed to further limits.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) Capabilities
Nintendo is increasingly becoming interested in AR tech, seen with games such as Pokémon Go and Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. A 24GHz mmWave sensor to detect real-world objects (read: much AR experiences). This may result in more accessories for AR games or inventions which integrate with the physical world.
Picture a world where the CLO-001 can detect objects in your immediate vicinity and work them into a mixed-reality game, or add real-world interactivity to an in-game experience.
3. A Super Nintendo World Device
There's also a chance this could possibly be associated to their Super Nintendo World theme park endeavors. The CLO-001 might act as a "connected" center at such parks, offering augmented reality and hands-free gesture controls (and perhaps even location-based triggers) that make it relatively simple to interact with rides and attractions using very little more than one's hands.
4. Revival of the Quality of Life (QoL) Initiative
Nintendo was dabbling with a “Quality of Life” project ten years ago, which would manufacture devices that were separate from video games such as a sleep tracking system. This feature never saw the light of day in full, but offering a 24GHz sensor suggests that Nintendo could be planning to revisit this concept.
The mmWave technology could easily be adapted to monitor a user's sleep patterns or physical movements, making it a perfect fit for a new health-focused product.
Infineon’s Influence on CLO-001
We can not confirm the hardware provider for CLO-001, but it is interesting to mention that Cypress Semiconductor, producer of Wi-Fi component in original Switch, was acquired by Infineon Technologies. The German semiconductor company has spent considerable time talking up the 24GHz radar sensors and how well they cater to long range tracking of movements or presence detection.
Infineon claims that for example the 24GHz radar is capable of detecting movements behind a wall within a distance of up to around 100 meters. This is the tradeoff it has with respect to 60GHz sensors but then, the resolution is not as good as for 60GHz sensors. So it may be that the CLO-001 employs this to facilitate many of the under-the-hood features described above, given its partnership with Cypress in yesteryears.
Conclusion: A Mystery Worth Watching
The Nintendo CLO-001 device is still largely a mystery, but the details we have suggest something exciting is on the horizon. Whether it’s a new gesture control interface, a device for augmented reality, or an enhancement for Super Nintendo World, Nintendo’s ability to innovate continues to keep fans and industry insiders guessing.
As more details emerge, the tech world will be keeping a close eye on this new wireless device. For now, we can only speculate, but the clues we’ve gathered so far point toward something potentially groundbreaking.