Rollback netcode, but applied at a hardware level?
What if your controller could sense your next action? This scenario often feels like it’s ripped from the realm of science fiction—after all, rollback netcode is already utilized in numerous prominent fighting games to achieve precisely that. However, a patent has been identified by Tom’s Guide and Game Rant, suggesting that Nintendo might consider integrating it into Switch 2 at a hardware level.
The patent was submitted by the Japanese firm in August 2024 and subsequently published on January 23rd of this year. It appears to be a system designed to monitor button presses and directional movements with the aim of predicting the next potential input sequence.
The evident advantage is that the system may “learn” from your button inputs in active games and utilize that information to accelerate actions, such as frequently repeated menu selections. Rollback netcode operates in a comparable manner, where the system anticipates the next input and “rolls back” if the player’s input differs, rather than memorizing a sequence of commands.
As with all patents, it’s important to clarify that just because it has been filed does not guarantee it will be realized. Nevertheless, it certainly presents an intriguing possibility and is one of many ways Nintendo might make Switch 2 distinct from its predecessor.
Damien has been professionally covering technology and video games since 2007 and manages all of Hookshot Media’s websites from an editorial standpoint. He is also the editor of Time Extension, the community’s newest hub, which—ironically—focuses on gaming’s historical achievements.