Unveiling the Mystery of Nintendo's New Wireless Device

Nintendo's Mysterious New Wireless Device: What We Know So Far

Nintendo has recently made headlines by submitting a new wireless device to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the model number CLO-001. This submission has sparked curiosity as it is not the highly anticipated Switch 2 that fans expect to see revealed before next April. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding this mysterious device, its potential features, and what it could mean for the future of Nintendo products.

Understanding The CLO-001 Model

The model number CLO-001 raises questions about its purpose. Typically, the "001" suffix signifies the start of a new product line, similar to how the original Switch was tagged with HAC-001 and the Nintendo DS with NTR-001. However, the FCC documentation classifies this device simply as a "wireless device," rather than a console or controller like the popular Joy-Con.

Physical Specifications

According to the FCC filings, a basic diagram indicates that the CLO-001 has a design with a squarish footprint and rounded corners. Notably, the documentation emphasizes that there is no body-worn accessory included in the testing process, nor does the device feature a battery, meaning it will need to be plugged in to operate. Interestingly, it has been linked to the same USB-C charger supplied with Nintendo’s Switch consoles.

Wireless Capabilities

In terms of wireless technology, the CLO-001 appears somewhat basic. It does not support the more advanced 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi standards, nor does it feature Bluetooth. However, it does incorporate a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio and a 24GHz mmWave sensor, which has caught the attention of industry watchers for its potential functionalities.

The 24GHz mmWave Sensor: A Game-Changer?

The presence of the 24GHz mmWave sensor hints at advanced capabilities. This sensor could function similarly to radar technology, enabling the device to track movement, recognize gestures, or detect nearby presence to activate autonomously. Such technology has been utilized in devices like the Pixel 4 and smart home presence sensors by Aqara.

According to Infineon, the company behind the mmWave capability in the device, the 24GHz radar can detect objects up to 100 meters away and can penetrate obstacles, albeit with larger size and lower resolution compared to higher frequency sensors. While the specifics of the hardware in CLO-001 remain unknown, Infineon's promotion of its 24GHz radar technology aligns well with the possibilities.

Possible Applications and Speculations

Given the limited information about the CLO-001, speculation around its purpose is rife. Potential applications include:

• Gesture Control Interface: A new way for users to interact with their devices using hand movements.
• Upgraded Dock: An advanced dock for devices utilized in Super Nintendo World theme parks.
• Quality of Life Tracking: A revival of Nintendo's earlier sleep-tracking initiatives that aimed to promote health and wellness.
• AR Features: Enhancements for augmented reality functionalities, possibly to support new gaming experiences similar to Pokémon Go.

With the Switch 2 rumored to be on the horizon, any of these ideas could potentially be part of Nintendo's strategy to leverage its new tech.

Conclusion: The Future of Nintendo's Hardware

The unveiling of the CLO-001 remains one of the tantalizing mysteries surrounding Nintendo's upcoming hardware launches. With information still scarce, the gaming community is buzzing with theories and hopes for what this device could entail. As we await further announcements from Nintendo, we invite you to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!