Nintendo Secures U.S. Patent for Smooth Riding-Object Switching

Lead Nintendo Co. today received U.S. Patent No. 12,409,387 covering a mechanism for “smooth switching of riding objects” in virtual environments. The grant, issued at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 10, 2025, reinforces Nintendo’s IP arsenal against competitors.

Nut Graf The newly granted patent targets the seamless transition between rideable entities-such as mounts and vehicles-within a game world, a feature prominent in recent titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. By securing exclusive rights to this core mechanic, Nintendo aims to deter rival developers and strengthen its hand in ongoing litigation over similar gameplay innovations.

Main Details Nintendo’s “smooth switching” patent stems from a 2023 application initially challenged by the USPTO on claim breadth. After clarifying language around “selection operations,” Nintendo’s attorneys succeeded in broadening claim 1 to encompass any system that lets players swap between riding objects without interruption.

Implications for Developers

• Competitive Deterrent This patent adds to Nintendo’s “legal pollution” strategy, increasing the risk for studios exploring multi-mount gameplay.
• Market Leverage Should companies reintroduce or modify riding-object features, Nintendo could leverage this patent to seek licensing fees or pursue infringement suits in the lucrative U.S. market.

Ongoing Patent Activity

• Summoning Mechanic Grant Just one week ago, on September 2, 2025, Nintendo also obtained U.S. Patent No. 12,403,397 for the fundamental gameplay concept of “summoning a character to fight another”.
• Strategic Expansion These recent grants reflect Nintendo’s aggressive IP posture, filing early and often to pre-empt rival innovations and secure a broad monopoly over key interactive mechanics.