Patent applications offer a strange amount of insight into the process of game consoles and accessories being designed. Whether that's for a new controller, patent filings for consoles, or any other accessory, it can help gamers learn more about upcoming products. Or, in Nintendo's case, reveal that a branded box is destined for store shelves.

Recently, Nintendo filed a patent application for a box, raising quite a few eyebrows online. The box is, quite simply, a box, with some speculating that it's meant to be for Nintendo Labo, the cardboard creation kit software that Nintendo released some time ago. Nintendo had released a storage box for Labo in Japan, so it's possible that it's tied to that. Nintendo has even patented weird robots, though, so who knows.

RELATED: Musician St. Vincent Admits to Huge Zelda: Breath of the Wild Playtime

Still, it's strange that the company decided to file an official patent for something so simple. Plus, if it is tied to Labo, it's a bit late, as the cardboard kits have faded from relevance since they launched. That being said, Nintendo fans are always hungry for more from the company, and there's undoubtedly some that would purchase the box just to have it.

Nintendo labo box and patent

Of course, it's also possible that nothing comes of the patent. In the past, Nintendo has patented design for several products that never came to fruition, including bending Joy-Cons. The more likely answer is that Nintendo is planning on bringing the Labo storage box to the west, but maybe there's some other special thing about the box that isn't immediately apparent.

As for the company itself, Nintendo is in a weird position. The Animal Crossing Direct brought new information for fans of the franchise, but there hasn't been a mainstream Direct in quite some time. Plus, the company is currently battling potential Nintendo Switch shortages due to the coronavirus, leaving the company with a full plate of issues.

For now, fans can simply wonder when, or if, they'll be able to get their hands on the box, but until then, at least they can distract themselves with the Switch itself. Who knows, maybe the box will even show up in the next Direct.

MORE: Everything New Revealed for Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Source: GoNintendo