New certification filed by Nintendo could suggest a redesigned Switch is in the works.

Now, there are certain things that are just classic Nintendo. They define the Japanese tech giant, they are part of its proud legacy. They have a reputation for being a little kooky and out there (or innovative as it’s sometimes known). Their darn habit of redesigning and rereleasing their handhelds.

If you’re one of those gamers who already owns three or four different models of the Nintendo DS, you might see where this is going. It looks as though a drastically changed model of the Switch might be in the works.

As the first anniversary of the system’s release approaches (March 3, 2018), it’s time for its year in review. As Sony and Microsoft also found out with their respective consoles, it’s the big-money exclusives that bring in the sales. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was the big money spinner on launch, and it sported a truly impressive attachment base.

The November release of Super Mario Odyssey really solidified the console even further in 2017. From there, a solid library and the promise of future big-hitters like Metroid Prime 4 and Bayonetta 3 has done wonders for the hybrid handheld. As January came to a close, it was announced that Switch had already surpassed the Wii U’s lifetime sales in every region worldwide.

RELATED: CHANCE THE RAPPER WANTS FORTNITE ON THE NINTENDO SWITCH

As Go Nintendo reported yesterday, the Nintendo registered a couple of intriguing new trademarks. HAT-001 and HAT-003. Why is this significant? As the report explains,

“Nintendo registered HAT-002 a long time ago, which is the portable development version of the Switch that resembles the design we currently have. Typically Nintendo uses 001 to signify a consumer console, as was used for DS, 3DS and Wii U. The current retail version of the Switch is HAC-001, and the cradle is HAC-007.”

HAT-003, moreover, refers to the cradle development model of the system. Now, to many of us gamers, this sort of jargon means very little. Still, you don’t need to know the ins and outs of it all to understand one thing: it’s possible that this could suggest Nintendo is working on a new version of the bestselling system. It’s possible.

There are all kinds of ways to look at this. As in many of these situations, it could amount to nothing at all. Just big-business flim-flam. After all, it’s important to note that HAT-001 could also refer to the Switch devkit which is already available. At the same time, though, it's common practice for console manufacturers to release updated models of their current systems.

We don’t have any official word to go on yet, but the conspiracy theorists and gossip mongers of the web are all over this one. All we can do is sit tight and wait for our lords and masters at Nintendo to illuminate us. Or not, as the case may be.

NEXT: DEVS SAY GAMES SELL AS WELL OR BETTER ON NINTENDO SWITCH