Nintendo files patent for old games on new devices

Nintendo has applied for a patent that will allow its Gameboy games to be played on mobile devices.

The application is an update on the company's attempts back in 2012 to codify how its games are played on new platforms. This does not signify that Nintendo plans to actually release its old games on mobile games platforms, but may merely be a legal measure to ensure the possibility is secured. Nintendo already sells emulated classic games on its own consoles.

Nintendo has been under pressure from analysts to make use of its valuable back catalog on devices that are more widespread than its own games machines. But the firm has resisted, restricting releases on non-Nintendo products to the Pokemon line.