Nintendo Picks Up Patent Hinting at Achievements, Points, and Rewards System

Nintendo may finally be looking to join its competitors in the achievement game. A newly published patent filing suggests the company is exploring a system that would let players earn points and unlock rewards for completing in-game challenges something fans have long requested.

The patent describes a structure where specific gameplay milestones trigger rewards, with data stored across a player’s profile. These challenges could range from story progress, skill-based feats, or unique actions within games, granting points that might then translate into unlockables or digital bonuses.

While Xbox pioneered the idea with its Gamerscore and PlayStation followed with Trophies, Nintendo has historically avoided a universal achievement system across its consoles. Instead, developers sometimes bake in their own challenge lists or rewards, such as in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Luigi’s Mansion 3.

If this patent turns into a real feature, it could unify Nintendo’s ecosystem with account-based progression, similar to what Microsoft and Sony have offered for years. It might also tie into the company’s Nintendo Account framework, potentially letting players show off their accomplishments, earn digital collectibles, or even snag My Nintendo rewards.

Of course, as with any patent, there’s no guarantee it will ever materialize. Nintendo has filed plenty of concepts that never made it into products. But given the timing right as speculation ramps up about the Switch’s successor this could be one of the new features Nintendo is preparing to roll out.

For fans, it raises an exciting question: will Mario finally hand out achievements for saving the princess, or will Legend of Zelda award points for slaying Ganon?