Dec 31, 2016 06:00 AM EST By yasi bilangel, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Classic Mini Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) popularized by Nintendo in the nineties may make a comeback as hinted by a patent registration by the Japanese console maker. However, the patent does not reveal anything other than a console that looks like the one in SNES and observers say that Nintendo may just be registering a trademark to protect itself from copycats.

Last year's hottest toy for the holidays was Japan's Mini NES Classic Edition, which sold out faster than retailers can restock their supplies. It is not surprising then that gamers are on the lookout for news and updates about the latest game consoles from Nintendo to hit the market.

Classic Mini SNES Console Hinted

A Twitter bot discovered a patent registration by Nintendo with an image of a console that look very much like the one used in the SNES. The Japanese post was translated by Google in English and fans jump to the natural conclusion that the Classic Mini SNES may be revived soon, possibly after the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch, according to Forbes.

Classic Mini SNES Revival

The SNEs was well-received worldwide, establishing Nintendo as the leading video game company in the world. The SNES outperforms the NES not only with superior games, but in visuals as well.

The SNES was widely known in Japan as the Super Famicon, which was Nintendo's follow-up console to the immensely popular NES.The console featured "Street Fighter 2," "Super Mario World," "Chrono Trigger" and the "Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past."

The SNES is also included in the top 20 best-selling games consoles with 49.1 million units sold from 1990 to 2003. Hence, observers say that it is not unlikely for Nintendo to release a Classic Mini SNES on the latter part of 2017 or 2018, according to the Daily Mail.

Classic Mini SNES Release Unconfirmed

There is no official announcement other than the patent registration by Nintendo, which could also mean that there may not be a rebooted Classic Mini SNES. Instead, Nintendo may just have registered the trademark to protect itself from copycats. A user in the gonintendo forum spoke of other companies seemingly copying the console design of SNES, which could have prompted Nintendo to take protective measures.

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