Nintendo Revives Interest in Hotel Dusk with New Trademark Filing

Nintendo recently filed a new trademark for Hotel Dusk: Room 215 in Japan, sparking excitement among fans and gaming enthusiasts alike. This trademark was submitted on May 9 and made public on May 19 through the Japan Platform for Patent Information, as reported by GameSpark. While many may see trademark renewals as routine, this filing stands out as it marks a completely new application rather than a simple renewal.

Significance of the Trademark Filing

Nintendo’s move to trademark the Western title of Hotel Dusk: Room 215—which is known in Japan as Wish Room—is noteworthy. Previously, Nintendo held trademarks for the Japanese title and also for its sequel, Last Window: Mayonaka no Yakusoku (translated as Midnight Promise). However, this application appears to be the first instance where the Western name has been formally registered in Japan, stirring speculation about potential future projects.

Originally launched in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, Hotel Dusk: Room 215 was developed by the now-defunct studio Cing. The game developed a cult following due to its distinctive art style and engaging noir-inspired narrative, which featured an innovative control scheme requiring players to hold the DS vertically, much like a book. Its anticipated sequel, Last Window: The Secret of Cape West, came out in 2010 but was the last release from Cing before the studio went bankrupt just a couple of months later.

Could This Be a Sign of Future Remakes?

The intrigue around the trademark filing is amplified by the recent nostalgia-driven trend Nintendo has been exploring. Just last year, the company released remakes of Another Code: Two Memories—the 2005 Nintendo DS title—and its Wii sequel Another Code R: A Journey Into Lost Memories. Both games launched on the Nintendo Switch in January 2024 as Another Code: Recollection. This successful remake has led many to speculate if Hotel Dusk could be next in line for a revitalization.

On Reddit, users like BreafingBread have pointed out that a similar trademark for the Western logo of Another Code was filed five years before the announcement of its recent remake. This pattern suggests that Nintendo may very well be gearing up for a similar approach with Hotel Dusk.

Reception of Another Code: Recollection

Another Code: Recollection has already drawn attention and acclaim, with VGC’s review describing it as “an impressive overhaul of two Nintendo favourites.” The review highlights that every element of Cing’s classic adventure games has been “entirely reimagined,” promising a blend of nostalgia and modern gaming appeal.

As the review notes, “Another Code: Recollection is a beautiful adventure game with a touching storyline that only reminds us why Cing’s closure years ago remains such a loss.” This sentiment raises hopes that if Hotel Dusk receives a similarly thoughtful remake, it could ignite a resurgence of interest in both Hotel Dusk and its sequel, Last Window.

The Future of Hotel Dusk and Last Window

Given the excitement surrounding Another Code: Recollection, along with the new trademark for Hotel Dusk: Room 215, fans are hopeful for a return of Cing’s unique storytelling style. With original developers seemingly onboard with remakes, as shown by their involvement with Another Code, the potential for a Hotel Dusk revival looks promising.

Nintendo’s ability to tap into nostalgia while revitalizing classic titles could lead to a well-crafted remake of Hotel Dusk that meets the expectations of its dedicated fanbase. With the right approach, it might just be a matter of time before we see Hotel Dusk returning to our consoles, reminding us of the intricate storytelling and innovative mechanics that made it a beloved title.

As we keep an eye on upcoming announcements, the gaming community will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting more news about the future of these iconic games. Could we soon see a new chapter in the Hotel Dusk saga? Only time will tell.