Nintendo recently filed a new trademark for Eternal Darkness, this time including extra phrases that could hint towards a future downloadable version of the game.

While Precursor Games may be working on a spiritual successor, Nintendo still owns the rights to Eternal Darkness. Back in 2010, Nintendo renewed the trademark for Eternal Darkness; today, they filed a new trademark for the game, but this time, phrases referencing digital distribution and downloading have been added to the description:

‘Eternal Darkness’ trademark renewal from 2010.

The new 2013 trademark, now with references to digital distribution.

This new description hints at a future release of Eternal Darkness on Nintendo’s Virtual Console; a possible, but less likely alternative could be Nintendo eShop. However, it may be discouraging to start dreaming about its return to consoles, as this might just be Nintendo making sure its bases are covered: With the Shadow of the Eternals Kickstarter underway, the internet has been buzzing with talks of a hypothetical Eternal Darkness HD, or any kind of remake. With Nintendo’s recent track record of covering their assets, this may just be a way of making sure none of these ideas proceed without Nintendo’s approval.

……However, if we absolutely must dream big, if the Shadow of the Eternals Kickstarter is successful, a Wii U version will be available in 2014; releasing Eternal Darkness on Virtual Console alongside Shadow of the Eternals would be an outstanding Wii U promotion….

…Hypothetically speaking, of course.

Sources: GameInformer, Trademarkia, Siliconera, USPTO (Images)