Nintendo have registered a device that upgrades "an existing video game system [with] communication and storage capability via a modem and hard disk drive".

Nintendo have registered a patent for a new device, while it is not known what exactly the device is it states that it will upgrade an existing video game system with "communication and storage capability via a modem and hard disk drive".

As well as this the device apparently also supports picture-in-picture video capabilities. This means users will be able to watch TV and play games at the same time.

A TV Tuner is also included, which means users can download program information from the internet and then watch said program.

A line is bound to cause quite a stir on the internet, "A hard drive permits downloading from the Internet of entire games."

What Nintendo are planning is beyond this but expect this to be big on the internet until Nintendo give some official details.

A big thanks to ThongyDonk from the Cube-Europe forums for bringing this new to our attention!

Update

Gamespot have contacted Nintendo and Nintendo have confirmed that this patent is for the 64DD and it has just been update, it is not for the GameCube.