Microsoft Files Trademark for Battletoads

Your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-inspired fighters named after skin disorders might be returning now that Microsoft has filed a trademark for Battletoads.

A recent filling by Microsoft with the United States Patent and Trademark Office suggests we could see a new Battletoads game in the future. Unfortunately, the file does not provide any details as to what Microsoft intends to do with the license, such as making a brand new game, remake or re-release of one of the old Battletoads games.

The original Battletoads was released on the NES back in 1991. The SNES saw Battleoads in Battlemaniacs debut in 1993. That same year, the crossover title Battletoads & Double Dragon hit the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. We really hope that all three of these older titles hit Microsoft's digital marketplaces with online functionality. They could also be remade similar to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled.

When IGN sent an inquiry to MIcrosoft, a representative replied with the following:

"Microsoft often acquires various trademarks as part of its ongoing business strategy, but beyond that we have no comment."

Given the revival of the Killer Instinct brand, it's only right that this other Rare franchise comes back, especially considering that Microsoft currently owns Rare Ltd. Now, calling video game stores about pre-ordering Battletoads will no longer be the longtime prank that it was and be a legitimate thing to do.