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Microsoft to bring back beloved 1990s super-hit BATTLETOADS!?*

* Or maybe not. It is just a trademark filing, after all

Microsoft has made a move that could signal the return of the beloved 1990s console classic Battletoads.

The Xbox giant last week filed for a trademark on the name of the side-scrolling platform beat-em-up as a game software title. Microsoft has filed for the trademark with an intent to use, stating "the applicant has a bona fide intention to use or use through the applicant's related company or licensee the mark in commerce on or in connection with the identified goods and/or services."

Microsoft isn't saying much of anything, leaving the rest of us to speculate on just what Redmond is planning.

"Microsoft often acquires various trademarks as part of its ongoing business strategy, but beyond that we have no comment," the US goliath told El Reg.

It could be that Microsoft is looking to reboot the Battletoads franchise on the Xbox and/or PC with a new title. Or they could just want to make sure nobody else can use the trademark for a while.

Still, there is reason enough for gamers – and 4chan pranksters – to be excited at the possibility of a return for the legendary franchise.

Youtube Video

The name Battletoads strikes a chord with those of us of a certain generation. The game was a favorite on 8- and 16-bit consoles in the early to mid 1990s. The original Battletoads was released in 1991 and spawned a number of sequels and spin-off titles.

The game was developed by UK games developer Rare, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2002 for the tidy sum of $375m. The Brit biz has produced several titles for Microsoft, none coming close to the popularity of Battletoads. ®

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