Video games may not just be for fun in the future -- at least if Nintendo has its way.

Everyone's favorite video game maker may be moving into the education arena, according to a patent filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office today.

The patent tells the tale of an edutainment-laden future for Nintendo, reports the website Siliconera.

According to the patent, the console maker's next property (properties?) may feature learning tools aimed at young children, defined in the patent as "toddlers and pre-kindergartners, and/or people with disabilities." The various ideas presented within the patent range from matching animal sounds with animal pictures to lessons in daily chores.

Littered throughout the images included with the patent are a couple of familiar Nintendo characters (Mario and Pikachu). According to Siliconera, the report also specifically mentions "television and/or licensed cartoon characters like Pikachu, Dora the Explorer, and Bob the Builder."

Though this patent may have been filed, we want to remind you that none of these plans are by any means final and, for all anyone knows, could never see the light of day.

Check out the gallery below for an extensive visual tour of what may very well be the next step Nintendo takes.

Nintendo for your little ones?