I'd argue that, going beyond the heroic fantasy setting, laser-painting a target to rain some Hellfire has been a thing since forever and a half, and is essentially the same core mechanics.
I'd also argue that Nintendo is perfectly aware of that, it doesn't take them much energy to put out some patent submissions out there, some may pass, and then it's a deterrence-by-litigation game: if you don't have deep pockets then you'd better stay clear or risk being sued to oblivion should Nintendo feel like challenging you (irrespective of whether the patents hold any water)
I'd argue that, going beyond the heroic fantasy setting, laser-painting a target to rain some Hellfire has been a thing since forever and a half, and is essentially the same core mechanics.
I'd also argue that Nintendo is perfectly aware of that, it doesn't take them much energy to put out some patent submissions out there, some may pass, and then it's a deterrence-by-litigation game: if you don't have deep pockets then you'd better stay clear or risk being sued to oblivion should Nintendo feel like challenging you (irrespective of whether the patents hold any water)