In 2017, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch and surprised everyone with its compact and integrated design, in addition to launching games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Now, seven years later, rumors about the Switch 2 have been growing, but the official announcement and reveal of the next-gen console is likely to be abjectly idiotic.
Alongside what could be a disappointing announcement is a somewhat underwhelming follow-up console for the Nintendo Switch, according to the large number of leaks that have been released regarding the upcoming console. It seems that the Switch 2 will be more like an updated version of the existing Switchwith better Joy-Cons and improved docks rather than an entirely new console. While it may be disappointing to not see more innovation from Nintendo, it could indicate that the company is focused on improving what it considers to be a perfect console. However, the revelations so far have not been perfect.
The only official Switch 2 news comes from…
Random Tuesdays yielded the most official news
Until now, every piece of Nintendo's main news about the Switch 2 was released in the form of tweets of Nintendo Co Ltd account X. The first confirmation that a new console was in development came on a random Tuesday in May, just before 3am EST.
It said: “This is Furukawa, president of Nintendo. We will make an announcement about the successor to the Nintendo Switch this fiscal year.” The tweet continued, confirming that the upcoming Nintendo Direct live stream would not discuss the Switch 2.
For such a big piece of information for Nintendo, it was surprising to see it announced with almost deliberately as little fanfare as possible. While it could be because Nintendo preferred to tamp down a lot of rumor mill speculation, seeing a next-gen confirmation in a random tweet was still shocking.
While Nintendo has yet to make an announcement for the Switch 2, including its name or price, the company has keep putting feature information in more random tweets. At the end of the year, another post by Nintendo Co Ltd to read: “This is Furukawa. In today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the Nintendo Switch successor. Nintendo Switch Online will also be available on the successor to the Nintendo Switch.” Again, no fanfare or hype for a rather important announcement, which simply causes what should be exciting news to be revealed.
We already know what Switch 2 looks like (probably)
Numerous leaks show a product similar to the first Switch
Unfortunately for Nintendo, the Switch 2's design may have already been leaked by an accessories company. From an image of the Switch 2 in a case, it appears the Nintendo Switch successor is essentially an updated Switch. Even the colors of the Joy-Con, those iconic shades of red and blue, are exactly the same. While this information is interesting, it is important to remember that leaks can never be completely trusted.
From a report of Polygonit looks like the biggest changes for the Switch 2 will be Major updates for common issues with the original Switch. Firstly, a new type of joystick that will hopefully eliminate Joy-Con drift, a common problem that has plagued the Switch since the beginning. Additionally, a more powerful dock with fans could accompany the Switch 2, which promises better graphics performance.
Nintendo is known for innovation, so why does the Switch 2 feel so uninspired?
Can you improve perfection?
Looking at every console Nintendo has ever released creates an impressive lineup of completely unique shapes, colors, and functions. It seems that the Switch 2 will conclude a parade of innovation in favor of improving what already exists. It's been seven years since the original Nintendo Switch was released, but aside from a new OLED version in 2021, reports indicate that Nintendo isn't doing much to create an entirely new console. Instead, the company appears to be focused on perfecting the current console's design. While that's admirable, it's a bit disappointing that the company known for innovation in both hardware and software would likely opt for a safer option.
The most likely reason the Switch 2 is so uninspired, as it's just an updated Switch, is that the Nintendo Switch is already the perfect console for the type of games and players Nintendo is marketing it to. Instead of selling handheld consoles and home consoles, as Nintendo did during the Game Boy era through the 3DS, Nintendo can sell one flagship console to everyone.
Plus, the ability to remove the controllers makes it the perfect console for the more interactive, family-friendly games Nintendo creates, like Change sport and Super Mario Party Jamboree. Between the tweet revelations and what will most likely be the final console unofficially presented, the official reveal of Nintendo Switch 2 it just doesn't feel as exciting as it should.
Source: NintendoCo Ltd (1, 2), Polygon