MY THOUGHTS ON THE SWITCH 2 REVEAL: QUICK TAKE #9
In recent weeks, speculation over the reveal of the Switch 2 reached a fever pitch thanks to various leaks showing what Nintendo’s next console might look like. Just weeks before the official reveal, electronics accessories maker, Genki, manufactured a 3D printed mock up of the Switch 2 with specs based on information they found in other leaks. Now that the Switch 2 has been officially revealed and we’ve all gotten to see what it looks like, the speculation has changed to curiosity about software improvements, finer details of the ergonomics, and much more. Check out the full reveal trailer below:
Based on what was shown in the reveal trailer, the Switch 2 will serve as an iteration of the original Switch – which highlights just how interesting of a time this is for Nintendo. When it comes to console creation, Nintendo has historically gone left when other companies have gone right, favoring new, out of the box designs instead of modest hardware changes. So, it speaks volumes to the success of the original Switch that this time around, Nintendo has opted to build on the success of the console rather than take it in another direction. Specific hardware specs have yet to be announced, but the reveal trailer shows that the Switch 2 will feature a bigger screen, 2 USB-C ports, magnetic snap-in joycons and a number of color scheme changes that make the console appear more for the adult crowd rather than a kids toy.
Below is a look at the Switch 2 running an unannounced Mario Kart game:
Source: IGN.com
Personally, I liked what I saw! The shorter bezels that allow for more screen real-estate are a welcome change, and the ergonomic changes appear subtle, yet thoughtful and effective. The Switch 2 looks like it’ll be a joy to hold and play games on, especially given that the joycons have appeared to have been improved as well. The console also looks very sleek – not that this has much to do with how fun it will be to play, but I still think there’s value in an attractive looking console…looking at you PS5 (I still love you though).
Below is a look at the Switch 2 (left) compared to the original Switch (right)
Source: IGN.com
With how modest of an approach the Switch 2 is taking in its hardware upgrades, it leads me to believe that the wow factor will lie with the software enhancements. At this time, no one knows what they actually are, but if a number of titles rumored to come to the Switch 2 are true, it’ll signal a seismic shift in Nintendo’s software approach. According to IGN, titles like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and many more are reportedly planned to release on the Switch 2, and there are many things to consider with this. Read the full prediction article here:
https://www.ign.com/articles/all-the-games-reportedly-set-for-release-on-nintendo-switch-2
If the Switch 2 is able to run games like FF7: Rebirth and Microsoft simulator, then it suggests that its software capabilities are likely to be on the level of the PS5 or Xbox Series S at the very least. This also begs the question on if the Switch 2 will plan to utilize cloud tech to stream games. Microsoft Flight Simulator relies heavily on Microsoft’s Azure cloud services to render its 1:1 real world environments, and even on the Series S, the game can struggle with streaming these assets. Will the Switch 2 make use of tech from services like NVIDIA GeForce Now to make this happen? It’s fascinating to think about, as well as what it could mean for the quality of first party Nintendo titles. Imagining a 1080p, 60 FPS version of Tears of The Kingdom has me in sweats, but we’ll have to wait for the official software announcement to see how true any of this is.
The reveal trailer also gave us a quick look at the next Mario Kart game. Nothing was officially announced in the reveal trailer, but the video showed a never before seen track in a brief shot of the titular Mario Kart characters racing through it. When shown with the dock, which appears to be built in a very similar way to the original Switch’s dock, we got to see it in handheld mode and blown up on a larger TV. I suspect the next Mario Kart, along with a small handful of first party titles will be announced at the next Nintendo Direct on 2/4/25.
To wrap this up, I think there’s plenty to be excited about with this reveal. Though the Switch 2 appears to be taking a modest approach to how it is iterating on its hardware specs, I think the software is going to give us the wow factor. As someone who isn’t a die-hard Nintendo fan, I’m really interested to see if or how the reported third party plan will be implemented, and what that means for the software that the Switch 2 will have to support it. Did the Switch 2 reveal get you excited for launch? What are you hoping to see at the Nintendo Direct in February? Let me know in the comments!