As the gaming industry braces for the imminent announcement of the Switch successor, the tentatively titled Switch 2. Nintendo fans continue to speculate on the specifications of the hybrid console, with some commentators determining that the rumoured power of the console achieving the equivalent of a PS4, as being a detriment to the console’s success. Now anyone suggesting that power and graphical superiority equates to success, retains little knowledge of Nintendo’s values and storied history. As a perennial Nintendo gamer since I was old enough to recollect such things, as well as a firm advocate for their strategy in focusing on software as opposed to hardware, I can only foresee the Switch 2 as being an overwhelmingly successful machine. One that may dictate the future of console gaming.
Of course much of this success will hinder on a number of variables. With the sales disappointment of the “Wii U” still a lingering concern for any potential hardware release, Nintendo will be keen to avoid a similar disaster that afflicted them after the monumental success of the “Wii”. So to begin with calling it the Switch 2 will avoid any potential confusion that inhibits the Wii U’s success. Affordability is always an incentive, particularly for those with families that may feel an upgrade isn’t a necessity. So it’s important that Nintendo compliments its new hardware with desirable software that will entice consumers to upgrade. Thankfully this is traditionally where Nintendo has been very astute. The Switch launched with the humble little title called “Zelda: Breath Of The Wild”, accompanied by the likes of “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe”, “Arms” and “Splatoon 2” soon after. And if rumors are to be believed, the Switch 2 could be looking to launch with an even more impressive catalogue. Though it will probably just be a new Mario Kart.
With all that being said, the innovation in graphics isn’t the impressive leap that it once was. I’d go so far as to say that graphics have plateaued over the decades. Everyone of age remembers the distinct graphical superiority when consoles went from 2-d to 3-d. The same could be said between the PS1 to the PS2. Those were true generational leaps. That simply isn’t the case now, or perhaps just not that important. And really, how much more polish do games like Mario and Animal Crossing really need? These kind of games would lose a certain sense of identity if they were graphically motivated or framerate focused. Not to mention expensive and time consuming to develop. Ultimately what will drive the Switch 2 ‘s success will be what has made Nintendo the industry stalwarts they are; games. And with new content in development, coupled with supposed backwards compatibility and a back catalogue that Nintendo is proud to utilize, there may be more than a few looking to upgrade, myself included.
Game, Complain, Repeat 