Nintendo Switch 2 Is Already On Track For The Most Boring Console Reveal In History

Alongside what may be a disappointing announcement is a slightly underwhelming follow-up console for the Nintendo Switch, according to the massive number of leaks that have been coming out regarding the upcoming console. It seems that the Switch 2 will be more like an upgraded version of the existing Switch, with better Joy-Cons and improved docks, rather than an entirely new console. While it could be disappointing to not see more innovation from Nintendo, this could indicate that the company is focused on improving on what they see as a perfect console. However, the reveals so far have been less than perfect.

The Only Official Switch 2 News Is Coming From… X?

Random Tuesdays Have Yielded The Most Official News

So far, every piece of major news from Nintendo regarding the Switch 2 has come out in the form of tweets from the NintendoCoLtd X account. The first-ever confirmation that a new console was in development came on a random Tuesday in May a little before 3 am EST.

It read, “This is Furukawa, President of Nintendo. We will make an announcement about the successor to Nintendo Switch within this fiscal year.” The tweet continued on, confirming that the next Nintendo Direct livestream would not discuss the Switch 2.

For such a huge 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 would prefer to quell too much speculation from the rumor mills, seeing a next-gen confirmation in a random tweet was still jarring.

While Nintendo has still not come out with an announcement for the Switch 2, including its name or price, the company did continue to drop feature information in more random tweets. Later in the year, another post from NintendoCoLtd read: “This is Furukawa. At today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well.” Again, no fanfare or hype for a fairly important announcement, which simply makes what should be an exciting news reveal fall flat.

We Already Know What Switch 2 Looks Like (Probably)

Numerous Leaks Show A Similar Product To The First Switch

Unfortunately for Nintendo, the design for the Switch 2 may have already been leaked by an accessory company. From an image of the Switch 2 in a case, it looks like the successor to the Nintendo Switch is essentially an upgraded Switch. Even the Joy-Con colors, 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 fully trusted.

From a report from Polygon, it seems that the biggest changes for the Switch 2 will be key updates to common issues with the original Switch. First and foremost, a new type of joystick that will hopefully eliminate Joy-Con drift, a common issue that has plagued the Switch since the beginning. Additionally, a more powerful dock with fans may accompany the Switch 2, which holds promise for better graphical performance.

Nintendo Is Known For Innovation, So Why Does Switch 2 Seem So Uninspired?

Can You Improve Upon Perfection?

Looking at every console Nintendo has ever released creates a stunning line-up of entirely unique shapes, colors, and functions. It seems that the Switch 2 will end a parade of innovation in favor of perfecting what already exists. It’s been seven years since the original Nintendo Switch came out, but beyond a new OLED version in 2021, reports indicate that Nintendo isn’t doing much to create an entirely new console. Instead, the company seems to be focused on perfecting its current console design. While this is admirable, it is slightly disappointing that the company known for innovation in both its hardware and software will likely be sticking with a safer option.

The most likely reason for the Switch 2 to be so uninspired, in that it’s just an upgraded Switch, is that the Nintendo Switch is already the perfect console for the type of games and players Nintendo is marketing to. Rather than selling both handheld consoles and home consoles, like Nintendo did throughout the Game Boy to 3DS era, Nintendo can sell one core console to everyone.

Also, being able to remove the controllers makes it the perfect console for the more interactive family-oriented games Nintendo creates, like Switch Sports and Super Mario Party Jamboree. Between tweet-reveals and what's very likely to be the final console unofficially showcased, the official reveal of Nintendo Switch 2 just doesn't seem as exciting as it should.

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Source: NintendoCoLtd (1, 2), Polygon