Nintendo goes at its own pace. That’s why it shouldn’t surprise anyone that it took until last January 16 to present its next console. Even if it had been months since we knew of its existence. Or weeks since practically everything about it had been leaked. For Nintendo to change its plans once they have been considered, something potentially catastrophic must occur, and that is a problem, both for the company and its fans.
Why? Because we are in a situation where the announcement of Switch 2 doesn’t feel sufficient. And not precisely because of the leaks. But to delve into that topic, let’s break down everything we know for sure and what we can infer. Because although the announcement was brief, there is quite a bit to discuss.
Everything We Know for Sure About Switch 2
About the things we know for sure about the successor to the current Nintendo console, we have its name, size, and appearance. Named Nintendo Switch 2, it is notably larger than the current console, but still has the same layout: a portable console that connects to a dock, with controllers that can be detached from the screen. Now with what seem to be improved systems of everything we already have in the Nintendo Switch, it appears to be an enhanced version of the current console.
All of this is not a bad thing. Many people have rushed to say that the lack of innovation is a problem, that it is a demonstration of a Nintendo in decline, but it is not true. Nintendo and innovation are not two words that always go hand in hand. Throughout its history, Nintendo has had more iterative consoles than groundbreaking ones, and this is just another example of the former. Is it the first time they release a console with a 2 in the name? That is true. But they also have the resounding failure of the Wii U and the lesser failure of the Nintendo 3DS fresh in their memory: it’s normal that they want to play it safe after the success of the Switch.
That doesn’t take away from the fact that the announcement was excessively conservative. By presenting the console as they have, they leave us with more questions than answers. Saying that we will know more on April 2, in two and a half months, is not an answer. And meanwhile, many doubts remain.
A large part of the audience has been left dissatisfied. As have the shareholders. And we are not surprised. We have neither seen the console in operation nor do we know how much more powerful or different it is compared to the Switch and, officially, we don’t even know about new games. So, really, this announcement has been just to present us with the image of the console, not even the existence of the console. A move that is not what Nintendo needed right now.
Some things we suspect, but are not confirmed, about the console
On the positive side, it is true that there are a few elements inferred from this presentation that give us hope. The joycons moving vertically suggest that they can function as mice, a functionality that fits with their new hardware. Similarly, the images of Mario Kart shown in the trailer do not correspond to Mario Kart 8, which suggests the existence of a new Mario Kart on the horizon. A great idea considering the sales of the previous game in the franchise.
The problem is that none of this is confirmed. They are mere speculations. Worse yet, is Mario Kart the game you want to showcase a console with?
Mario Kart is a game that doesn’t stand out for its graphics or gameplay. It sells a lot, is enjoyed in many homes, but it is not a game that will demonstrate the console’s capabilities, unlike a Mario or a Zelda, to stick to games that sell in absolutely staggering numbers. And that’s the problem. It’s not clear who this announcement is aimed at. Because it’s constructed as if it were directed at a casual audience, but those who are truly interested are the fans: those who need details, not just vague hints.
Can Switch 2 Fail?
This creates a problem in the hands of Nintendo. They have two and a half months ahead with a trailer that excites as it is a new console, but nothing more. They have not given us reasons to eagerly await the presentation of their games or the release of the console beyond the hype they were already feeding us with. And that is a problem that can backfire on them: people may end up disappointed by receiving much less than they expected after so much anticipation.
To reverse this situation, Nintendo has little room for maneuver. Not when it is a company known for not having any flexibility when it comes to making changes. With their Direct scheduled for April 2nd, their only possibility is, ironically, to be flexible.
They need to give us more information. Communicate better. We need to know about games, console features, release date, and price. It’s not necessary to know everything, but we do need to know some of these aspects. The longer they withhold this information, the more amazing it must be so that we don’t feel tremendously disappointed when they present it. A console much more expensive than the original, a distant release date, mediocre features, or a launch with few or uninteresting games, given the current climate, could lead to the console’s death before its birth. And that will be self-inflicted by Nintendo itself.
Nintendo’s Crossroads: Only They Know Their Plans
Of course, there is a possibility that the console will have excellent features, numerous and prodigious launch games, a nearby release date, and a very affordable price. In that case, Nintendo has nothing to worry about. But if not, and in the business world, you never have the perfect product under ideal circumstances, they need to do one thing: ensure they don’t burn out their audience.
Knowing whether Switch 2 will be a success or not is impossible today. What is possible is to gauge people’s reactions. And what is seen is that the enthusiasm is also tinged with some disappointment and bitterness. Nintendo cannot afford that. If they are going to continue with their plans and if those plans involve keeping us in the dark for months as they have suggested, they run a very real risk of their audience turning their backs on them. Something that not even a great success like Switch can save you from. As Wii already demonstrated.
That is why everything is now in the hands of Nintendo. And whether the console ultimately fails or succeeds will largely depend on their marketing plans in the coming months. In addition to the flexibility they demonstrate.
