Rumors (and supposed leaks) are swirling at rapid pace regarding specs and tech about the Nintendo Switch successor. But Nintendo Switch 2 will need these five features to sell me on a Day One purchase.
Upgraded GPU and Graphical Prowess
The Nintendo Switch is currently less powerful than an Xbox One or PlayStation 4. I know being the top producer of lifelike graphics was never Nintendo’s pursuit. They took the route of portability over being a graphical powerhouse. However, it’s time for a nice upgrade in computing and processing power.
I love how they utilized the Switch’s power for its current line up of games. Super Mario Odyssey still looks incredible even though it was a launch game for the system. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are incredible feats with the hardware they run on. Even ports such as Doom and Witcher 3 shouldn’t exist, and yet, they do. The Switch hardware has held very very well over the past seven years.
However, a few of their offerings rely on steaming and cloud services to be playable, such as Resident Evil. By lacking processing power, gamers must rely on stable internet connections and forgo any thought of physical media to possess. Upgrading this tech is a must to make these types of games both native to the console and with little to no downgrades. Sometimes, we want that tasty cart to have and hold.
Personally, if they achieve the power of the Xbox Series S, I’d be a happy guy. Current generation games with a slight graphical downgrade is okay in my books. Just make the experience smooth. Give us updates to existing Switch titles to enhance framerates and stuttering, as found in recent games like The Plucky Squire and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Portability is great, and the graphical downgrades are expected, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of a smooth experience.
More Integrated Social Features
When will Nintendo actually figure out the Internet?
It’s a legit question with little to no answer. Many of the social integrations or voice chat feature rely on downloading the Nintendollll Switch App to talk with people. Which is barbaric. Also, they have this crazy friend code system that you need to even add someone to your friends list. WHAT.
Seriously. It’s 2024, Nintendo. I’m not asking you to have the same system as Microsoft or Sony, but now is the time to figure out how to utilize the power of social and online features. I’ll give them credit where credit is due though. The implementation of multiplayer in games like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Tetris 99 is a brilliant idea. And one that should’ve happened or started back with the Wii. But that’s about it…
Having a more user-friendly and fleshed out friends list and social network is a MUST with the Switch 2. Integrated voice chat would be ideal, similar to the built-in microphone on the PlayStation’s DualSense controller. Added features such as achievements and easier social sharing of screenshots and videos (akin to PlayStation’s captures) would be ever better.
Well-Designed Joy-Cons
The Joy-Con is a great gimmick for the Switch. Two mini controllers to form a big one or to attach to the console, making it portable, yes, please. But did anyone at Nintendo actually try playing a game on those itty bitty things? They’re great tech, but man, they’re small.
Any larger hands using the Switch on-the-go currently feel cramped if they just use the Joy-Cons themselves. Not only are they small, but with a lack of some form of ergonomical grip, hand fatigue and fingers cramping are normal. Personally, I purchased the HORI Split Pad Pro, and it works great for when I want handheld mode. However, since there’s no Bluetooth capability with the Split Pad Pro, and left with the individual Joy-Cons if I go to tabletop mode.
This isn’t even mentioning the stick drift issues Nintendo has faced over the years. Correcting this is a MUST. Out of owning two Switch consoles for over seven years, I’ve been fortunate to avoid this problem; however, it doesn’t excuse any manufacturing flaws others have experienced.
All in all, the Joy-Cons are absolutely serviceable…but they can be better. Give us some small grips, maybe slightly larger face buttons, and higher quality sticks, and you’ve got a great start.
Backwards Compatible With Original Switch Games
The Switch library is already incredibly deep, with more great games coming in the next month. Having access to original Switch games can only bolster the initial success of the Switch successor. By doing this, you’ve already got thousands of options of games to play on a new device, with many years worth of games to come.
Will they remake Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch 2. Will I get it? Possibly. But for the time being, having the option to play the Switch version of Mario Kart 8 would be ideal until 9 drops in the next couple decades.
Speaking of remakes, having backwards compatibility would cut down on Nintendo doing more HD versions of existing games. Meaning, the chances of another Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze release for only the Switch 2 would plummet. Hopefully, this would mean Nintendo could focus on other remakes (Wind Waker, please) and new IPs.
But, it’s Nintendo. You never know what they’ll do *shrug*.
More Player and Console Customization Options
The fact that Nintendo didn’t capitalize on giving us themes for the main menu background is astounding (but also a very Nintendo decision). Think of both the Xbox and PlayStation backgrounds when highlighting games – dynamic, changing, and a stark contrast to the slew of options you get with the Switch.
Basic White. Basic Black. That’s it.
Not even a “Mario Red” or a “Link Green” or “Kirby Pink” (hire me, Nintendo, I could do this all day). The only customization options you have are your Miis and your player profile picture. And there’s significantly less and less emphasis on your Miis; personally, I think that’s a travesty, RIP Find Mii on the 3DS and Streetpass.
Side note: if they brought back StreetPass with the Switch 2, I’m down, Day One. Sign me up.
But seriously, there’s already a lack of achievements to possibly display or earn, no options for customization on the console (unless it’s a special edition Switch), and literally two themes that are a light and dark mode setting. The barebones customization options really need some expanding and flexibility injected with the Switch 2.
What are some of your most requested features you want to see on the next Switch? Should it borrow some features from the newly announced Nintendo Alarmo? Have any fun names you want it to be called (personally shooting for the Super Switch here). Follow me on X and get some daily fun updates, news, and shenanigans there!
