Why the Switch 2 could save Nintendo from another total disaster

There has been much debate about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, covering aspects such as its potential cost, leaked games, and participation in demonstrations. However, a major point of contention among fans is whether the new console’s strategy aligns with what’s best for Nintendo as a company.

From a preliminary view, it’s evident that the design of the Switch 2 resembles its predecessor quite closely. This suggests that Nintendo’s decision to maintain a similar appearance during console transitions might just be their wisest move yet.

However, it is crucial for the company to learn from its past mistakes to steer clear of similar catastrophes. Here’s my comprehensive perspective!

Following several months of anticipation, what was once referred to as the successor to the Nintendo Switch, later known as the Nintendo Switch 2, had some of its initial excitement diminished due to leaks, rumors, and a third-party-circulated mockup at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2025.

As a die-hard Nintendo fan, I was thrilled when, earlier than expected, the company finally unveiled the Switch 2! The anticipation had been building for so long, and it felt amazing to have the mystery solved at last.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t wait to catch the exclusive glimpse of the new console in the upcoming trailer, set to drop this coming Wednesday, 2nd April 2025. But

Without the technical specifications or details about newly released games to compare, it’s hard not to see the resemblance between the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2.

Essentially, Nintendo tends to give each new console generation a distinctive look and an innovative feature that sets it apart from its predecessors.

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Yet, it’s simple to overlook past occurrences when Nintendo applies its strategy of fixing things, even if they aren’t broken.

After the setback with the Wii U console, it seems Nintendo aims to avoid missing out on the Nintendo Switch’s impressive momentum by not diverging too much from its successful formula when considering a new device that could potentially replace the Switch.

Let’s take a brief stroll through the past (or flip through old records, if your memories don’t stretch that far).

Following the remarkable sales figure of more than 100 million Nintendo Wii consoles (as of 2019), Nintendo aimed to exceed expectations with the Wii U, focusing on winning back hardcore gamers who they felt had drifted away due to its predecessor’s focus on casual gamers.

The Wii U was crafted with innovative features intended to address and surpass the Wii’s technical limitations such as its absence of high-definition (HD) capabilities and weak network infrastructure.

In a significant shift, particularly by swapping out the iconic Wii Remote motion controller for the Wii U’s Game Pad, Nintendo stripped away a substantial portion of what made its gaming environment distinct and appealing compared to other game providers.

Despite finding the Game Pad enjoyable and appreciating the high-definition quality of the console, it failed to provide the necessary perspective to draw its primary gaming enthusiast community back.

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As a fan, I appreciated the backwards compatibility with Wii games and the addition of the Wii Remote Plus, but the Wii U lacked that compelling reason for me to switch from my trusty old console. It seemed like it was struggling to draw gamers away.

The poor sales of the Wii U were clearly demonstrated when it sold just 13.56 million units globally by 2019, which is a minuscule figure in comparison to the Wii’s impressive 100 million unit sales.

Attempting to win back its loyal fanbase was a noble idea, but by innovating recklessly without considering the consequences, Nintendo inadvertently hampered itself financially and deprived us of more games for the platform.

As a gamer, I can personally attest that the success of the Nintendo Switch, with over 146 million units sold, served as a much-needed lifeline and a significant boost for Nintendo in today’s competitive gaming market. It allowed them to gather valuable insights on what resonates with players and what doesn’t, using the lessons learned from the Wii U’s setbacks as guidance. Now, as we eagerly await the launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo can confidently move forward, armed with the knowledge gained from their past experiences.

Starting its life cycle in 2017, the Nintendo Switch console entered the market at an opportune time, offering a unique selling point that appealed to gamers across the board while also providing a stellar selection of exclusive games and robust third-party support – arguably the strongest such offerings the brand has presented in contemporary times.

Achieving this equilibrium is quite a challenging endeavor, requiring numerous attempts over many years, with the Wii U serving as the learning experience or misstep along the way.

Indeed, from certain viewpoints, the Nintendo Switch 2 might appear overly conservative, making it challenging to distinguish it from its predecessor at times.

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Developing, producing, and distributing games now comes at a greater expense than before – any misstep in this process might result in significant fiscal consequences for Nintendo.

Investing heavily in superfluous innovation for a gaming console in today’s market may significantly shorten its life span. If the device doesn’t attract sufficient buyers, game creators will eventually cease producing engaging new titles for it.

Indeed, it’d require substantial financial setbacks to potentially undermine Nintendo’s standing, but if the Nintendo Switch 2 fails to sell well, producing games for that platform might appear as an unwise financial decision.

Speaking as a devoted gaming enthusiast, this scenario could potentially lead to a narrower array of exclusive games, reduced backing for independent titles, and possibly fewer creative minds at studios contributing to the next generation of consoles. This is due to staff reductions resulting from lower earnings.

Nintendo’s development process for the Switch 2 is centered around paying closer attention to gamer feedback, rather than dictating their needs directly. As a result, they are focusing on enhancing popular features such as increasing the screen size, upgrading Joy-Cons for better gameplay, and boosting technical capabilities to support more advanced games.

Opting for caution with innovation for the Nintendo Switch 2 could lead to increased sales, an abundance of games, enhanced support, and ultimately, a more enjoyable experience for all its users.

Essentially, by maintaining the fundamental form and idea while incorporating substantial improvements internally, Nintendo steers clear of another Wii U-like fiasco that could result in a commercial failure.

It’s a smart move, and it’ll be very interesting to see how well it pays off!