The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Playing It Safe. That’s the Smart Choice Leave a comment

We additionally see an additional button on the face of the right-hand Pleasure-Con, beneath the Residence button. Whereas that is unlabeled within the teaser, it may see some type of “C-button” performance, which Nintendo utilized in varied varieties on the N64 and GameCube prior to now. It is also value noting one significantly pointed shot centered on the left Pleasure-Con thumbstick rotating—may this be supposed to spotlight improved thumbsticks for the brand new era, probably incorporating Corridor impact expertise? Given the drift points that plagued the unique Swap, it would be a sensible transfer on Nintendo’s half.

The largest modifications to the primary console itself, past the elevated bodily measurement, are the addition of an additional USB-C port on the highest and a brand new U-shaped kickstand. Whereas the previous is a wonderful addition, opening up the potential to help extra equipment, the latter seems to be somewhat flimsy—higher than the nub that propped up the unique Swap however much less sturdy than the Swap OLED’s stable back-panel kickstand.

Talking of the OLED Swap, and judging purely from the chunky bezel proven within the Swap 2 reveal, the brand new console could also be reverting to an LCD panel. Once more, this has been rumored for some time, however it will likely be exhausting to not see it as a little bit of a step backward.

One of the best takeaway from the reveal, although, is Nintendo instantly confirming backward compatibility with present Swap video games, each bodily and digitally (albeit with a couple of as-yet -unspecified exclusions). That is implausible information for gamers who’ve spent the higher a part of a decade increase their libraries, and one other instance of Nintendo’s quiet confidence and sense of continuity. While you’ve racked up 1.3 billion software program gross sales on your extremely profitable platform, why danger alienating these prospects?

And that is seemingly Nintendo’s technique for Swap 2, in a nutshell: If it ain’t broke, why repair it? Gamers love the Swap as it’s, the corporate’s most important opponents are all emulating it to higher or lesser extents, and all indicators level to “extra however better” being a compelling promoting level. It’s enjoying it safe—but it surely would not have to do anything.