Switch 2 Analysis – Part 1: Features

Nintendo didn’t confirm or announce anything yet, but we can assume the next Nintendo console is near and it will probably be a Switch successor. By that, I mean, it will not be something completely different, but rather a new console with a Switch form factor and feature set, namely being able to switch between handheld and TV console.

Backwards compatibility

The Nintendo Switch is the first console since GameCube without backwards compatibility. The Nintendo Wii was able to play GameCube games natively with controller support. WiiU was able to play Wii games natively. Actually, the Nintendo DS also wasn’t backwards compatible. All handhelds afterwards did though. So the DS was the last console to break this rule. Also was a massive success.

So the Switch broke that rule and still was a massive success. Now is the question, does it play any role in order to become a successful console? Does the next Switch have to have backwards compatibility and play older Switch games?

The Switch was released with Breath of the Wild, a game, which was also released for WiiU at the same time. Also, Mario Kart 8, Splatoon 2 and ARMS. All games replacing a WiiU game. Besides, the WiiU sold so bad, all these games were super fresh for most new Switch owners. Backwards compatibility wasn’t necessary for the original Switch. Basically, every game was fresh for someone that didn’t own a WiiU.

That is absolutely not the case for the next console. The Switch is a massive success, I am certain, the successor must play Original Switch Games, as well. Actually, this will be a major selling point, if Nintendo can convince developers to release patches for older Switch games to be playable with better performance or better resolution on the new console. It might actually be sufficient, if Nintendo goes ahead and does it for first party games, leading the way. Fans would demand from third party developers to do the same and they probably will.

Besides, who would not want to play Tears of the Kingdom again in much better performance (although the performance is surprisingly good on the current Switch a.k.a. Nintendo Magic).

Controller

Nintendo finally has the chance to fix all Joy-Con issues, by releasing completely new set of controllers. I am convinced the next console will be incompatible with current Joy-Cons, since the console might be slightly different in size. I hope Nintendo will allow usage of older Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers, both as Bluetooth controllers, so we don’t have to buy new controllers for multiplayer again. This can obviously only work if the new console has a similar button layout, but I believe it will.

Performance

The new hardware must come with higher processing power and enable better graphics. There were rumors of a Nvidia Chip that enables 4K graphics just by using AI upscaling, resulting in higher resolutions without sacrificing much more power. This will lead to longer battery life and better graphics.

But when?

The big question is: When will the new hardware announced and released? I will go very deep in a blog post, very soon.