Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on its most highly anticipated console, the Switch 2. Scheduled for release in the near future, this new system aims to enhance the gaming experience with a variety of features while retaining certain elements from its predecessor. Perhaps the most significant of these changes is the absence of any sort of musical theme in the eShop. Friend codes are back, and Amiibo figure compatibility has been enhanced.
This is the inaugural installment of our Nintendo eShop roundup! It almost certainly means that the cringeworthy but very popular musical motif found in that great Wii interface won’t be creeping in there. Instead, Nintendo has taken a lighter touch by leaving a constant watermark to not get in the way of trailers and other such videos. This decision marks a notable change in Nintendo’s strategy for how to attract players to their content and platform in the ever-growing digital marketplace.
Connectivity wise, the Switch 2 will still probably rely on friend codes to connect players. This approach forces users to enter specific numerical strings rather than look for friends by browsing a public username. This combination might sound old-fashioned next to some newer consoles, but Nintendo seems determined to stick with this old-school way of doing things.
Amiibo, a popular product line that integrates physical figurines with digital gameplay, will continue to play a role in the Switch 2 ecosystem. Consumers can interact with the new console using Amiibo figures! To get them started all they have to do is pick up the correct Joy-Con or the new upgraded Pro controller. The company is expanding its Amiibo offerings with new figures, including a set of Sages from “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and third-party figures from “Street Fighter 6.”
The Switch 2 will make system transfers even easier, especially when moving from the original Switch to its successor. This change is all about providing a convenient experience for the users. Now, procedures are in place to make it simple to transfer your current game data and accounts!
Nintendo will release a very small number of new GameCube-style controllers. These controllers will work with some of the best VR titles on the Switch 2. Not all games will support this controller. It will work with beloved classics like “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” and “F-Zero GX.” This move is a call to the past that doesn’t forget about captivating a brand new generation of gamers.
To help bolster online multiplayer experiences, Steam just introduced a new feature specifically designed for it—“GameChat.” The new C button on the Switch 2 will increasingly mean chat, letting players quickly access GameChat options. Except this new highly sought-after feature will only be available to those who pay for Nintendo Online — after a free trial period, of course.
Real talk, Nintendo still puts that nasty anti-tamper taste on Switch 2 cartridges. The intent of this provision is to make it less tempting for young kids to swallow them. This safety feature isn’t surprising, given it’s in alignment with the original Switch design, but it does demonstrate Nintendo’s dedication to player safety.
Even with those progress, a number of much–expected features common to different gaming platforms might not be coming to the Switch 2. For example, the news has indicated that the console will not include any kind of system wide achievements, which have become a hallmark of nearly every modern gaming platform. The Switch Online port drops today. That leaves the door open for potentially porting the Wii U version later on.
In a recent statement regarding the transition from the previous console, Takuhiro Dohta noted, “The [Animal Crossing] island will be an actual move. So it will leave Nintendo Switch and move over to Nintendo Switch 2.” This comment further highlights how central continuity is to Nintendo’s values for players who have an investment in their franchises.
Furthermore, the Senior VP of Product Development and Publishing at Nintendo of America remarked on their flexible approach moving forward, stating, “He was very quick to say no, like all options are on the table.” This indicates that Nintendo is not done experimenting or making changes as they lock in development for the Switch 2.