5 features the Nintendo Switch 2 needs to keep its gaming handheld crown
The Nintendo Switch 2 could be coming soon, and despite being a major fan of the first console, Nintendo needs to pull out all of the stops to get my money this time around.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 possibly on the horizon, I've been speculating what exactly the next generation of Nintendo consoles needs. I'm a massive fan of the Nintendo Switch, don't get me wrong, but I'm the first to admit that it's by no means a perfect console. If Nintendo really wants me to invest in a Nintendo Switch 2, then it needs to ensure the console is spot-on.
Earlier in the year, the CMA accidentally suggested that the Nintendo Switch 2 was in the pipeline, and ever since, we've seen more details surrounding the console coming to light through leaks and rumours. We don't have a set Nintendo Switch 2 release date yet, however, leaks suggest that it will be in the latter half of 2024. Despite this being a long way away, it feels like we may see glimpses of the Nintendo Switch 2 at Gamescom this year, maybe not in the form of a grand unveiling, but maybe showing the device off to worldwide partners.
Whenever the Nintendo Switch 2 may be gracing us, here's what I think the device needs in order to get my money. I'm not budging this time, I already have two Nintendo Switch consoles, and there won't be a third if it doesn't have the following upgrades.
1. A significantly updated processor
The original Nintendo Switch was launched back in 2017 with an ARM 4 Cortex-A57 CPU. This chip was already outdated on the release of the first console, so it's aged rather poorly. Nintendo has consistently done a great job of utilising specific art styles that aren't too demanding of the hardware within the Nintendo Switch, making for beautiful games, however, it limits the capabilities of what can actually be produced.
Nintendo Switch 2 release set for next year as Zelda ushers in the end of Switch
Having a significantly updated processor would allow for Nintendo Switch 2 games to be much more graphically intensive. This would also mean access to more third-party titles without feeling like you're at a disadvantage. Yeah, I can play Fortnite on my Nintendo Switch at 20 frames per second, but why on earth would I?
2. A Nintendo Switch 2 OLED on launch
There have been reports suggesting that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with an LCD screen, the same as the Nintendo Switch. While I can understand why this may cause upset from other Nintendo fans, I actually think it's a great thing, as it allows for the base model of the new console to be significantly cheaper and then gives those who want to pick up the OLED the option to do so.
However, I want there to be a Nintendo Switch 2 OLED to be available on launch rather than coming out years later. Many gamers, myself included, picked up an original Nintendo Switch on launch and then a Nintendo Switch OLED too, leaving us with two, the first being obsolete. I'm hoping the same doesn't happen a second time around.
3. Backwards compatibility
If the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't have backwards compatibility, I'm not buying it. Simple as.
Even if the Nintendo Switch 2 launches with a range of exclusive titles, if it isn't backwards compatible with my current Nintendo Switch gallery, what on earth is the point? I've spent a lot of time and money buying games for my Nintendo Switch, and I feel like I should still be able to play these on the next generation of consoles instead of having to keep both. Luckily, it seems like the Nintendo president has suggested that there will be a smooth transition to Nintendo Switch 2 in terms of backwards compatibility.
4. Better quality Joy-Cons
The Joy-Cons that come with the Nintendo Switch are honestly its biggest downfall, they feel tacky, break very easily and just have a plethora of issues. The majority of Nintendo Switch owners will have faced the dreaded drifting issue which is so prominent with Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, so I just hope that this is at least somewhat resolved. However, given that Nintendo sells its Joy-Cons separately and hasn't upgraded the quality of them in over six years, it feels like this one may be a swing and a miss.
5. Further video app support
I might be in the minority with this one, but as someone with 100+ hours on the YouTube app, I think there should be further video app support available on the Nintendo Switch 2. We need Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Twitch available on the Nintendo Switch 2 to make it more of an entertainment unit, instead of just a games console, the same way as the Xbox and PS5.
Honourable mention: RGB... my honourable mention is always RGB.
Okay, I know everyone reading this will think I've lost the plot, and quite frankly I know that the Nintendo Switch 2 will never ever have RGB. One of the great selling points of the Nintendo Switch is the battery life, and including RGB would only deplete that way faster than needed. I know that.
However, just think about how cool a Nintendo Switch 2 could look with shiny RGB, or optional RGB Joy-Cons which could be purchased separately. Come on, you know it's true. I love how RGB can make a device customisable, and my current Nintendo Switch has askin to make up for the lack of flashing lights on it. Come on Nintendo, do it, just for me.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
