In this case, that’s especially unusual, given that it’s been a full eight years since the original Switch came out.
It’s The Same, But Better – Looking back, it’s easy to see how wild the leaps were in terms of form and function across Nintendo hardware over the generations.
The Games – Nintendo is leading with what will likely be its best-selling game of the generation, Mario Kart World, based on how past entries in that series have performed.
Everything else will be playing old Switch games.
Nintendo has long positioned itself as an “accessible” entry point into gaming, which was true of the $300 Switch.
Even though it doesn’t feel like it, we are about to release what will be one of the most popular video game consoles ever.
I’m referring to the Nintendo Switch 2, which will go on sale on Thursday, June 5. Although it will undoubtedly sell incredibly well in the long run, this doesn’t seem like the kind of “event” that often occurs for major hardware releases. In this instance, that is particularly unusual considering that the original Switch was released eight years ago.
What’s going on? I believe there are a few factors at work here that have suppressed the overt excitement we typically see for major console launches, though it’s possible this is just a “online gaming bubble” disconnect from consumer reality.
It’s the Same, But Better – When you look back, you can see how drastically Nintendo hardware has changed in terms of both form and function over the years. Nintendo needed a hit after the Wii U destroyed them, so they unveiled the Switch, a completely unique split handheld/home console that was unheard of from a major player in the market. An enormous, powerful blow.
It’s the Switch once more now. PS4-level in power this time. improved screen. Some new features. However, it is definitely the Switch once more. You’d be correct if you said that about the new Xboxes and PlayStations, but in those instances, Microsoft and Sony are also attempting to reach a new standard and surpass the hardware limitations of the consoles, something Nintendo hasn’t done in generations. Although it’s worked out well, it’s not a contributing factor in this case.
Nintendo is in the lead with Mario Kart World, which, based on previous games in that series, is probably going to be its best-selling title of the generation. That’s about it for a while, though, between that and Donkey Kong Bananza (which came out a month later). Old Switch games will be played by everything else. Almost no additional game release dates are mentioned. We still don’t have a release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a highly anticipated game, despite a recent preview indicating it will be available in 2025. And the year is now halfway over.
The price was discouraging when it was first introduced, but I’m not sure if it’s so high that it will deter sales.
With the $300 Switch, Nintendo maintained its reputation as an “accessible” entry point into the gaming industry. Now, however, the Switch 2 costs $450, which is 50% more than the previous generation and more than competitors like the PS5 and Xbox Series S. Sure, you can take inflation into account, but this time around, it wasn’t exactly a selling point.
Nintendo also caused a stir when they revealed that Mario Kart World would now cost $80 instead of $60, which was the typical price for AAA games only a few years ago. Their straightforward response was, “Well, we think it’s worth that much,” but it allowed a number of AAA games to start charging $80 for their titles. Nintendo was the first to do so, and now everyone is doing the same, though they may have done it eventually anyhow.
Review Units: Since they haven’t been distributed, there aren’t any early reviews from publications, YouTubers, or anyone else who might typically be sharing previews widely. This is rather uncommon in the industry, and Nintendo’s motivation for doing it this time is unclear.
None of this suggests that the Switch 2 will not be a successful console or sell a lot of units, in my opinion. However, I believe that all of this has combined to create a somewhat strange vibe with this launch, which ought to be among the year’s biggest sales. Additionally, it simply doesn’t feel that way.
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