Nintendo Switch 2: What can we expect from the next Nintendo console?

Nintendo Switch 2: What can we expect from the next Nintendo console?
Will there be a Nintendo Switch 2 in a few years? This is a good question, but it is not easy to answer. We know that Nintendo is definitely working on a successor to its popular hybrid console, but the company has a habit of surprising analysts and industry insiders when it comes to its new hardware. After all, new Nintendo hardware tends to differ wildly from the old. The Wii U basically ditched the best-selling Wii motion controllers in favor of the Wii U GamePad, and the Switch is the first time Nintendo has produced a fully hybrid-style device (the Wii U could be played remotely via the GamePad in some cases, but just a few feet from the console), one that can be played on a TV and taken on the go. So there's no guarantee that Nintendo will actually make a Nintendo Switch 2, at least not in the traditional sense. Still, it's fun to speculate, so let's take a guess at what the Nintendo Switch 2 might look like, and explain Nintendo's approach to console hardware in general.

Nintendo Switch 2 release date: when could it be released?

Nintendo Switch Pro

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Wachiwit) The Nintendo Switch launched on March 3, 2017, which was actually a bit of a surprise at the time. Consoles tend to release in November so that retailers can take advantage of the holiday season, and Nintendo is likely to write again for the release of its next home console. Even though the Switch is now four years old, the widely rumored Nintendo Switch Pro, or New Nintendo Switch, pretty much guarantees that the Switch's lifecycle will be extended by at least a few years. This goes against Nintendo's typical hardware release cycle, which tends to last around five years. As a result, we may have to wait longer than usual before Nintendo decides to release a new home console. For comparison, the PS4 Pro launched in 2016 and was on the market for four years before the arrival of the PS5. Using the PS4 Pro as an example, we may have to wait until at least 2024 for Nintendo's next home console to arrive. Technology is moving fast though – Nintendo certainly won't sit still if it's decided that the Nintendo Switch 2 is ready to go.

Nintendo Switch 2: what can we expect?

Nintendo Switch Lite

(Image credit: Nintendo) Nintendo's R&D department will already be hard at work on the company's eighth home console and will most likely have started as soon as the Nintendo Switch is officially approved. While it's easy to put together a dream spec list for Nintendo's next console, there will be one overarching goal that the company will firmly adhere to: Nintendo's next console should make people smile. After all, this is the Kyoto-based company's main mission statement, which means we should safely expect the unexpected. But what can we predict right now? Well, as regularly shown, Nintendo likes to forge its own course. In fact, the company specifically avoids trying to compete with Sony and Microsoft, simply because it knows it can't compete in a technology arms race or price war. We won't be getting a more powerful console than the PS5 or Xbox Series X, and it won't take the same approach. Instead, Nintendo will continue to use what is known as the "Blue Ocean Strategy." Basically, this means that the company will try to find a gap in the market that is not being exploited by its competitors. Yes, it's still about making hardware and selling video games, but Nintendo will try to offer something unique, whether it's a remake of an existing idea or a new one: control system. Platform support then builds on your timeless IP to integrate new console features. This could be overwhelming for those who still want Nintendo to compete more directly with Sony and Microsoft. But if you discount the Wii U, which was, categorically, a flop, Nintendo has had incredible success with this strategy ever since it changed tack after the Nintendo GameCube. The Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS, with their case designs and dual screens, largely canceled out compared to Sony's PSP and PS Vita, but it was Nintendo's eccentric offerings that prevailed, to such an extent that Sony backed away. has been completely withdrawn from the portable device market. . A console barely more powerful than the Nintendo GameCube and capable of streaming only in standard definition, the Wii has continued to win hearts and minds and expand the gaming demographic with its intuitive control system and instant appeal. In retrospect, it's so easy to see why a game like Wii Sports Tennis would suit a broader audience, especially those who have never played a video game before. What happens in the gaming industry won't necessarily change the course for Nintendo, but if the hybrid console market gets too competitive (and it could be if Valve is actually working on a Steam handheld console known as ``SteamPal'') , and cloud gaming remains more viable, Nintendo could change course again.

Nintendo Switch 2: what we want to see

Interruptor de nintendo

(Image credit: Future) However, we'd be surprised if Nintendo dropped the Switch-like model in the future. A dedicated handheld no longer makes sense for Nintendo, as it often resulted in very little allocation of company resources. Droughts abounded, as developers at Nintendo were caught between trying to support two consoles instead of one. Therefore, we are calmly convinced that Nintendo Switch 2 will be a portable console and a home console. And this is what we would like to see. Leave the dock
The base of the Nintendo Switch is basically a piece of plastic with a slot in the middle. Yes, you need it to go out to the TV, but we would like a much more elegant solution for the Nintendo Switch 2, and even the ability to connect to a TV without the need for any additional hardware other than cable. More storage
The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is negligible. Fortunately, this can be expanded via microSD cards, which are relatively inexpensive, but we still think Nintendo can do much better than giving users 32GB. We expect the Nintendo Switch 2 to come with at least 500GB of storage this time. . That would put the Switch 2 in line with the PS4 Slim and Xbox Series S in terms of storage space. Fixed Joy-Con deviation
Joy-Con's are great little controllers, but they are prone to too many hardware failures. We've seen Joy-Con drift affect countless Switch owners, causing their character or on-screen reticle to move on their own. At worst, this can be an escape game, and boring at best. Hopefully Nintendo can fix these issues on its next console, if it sticks with Joy-Con controllers in the future. Bluetooth headphone support
This is a must if Nintendo wants to keep the portable look of its next console. Having to lug around a wired headset or a pair of headphones doesn't mean that most of us ditch the deal for wireless options, especially those that are capable of noise canceling. If you move around on the train, being able to block out the background chatter from people on their daily commute would be a huge plus when playing on Nintendo Switch 2. A 4K OLED screen
By the time the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives, 4K resolution will possibly be the standard that most consumers expect. We expect the next Switch's display to be 4K, which will provide a sharp image in laptop mode. There are rumors that the Nintendo Switch Pro already has an OLED screen, we would like Nintendo to use the screen technology in its next home console, but increase the resolution to 720p. Give us a D-Pad
We know that the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con doesn't have a D-Pad due to local multiplayer, but honestly, we'd love to see one. Maybe Nintendo can create some kind of hybrid D-Pad that can double as front buttons and also a fully functional D-Pad? Better online support
It is essential, in our opinion. Nintendo's online offering appears to be decades behind the competition, and its Nintendo Switch Online app is practically worthless. We really hope that Nintendo will be able to implement a full set of online features on Nintendo Switch 2, as there are so many great titles that would benefit from a better online experience. Better battery life right out of the box
The original Nintendo Switch didn't have the best battery life, averaging 3-5 hours depending on the game. Nintendo managed to improve this considerably with their Switch revision, but the Nintendo Switch Lite is still on low battery life. We expect the Nintendo Switch 2 to at least allow us to run for six uninterrupted hours before needing to charge it. Today's best Nintendo Switch deals