The Positives of The Nintendo Switch 2

We all know there is a lot of disgruntlement about Nintendo’s reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s also fair to say, some of those people do have a point. The hardware is priced well, the games are a little on the high side. The hardware itself hasn’t been more powerful than it ever has been for a Nintendo console right now (that’s reason to celebrate). We can talk about the game prices, however, if Nintendo can expand on the game series fans have come to love and provide even bigger and immersive experiences from that hardware it could count for something.

I’m not trying to defend the prices, no way. However, we really need to consider just some of the things that ‘could’ be beneficial here. There is a lot of focus on the negatives and we’ve already established that there is a factor in where the gaming industry is at right now. Both in the gaming industry and politically. But we haven’t really focused on what the benefits of owning the Nintendo Switch 2 could entail.

We already know physical media is still a thing (just about) but the push on digital is something that will please people and is a step in the right direction where pricing is concerned. The games? Mario Kart World looks like a lot of fun and we could be spending all generations with it. Donkey Kong also, is a game that is on a scale we haven’t seen that particular franchise in. There is no question that as this generation unfolds other games are going to benefit from the better hardware.

The UI is basic, but hits a familiar tune with the original Nintendo Switch. Overall, I think the performance of the eShop and UI will be significantly better because of the beefed up specs. I mean, it’s logical right? From what I am hearing, this is a handheld that is on a par with Series S in performance. In a handheld, that’s insane and correct me if I am wrong in saying but it’s potentially better than that of the Steam Deck.

Adding all this together, it makes for positive reading. Because what it shows after the last generation with the Nintendo Switch is that Nintendo themselves have listened to feedback on that lack of ‘performance’ and ultimately, we’re all paying for it in kind with the successor.

Okay, so maybe that last bit is a negative, but is it really? It really depends on you and what you want from the console. You were never going to get hardware of this calibre or performance on a Nintendo console in relation to software without a bigger asking price. It’s something that you just have to pay if you’re a Nintendo fan and enjoy their IP. In fact, I believe the last time Nintendo was relatively in this situation was N64.

I really do think that Nintendo will live and die by their software this generation (and how good it potentially could be). If they can make the most of it. This thing will sell, no matter what anyone or the internet discourse tells you. It’s about what value Nintendo brings to you, and ultimately, that value differentiates based on your own perceptions.

It’s subjective, right? So in that case, I really do think most people will see past the negatives and look at the big picture. You can also do that without actually supporting the higher costs of games by being vocal and buying used. There are many ways to protest and still enjoy everything Nintendo.

I do however think Nintendo will stand firm on their pricing here unless sales do not pan out. In the UK and Europe, this thing is selling out in minutes so that’s highly unlikely.

Again, I am not supporting the cost of the game prices. However, when GTA VI comes out. There’s going to be a big price on that. 99% of you will pay that (that could tip the balance of future costs also). You might say, well, it’s different because that’s GTA. However, it all comes down to what brings you the right value.

As a consumer, you have the choice to choose. Ultimately, with your wallet. But again, it’s what a game means to you. Someone out there might not even like GTA but they enjoy Mario Kart. They’re always going to look at something from the value it gives them as a consumer (first and foremost).

The longevity in it. In terms of Nintendo and their pricing, they’ve kind of summarised it in the same kind of way but from a capitalistic business point of view. That is always going to be the way. Ultimately, and getting back to the point. I believe the pros outweigh the absolute insanity of negativity we’ve heard recently on this product.

It for sure has been the most deflating console reveal there ever has been. And somehow, I’m still kind of intrigued how Nintendo spins this one around into a positive ultimately like their own kind of proverbial blue shell and still retain first place and see out the race.