Well, that Nintendo Partner Direct sprung a few surprises didn’t it everyone? Absolutely loving the fact that we’re seeing Nintendo actually catch up on a technological standing with some of these ports. Yes, they’re not going to be the superior ports, but the fact that we’re seeing them in itself for a handheld. The fact that Nintendo are serving fans that also enjoyed the original Nintendo Switch for about 5 years before there was even any complaints.
It stands true to form that this fan base just wants good games. For a handheld, it’s powerful enough for the majority of fans who will be playing that way anyway when this is the hardware makeup that Nintendo is standing by these days. The long term is a different situation and there will need to be a refresh of the Nintendo Switch 2.
The fact now that there are reports of PlayStation doing a OLED and really putting a marker down of their own accord in this area but also we’re seeing faster turnarounds in hardware improvement by the competition. It makes me believe that with the Nintendo Switch 2 we’re going to see a Pro version. That’s backed up also by the fact that the Nintendo Switch will need that level up when PlayStation and Xbox decide to release more handhelds. It’s also an idea run on the fact that the Series S will be less likely to be the hardware that handhelds look to get their ports from. I think that situation will change in the next 12 months.
Of course, the Nintendo Switch 2 is great and capable machine already. So it’s going to be good for the average gamer. However, there are always limitations to that the further you go through a generation. Nintendo will look, I believe, to fill that gap.
Going back to the presentation though. The Nintendo Switch 2 is getting titles nobody thought would even be possible, including PRAGMATA from Capcom. However, how long will the joy of that last when there are some big changes incoming in terms of hardware? I think if the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to sell it will not need to worry too much because developers will cater to it. I think Microsoft is going to be a big supporter of Nintendo. That’s already being shown in this event. I think that will go for the long-term and is a strategic partnership. But ultimately, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro is more likely than it ever has been.
Written by Craig Clark
From gaming industry headlines to all things Manchester United and entertainment, Craig covers the stories everyone's talking about — alongside his own published works.