The Nintendo Switch 2: A Logo That Falls Short of Expectations
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and while it’s a significant upgrade to the original console, the logo that accompanies it is a different story. Our resident Nintendo expert, Beth Nicholls, praised the Switch 2’s modern look and sleek black design, but the logo is a different matter.
A Logo That Feels Underwhelming
The logo features the Nintendo Switch logo from the first console, but with a large ‘2’ next to it. It’s a design that feels basic and unexciting, especially when compared to some of the concept logo ideas that were floating around before the release.
A Comparison to Concept Designs
For example, Jason Combs’ design resembles a disguised analogue stick that tilts left and right, playing on the mirrored ‘S’ and ‘2’. Beth noted that it was almost “too genius to be the official logo”, and it seems she was right. Other people on social media also came up with their own alternative logo ideas, some of which riffed on the idea of the two Joy-Cons.
Why Nintendo May Have Gone for a Safe Design
While it’s tempting to cry that someone else could’ve done better, Nintendo may have good reason for going with a more straightforward design. The company may be trying to avoid the same confusion that surrounded the Wii U, which was launched in 2012 and didn’t quite live up to expectations. By going with a more straightforward naming convention and logo, Nintendo is making sure it doesn’t have any such confusion.
A Conclusion
While the Switch 2 logo may not be the most exciting design, it’s hard to deny that Nintendo is playing it safe. The company may have good reason for doing so, but it’s still a shame that they didn’t take more risks with the design. For branding done right, see our best logos of the decade series.
FAQs
Q: Why did Nintendo go with a basic logo design?
A: Nintendo may have gone with a more straightforward design to avoid confusion, similar to what happened with the Wii U.
Q: Are there any other logo design concepts that were considered?
A: Yes, there were several concept logo designs that were shared online before the release of the Switch 2, including Jason Combs’ design that resembles a disguised analogue stick.
Q: Will Nintendo release a Switch Pro?
A: There has been no official announcement from Nintendo about a Switch Pro, but it’s possible that the company may release a more powerful version of the console in the future.
