Typical. I’ve been reporting on rumours of the Nintendo Switch 2 (or as we thought it might be called, Nintendo Switch Pro [or Super Nintendo Switch]) for over three years, and the thing gets announced while I’m on holiday. That means I’m playing catch-up, and only just setting eyes on the thing. And while most of the gaming community seems fairly satisfied with the glimpse we’ve been given on the Switch 2, I can’t help but feel disappointed.
The Design
We’ve already covered the specs of the souped-up Switch sequel, but I want to talk about the branding and design. In its championing of personality and fun, Nintendo has always stood out from the competition from an aesthetic perspective, but that sense of joyful rebellion feels missing here. The images we’ve seen so far depict a console that looks like it’s trying to appeal to ‘serious’ gamers rather than giving off a sense of fun.
The Logo
And then there’s the branding. Not only has Nintendo entirely missed a trick by not opting for the name Super Nintendo Switch, but it’s also given us the least imaginative logo possible, by slapping a dull, corporate-looking ‘2’ next to the original logo and calling it a day. Seeing as we’ve already seen some ingeniously fun logo concepts, the real deal feels particularly meh.
A Sense of Innovation
For me, all of the above makes for a curiously joyless console launch. It’s fine that this is an iterative update, but when Nintendo gives us the New Nintendo 3DS for example, it did so with splashes of colour on both the console and logo to make it feel fun and new.
Redditors Weigh In
"That is exactly the opposite of what Nintendo have done in the past," one Redditor comments, while another adds, "This is the first time they made the same console." Another user chimes in, "My thoughts too, Nintendo is the king of "Let’s make something weird."
Conclusion
Alas, from the name to the logo to the design, there’s absolutely nothing ‘weird’ about the Nintendo Switch 2. And coming from Nintendo, that feels kind of weird.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Switch 2 a major update?
A: Yes, the Switch 2 is a major update with improved specs and performance.
Q: Why is the design so boring?
A: The design is intended to appeal to a wider audience, including serious gamers.
Q: Is the logo a joke?
A: Not intentionally, but some users have expressed disappointment with the new logo.
Q: Is this the end of Nintendo’s innovative streak?
A: Nintendo has always been known for its innovative approach, and this design may be a one-off.
