New Features That Should Be Added To The Nintendo Switch Successor

Highlights

The Nintendo Switch‘s age shows in declining hardware sales, prompting anticipation for their next-gen console.
The Switch Successor should include OG features from updates like recording, groups, and Bluetooth.
The Switch Successor needs bigger storage for demanding games, party chat, and an achievement system.

As a seasoned gamer with memories of gaming stretching back to the days of the NES, I wholeheartedly believe that Nintendo has the opportunity to once again revolutionize the gaming industry by making the switch (pun intended) to Hall-Effect joysticks for their next console. The minimization of controller drifting alone would be a godsend, not just for the company’s support team, but for gamers everywhere who have grown tired of dealing with this frustrating issue.

For eight years, the Nintendo Switch has received continuous backing from Nintendo and numerous developers. The console’s full potential has been demonstrated through a wide array of games, particularly its exclusive intellectual properties. The market has been astounded by its capabilities, leading to record-breaking sales for many series such as The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Metroid, Splatoon, Pikmin, and others.

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice that my trusty old console seems to be showing its age lately, with fewer sales in its recent reports. This news only fuels my excitement for Nintendo’s upcoming console, even the President of Nintendo, Shuntaro Furukawa, seems to be eagerly looking forward to it. The company is clearly ready to unveil their next-gen hardware, and we, the audience, can hardly wait to see its enhanced capabilities and innovative new features.

12 The Added OG Features Return

Updated Features Not Included On Switch’s Launch Day

New Features That Should Be Added To The Nintendo Switch Successor

The title “Switch Successor” implies that the upcoming console should initially offer features that were introduced as updates for its previous model, the Nintendo Switch. It is crucial to incorporate these past improvements and enhance them in the new console, instead of neglecting them at launch.

Switch Ver 4.0 – Recording released on October 18, 2017, for players to capture footage of eligible gameplay.
Switch Ver 14.0 – Groups released on March 12, 2022, for players to organize games into customizable folders for easier searching.
Switch Ver 13.0 – Bluetooth released on September 14, 2021, for players to use wireless audio devices.

11 Bigger Capacity

More Demanding Games = Larger File Size

As more and more games continue to flourish, it’s apparent that the upcoming Switch Successor will need a larger storage capacity compared to the current models, such as the original Switch and Switch Lite which offer 32 GB of storage, with the OLED Switch providing a slightly larger 64 GB. While these sizes are sufficient for Nintendo’s first-party games, third-party developers frequently face challenges within the limited space, leading some games to necessitate additional microSD card purchases for play.

To alleviate the challenges faced by developers when transferring their games to Nintendo’s console, as well as reducing consumer concerns about managing storage space for new games, it would be beneficial to increase the storage capacity significantly, ideally to 128 GB or more. Since Sony and Microsoft’s consoles offer larger storage options, a higher capacity would provide a better user experience on Nintendo’s platform as well.

10 Online Connectivity

Hook Up With Friends More Often

Online Connectivity plays a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience for users on Nintendo Switch. While local play is enjoyable, it’s important that the platform also focuses on facilitating seamless online connections between players. This could mirror the approach taken by Xbox and PlayStation, enabling gamers to easily team up with their active friends for multiplayer games.

It would be better to incorporate Party Chat directly into the console instead of confining it within the Nintendo Switch Online App. The current setup is not fully utilized due to its restrictions, such as only a few compatible games (currently limited to Splatoon 2 and 3, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing). We could benefit from more features and options beyond these games, such as sending invitations or brief messages to friends when not using the console itself.

9 Achievements

Completion Satisfaction

Nintendo currently has a mission and reward system in place, yet they seem to be missing an Achievement system similar to what Xbox and PlayStation offer. In these games, players receive recognition for completing specific tasks, known as Achievements or Trophies. These tasks can range from simple, like finishing the main story, to more intricate, such as inflicting 666 damage on demons. The challenges are ranked by their level of difficulty and completion rates.

Players find a significant boost in motivation and fulfillment as they advance in games, with accomplishments serving as powerful incentives. These victories not only delight them but also make the gaming experience more lasting and enticing, particularly when tackling infrequent, difficult objectives.

8 Greater Portability

A Feature To Make Nintendo Switch Easier To Carry

To enhance the convenience of the next-gen Switch, consider a design that folds for better portability. While the current model is suitable for travel, its size can sometimes be inconvenient due to its lack of pocket-friendliness and awkward handling. When it does fit in pockets, it tends to restrict movement. It’s advisable to carry a case or bag when traveling with the Switch for optimal comfort and ease.

Much like how the Game Boy evolved into the compact Game Boy SP, adopting a foldable design could make the Nintendo Switch more portable for users, allowing them to carry it comfortably without needing a separate bag or worrying about theft issues. This change would also boost its durability and shield the main screen from potential damage.

7 Controller Audio

A Way To Immerse Players Into A Virtual World

One intriguing enhancement that could heighten Nintendo games’ immersion is the addition of Built-in Game Controllers Speakers. The Wii Remote, for instance, incorporated a speaker that emitted sounds during various in-game actions or events. In titles like Super Smash Bros. Brawl, choosing a character would play their specific voice lines directly from the Wii Remote. An interesting detail also appears in No More Heroes, where the protagonist’s phone call is audible through the Wii Remote, mimicking a real phone speaker.

In a creative manner, developers such as Nintendo utilize built-in speakers to infuse their games with a sense of realism and liveliness that engages players. Given that Sony’s DualSense controller has already incorporated this feature, it would align with current market trends for Nintendo to do the same.

6 Returning Games

Bringing Games To The Switch Successor Day 1

Given that the new console is the successor to the Switch, it’s only logical that its library should be able to play games from its predecessor, enhancing accessibility for fans of classic Nintendo franchises. By launching day one, players will have the opportunity to revisit their favorite nostalgic series with updated graphics and improved performance on the new console.

The data from these games is linked to contemporary Nintendo user accounts, a focus area for Nintendo’s online platform, as confirmed by the company’s president.

“With the arrival of Nintendo Account, users can now link their gaming history to a personal account. This move lays the groundwork for Nintendo to foster long-term relationships with consumers. Our goal is to expand the use of Nintendo Account and develop it into a crucial pillar of our business strategy in the years ahead.”

The significant increase in Nintendo Accounts has motivated the company to keep nurturing this platform, meaning they plan to offer more digital games and online services related to these accounts.

5 Controller Viability

Backward Compatibility For Controllers Too

It’s beneficial for Nintendo to also make their current controllers compatible with older games, just as they’ve made it possible to play predecessor’s games. This move enhances accessibility and makes it smoother for users to dive into the new console experience. It’s worth considering extending the perks of Nintendo Switch Online Membership to include using NES, SNES, and N64 controllers, as this was a unique advantage for existing Nintendo members.

As a gamer, I appreciate the flexibility of using my original Nintendo Switch controllers on the new console. It’s a great touch for gamers like me who already have these controllers and don’t want to invest in new ones right away. Plus, it allows me to enjoy playing original Switch games without any hassle, while still being able to explore the exclusive features of the successor that might require newer controllers.

4 Controller Design

Drifting Away From Future Controller Issues

It’s crucial to ensure that the latest controllers, particularly the joy-cons (or their alternatives), are carefully designed. The current joy-cons have an issue where dust can inadvertently enter the controller, which significantly impacts their performance, leading to characters in games moving unexpectedly without player input – a problem known as “controller drift”. It’s essential to address this issue for smooth gameplay experience.

The important fix to controller drift would be Hall-Effect joysticks, a mechanism that uses magnetism to calculate movement. This would make Nintendo the first of the big 3 consoles to make the switch to Hall-Effect, making them pioneers of the future of gaming once again. These joysticks would help significantly minimize controller drifting, relieving the frequent issue for company support. Other helpful additions to the new controller would be improved input delay and a small microphone for convenient communication.

3 The Reincarnation Of The Mii

Raising The Significance Of Every Mii

On the Wii U, WaraWara Plaza served as a lively hub where users could create and interact with their Mii characters freely upon logging in. The user’s own Miis and those of their friends were visible, accompanied by posts and comments. In contrast, on the Nintendo Switch, the Miis seem less engaging since they can only be found within settings, making them more secondary and less prominent.

Nintendo continues to utilize Mii characters in popular games such as Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros, among others like Miitopia. To further emphasize their importance, the next iteration could increase their visibility on the main interface. A potential improvement could be reviving the Miiverse feature, tailored specifically for this system, especially considering the new Mii characters from Nintendo Switch Sports.

2 Graphical Enhancement

Empowering The Nintendo Switch To The Next Level

To ensure the successor of the Nintendo Switch thrives, it is crucial to incorporate visual and power upgrades. Currently, the Switch runs on a Nvidia Tegra X1 processor with a custom chipset that delivers up to 1080p resolution in TV mode and 720p in handheld/tabletop mode. To enhance the user experience, it’s recommended that the resolution for every mode be boosted to at least 1080p.

4K resolution is the prime goal for contemporary gaming consoles, particularly when used with a TV. The upcoming Switch successor might achieve 4K by utilizing DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), an advanced system that enhances frame rate and resolution using AI upscaling. This method allows for better graphics in line with modern standards, all while reducing the strain on the console’s battery due to lower native resolutions.

1 Themes

The Most Sorely-Needed Feature Above All Else

A key aspect that fans consistently yearn for when it comes to the Nintendo Switch is the ability to customize its overall appearance, often referred to as custom themes. At present, the Switch offers just two basic themes – black and white – that have remained unchanged since its launch. Regrettably, there has been no update to provide more theme options, nor any additional offerings in the online store. Consequently, the available choices are rather limited. The only other alternatives are to switch to an inverted color scheme or grayscale display. To enhance user experience and cater to Nintendo’s loyal fanbase, it is crucial that the upcoming model expands its personalization options.

Nintendo could showcase its creativity by incorporating intellectual property (IP) themes into the design of the successor, or they might enable users to use official artwork or screenshots for the lock screen and main menu. Given that the Switch is a tribute to Nintendo’s rich history, it’s crucial to infuse more vibrancy into the visual aesthetic of their upcoming console.

2024-08-10 14:34