Features That Would Be Perfect For The Nintendo Switch 2

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Summary

  • Nintendo Switch 2 features GameChat, GameShare, and Amiibo, hinting at a potentially revolutionary console.
  • Fans want social hubs, streaming apps, GameCube library, DS support, and eShop tweaks on the Switch
  • Players desire the ability to pre-download games and payment plans to offset potential price hikes on the Switch

Nintendo tends to cycle between launching groundbreaking products and ones that fall flat. The Switch, introduced in 2017, was undeniably revolutionary, inspiring numerous other companies to create their own portable console alternatives. The Steam Deck has since taken the spotlight, but other notable portable consoles like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and to a somewhat smaller degree, the PlayStation Portal, are also worth mentioning.

Is it likely that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will be as groundbreaking as its predecessor, given the announced features such as GameChat, GameShare, mobile phone guides, and continued support for Amiibo? While these are exciting developments, there are several additional features Nintendo may need to reveal or prepare by their June 5 launch date if they aim to make the Switch 2 another successful Nintendo console.

7. Bring Back The Social Hub

From MiiVerse To StreetPass

Although the Wii U didn’t enjoy massive popularity for Nintendo, it introduced some enjoyable concepts that fans still cherish, such as Miiverse. Upon starting up the Wii U, players would find themselves in a small town populated by their Mii characters and those of their online friends. They could view what games their friends were playing, depicted by gathered Mii figures, and they could even sketch messages, which may not have revolutionized the gaming industry, but it was adorable nonetheless.

Previously, there were features like SpotPass and StreetPass on the 3DS that facilitated social interactions between players as they crossed paths while moving around. These encounters led to mini-games, making for an entertaining social experience with Nintendo. It would be delightful if a similar social hub could resurface in the anticipated Switch 2.

6. Bring On The Streaming Apps

From Disney+ To Netflix

In high-definition times, it became commonplace to find streaming apps on gaming consoles. With the launch of a new console, it was likely that services like Netflix, Hulu, and others would appear, fitting perfectly with the digital era’s evolution of content streaming. Given that the Switch 2 boasts 4K capabilities, demand for these apps is expected to grow significantly now.

On the Nintendo eShop, there should be a wide variety of content available for download onto the Switch 2, ranging from popular services such as Disney+ to more obscure ones like Tubi. This seems like a reasonable expectation, but considering the previous console, it appears to be quite ambitious to hope for this extent of accessibility from Nintendo.

5. Manage Your Classic Games

The GameCube Library Could Get Huge

To put it simply, the appearance of the GameCube emblem during the Switch 2 Direct was undeniably one of the most exciting moments for many fans. These games have essentially been confined to Nintendo’s outdated system for years, and now they get another chance at life, even though it may be in a gradual release format.

Originally, games for traditional consoles had small file sizes due to the limited data that could be stored in cartridges. However, GameCube games can grow quite large, with some reaching a full GB or more. As Nintendo continues to release more of these classic console collections, the app size will increase accordingly. To prevent the app from consuming too much storage space, it would be beneficial for Nintendo to combine all these classic console collections into one single app, allowing players to download only the games they are interested in. If this isn’t done, the app could become a significant storage drain.

4. How About Some DS Support?

Use That Phone App

On the DS, there were some fantastic games, but the challenge in transferring them to contemporary consoles comes from their dual-screen design. Various re-releases have experimented with solutions, such as “The World Ends With You” and the “Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection”. The solution depends on what the lower screen was utilized for. If it was a map, it appeared straightforward to move that function to a menu; however, with the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo now offers another option.

At the Switch 2 Direct presentation, Nintendo demonstrated support for the forthcoming improved editions of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”. In a similar fashion, Nintendo could effortlessly incorporate this technology to include DS games within the Switch’s classic library, allowing players to manage the game maps on their mobile devices.

3. eShop Tweaks

Bring Back The Wii Music

The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U periods were a blast for connecting with friends and even strangers online. However, if we go back a bit, the Wii itself had a lively social aspect as well. The catchy tune of its eShop was so popular that many YouTubers made parodies out of it, such as this skit from Nirvana the Band the Show.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but wonder why the catchy jingle was discarded by Nintendo. It was a unique beacon that set them apart from other digital marketplaces, offering a whimsical escape for players instead of just another platform to consume products. Now, it seems like all we have are bare, lifeless spaces. I yearn for the return of the quirky, imaginative Nintendo, where fun and creativity were the stars of the show. Let’s revive the spirit of the past and embrace the weird, wonderful world of Nintendo once more!

2. Preload Games Even If You Don’t Buy Them

What’s The Harm?

Many people might not realize it, but the Xbox app has a hidden function. Before a game goes live, players can actually pre-load it onto their device, even if they haven’t bought it yet. However, they won’t be able to play the game until its official release date. Once they decide to purchase the game, they can start playing immediately because the download process is already complete. From Microsoft’s viewpoint, this feature doesn’t cause any issues since users still have to buy the game eventually. It’s also worth mentioning that this pre-downloading option applies not just for regular games but also for those available through Game Pass on consoles as well.

In an ideal situation, both the PS5 and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 could offer a digital game version. This way, players who might not be able to acquire a physical copy have a convenient alternative. There are numerous advantages to this feature, making it quite appealing in various gaming situations.

1. Keep Your Price Hikes, Add Payment Plans

What’s There To Lose?

When the increase in game prices from $10 per game occurred for both PS5 and Xbox Series X & S, fans were taken aback. This was unexpected because game prices hadn’t gone up for over a decade, and this change took place during one of the toughest periods economically worldwide: the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of the already high price of these consoles, it wasn’t an easy adjustment to make. Now, it appears that the game price announcement for Switch 2 may prove to be an even tougher pill to swallow.

Alternatively, Nintendo could etch their name in history by maintaining their high game prices yet providing digital discounts, similar to installment plans found in many modern online transactions. If players fail to meet payment deadlines, Nintendo could rescind the digital license. This isn’t a flawless solution, but it’s an approach they might want to consider.

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2025-04-04 08:56