Nintendo Switch 2: The Shocking Name Change That Will Change Everything!

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Summary

  • Nintendo surprised with the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, rumored by some beforehand.
  • Breaking tradition, the Nintendo Switch 2 is an official successor with new features.
  • Nintendo Switch 2 maintains its name for familiarity and is to be launched with a Mario Kart game.

Many people were taken aback by the unexpected unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 today, since there was no prior build-up to the announcement video. However, some dedicated fans had been anticipating this, given the numerous recent leaks and whispers about the Nintendo Switch 2. In fact, notable figures in the gaming community had predicted that a teaser would be released today. Regardless, Nintendo is making headlines by introducing the successor to the Nintendo Switch, which has surpassed the PlayStation 2 in terms of units sold over its lifetime. This new handheld console indeed carries on the legacy of its predecessor, incorporating familiar design elements with innovative new features, and it’s fittingly titled “Nintendo Switch 2.”

It’s quite logical given the debut of the new console, which features a distinct sound that could eventually become renowned, different from the click sound when Joy-Cons are positioned, but instead originating from Joy-Cons being magnetically attached to the Switch 2. Interestingly, the Nintendo Switch 2 is deviating from a longstanding Nintendo practice – it’s not simply an upgraded version of the Switch, as it carries the “2” in its name. This is something unprecedented for Nintendo consoles, which might seem unusual.

A History of Nintendo Consoles And Their Names Ahead of The Switch 2

Throughout the years, a variety of Nintendo gaming systems have emerged, ranging from those designed for home use to portable ones. These systems span across different generations, such as:

1. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
2. Super NES (SNES)
3. Nintendo 64 (N64)
4. GameCube
5. Wii
6. Wii U
7. Nintendo 3DS
8. Nintendo DS (Dual Screen)
9. Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance
10. Virtual Boy (although less popular compared to the others)
11. And the newest addition, the Nintendo Switch.

  • The Color TV-Game series, with numbers ranging from 6 to 112, and then including the Block Breaker and the Computer TV-Game consoles (1977-1983)
  • The Game & Watch series, which had special releases in 2020 and 2021 tied to the 35th anniversary of Super Mario and Zelda as franchises, respectively (1980-1991)
  • Game Boy (1989)
  • SNES (1990)
  • Virtual Boy (1995)
  • Nintendo 64 (1996)
  • Game Boy Color (1998)
  • GameCube (2001)
  • Game Boy Advance (2001)
  • Pokemon Mini (2001)
  • Nintendo DS (2004)
  • Wii (2006)
  • Nintendo 3DS (2011)
  • Wii U (2012)
  • Nintendo Switch (2017)

Previously released consoles, like the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance (following the original Game Boy), or the Nintendo 3DS (for the Nintendo DS), were not true successors to their respective systems. Notably, no console before the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially named as a successor. Despite the potential revolutionary features of the Nintendo Switch 2, its name sets a new precedent by breaking away from a tradition that dates back to the late 70s.

Why Nintendo May Have Called The Switch’s Successor ‘Switch 2’

The possible reason behind the name of the Nintendo Switch 2 might go beyond just following a traditional naming scheme. Given the tremendous success of the original Nintendo Switch over the years and its enduring popularity, it’s plausible that Nintendo chose a familiar name for its successor to foster a sense of continuity. It’s well-known that established brands can inspire trust, and trusted brands tend to sell better, which could be why the Nintendo Switch 2 retains the same branding instead of adopting a new name as previous consoles did.

It appears that the Nintendo Switch 2 will debut along with Mario Kart 9 (or possibly another game from the series), according to recent speculation. Further information about the console is set to be revealed during a Nintendo Direct broadcast scheduled for April 2, 2025.

Considering the significant time difference between the launch of the initial Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 (approximately eight years), it’s reasonable to expect that this gap could have an impact on the new console’s success. The original Nintendo Switch has gained immense popularity and recognition, which sets a strong foundation for its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2. Moreover, enthusiasts had been referring to the successor as “Nintendo Switch 2” even before today’s official announcement, indicating that this moniker held some value among fans. Despite the reasons behind its official name, the Nintendo Switch 2’s larger screen and new features are likely to help it establish a distinct identity in the market by the year 2025.

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2025-01-17 00:54