Nintendo Switch 2’s Bizarre Safety Feature

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In a somewhat unexpected but valid concern, there’s a lingering question about whether the peculiar safety feature that made an appearance on the original Nintendo Switch will reappear in the Nintendo Switch 2 and its game cartridges. Much like the previous model, Nintendo appears to be emphasizing family-friendliness with the new console, showcasing improved parental controls for the upcoming system. However, it remains unconfirmed if this unique safety feature will be a part of the Nintendo Switch 2’s design.

Although Nintendo didn’t mention the taste of their original Switch cartridges at launch, they eventually acknowledged that they added a bittering agent to discourage people from accidentally ingesting the games. While it was improbable that games like Cooking Mama would be eaten, this measure made sense for health and safety reasons. Since Nintendo’s previous DS cartridges didn’t contain this agent, consumers should know if the Switch 2 successor’s cartridges will also have a similar taste to avoid any confusion.

Explaining The Importance Behind The Taste of Nintendo Switch Cartridges

Incredibly, it turned out to be quite strange that the unpleasant taste of the Switch cartridges was accidentally discovered by games journalist Jeff Gerstmann during a live stream when he tasted one spontaneously. He later shared his unusual encounter through social media.

Despite Nintendo’s displeasure, as playing Switch games became popular online, it felt compelled to clarify through Polygon that its game cartridges were coated with a non-toxic substance called denatonium benzoate, which is often used in paints, antifreeze, and other chemicals to prevent accidental consumption. However, although the novelty of this safety feature has faded, the fact that Switch cartridges have a bitter taste remains.

Independent of how peculiar the design choice may have seemed, there was a method to Nintendo’s decision when looking at the broader context, given their marketing of the Switch as the preferred family-friendly console. While adults might understand both the absurdity and potential hazard of ingesting a game cartridge, this unconventional safety feature serves to deter children from attempting it, aligning with the family-oriented philosophy. Provided Nintendo continues this approach with the Switch 2, it’s reasonable to assume that the successor model will also include this feature.

The Case For And Against The Switch 2 Continuing This Safety Feature

Although Nintendo has ventured into more mature games like collaborating with FromSoftware for the exclusive Switch 2 title, The Duskbloods, it remains committed to the essence of “family entertainment” gaming. The enhanced Joy-Con 2 design, Game Chat and Camera accessories, along with launch titles such as Mario Kart World, Split Fiction, and Hogwarts Legacy, indicate that Nintendo is maintaining the original Switch’s family-oriented social gaming approach for all ages. Consequently, it seems reasonable to assume that they will maintain the use of safety measures on their Switch 2 cartridges, as there’s no such thing as being overly cautious.

With the Switch 2, Nintendo introduces a contentious shift towards “game-key cards,” which could lead players to opt for cheaper digital versions and share these via GameShare. This move appears to align with the trend in the gaming industry towards a purely digital model, potentially phasing out physical games altogether. If this is true, then the unique safety feature of unappetizing Switch 2 cartridges might become obsolete as it gets replaced by systems like GameShare and game-keys.

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2025-04-06 14:04