Nintendo Switch2’s Surprising Name Change Revealed!

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Summary

  • Nintendo Switch 2 was almost named the Super Nintendo Switch, a reference to the classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
  • The decision to stick with Nintendo Switch 2 was made to reflect the system’s wide appeal like the original Switch.
  • Initial pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 begin on April 9, with launch titles like Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always been excited about the upcoming Nintendo device, which initially had a name that harkened back to one of Nintendo’s legendary consoles. Many of us had already speculated that the next Nintendo system would be christened as the Switch 2, months before the official confirmation, fueled by whispers that it would share similarities with the existing Nintendo Switch in terms of design and functionality. These rumors gained traction when the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled in January, as the new system continues to embody the essence of a traditional console yet retains the portability of a handheld tablet.

This week, during a Nintendo Direct live broadcast, additional details about the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 were disclosed. The event provided answers to questions that fans have been asking for quite some time regarding the system’s pricing and launch date. Furthermore, numerous games for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 were showcased, including fresh titles such as “Mario Kart World” and “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment,” as well as updated editions of popular original Switch releases like “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and “Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Following the April 2nd reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, I couldn’t help but delve into an exclusive interview with three key developers on the official Nintendo site. During our conversation, they shared insights about the naming process for the new console, revealing that they brainstormed numerous ideas before settling on “Nintendo Switch 2.” Producer Kouichi Kawamoto even mentioned one intriguing alternative – the “Super Nintendo Switch,” a tribute to the iconic Super Nintendo Entertainment System from the ’90s.

Nintendo Switch 2 Was Almost Named Super Nintendo Switch

Ultimately, the team determined that the chosen name wasn’t suitable because the Super NES didn’t support playing original NES games like the Switch 2 does with its own games. Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development Department director Takuhiro Dohta explained further that the aim for the Switch 2 is to create a versatile system for diverse players, much like the initial Switch. The proposed name for the Nintendo Switch 2 signified this, and Nintendo Technology Development division GM Tetsuya Sasaki noted that it is straightforward and easily understood as a follow-up to the original Switch.

The long-anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is now just around the corner, with the official launch happening on June 5. However, those eager to get their hands on it first can start pre-ordering from April 9. Some of the exciting games that will be available at launch for the new console are Mario Kart World, which comes as part of a special Switch 2 bundle, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and upgraded versions of popular third-party titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6, and Hogwarts Legacy.

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2025-04-02 22:58