Summary
TheNintendo Switchhas gained ongoing support from Nintendo and various developers for 8 years. Every inch of the console’s potential has been showcased through multiple games, especially its first-party IPs. Its capabilities have amazed the market, producing exceeding sales numbers for many franchises likeThe Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Metroid, Splatoon, Pikmin, and more.
The console’s age is becoming more noticeable with its lower hardware sales in itsrecent quarterly report.This encourages everyone to look forward to Nintendo’s next console,even the President of Nintendo, Shuntaro Furukawa.The company is very eager to move on to their official next-gen hardware as the audience anticipates its improved capabilities, and especially its new features.
12The Added OG Features Return
Updated Features Not Included On Switch’s Launch Day
The title “Switch Successor” states that the new console should have options on its launch day that were added later to its predecessor. Many of these features from theNintendo Switch’s update historymust be included and improved upon for the next console, rather than forgotten:
11Bigger Capacity
More Demanding Games = Larger File Size
The steady growth of games means thatthe Switch Successor requires bigger storage. The original Switch and Switch Lite have 32 GB storage whereas the OLED Switch has 64 GB of space. These are decent sizes forNintendo’s first-party games, though other studios often have trouble developing within the restricted margin. Some games even require players to buy microSD cards to play.
It’s best to minimize these requirements by raising the storage space to at least 128 GB, although more storage would certainly be better given the storage space on Sony and Microsoft’s consoles. The upgraded storage won’t just ease developers’ struggle in porting their games to Nintendo’s console, but also ease the consumer worries about constantly deleting and reinstalling games to make space for newer games.
10Online Connectivity
Hook Up With Friends More Often
Party Chatis essential for players to connect more online. TheNintendo Switch is very fun locally, but it should give more attention to connecting players online. It could be similar to Xbox and PlayStation in how players can group up with other active friends to tackle multiplayer games together.
Party Chat should be integrated into the console, rather than trapped within the Nintendo Switch Online App. It’s underutilized with its limitations, such as the very few eligible games (Splatoon 2 + 3, Smash Bros Ultimate, Animal Crossing). There should be more options and resources outside the viable games as well, like sending online invites or short friend messages when away from the console.
9Achievements
Completion Satisfaction
Nintendo already has a mission & reward system, butwhat’s lacking is an Achievement system. Xbox and PlayStation games have certain tasks that grant playersa completion notice in the form of Achievements/Trophies. The hidden tasks for each game can be straightforward, like completing the main story, or more specific, like dealing 666 damage to demons. The goals are ranked based on difficulty and completion rates.
Achievements greatly encourage and satisfy players when progressing through games. It even makes the games more memorable and replayable, especially when completing rarer, more challenging tasks.
8Greater Portability
A Feature To Make Nintendo Switch Easier To Carry
The Switch Successor shouldimprove its portability with a fold model. The current Switch is good for travel, though its width can be cumbersome to carry. It can’t fit many pockets, and when it does, it feels awkward and limits the owner’s movement. A carrying case or bag is heavily recommended when bringing the Switch while traveling.
Similar to the transition fromGame Boy to Game Boy SP, a fold model would help to minimize the Switch’s size for players to travel with it more easily, without requiring a bag or dealing with theft concerns. It would also raise its durability and protect the main screen from damage.
7Controller Audio
A Way To Immerse Players Into A Virtual World
A returning feature that would make Nintendo games more engaging would beController Speakers. The Wii Remote had a speaker that would play audio during different in-game interactions or moments. InSuperSmash Bros. Brawl,selecting a fighter would sound out their related voice over dialogue on the Wii Remote. Another unique moment occurs inNo More Heroeswhen the protagonist receives a phone call, which is heard through the Wii Remote like a it’s phone speaker.
How the developers, including Nintendo, would creatively use the speakers helps to make their games feel more alive for the audience. Sony’s DualSense already does this, so Nintendo following suit would be in keeping with modern trends.
6Returning Games
Bringing Games To The Switch Successor Day 1
Since the new console is the Switch’s successor, its library should bebackwards compatible with its predecessor. So many series from previous Nintendo generations were brought back updated, redesigned, or as a brand-new entry for the Switch.Players should have access to the huge library of nostalgic franchisesthrough the Switch’s future generations with better visuals and specs Day 1.
These games’ data are connected to modern Nintendo accounts, which the President of Nintendo stated is thecompany’s main interestfor its online system:
“The introduction of Nintendo Account made it possible to tie a user’s history to their personal account. This will be a foundation upon which Nintendo can maintain a lasting relationship with consumers; We will strive to further spread Nintendo Account and grow it into a vital business foundation for Nintendo heading into the future.”
The huge growth of Nintendo Accounts has encouraged the company to continue supporting it, which would include any digital games and online services attached to them.
5Controller Viability
Backward Compatibility For Controllers Too
Along with making the predecessor’s games accessible, Nintendo should do the same with the current controllers. This widens the accessibility and ease for users to jump in to the new console. There were some exclusive benefits from Nintendo Switch Online Membership for Nintendo members, including the NES, SNES, and N64 controllers, which would be nice to carry over.
It’s more consumer-friendly to allow the players to play the new console with their original Switch controllers. This addition would make it more convenient to play original Switch games, as the successor’s exclusives may include another feature thatonly newer controllerswould be compatible with.
4Controller Design
Drifting Away From Future Controller Issues
The new controllers should be properly designed, especially the joy-cons (or their replacements). Current joy-cons are designed with a tragic problem that allows dust to slip inside the controller. This greatly hinders its function, resulting in in-game characters having the sudden urge to move without the player’s permission.This is known as “controller drift”.
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, relievingthe frequent issuefor company support. Other helpful additions to the new controller would be improved input delay and a small microphone for convenient communication.
3The Reincarnation Of The Mii
Raising The Significance Of Every Mii
WaraWara Plaza was a place for createdMiisto roam freely when the user logged into the Wii U. Theuser could see their own Miisand those of their friends with various posts and comments. The Miis on Switch don’t feel nearly as present, as they’re only viewable within the settings, making them mostly secondary.
Nintendo still finds work for the Miis by including them in titles likeMario Kart, Super Smash Bros,andMiitopia.The successor should bring more relevancy to them by raising their presence on the main menu. The company could renew the Miiverse as something unique to the system, especially with the newer Miis fromNintendo Switch Sports.
