Relax, Critics: Nintendo Can Amaze Without New Hardware Tricks

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and it’s brought along a whirlwind of excitement and, predictably, a fair amount of drama. Considering how much speculation and leaks surrounded Nintendo’s latest reveal, it’s no surprise that fans, influencers, and analysts were in a frenzy. A couple of minutes showcasing the sleek machine with some stylish renders was all it took to stir up the community, even if the details were sparse.

Some of the reactions were, as expected, over the top. It didn’t take long for someone to throw a tantrum demanding more information right away—an impatience reminiscent of a certain spoiled character, Veruca Salt. Honestly, a little patience wouldn’t hurt.

On a more surprising note, there was a conversation thread that I didn’t see coming. Some folks were concerned that by releasing what seems like just a next-gen version of the Switch, Nintendo might be losing its creative edge. Is this new console a step back from Iwata’s vision to “surprise and delight” players? Not really. That notion seems a bit misguided, frankly.

This isn’t the first time Nintendo has followed this path. Historically, Nintendo hasn’t always swung for the fences with revolutionary designs. In fact, they’ve successfully introduced sequel consoles before. Just look at the Super Nintendo—a refined successor to the NES—and yet, it’s hailed as one of the greatest consoles ever. Then there’s the Game Boy Advance, essentially a beefier iteration of its predecessor, borrowing the SNES extra buttons, yet managing to innovate in its own right.

I would never argue that these consoles lacked the quintessential Nintendo magic. Their spirit manifested in fresh ways: new control schemes, tech-laden cartridges, or ingenious gameplay design unlocked by more powerful hardware. For me, Nintendo’s surprise factor includes the leap in design from Metroid 1 to Super Metroid or the charming aesthetics of Wind Waker just as much as it does motion-controlled Wii Bowling.

Even with the more unconventional consoles like the Wii and the Switch, some of the biggest hits were tied to peripherals rather than the hardware itself. The balance board or Ring Fit, for instance, weren’t even part of the initial package.

Sure, there were transitions where a similar approach didn’t lead to massive success, like from the N64 to the GameCube. Yet, Nintendo still found ways to develop beloved cult classics that stood out in the market. The 3DS, despite promising a dazzling new gimmick, turned out to be somewhat underwhelming, with creativity mainly emerging from game design rather than flashy features.

Now, the Switch 2 might not surprise in its appearance. It seems like a polished version of a successful design—the Switch—that revolutionized portable gaming. The Switch 2 almost looks like Nintendo’s way of saying, “See those new PC handhelds? We can keep up with that.” But what gives it an enduring edge is Nintendo’s unique, joyous approach to game development.

The Switch 2 does promise new features, hinted at in its cryptic teaser. Elements like Joy-Cons being dragged along surfaces invoke thoughts of Mario Paint or a potential collaboration with Xbox for an Age of Empires port. Revamped Joy-Cons might open doors to fresh peripheral-driven innovations.

Some exciting upgrades might lie within the console itself. We might be at a point where graphic enhancements don’t pack as much punch, but not all hardware upgrades are about looks. They can redefine gameplay possibilities by expanding the scale or introducing new ideas.

All that being said, it’s way too soon to form concrete opinions. Critiques on the reveal’s execution are valid. If the new console’s design echoes the old one, maybe the first look could have focused less on its aesthetics. However, if there’s any company I’d bet on for pulling off unexpected magic, it’s Nintendo. True, the hardware might not scream novelty, but they’ve shown time and again that they’re capable of transforming conventional designs with groundbreaking games and clever peripherals. Plus, additional processing power might unfold unprecedented game design avenues.

Ultimately, without a glimpse into Nintendo’s plans for this new tech, fretting over it seems pointless. But brace yourselves, we might have to endure this chatter until the official release in April. Where’s a stasis chamber when you need one?