Nintendo’s Switch 2 reveal felt like a lightning bolt delivered straight from Zeus himself for everyone except, well, most people. In fact, since the console – which fans have spent years clamoring for – looks so much like its predecessor, some analysts predict it’ll have trouble appealing to a general audience.
“I can imagine ‘normies’ being a bit confused,” gaming industry consultant Serkan Toto tells GamesRadar+. “The device is bigger than the original Switch, but not comically large. The form factor, button layout, and overall design are very similar to Switch 1, so I can imagine issues arising when potential mainstream buyers look at the new device.”
I actually agree with the article, though I think it is premature. The Switch 2 trailer does nothing to attract normal people to buy the Switch 2. The trailer showed that the S2 is slightly larger, has a new JoyCon attachment, and implied that the graphics are better. None of that is a reason to throw away your Switch 1 and buy the Switch 2. Most people don’t care about top of the line graphics and those that do know that a PC or PS5 Pro is the top of the line and a high end phone will beat the Switch 2 for portable power.
Normal people want to hear the story about what the system offers. The Wii sold video games that made you more active instead of less. The Switch offered the same gaming experience at home and on the go. Every generation of PlayStation sells on top end graphics in a plug-and-play box.
What will be the unique selling point of the Switch 2? Hopefully we will know after the April announcement.