Our Hopes and Dreams for the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, marking the end of a tumultuous pre-launch period. As players get their hands on the console, they'll be eager to experience the latest Mario Kart game, a series that has been dormant for over a decade. The release of Nintendo hardware always brings a sense of excitement, and the Switch 2 is no exception. Although it's an evolution of the original Switch rather than a revolutionary new design, Nintendo's impressive run of software over the past eight years is expected to continue. However, consumers will have to pay a premium for some of these titles. The GamesIndustry.biz team shares their hopes and dreams for the Switch 2's future. One area of interest is the potential for new takes on iconic franchises like The Legend of Zelda, 3D Mario, and Pokémon. With the Switch 2's improved hardware and renewed fan interest, Nintendo has the opportunity to revitalize beloved IPs and maybe even introduce a brand-new franchise. The Switch 2 has already shown promise with impressive ports of Cyberpunk 2077 and Civ 7, setting a high standard for future releases. The Switch's early years were a golden age for indie games, but as the eShop became flooded with shovelware, Steam became the go-to platform for indie gamers. Nintendo can learn from this by curating the eShop to showcase good taste in games. The Switch 2's familiarity in design is both a blessing and a curse, allowing for easy porting of games but also making the console feel less innovative. The hope is that developers will find new ways to utilize the console's features, such as the Joy-Con's mouse controls. Integrating more streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ would also enhance the Switch 2's appeal as a handheld device. The console's social connectivity features, like GameChat, could also enable streaming parties. The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack brings GameCube games to the Switch 2, but the pace of new releases may be slow. The best-case scenario is that Nintendo will bring some unexpected games to the service, such as Rogue Squadron 2 or Eternal Darkness. Finally, the future of the Zelda series is uncertain, but after the success of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it will be fascinating to see what direction the series takes next. A potential sequel or spin-off could bridge the gap between veteran players and new fans, especially with the live-action Zelda movie on the horizon.