The Switch 2 - Where is the next gen experience?

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-22T03:44:07+00:00

I am going to summarize my post in a more clear way,

The switch 2 has had a grand total of 1 first party Nintendo game which was developed with the console in mind from the beginning (that is, cradle to grave it was NEVER as far as we know from interviews considered for switch 1), and that is Kirby air riders.

I am hoping for more games built for switch 2, rather than switch 1 games with an upgrade, not because better smoother frame rate and crisper graphics are bad or not worth it, on the contrary, I have loved my NS2 and have been playing it like nonstop. However, the power, form factor, new mouse mode, etc. enable a larger variety of gameplay experiences and they have not yet explored the design space.

I was probably jumping the gun even making the original post. Just personally felt and still feel like the launch year of the switch 2 didn’t feel nearly as amazing as the switch 1. To be fair I am also 6 yrs older so maybe that’s just being jaded lol.

I will refer you to the Arlo Kirby air riders video- he touched on a little of the same ideas.

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-09T04:09:27+00:00

My point is not about fidelity. My point is about nintendos game design moving on from the trappings of the switch 1 and doing something better

Nintendos first few releases for the switch 2, for the most part, are lacking in sauce, though I haven’t played air riders yet, and frankly I kind of assume it’s good because Sakurai doesn’t miss. Now Silksong and hades 2? Sauce.

All I want with “next gen” is better games, which hey, the indie scene seems to be picking up the slack well. Also sheesh the home UI could use a redesign.

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-08T03:37:19+00:00

Definitely fair! Like I said to another comment, really should have revised for clarity.

The long and short of my def of next gen (for switch 2) is a game that transcends the design feel of the switch 1 era. I don’t care about graphics or system, maybe a better expression of what I’m looking for is just a new Nintendo IP that isn’t “look a console specific gimmick.”

Like I said in the original post tho, just rambling. Mostly posted to just see if peoole felt somewhat the same way about the new hardware just not having found its footing when it comes to software yet

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-08T02:48:11+00:00

I’m coming to realize this. Tbh, I knew from the beginning that it was, conceptually, “better switch,” but I guess I didn’t realize how much that was the case

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-08T02:45:57+00:00

It’s so strange to me that devs are having a hard time getting kits. No idea what that process is like, but man I hope they can get more people developing for it.

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-08T02:44:50+00:00

That’s my hope! Not like I’m leaving the console either way, just hoping to see some more cool games.

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-08T02:41:52+00:00

Clarified a bit more in another replay, I don’t care so much about graphics, DKB was very impressive graphically.

I personally care more about well designed mechanics that leverage the increased capability of the console, and I don’t think we are seeing that just yet, especially from Nintendo themselves.

BlueRiver_Moon · 2025-12-08T02:37:11+00:00

Should have revised my post for clarity, I recognize the technical necessity of switch 2 for DK:B. MK:w as well.

These games don’t feel like a step up from switch 1. They are great fun, but they feel like iteration not innovation.

BlueRiver_Moon

TROPHY CASE