I’m not worried about Nintendo Switch 2, but I’m certainly not as excited as last time
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I couldn’t believe my eyes when the Nintendo Switch launched. Here was a handheld device with real console games like Skyrim and Doom attached to it. I’ve never been particularly fond of platformers, so a lot of Nintendo’s handheld library had eluded me over the course of the 3DS generation (though my sky blue launch device still sits proudly on my shelf). This time I could get in on the action, while playing the games I wanted to play on the go. That was revolutionary - and it was these console-like experiences that had me finally pull the trigger on the original Nintendo Switch with one of my very first ‘real’ paychecks after university.
It’s been seven years since I was enthralled by the Nintendo Switch. I’ve grown up, the industry has changed, and devices previously unthinkable are now mainstream. That all means that the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t packing the same punch for me. Nintendo did the thing, now it’s just iterating on it - obviously that’s not as exciting. But there’s more to it this time around.
Of course,everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2is based on rumors so far. I can’t possibly start making up my mind about a handheld based on a series of podcast episodes, analyst predictions, and two-year-old patents. I’m not as excited about Nintendo Switch 2 becauseValve(andAsus,Lenovo, MSI etc.) has already solved my problem.
A Steam-roller
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I’m notworriedabout the Nintendo Switch 2. The system is rumored to provide a solid performance boost (up to around PS4 / Xbox One quality) with plenty of updates that will seemingly serve fans well. Nintendo has always done things its own way, prioritizing the magic of its actual games over keeping in step with PlayStation andMicrosoft’s visual advancements. I just wonder how many players like me have to remember to charge their Switch every now and then to keep the battery healthy, while constantly mainlining a handheld PC. I wonder how many of those players are going to be absent from the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch day sales, instead putting their cash towards a more powerful PC option. And I wonder if Nintendo’s first party silver bullet will be enough that we never see the difference those seven years have made.
We’re also rounding up all thebest Nintendo Switch accessoriesas well as thebest Steam Deck accessoriesfor some extra competition. Or, take a look at thebest retro game consolesto put all this high-performance nonsense to bed.
Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I’ve written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i’m focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.
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