Nintendo made headlines worldwide Jan. 16 with the long-awaited announcement of its next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo unveiled the new console with little detail, offering only a brief video showing the previous console transforming into its successor. The two-and-a-half minute first-look trailer reveals an obvious increase in screen and joy-con size, which implies a higher resolution for game visuals and greater responsiveness in controls.
Nintendo has not shared a release date publicly yet, but some have estimated a potential Summer 2025 release.
The audience has reacted underwhelmingly in the wake of Nintendo’s announcement, with many either uninterested or critical of the vague, mysterious reveal.
“It shows nothing of what this new Switch is capable of,” student Eli Hamilton said. “Show us the specs. Show us what’s inside of that Switch.”
Many express a lack of interest in Nintendo’s current game repertoire, while others find the cost outweighs any potential interest.
“In addition to buying the console, I would have to buy the games, which are pretty expensive,” student Maili Hornbuckle said.
Some consider the company’s current console lackluster, choosing instead to use alternatives like the Steam Deck to meet their gaming needs. The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device developed by Valve, the company behind the popular gaming platform Steam. It allows users to play PC games on the go.
“A lot of people say it doesn’t seem very different from the first one,” student Angelina Christ said, echoing sentiments of Nintendo fans.
Nintendo promises further announcements on its latest console with the Nintendo Direct presentation currently scheduled for April 2.
Throughout April and May, Nintendo will provide a first-hand look at the new console in major cities worldwide, with three U.S. stops in New York City, Los Angeles and Dallas. Fans are encouraged to register for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience.
Only time will reveal whether the Switch 2 will be worth its anticipated hefty price tag. Nintendo’s uninspired marketing assures gamers little to look forward to aside from barebones details, which the company promises to share months from now.
