Switch in Reflection

In 2017, Nintendo, then struggling with the Wii U, debuted the Switch. Marketed as a portable-docked console hybrid, it became a hit, proving Nintendo, like the Wii, still had a few tricks up their sleeves. Despite an initially-emaciated library, with few launch titles worth buying, it quickly gained momentum and turned into a juggernaut capable of competing with the competition. And now, 8 years later, the Switch 2’s set to debut, taking the Switch and adding to it in subtle ways. With that said, I thought I’d reflect on my experience with this glorious machine.

Now, I didn’t buy a Switch at launch. I didn’t have the financial means to do so, and I had more pressing concerns at the time. Nevertheless, it was the first console I bought new with my own money, having saved up from my job in a warehouse. It felt like an accomplishment, especially since every Penny of that purchase was my own. It helped that the first game I bought, Super Mario Odyssey, was superb, redefining what Mario games were capable of.

The next few years would see my library grow slowly, as I got used to the system’s capabilities in docked and portable mode. I’d come to prefer docked mode, especially given the physical strain portable mode created, but both options had advantages. For the former, playing games on my flatscreen TV was magical, giving me a full-on experience the Switch was designed for. The latter was a novelty should I need to unplug from my TV, even if I was reliant on the console’s battery. Either way, there was something for me.

Perhaps the biggest draw, outside of portability, was its retro catalogue. The Wii did this over a decade prior, and possibly better, but the downside there was buying each title separately. The NSO, however, included everything for a flat fee, meaning no extra hassle. So long as you had a subscription and a working internet connection, you could play everything. This is something I’m glad the Switch 2’s incorporating too.

Another draw was the control scheme. Say what you will about the Wii U, but playing titles on a tablet controller, even if its range was limited, was something I’m glad was ported to and improved on by the Switch. Outside of that, the joycon and pro controllers were amazing, demonstrating how intuitive the games were to play. That the joycons could detach and be used in different ways was a bonus. Even the motion controls, something the Wiimote struggled with, were great.

But the Switch’s real legacy is its library. I don’t have a massive catalogue of titles, especially compared to the Wii, but quality’s its greatest asset. Whether its drafting new levels to play, or traversing Kanto in glorious HD, the Switch’s library was never boring. And whenever I was finished with a game, I could always fall back on classic titles. There was so much to do that simply turning on the system and browsing updates felt like an accomplishment. It was like the system had never-ending secrets waiting to be explored. That I kept discovering them via menial tasks helped.

That was the secret to the Switch’s success: it had something for everyone. That’s not to ignore its problems, especially the dreaded joycon drift, but none of the system’s limitations were dealbreakers. It was such a big game-changer that, honestly, I’m having a hard time picturing the Switch 2 outdoing it. Because it showed that the Wii U, from which it incorporated design ideas, had real potential that wasn’t utilized. In contrast, the Switch capitalized on its potential fully, such that I’m positive it hasn’t been pushed to its limits yet.

Does this mean the Switch 2 won’t live up to expectations? I honestly don’t know. Hefty price tag aside, it’ll definitely have its work cut out for it. Keep in mind that the Switch revived long-dormant and obscure franchises Nintendo had given up on due to sales numbers, which is no easy feat. For the Switch 2 to really do that justice, it’d have to continue the legacy of good decisions and marketability. And it’s still too early to tell.

Personally speaking, I don’t think it should try. The Switch, like the Wii, really does feel like lightning in a bottle, and trying to recapture that magic would be a waste of time and resources. The best option, one I hope Nintendo goes for, is leaning into the Switch’s success, except with some upgrades. Think less DS to the Game Boy and more Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance. Especially since the Game Boy series was discontinued prematurely.

In the end, I’m excited for the Switch 2…assuming I can actually afford it. Yet while I’m ready for this new experience to debut, it’ll also be difficult to close the book on the Switch. So much about it has been baked into the last 8 years, and saying goodbye will feel bittersweet. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic the Switch 2 will be a worthy follow-up. Nintendo owes that much to everyone, myself included.