As theNintendo Switch 2’s launch steadily approaches, the pressure on the console to succeed becomes larger. The original Switch’s incredibly successful launch not only helped Nintendo following the Wii U’s failure, but the console became the fastest selling system in the company’s history. By achieving such an incredible feat,the Switch has set a high standard for Nintendo’s hardware moving forward, placing huge expectations on the Switch 2 to reach that same level of success.
That being said, not every aspect of the Switch’s launch was as stellar as it could have been,especially when it comes to the console’s lineup of launch titles. One game in particular, that continued a trend seen across multiple previous Nintendo consoles, failed in its purpose to broaden the appeal of the Switch and its many capabilities. This provides theSwitch 2 with an opportunityto have its own original launch title that not only improves on the predecessor’s initially lackluster lineup, but provides a better showcase of the new console’s potential.
Some Nintendo Consoles Have Their Own Dedicated Showcase Game
These Titles Demonstrated The Features Of Their Respective Consoles
A trend that Nintendo has carried across its past few home and hybrid systems is the release of a launch game that’s designed with the primary intention of demonstrating its respective console’s features. Games likeWii Sportsfor the Wii andNintendo Landfor the Wii U are prime examples of this type of launch title. While each game has its differences that set them apart, they adopt a similar structure, with both titles includinga selection of unique mini-games that puts a spotlight on every major functionalitythat their respective consoles include.
Nintendo includedWii Sportsas the pack-in game for the Nintendo Wii, whileNintendo Landwas included as part of the Deluxe bundle for the Wii U.
BothWii SportsandNintendo Landwere fantastic inclusions to the launch lineup of the Wii and Wii U. While neither title is exactly brimming with content, each mini-game that is included can offer a surprising amount of depth, encouraging the player to engage and adapt to each console’s multitude of features, whether that be the Wii’s motion controls or the Wii U’s dual screen capabilities. When it all comes together,Wii SportsandNintendo Landoffer a huge amount of variety, while giving players a more concrete idea of each console’s potential.
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Moreover, bothWii SportsandNintendo Landinclude the signature Nintendo charm that only elevates the overall playing experience. With both gamesmaking effective use of Miis, Nintendo’s avatar creator, each title offers a vibrant visual style that encapsulates the wacky and chaotic energy players will experience when jumping from one mini-game to another.Wii Sports’s andNintendo Land’s bright and cartoonish presentation gives each game the same sense of identitythat’s seen across Nintendo’s many signature franchises, making for highly enjoyable titles that were major additions to their respective console’s launch line-up.
1-2-Switch Lacked The Same Charm And Enjoyment
The Title’s Gameplay Was Simplistic And Repetitive
1-2-Switch, which was released as alaunch title for the Switch, holds the same purpose as titles such asWii SportsandNintendo Land. Adopting a similar structure,1-2-Switchboasts multiple minigames, each one meant to highlight one of many features included with the Joy-Con controllers, whether that be the HD rumble or IR sensor. Yet, despite serving a similar purpose,1-2-Switchfails to provide the same inventive gameplay and unique identitythat makes Nintendo’s games so beloved.
The lackluster style adopted for1-2-Switchmakes the game feel very clinical
For starters,1-2-Switch’s presentation lacks that same charm and personality players were treated to withWii SportsandNintendo Land.The game takes a minimal approach to its visual style, using simplistic colors, models and UI for each mini-game, whilst also relying on live-action footage with actors for tutorials or to simulate gameplay. The lackluster style adopted for1-2-Switchmakes the game feel very clinical as a result, lacking that signature charm seen across so many of Nintendo’s most beloved titles.
Meanwhile,1-2-Switch’s mini-games fail to properly showcase the Switch’s unique features. UnlikeWii SportsandNintendo Land, the mini-games in1-2-Switchare much shorter, with simplistic controls that ask for far less engagement from the player. The lack of variety between many of the mini-games means it only takes a short amount of time before the game feels repetitive and tedious, whileits simplicity means that1-2-Switchnever truly takes advantage of the Switch’s capabilities, failing to demonstrate the console’s potential.
How Switch 2 Can Improve With Its Own Showcase Title
The Title Should Have Its Own Identity
WithNintendo having carried this trendfor its last few home and hybrid console releases, it’s possible that theSwitch 2will receive its own original title designed to show off the system’s capabilities. While the new console borrows multiple elements from the original Switch, Nintendo will be keen to demonstrate how the Switch 2 improves on its predecessor. Furthermore, if certain leaks and rumors about the console end up being true,then the Switch 2 could have some entirely new features, putting the system in need of a game that takes advantage of said features to showcase their potential.
Nintendo Switch 2 Can Finally Deliver On One Of The Switch’s Biggest Shortcomings
Details of what the Nintendo Switch 2 can actually do are somewhat scare at the moment, but there’s one thing it could do to surpass the first Switch.
If the Switch 2 does receive an original launch title for this purpose, it’s vital that this game improves on the shortcomings of1-2-Switch. Most importantly, regardless of what form or structure the game takes,the gameplay itself must be more complex and engaging than the monotonous simplicity of1-2-Switch’s mini-games. Without that level of depth, the game won’t provide players with a clear and engaging showcase of how the Switch 2’s new features can add to games in general, failing to broaden the console’s appeal.
Of course, the Switch 2’s own title would also benefit greatly from a more inspired presentation that showcases that same sense of creativity and wonder Nintendo is best known for. If Nintendo plans to provide the Switch 2 with a launch title that showcases the console’s capabilities, a greater sense of identity and more engaging gameplay will make for a better overall experience than what1-2-Switchcould offer. Not only would the game help to improve theSwitch 2’s launch lineup over its predecessor, but it could be the key to showing players just what the console is capable of.
