Nintendo Defends Switch 2’s Perceived Lack Of Innovation

Nintendo has shared its recent Q&A document following its financial results for FY2025. In this, president Shuntaro Furukawa addressed concerns regarding the Switch 2’s perceived lack of originality, responding to an investor who asked if the Switch 2 serves merely as a stepping stone to a more innovative next-generation console yet to be revealed.

Furukawa emphasized that software developers have increasingly required more robust hardware over the past eight years, leading Nintendo to prioritize this when developing the Switch 2. He reiterated that while the Switch 2 might not immediately appear groundbreaking, it’s important to note that the hardware and accessories have undergone complete redesign (not to mention the exciting new mouse functionalities, of course!).

Interestingly, Furukawa specifically highlighted Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza as games that could not have been feasible on the original Switch. We agree after our recent experience with both titles.

Here’s the complete question and answer (translated via Google):

Could you clarify the positioning of the Nintendo Switch 2? Is the new hardware similar to the Nintendo Switch, or is it a bridge to a future innovative console that has yet to be disclosed? The Nintendo Switch 2 appears to lack significant generational advancement. Is this simply a temporary solution, or will there be ongoing updates to the existing concept, rather than introducing entirely new hardware?

Furukawa: The development of the Nintendo Switch 2 began as an official project around 2019, while we continuously explore and innovate new hardware, inclusive of foundational technical research. The Nintendo Switch has experienced considerable success, and even in its ninth year, many customers are engaged with it. Nevertheless, over the past eight years, software developers have required enhanced hardware capabilities to achieve one of Nintendo’s key values: “introducing new ways to play.” Thus, we aimed to create hardware optimized for substantial processing power. We believe that titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza present innovative gameplay that wasn’t achievable on the Nintendo Switch.

Regarding the question of innovation, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not appear significantly altered externally. However, both the hardware and accessories have been thoroughly revamped, and we feel it truly embodies a quintessential Nintendo product, infused with various creative concepts and dedicated efforts from Nintendo’s development team to advance both hardware and software together.

Looking ahead, we will produce multiple titles focused on the Nintendo Switch 2 and deliver fresh gaming experiences. Our goal is to establish the Nintendo Switch 2 as the new standard for the platform by developing hardware that continually amazes our customers.

Nintendo anticipates a total of 15 million Switch 2 sales in the upcoming fiscal year, alongside an additional 45 million software unit sales. The console is set to launch worldwide on 5th June 2025.

What are your thoughts on Furukawa’s remarks regarding the Switch 2? Please share your opinions in the comments below.