Mailbox: Switch 2 Innovations, Localisation Dreams, “That Big Playtest Thing”

If the postman doesn’t hold us back on launch day, we’re just under three weeks away from acquiring a brand new Nintendo console! This 24th installment of the Nintendo Life Mailbox will mark the last edition featuring the original Switch as Nintendo’s leading console!

Indeed, we’ve been sifting through our inbox and sharing chosen items in our monthly letters for a full two years. We’ll return next month with a completely different console on the desk. Presumably, there will also be a mountain of Switch 2-related messages to sort through.

It’s a bustling period in Nintendo territory, so let’s dive in. Have something on your mind? We are eager to hear your gaming reflections.

Every month, we’ll spotlight a Star Letter, and the author will win a month’s subscription to our ad-free Supporter program. Make sure to check the submission guidelines at the bottom of this page.

Let’s relax with a comforting drink and delve into our mailbag…

Nintendo Life Mailbox – May 2025

“for those who desire it” (***STAR LETTER***)

What are your views on the advancements of Switch 2 compared to previous generations? Historically, Nintendo’s innovations have been a mix of successes and failures, but I perceive a transformation since the launch of the Switch in 2017. Yes, it still has the IR sensor, but hybrid gaming and gyro aiming (which had existed before, but the Switch made it a standard) represented real developments, and Switch 2 appears to introduce even more genuine innovations such as both gameshare and mouse mode. I predict these features will become permanent aspects of future consoles, akin to gyro aiming, altering how we interact with video games.

I genuinely believe mouse mode is a feature gamers won’t want to forgo once they’ve experienced its benefits (especially as it doesn’t replace the traditional experience, but rather enhances it as an option for those who prefer it). Any thoughts?
JaxonH

More varied ways to engage are thrilling, especially if they’re embedded in the hardware. For me, Drag x Drive was a standout during the Switch 2 event earlier in April. I’m all for mouse mode options, whether they’re charming and supplementary or central to a game, but it’s up to Nintendo to ensure it becomes essential. The technology is sufficiently affordable to incorporate into any Joy-Con-style controller moving forward.

However, I’m not convinced it will significantly alter our approach to gaming. Is Mouse Mode comfortable enough for extended use? They function similar to mice, sure, but ergonomically, that’s not their primary purpose. I also recall thinking every controller would include a built-in pointer after the Wiimote. It’s affordable, user-friendly technology, so why not offer that choice? Yet we live in an era where the Xbox controller still lacks gyro. – Ed.

“out of the running”

I recently completed Ace Attorney Investigations 2 on Switch, and wow, what a journey! I’m thrilled it finally got localized for the West, even if it took 13 years.

It’s got me pondering other titles that haven’t been released outside Japan. Sure, there are some obvious candidates like Mother 3 and Dragon Quest 10 that we’d all love to see localized, but I’m referring more to lesser-known treasures. As a fan of adventure games, that recent Tokimeki Memorial remaster caught my attention, but sadly I’m no Japanese speaker at this time, which puts me out of the running for now. I’m also eagerly awaiting Yo-kai Watch 4, along with my wishful thinking for Starfy 1-4 localizations…

What about you all? Any Japan-exclusive titles you’ve been anxious to see come to the West?
BandeeOfTheStars

I penned a little article back in 2020 about this topic, and looking at it now, I’d probably choose Marvelous above anything else at this stage. I’ve yet to try the fan patch. Team? – Ed.

• “I’d love to see Square’s last Super Famicom title, Treasure of the Rudras, get a reissue. I’ve heard so many great things about its creativity, but given the intricate magic system, this might be an impossible dream.” – Alana
• “I’ll pick Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem. We’ve missed out on numerous Fire Emblem games in the West, but not getting this 2010 DS remake always stings the most. The series is popular enough now that surely Intelligent Systems could release a bundle, right?” – Jim

“special accolades”

Is Nintendo Life planning to conduct full/brief reviews for Switch 2 Edition games? It would be handy to determine which upgrades are worthwhile.

Kudos to everyone on the Switch 2 news coverage, especially to Alex, Felix, and Zion! I enjoy their discussion videos.
RenanKJ

Thank you, Renan – I’ve relayed your message to the video team! One of them responded with a teary-eyed smiling emoji.

Yes, we will review all significant NS2 Editions, with the upgrades and features being the main focus (the original Switch reviews will remain for reference). Whether they’ll be extensive or concise will be situational. – Ed.

“mildly dissatisfied”

Hello,
I am mildly dissatisfied with the game chat feature for Switch 2 because I typically game solo, with friends in person, or on the NintendoLife discord; Plus, it records you. Therefore, I’ll likely never use it. However, as they’re bringing back Download Play, which is my favorite feature, they should also reintroduce another DS feature, PictoChat.
OswaldTheLuckyGamer

It’s a peculiar situation – ever since writing a short piece about GameChat, the concept has been gradually appealing to me, despite reports that it’s consuming system resources and is essentially just video chat. We’ll see how it performs, but I do intend to hold NL staff meetings via GameChat.

Dealing with anatomically exaggerated sketches is something Nintendo never wishes to repeat, so I don’t foresee Pictochat making a comeback. But StreetPass is the (3)DS feature we really need, Oswald. StreetPass! – Ed.

“that major playtest event”

With all the rumors and updates about legal disputes surfacing, I found myself pondering one question: What ever happened to that major playtest event that everyone had to stay silent about or face the Ninty ninjas? I haven’t seen any footage, so I’m assuming it never genuinely leaked?

What are your thoughts on it now that we’ll soon have the new console in our hands? What was its purpose? Have we already witnessed it, or is something else in development?
garfreek

Testing on Switch 1 implies it will be a multi-platform venture, regardless of its final form. There was nothing indicating that the capabilities of Switch 2 were essential for it to reach its full potential.

It will happen eventually. The bigger question is whether anyone truly cares. – Ed.

Additional Letters

“Concerning a potential Switch 2 Lite, Nintendo has yet to officially confirm such a variant.” – Trinny G

This is accurate. On a side note, if you’re seeking a brand new Switch Lite, now is the ideal time to hunt for a good deal! – Ed.

“I believe we’re overlooking the real possibilities of the Switch 2 microphone: Odama 2” – Munchlax

Ha! It’s time for some panpipe fun. – Ed.

That wraps up this month! Thanks to everyone who contributed, whether your thoughts were featured here or not.

Have something on your mind? An urgent question that needs addressing? A correction you must share? Follow the guidelines below, and we look forward to sorting through your messages.

Nintendo Life Mailbox submission tips and regulations

• Please, letters, not essays – Remember that your letter may appear online, and lengthy reflections on the Legend of Heroes series while seeking Alana’s ranking probably won’t make the cut. Keep it concise and to the point. (As a general guideline, 100-200 words should suffice for most topics.)
• Limit multiple submissions – Ideally, please send just one letter per month!
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