Mailbag Insights: Caution on Switch 2, Controversial Views, and Simplified Gaming Experiences

Welcome back as we kick off the Nintendo Life Mailbox once more.

Here we are in 2025, ready to flourish, and Nintendo has generously provided us with some exciting news: ‘Switch 2’ is indeed Switch 2, and it’s looking promising… and check out this setting. We’re paraphrasing, but that’s the essence.

It’s that time again for our monthly letters feature. Have something you need to express? We’re eager to hear your gaming-related thoughts.

Every month we’ll spotlight a Featured Letter, the writer of which will receive a one-month subscription to our ad-free Supporter program. Be sure to check the submission guidelines at the end of this page.

Let’s dive into the mailbox, shall we?

Nintendo Life Mailbox – January 2024

“old Nintendo” (***STAR LETTER***)

Dear NL,

Nintendo may never be worse off. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but it’s true. With the heavy targeting of retro gaming YouTubers and perfectly legitimate emulation (not piracy), shutting down fan projects, and, worst of all, a decline in charm within their consoles. Back in the 3DS/Wii U era, we enjoyed music, appealing menus, Miiverse, and a stronger focus on Miis. I miss the old Nintendo—the one unafraid to be quite different from everyone else.

Happy New Year, Jay

I understand your perspective (I’m fond of menu music just as much as the next editor, and Nintendo definitely has a stringent approach to emulation), but this is the company that brought us Switch-compatible cardboard robots and a Pilates ring controller this generation. That’s fairly unique, wouldn’t you agree?

Although Switch 2 might seem predictable based on the trends, it also had Joy-Cons sliding around like mice—despite all the hardware leaks, we still know very little about the software. I’m confident we’ll see significant innovations and an abundance of charm, especially since the design appears so attractively iterative.

If Switch represents Nintendo at its worst… well, I don’t think my heart can handle the remarkable stuff. – Ed.

“fearless ambition”

During a recent rewatch of the film “BlackBerry”, I noted that a major contributor to Research In Motion’s downfall was their unwillingness to innovate further than they already had—their reluctance to adapt after the iPhone debuted ultimately sealed their fate. I also just watched “The Social Network”, a particularly fascinating look into Facebook’s popularity in modern times; its explosive early success eventually allowed Meta to revel in its worst tendencies with minimal meaningful oversight. I worry these films highlight some of my deepest fears regarding Switch 2: will its seemingly assured success grant Nintendo excessive confidence, leading it to abandon the bold ambition that made it so iconic not even 15 years ago? We are all aware of many of its more questionable business practices (such as full-price ports, underwhelming online services, and Joy-Con drift), but will the Switch 2 selling like hotcakes exacerbate or give rise to those issues in new forms (hello, $70 game price)? I want to enjoy the next Mario Kart just as much as anyone else, but the numerous red flags I’m observing with Switch 2 are tempering my excitement and expectations.
KrustyKoopa

Nintendo operates in a completely different realm compared to BlackBerry and Facebook; it is fundamentally in the business of entertainment. Thus, those comparisons are only valid in the context of early commercial success and the ups and downs of fortunes.

Did that initial success lead to complacency and Nintendo indulging in its “worst habits”? Perhaps, especially when they ruled with a tight licensing grip with few serious competitors. But then, consider the dawn of 3D gaming, the DS, the Wii, the Switch—platforms that redefined the industry. Exceptional hardware has consistently been a hallmark of the company since the mid-’80s as well.

Given the current market dynamics, I don’t think overconfidence poses a risk for any of the major players, and there’s no assurance that Switch 2 will sell like hotcakes. Nintendo has been in this game long enough to understand that it’s never straightforward, even when something seems to be easily profitable.

I get the hesitance, the caution, and even the slight disappointment that the next console isn’t something completely novel. However, I’m genuinely excited to see more of this device, as there’s tremendous potential to create innovative experiences within a familiar framework. – Ed.

“Bowser in winter”

Dear Nintendolife,
I received two games for Christmas: Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Mario vs Donkey Kong. Both titles delivered excellent content, were easy to progress through, had ample opportunities to collect items in the levels, and were significantly challenging to complete fully (especially great for Kirby). When I read your reviews, I see harsh criticisms aimed at the lower difficulty, while in other remarks, people say they wouldn’t purchase such an easy game. They don’t realize what a wonderful experience they’re missing out on. I admit these are simpler compared to the games of my childhood, but I don’t miss the ice-cold sweat trickling down my back while battling Bowser in winter. My impression is that you may be downplaying the difficulty, discouraging readers from enjoying fantastic games.
Morsel

I would argue, Kirby received a 9/10 and the Mario vs. Donkey Kong remake earned a ‘Good’ 7/10 as well. I don’t agree that there’s been “harsh criticism” regarding the difficulty in either case. If someone appreciates sweat-inducing levels of challenge, those titles won’t satisfy them, and it’s important to acknowledge that perspective. For everyone else, the context of the complete review illuminates that there is plenty to enjoy in both of those games.

I definitely need to revisit Kirby at some point. – Ed.

“an official thing officially”

So with the Ninte