Nintendo Switch 2’s Reveal Feels Cold And Lifeless Compared To Original Switch

After countless leaks and rumors, Nintendo finally formally unveiled the Switch 2 with a surprise video today on social media. The hybrid console is bigger, has magnetic Joy-Cons, and yes, a new Mario Kart is seemingly on the way. However, this reveal comes across as overly corporate, bland, and lacking a basic sense of joy that should accompany the introduction of a brand-new video game system.

There isn’t a human in sight for the first look at Switch 2. Instead, the majority of the two-and-a-half minute video features an off-white background and CGI animation to showcase how Switch 2 differs from the original Switch. Clearly, Nintendo doesn’t want a Wii U situation on its hands, spelling out clearly that Switch 2 isn’t some add-on to the original and will replace the previous system. However, the teaser feels too much like a basic upgrade trailer–way too similar to the New Nintendo 3DS XL first look, for example–than shouting out Switch 2 is the next generation of Nintendo gaming.

Look, Nintendo is in a much better space, financially and culturally, than it was in late 2016 when the original Switch was unveiled. However, that reveal trailer feels so much more full of life (thanks to actual people being present) and creativity than what we experienced today. The Switch introduction video begins with a man playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on his TV screen, before quickly snapping to the Switch logo and to show how he can take the system on the go. The hook of the system is showcased up front as the guy brings the Switch with him to take his dog to a park in the early morning. While unconfirmed, if Metroid Prime 4: Beyond works or even has better visuals on Switch 2, maybe showing that anticipated game on Switch 2 could have provided a similar sense of awe or at least an idea of the system’s technical prowess.

From there, Nintendo presents all of the various ways the Switch can be utilized, whether on an airplane or even during a rooftop party. This reveal trailer also sees actual people interacting with and using the system–something that isn’t present at all with the Switch 2 first look. Nintendo also sprinkles in a handful of third-party games with the original Switch, giving a better idea at what’s on the way for the system. For instance, this was when we learned that Skyrim would come to the console. Now, for context, third-party support had absolutely cratered on Wii U, so the company needed to convey that partners were on board with Switch. However, it would have been nice for Nintendo to give third parties the option to tease their games with Switch 2 instead of only vague Mario Kart footage. Showing that Fortnite will, in fact, work on Switch 2 seems like a no-brainer and easy win.

The last third of Switch’s unveiling is where Nintendo really flexes its muscles compared to what we see with Switch 2. The Switch unveiling not only shares gameplay footage of what ends up being Super Mario Odyssey, but also offers up a teaser for Splatoon 2 (though people were unsure it was a full sequel at the time). Once again, with Switch 2, Nintendo presents a pretty uninspired glimpse at a new Mario Kart–presumably Mario Kart 9. Of course, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is basically Nintendo’s best-selling game ever, so if Switch 2 launches with a new entry, it will do gangbusters. But the presentation behind this could have been injected with at least a little bit of fun or at the very least highlight how this new Mario Kart will be unique. (Eagle-eyed fans believe 24 racers can compete at one time, and Donkey Kong seems redesigned to more closely resemble his appearance in the New Super Mario Bros. Movie.)

The most intriguing part of the Switch 2 unveiling relates to what appears to be optical sensors in each new Joy-Con. Nintendo then has a small segment where the controllers seem like they’re ice-skating across a surface, possibly hinting that Switch 2 will feature mouse-like controls. If true, why not shout out to everyone that there is new functionality behind the Joy-Cons for Switch 2? Why only point out the magnetic aspect? To me, showing mouse-like controls on Switch 2 with something like a new Mario Paint, Mario Maker, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, or even an old game like Minecraft would have added a bit more wonder and excitement to this reveal.

It’s easy to wave away complaints and claim Nintendo will sell boatloads of Switch 2 systems regardless. But first impressions matter. Has Nintendo given up on expanding the video game user base? Because this video implies that to me. Nothing about Switch 2 looks revolutionary or particularly refreshing. Instead, this is more of the same. Maybe that’s all that’s needed: not rocking the boat on a system that people already love.

But Nintendo, historically, has struggled when the company gets conservative and complacent. So far, Switch 2 seems way too safe. That said, with a Switch 2 Direct coming on April 2, there is plenty of time to build up the hype train.