Nintendo recently revealed their successor to the Nintendo Switch, as the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled to the world. It was a huge relief for Nintendo fans to finally get confirmation of the console after so many rumors, leaks and even brief mentions from Nintendo themselves. We didn’t get to see a lot from the system, as it mostly looks the same and the new untitled Mario Kart game we see running doesn’t tell us all that much either. There is one key bit of information we got which was until that point largely unknown though; what the system was called.
To my surprise, there was quite a lot of discourse going on online after the name ‘Switch 2’ got its official reveal. Entire thinkpieces were being shared about how the numerical naming scheme (and the console’s almost identical design) were somehow signs of conformity from Nintendo, having previously been seen as breaking norms with their console cycles. Despite all this talk however, I really feel like people had the wrong idea about the direction that Switch 2 is heading for Nintendo, and the console name of their dreams may actually have done more harm than good for the system.
You see, the Switch 2 took so long to be revealed that the hype cycle around it was almost painfully slow. As such, fans took it upon themselves to create all manner of fan-made systems, titles, logos and even entire fictional Nintendo Directs. It’s a lot of fun to be hyped for something new, especially when that thing is confirmed to at least some day be coming. However, an issue arises when what’s revealed is different to what so many had hyped up as being the eventual truth – as was the case with the Switch 2.
What so many wonderful fun-made concepts had in common was the use of a throwback naming convention. Lots of fan concepts suggested names like ‘Super Switch’ based on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (which was a super NES), or the ‘Switch Advance’ based on the Game Boy Advance. It’s a fun idea if Nintendo did decide to go with a name that throws back to their long gaming legacy – as long as it isn’t Switch U – but I don’t think these names are appropriate for what Nintendo looks to do with the Switch 2.
Nintendo quite literally rules the world with the Nintendo Switch, with it being the third most-popular console in history, and only not overtaking the PlayStation 2 in all-time home console sales because Sony keeps moving their goalpost. What Nintendo wants therefore is to build on from that legacy. Whilst they have made a name for themselves through reinvention, such as the staggering change from the pixelated SNES to the polygonal Nintendo 64, or the leap from one screen Game Boy to two screen DS, this isn’t all they’ve done through their history. The SNES was just an advanced continuation of the NES, the GameCube progressed on what the N64 had built, and the 3DS was a significantly enhanced DS with a limited-use 3D gimmick.
Focusing on the evolution of the Switch as a system seems to be the right way to go, and in no way marks any kind of break from tradition in how Nintendo approaches their hardware output. The only thing that is different is the name – but this too is a key feature of how Nintendo is progressing the Switch era. They rule the gaming market, they don’t need nor should they change what they have. Adding a ‘2’ onto the end of ‘Switch’ is essential to show that this isn’t a major reinvention era, this instead is one of Nintendo’s refining and advancing eras. They have the Switch, but they can do better and add more whilst keeping the perfect hybrid between home console and handheld system, so it’s time to stick to their guns and push it forward a notch – Switch 2.
This representation of progression doesn’t come across as clearly in some of the names fans have asked for online. Using a name like ‘Super Switch’ or ‘Switch Advance’ don’t clearly symbolize a generational push forwards towards refining the Switch, but instead suggest a more powerful or competent version of the exact same console. That’s not the idea Nintendo is pushing though; this isn’t a Switch, it doesn’t only run Switch games, it will have exclusive titles and exclusive features because it’s the next step – it’s the Switch 2!
The other issue with the ‘Super’ or ‘Advance’ labels is how retrospective they are. Yes, many of us have some sense of nostalgia for at least one Nintendo console era, but that passion we hold towards these systems shouldn’t be projected onto the Switch. There’s no real reason for Nintendo to reuse any previous naming conventions, because the Switch and its success aren’t like any previous console. It’s a new era, worthy of a new name. 
What would you have named Nintendo’s next console?
That’s my opinion at least! What do you think of the reveal and naming of Nintendo’s Switch 2 system? Are you happy with the name, or do you think they should have chosen differently? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more breaking gaming news and opinions like this one!
