TheNintendo Switch 2was finally revealed just a few short weeks ago, though it didn’t exactly set the world on fire for those already in the know. Indeed, just about every prominent rumor about theSwitch 2’s high-level hardware distinctions, like the magnetic Joy-Cons and larger console, were confirmed by the official reveal, but more granular details, including its specifications, are still a mystery.
The hardware specs of theNintendo Switch 2could be a make-or-break issue. There have been some reports suggesting that the Switch 2 will still fall behind current-gen Xbox and PlayStation consoles, though just about everyone anticipates that it will be noticeably beefier than its predecessor, which can only be a good thing. Aging, feeble hardware is one of the biggest points of contention surrounding the Switch 1, especially in recent years as other consoles wow audiences with flashy graphics and high-end performance. The Switch can still pull off some impressive technological feats, to be sure, but it is essentially the worst way to experience many third-party games, as even AAA games from the PS4/Xbox One generation have had to be massively downgraded to boot on Nintendo’s hybrid device.
With The Switch 2 Having Greater Power, Older Third-Party Games Could Be Upgraded
Nintendo’s developers certainly know how to work magic with many first-party games, with the likes ofZelda: Tears of the Kingdompunching far above the hardware’s weight. But third-party, contemporary releases have told a different story. The Switch has consistently been home to a slew of technically compromised, high-profile titles, with some of the most notable being:
How much ire each of these constrained ports garner varies based on who is playing and reviewing them, and the reception to such releases has changed over time. For example, whenThe Witcher 3was brought to the Switch back in 2019, many were amazed that the console could handle it at all, and the novelty of experiencing such an ambitious adventure on a handheld was palpable. But this novelty has become flaccid in the wake ofmore powerful handhelds like the Steam Deckand even newer mobile phones, which offer portable gaming experiences with little to no compromise.
With morerecent ports likeMortal Kombat 1andHogwarts Legacy, Switch users have had to endure even greater shortcomings, ranging from significantly reduced visual fidelity to fundamental changes, like the segmentation ofHogwarts Legacy’s seamless open-world. In the console market, players often weigh the pros and cons of buying an Xbox over a PlayStation, but if a player only buys a Switch, then they are restricted to fundamentally lesser gaming experiences much of the time. This can make the console a tough sell for those valuing graphics, framerate, and the like.
Third-Party Games Could Be Re-Released for the Switch 2
Things might be different come the Switch 2. Naturally, one can expect the gulf between Switch 2 and PS5/Xbox Series X|S performance to be smaller for new releases, but previous third-party titles could perhaps be remastered for the sequel console as well. After all, if theSwitch 2 is significantly more powerfulthan its predecessor, it’s not too hard to imagine a version of, say,Hogwarts Legacythat looks and plays similar to the PS4 version, or perhaps even better.
It will be interesting to see how non-Nintendo developers react to this predicted hardware upgrade. It would take time and resources to elevate these older games, of course, but if theSwitch 2 is anywhere near as successfulas its progenitor, then the financial reward could be worth it, as these games could move significantly more copies. If Nintendo were to charge an “upgrade fee,” similar to what its competitors have done this generation, then the profit incentive could be even greater.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on Jun 18, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
