The unexpected announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 today caught many off guard, especially since there was no prior indication leading up to the trailer. However, some dedicated fans were already aware, thanks to various leaks and rumors suggesting that the teaser would drop today. This moment marks a significant milestone for the Japanese company, as they unveil a successor to the Nintendo Switch, which has outperformed the PlayStation 2 in total sales.
This aligns well with the unveiling of the new console, which features a distinctive sound that is likely to become iconic. Unlike the previous model, where the click of Joy-Cons sliding into place was the signature sound, the Switch 2 introduces a new auditory experience with Joy-Cons magnetically attaching to the device.
A History of Nintendo Consoles And Their Names Ahead of The Switch 2
There have been many Nintendo consoles over the years, from the home consoles to the handhelds. The list includes:
- The Color TV-Game series, with numbers ranging from 6 to 112, and then including the Block Breaker and the Computer TV-Game consoles (1977-1983)
- The Game & Watch series, which had special releases in 2020 and 2021 tied to the 35th anniversary of Super Mario and Zelda as franchises, respectively (1980-1991)
- Game Boy (1989)
- SNES (1990)
- Virtual Boy (1995)
- Nintendo 64 (1996)
- Game Boy Color (1998)
- GameCube (2001)
- Game Boy Advance (2001)
- Pokemon Mini (2001)
- Nintendo DS (2004)
- Wii (2006)
- Nintendo 3DS (2011)
- Wii U (2012)
- Nintendo Switch (2017)
Although there have been consoles designed as successors, like the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance for the original Game Boy, or the Nintendo 3DS for the Nintendo DS, none truly carried the title of a full successor until the Nintendo Switch 2. The introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 not only brings innovative features that could redefine gaming but also marks a significant shift in naming conventions.
Why Nintendo May Have Called The Switch’s Successor ‘Switch 2’
The name of the Nintendo Switch 2 might carry more significance than just a naming convention. Given the impressive sales figures and enduring popularity of the original Nintendo Switch, it’s possible that the company chose this name for the sake of brand recognition. Familiarity can foster trust among consumers, which often leads to increased sales.
Note:- The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching alongside Mario Kart 9, it seems, or at least some iteration of the franchise. More details regarding the console will be disclosed in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025.
The significant time span of over eight years between the launch of the original Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 highlights the anticipation surrounding the new console. The original Switch has gained tremendous popularity and recognition, setting a positive stage for its successor.