Nintendo Switch 2 Should Have Its Own Launch Title That Improves On Its Predecessor

That being said, not every aspect of the Switch's launch was as stellar as it could have been, especially when it comes to the console's lineup of launch titles. One game in particular, that continued a trend seen across multiple previous Nintendo consoles, failed in its purpose to broaden the appeal of the Switch and its many capabilities. This provides the Switch 2 with an opportunity to have its own original launch title that not only improves on the predecessor's initially lackluster lineup, but provides a better showcase of the new console's potential.

Some Nintendo Consoles Have Their Own Dedicated Showcase Game

These Titles Demonstrated The Features Of Their Respective Consoles

A trend that Nintendo has carried across its past few home and hybrid systems is the release of a launch game that's designed with the primary intention of demonstrating its respective console's features. Games like Wii Sports for the Wii and Nintendo Land for the Wii U are prime examples of this type of launch title. While each game has its differences that set them apart, they adopt a similar structure, with both titles including a selection of unique mini-games that puts a spotlight on every major functionality that their respective consoles include.

Both Wii Sports and Nintendo Land were fantastic inclusions to the launch lineup of the Wii and Wii U. While neither title is exactly brimming with content, each mini-game that is included can offer a surprising amount of depth, encouraging the player to engage and adapt to each console's multitude of features, whether that be the Wii's motion controls or the Wii U's dual screen capabilities. When it all comes together, Wii Sports and Nintendo Land offer a huge amount of variety, while giving players a more concrete idea of each console's potential.

Moreover, both Wii Sports and Nintendo Land include the signature Nintendo charm that only elevates the overall playing experience. With both games making effective use of Miis, Nintendo's avatar creator, each title offers a vibrant visual style that encapsulates the wacky and chaotic energy players will experience when jumping from one mini-game to another. Wii Sports's and Nintendo Land's bright and cartoonish presentation gives each game the same sense of identity that's seen across Nintendo's many signature franchises, making for highly enjoyable titles that were major additions to their respective console's launch line-up.

1-2-Switch Lacked The Same Charm And Enjoyment

The Title's Gameplay Was Simplistic And Repetitive

1-2-Switch, which was released as a launch title for the Switch, holds the same purpose as titles such as Wii Sports and Nintendo Land. Adopting a similar structure, 1-2-Switch boasts multiple minigames, each one meant to highlight one of many features included with the Joy-Con controllers, whether that be the HD rumble or IR sensor. Yet, despite serving a similar purpose, 1-2-Switch fails to provide the same inventive gameplay and unique identity that makes Nintendo's games so beloved.

For starters, 1-2-Switch's presentation lacks that same charm and personality players were treated to with Wii Sports and Nintendo Land. The game takes a minimal approach to its visual style, using simplistic colors, models and UI for each mini-game, whilst also relying on live-action footage with actors for tutorials or to simulate gameplay. The lackluster style adopted for 1-2-Switch makes the game feel very clinical as a result, lacking that signature charm seen across so many of Nintendo's most beloved titles.

Meanwhile, 1-2-Switch's mini-games fail to properly showcase the Switch's unique features. Unlike Wii Sports and Nintendo Land, the mini-games in 1-2-Switch are much shorter, with simplistic controls that ask for far less engagement from the player. The lack of variety between many of the mini-games means it only takes a short amount of time before the game feels repetitive and tedious, while its simplicity means that 1-2-Switch never truly takes advantage of the Switch's capabilities, failing to demonstrate the console's potential.

How Switch 2 Can Improve With Its Own Showcase Title

The Title Should Have Its Own Identity

With Nintendo having carried this trend for its last few home and hybrid console releases, it's possible that the Switch 2 will receive its own original title designed to show off the system's capabilities. While the new console borrows multiple elements from the original Switch, Nintendo will be keen to demonstrate how the Switch 2 improves on its predecessor. Furthermore, if certain leaks and rumors about the console end up being true, then the Switch 2 could have some entirely new features, putting the system in need of a game that takes advantage of said features to showcase their potential.

If the Switch 2 does receive an original launch title for this purpose, it's vital that this game improves on the shortcomings of 1-2-Switch. Most importantly, regardless of what form or structure the game takes, the gameplay itself must be more complex and engaging than the monotonous simplicity of 1-2-Switch's mini-games. Without that level of depth, the game won't provide players with a clear and engaging showcase of how the Switch 2's new features can add to games in general, failing to broaden the console's appeal.

Of course, the Switch 2's own title would also benefit greatly from a more inspired presentation that showcases that same sense of creativity and wonder Nintendo is best known for. If Nintendo plans to provide the Switch 2 with a launch title that showcases the console's capabilities, a greater sense of identity and more engaging gameplay will make for a better overall experience than what 1-2-Switch could offer. Not only would the game help to improve the Switch 2's launch lineup over its predecessor, but it could be the key to showing players just what the console is capable of.

Source: Nintendo/YouTube