Keeping the Nintendo Switch’s Dual Focus
Nintendo is committed to maintaining the Switch’s unique position as both a portable gaming handheld and a home console. According to Nintendo executive Ko Shiota, the company aims to carry over the experience they have already built with the current Switch hardware to reduce development costs in the future.
Shiota revealed that the success of the current Switch hardware was due to the merging of software teams that were previously focused on developing for separate portable and home console platforms, like the 3DS and Wii U eras.
Switch 2 Rumors
Although Nintendo has not officially announced it, speculations suggest that the upcoming Switch 2 will continue to follow the hybrid console format similar to the current Switch hardware.
Focus on Originality and Polished Ideas
Nintendo’s design legend, Shigeru Miyamoto, emphasized the importance of developing polished, original creative ideas that have never been seen before. Miyamoto highlighted that as research and development costs continue to rise each year, Nintendo must focus on nurturing developers who bring unique concepts to life.
“We continue refining our products until we are confident.”
Miyamoto reiterated Nintendo’s commitment to perfecting their products before releasing them to ensure consumer satisfaction, regardless of the development costs. He stated that Nintendo’s core principle of finding and honing original ideas has remained unchanged for over 40 years.
Embracing Innovation
According to Miyamoto, not all innovative gaming ideas require large budgets. He emphasized that simple yet intriguing concepts could capture wide audiences without significant costs. With current technology, Miyamoto believes that fun games can be created by a small team in a short amount of time, underscoring the importance of maintaining this perspective.
Nintendo’s silence on Switch 2 was briefly broken recently with news that the upcoming console will be backwards compatible. Despite speculations, a 2024 reveal for Switch 2 was deemed unlikely by analysts, suggesting that Nintendo may keep fans waiting a little longer.