My thoughts on the Nintendo Switch

My reaction when I first saw the Nintendo Switch was something like this:

“Here we go again. Nintendo trying to push innovation and continuing to abandon the standard console model.”

Since the release of the Wii, Nintendo has placed more value in designing innovative systems instead of adhering to the standard box top set that Sony and Microsoft have. The Wii utilized motion sensor controllers instead of the generic double stick gamepad, the Wii U upped the ante by giving the controller a screen to second the one on the television set.

Because of their desire to be the black sheep of the console family they have trouble attracting third party support and instead, rely on their own household names like Mario, Zelda and Pokemon to fill their library. Their constant efforts to push ingenuity and be different has resulted in Sony and Microsoft being the first choice of consoles for developers to build their games.

Despite all of this Nintendo has remained competitive in the gaming marketplace and I believe the announcement of the Switch is the start of Nintendo retaking their throne in the gaming world.

In a  previous blog post I discussed why the end of consoles is on the horizon. I argued that the limited capabilities of consoles are easily out matched by PC, also PCs are becoming easier to build so consumers will eventually realize the better value is with them.

Which brings me to why Nintendo just outsmarted Microsoft and Sony with the Switch. The draw of living room consoles does not focus on power that can easily out matched by PC but instead by the sense of community and connectivity that console systems promote. Also, the immediate future of gaming does not revolve around some gimmicky add on like VR, it revolves around mobility. By making the Switch a console that promotes mobility instead power Nintendo does not need to go head to head with Microsoft, Sony or PC. They can focus on creating a system that can be used in a car, plane, park anywhere outside the living room unlike PS4  or Xbox One while still maintaining the sense of community connectivity that consoles create.. Even the controllers represent the new focus on mobility by easily snapping on and off the console, and turning one controller into two that you and a friend can play with. No need for lugging around bulky controllers when the Switch itself is one. The Switch compliments our world that requires us to always be on the move while traditional consoles do not. It is the start of a true mobile console that as it evolves will only be comparable to our smart phones.

The concept does have its faults and Nintendo seems to ignore basic requirements that most electronic devices have these days. For instance the storage space of the Switch is 32GB which is barely enough space for a single game to be downloaded to the hard drive. They do have a Micro SD option to add more storage space but that is just another item you have to buy. Most of the peripherals for the Switch are expensive and only adding what seems to be unnecessary expenses. Don’t get me wrong I am still skeptical of what the Switch is but I think Nintendo is taking a another step in a bold direction that other companies like Microsoft and Sony will have no choice but to follow.