Nintendo Switch 2: What Developers Want and How It Could Reshape Gaming
The Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz, and not just among gamers eagerly awaiting its arrival. Game developers are also keenly watching, with a mix of hopes, expectations, and even some demands for the new console. What do they want from Nintendo's next big thing, and how could it impact the future of gaming?
According to insights gathered from dozens of developers across the industry, there's a strong desire for improvements in several key areas, most notably the eShop and the console's hardware. From indie legends to the creator of XCOM, developers are eager for a Switch 2 that not only lives up to the hype but also addresses some long-standing pain points.
A Better eShop: A Cry for Curation
One of the most common complaints is the current state of the Nintendo eShop. Developers describe it as outdated, slow, and difficult to navigate. Dave Oshry of New Blood puts it bluntly: "Mostly the eShop needs to be better. MUCH BETTER." The lack of discoverability for indie games and the abundance of low-quality content are major concerns.
Sam Barlow, known for *Her Story* and *Immortality*, hopes for "a robust eShop and an ecosystem that supports indie developers with discoverability and a sensible approach to pricing." Others echo these sentiments, calling for better curation, user-based recommendations, and Steam-like features to help good games rise to the top. 
Hardware Hopes: Power and Performance
Beyond the eShop, developers are also eager for improved hardware. The original Switch, while innovative, was never a powerhouse. A stronger console with better analog sticks, more RAM, and a faster CPU and GPU are high on the wishlist. John Romero of Romero Games wants “A stronger and more premium-feeling console with better analog sticks would be great, as Joy-Con drift is a known issue for some people. More RAM, faster CPU+GPU, and 1080p handheld would be nice.”
Will Gwasera, director of *Yasuke: A Lost Descendant*, points out that many games haven't been able to be ported to the Switch due to its limitations. 
Esports Potential and the Toys-to-Life Revival
The Nintendo Switch 2 has the potential to impact eSports in a number of ways. With games like Street Fighter 6, one of the biggest esports games, coming to the console, Nintendo could have a unique opportunity.
The Switch 2's inclusion of an NFC reader also raises the intriguing possibility of a resurgence for the toys-to-life genre. While the high costs and rapid releases of previous toys-to-life games led to their decline, the Switch 2 could offer a more sustainable platform for innovative experiences that blend physical toys with virtual gameplay. The key will be finding a balance between collectibility and affordability.
The Nintendo Magic: Something Surprising
Ultimately, developers are hoping for something uniquely Nintendo. Julian Gollop, creator of the original XCOM, would "love to come back to working on a Nintendo console again." He highlights the importance of cool new features and a sense of innovation. There's a desire for the Switch 2 to capture some of the magic that made the original Switch so successful.
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 meet these expectations? Will it deliver a better eShop, more powerful hardware, and a fresh wave of innovation? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the gaming world is watching with bated breath.
What are your hopes for the Nintendo Switch 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
