Sorry, Nintendo Fans, I Hate These Three Things About the Switch 2

I woke up early this morning, and, like so often when I can’t get back to sleep, I decided to think about games. Specifically, I started thinking about the recently revealed Nintendo Switch 2. 

Now, there is a lot to be excited about, but let’s be honest, half the fun is thinking about things we HATE about new consoles. So, I rewatched the announcement video, looked up some reactions and compiled my thoughts regarding Nintendo’s next generation of consoles.

As a slight disclaimer, I by no means hate the console and there’s still a lot that we don’t know, so part of this is just conjecture at this point. With that out of the way, let's begin.

 

1. It’s kind of boring-looking

Oof, off to a strong start, but before you get the pitchforks let me explain. If there’s one thing to love about Nintendo, it’s their innovation. Looking back over their history, no two consoles look the same. The Nintendo 64 and the GameCube couldn’t look more different, the Switch and Wii U only share a passing resemblance. Now, I know that the Switch is successful, and it makes sense for Nintendo to keep the same overall look, but damn is the new one dull to look at. 

It isn’t just the same design, either. It kind of feels like Nintendo took all the life out of it. The original Switch, at least, had some colour to it with the bright Joycons, but now it’s just one stagnant colour. 

 

2. That connection looks flimsy

If you’re like me, you’ve seen all the concerns about the new connection for the controllers on the side. If you haven’t, let me explain: essentially, the new console’s controllers no longer slide in like they do with the current Switch. Instead, they appear to need to be connected via a little controller nub. 

It’s… not a great-looking design and honestly asking for failure. Do you think I’m being a bit of a worrywart? Trust me, I used to work as a mobile phone repair man, and I have seen how easily people break things half that size. The issue is that, when stressed during a game, people have a tendency to push back on the controller, and that nub is perfectly situated to snap.

3. Speaking of controllers

Okay, this might be a bit of a personal one but… I hate the Switch’s controller. This isn’t just an issue with the Switch mind, it’s an issue with Nintendo as a whole. See, and this might be hard to hear, but Nintendo sucks at designing controllers. From the N64 to the current day they’ve made controllers that can best be described as headache-inducing.

Now the Switch has a new problem, the wee little joy cons are tiny and hard to use when playing multiplayer. Don’t get me wrong, as a feature I can see the appeal of it, but I was hoping they’d find a better way to lay out the controller to make use of it. For instance, placing more of a space between the buttons and the analogue stick so I don’t have to cramp my hands together. 

Now, as I said, there's still a lot that we don't know, so my opinions are likely to change. For instance, other colour options could be made available, and the nub might be much harder than I’m giving it credit for. All we can do at this point is wait and see what Nintendo shows off at the next Nintendo Direct, which is likely to happen on the 2nd of April.