Nintendo Switch 2 is not getting achievements but it wont say whyMichael BeckwithPublished April 7, 2025 6:20pm Nintendo must just not care for the idea (YouTube)A platform-wide achievement system has been ruled out for Nintendo Switch 2, but that doesnt mean they wont feature in individual games.Achievements in video games have been a thing for decades, with Microsoft making them something that every game on the Xbox 360 had to have. Sony quickly copied the idea on the PlayStation 3 but, predictably, Nintendo did not.Achievements, trophies, and other similar systems have persisted ever since but while theres been a handful of Nintendo games that feature achievements (Metroid Prime 3 on the Wii was one of the first) theyve never been present for every game on a console.When the Switch 1 launched, some were dismayed to see it lack any sort of achievement system for games. There was hope this would be rectified for the Switch 2, but Nintendo has already made it clear that wont be happening.In an interview with Polygon, Bill Trinen, Nintendo of Americas vice president of player and product experience, was asked if the Switch 2 will feature system-wide achievements.Not only did Trinen answer with a blunt No, he didnt give a reason as to why. Frustrating, but also typical for Nintendo. The implication is simply that they dont like them and/or they dont like using other peoples ideas (not they havent in the past).The omission of achievements might feel a bit surprising when the Switch 2 has caught up to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in other areas. It can support 4K visuals, run certain games up to 120 frames per second, and comes with a traditional online chat feature.That said, Nintendo still isnt opposed to adding achievements to individual games. For example, early Mario Kart World footage shows that it has some kind of challenge checklist for when youre roaming around the open world.The Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and its sequel, Tears Of The Kingdom, will also have achievements in the form of medals for reaching certain milestones, though these wont be in the games themselves.More TrendingThe achievements are locked to an accompanying Zelda Notes service included with the Nintendo Switch Online app (which is set to be renamed the Nintendo Switch App in May). Other Zelda Notes features include navigation guidance and the ability to share items with other players.While this is bound to disappoint certain gamers, its the least of peoples concerns with the Switch 2. There are much stronger points of contention, such as the high price of games and the lack of proper physical versions for Switch 2 Edition games.Not to mention there are concerns the console itself will instantly increase in price thanks to new tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, which have already prompted Nintendo to delay when pre-orders open up in the US. Youll have to make do with games like Mario Kart World incorporating their own achievements (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy