Nintendo should make a more expensive Switch 2 that isnt portable Readers Feature
Nintendo should make a more expensive Switch 2 that isnt portable Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished December 14, 2024 9:00am How many Switch 2s should there be? (Nintendo)A reader argues that for the Switch 2, Nintendo should make a reverse of the Switch Lite: a non-portable model thats more powerful.Im writing this on Thursday afternoon and I feel confident in saying that the Nintendo Switch 2 (or GTA 6) isnt going to be announced at The Game Awards. I just dont think that Nintendo or Rockstar Games want to do that kind of annoucement at someone elses event, where they dont have complete control over every single factor. Its interesting to me, how the best game makers are all so very different in terms of what they create but surprisingly similar in how they act.In many ways though, Im not that interested in the initial reveal, but more the second one that will inevitably go into more detail about the games. Given how many rumours there have been recently, it would now be a shock if the Switch 2 looked very different from the current Switch, bar this extra pedal on the back and some other minor differences. But thats fine. The physical design of the Switch has been a proven success, and I am happy for it to be iterated on.What I want from the Switch 2 is for it to be more powerful, not just for the sake of it but so that it can run all or most current gen games. I realise thats probably not likely this generation, even if it has been a small leap from last gen, but thats why I would like them to do an equivalent of the Switch Lite, but instead of being portable-only Id like it to be not portable at all and more powerful.This very idea, of there being two models of the Switch 2, was suggested by a rumour a year or so ago but I have never heard it brought up again, which means its either not true, and someone just made it up, or Nintendos lawyers got to them. Sadly, I feel the more likely explanation is the first one.The thing is though, the Switch Lite is a special model that removes the main gimmick of the console (and loses the meaning of its name) in order to offer a cheaper version for a specific use and audience. What I am arguing for is to simply do the opposite: a more expensive version for a different audience.Im not suggesting a 700 PS5 Pro monstrosity, but I dont think that would be necessary. It must be possible to approximate the PlayStation 5s power much more easily now than it was four years ago, especially as the Switch 2 wouldnt need a disc drive, so youre already looking at something more equivalent to the PlayStation 5 Digital Editions price, which is around 350 at the moment.Thats less than 100 more than the Switch OLED, so were not talking about some massive leap in price. Thats why I think my suggestion is reasonable, because a more powerful Switch 2 will immediately allow it access to a much wider range of third party games. Remove the portable features, like the detachable Joy-Cons (which the Switch Lite also doesnt have) and I think youd be able to keep the price quite low.Now, I know what youre thinking: Nintendo would not want certain Switch 2 games to only work on one model but theyve done that multiple times before with their portables, going as far back as the Game Boy Color when it was quite commonplace and as recently as the New Nintendo 3DS, which had over half a dozen games which only worked on it and not standard versions of the console (Xenoblade Chronicles 3D was the most famous).So, all Im asking for is this: a non-portable version of the Switch 2 that is less than 400 and which is powerful enough to run Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 games. I believe this would sell in significant numbers, certainly a higher percentage of normal Switch 2 sales than the PS5 Pro compared to the PlayStation 5.Ordinary Switch 2 customers would not be inconvenienced in any way, but those that wanted to pay a little more and/or sacrifice the portability, would be given access to a wider range of games, of the sort that more hardcore gamers would probably only be interested in anyway.More TrendingI haven no expectation that Nintendo will do this, but its what I hope for anyway.By reader Cinnamon The New Nintendo 3DS ran different games to the old one (Nintendo)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.GameCentralExclusive 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