Chapter 4: A new standard
Kawamoto:
Right from the beginning, we wanted the new console to be able to play Switch games, but back then, we were told there’d be technical challenges.
Dohta:
When we first started Switch 2 development, the focus was on enhancing its performance as hardware, namely, expanding its capacity. So, compatibility was a lower priority. For example, Nintendo DS games were playable on Nintendo 3DS, and Wii games were playable on Wii U, but it was difficult to achieve the same level of compatibility with Switch 2, because the hardware design approach was different from those consoles.
Sasaki:
It’s tricky to explain… Maybe the easiest way to understand it is that the methods used to achieve compatibility between Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS, and between Switch and Switch 2, are completely different.
Kawamoto:
Simply put, those consoles were compatible because Nintendo 3DS contained Nintendo DS hardware and Wii U contained Wii hardware. However, Switch 2 doesn’t contain any Switch hardware.
Sasaki:
Exactly. This time, we decided to take on the challenge of using new technology to run Switch games.
Dohta:
If we tried to use technology like software emulators (22), we’d have to run Switch 2 at full capacity, but that would mean the battery wouldn’t last so long, so we did something that’s somewhere in between a software emulator and hardware compatibility.
Sasaki:
This is getting a bit technical, but the process of converting game data for Switch to run on Switch 2 is performed on a real-time basis as the data is read in.
Sasaki:
That’s right. Although we’d made the technological preparations, at first, we weren’t quite sure whether it would be able to maintain proper compatibility.
Dohta:
But if a new feature like GameChat is available not only for Switch 2 games but also for Switch games, I thought it would create chemistry that would enrich the gameplay and add completely new experiences. So, with that in mind, we decided we wanted the new system to run all Switch games, as far as that’s possible. If we couldn’t achieve that, it wouldn’t feel like a worthy successor to Switch. Being able to say, “Switch games will run on Switch 2!” was one of the goals we wanted to aim for.
Kawamoto:
We consulted with Sasaki-san again and again saying, “It’d be great if it works, but what do you think?”. And even Sasaki-san was like, “Hmm…I don’t know about that…”. (Laughs)
Sasaki:
There are some games that ran well due to the Switch console’s hardware configuration. Switch 2, on the other hand, has increased processing capabilities and an expanded memory capacity, which could theoretically cause some of those games to stop working. We weren’t so confident at first, but as we tested games one by one, we found out that some issues could be solved by making improvements. This process helped us build confidence that, while we might not be able to solve everything, we can work it out for many games.
Sasaki:
Oh yes… We’re checking them all, one by one. More than 10,000 games (23) in total.
Kawamoto:
Even with all those checks, it might not be that all Switch games run perfectly in time for the launch of Switch 2, but we will continue our efforts so that we can support as many Switch games as possible. Of course, it’s not physically possible to support certain games like the Nintendo Labo (24) Toy-Con 04 VR Kit, which was designed to fit the dimensions of the Switch hardware, as the sizes don’t match.
Dohta:
We assume players will think it’s natural for Switch games to run on Switch 2, and of course, we thought that it should be that way too. So, in order to achieve this somehow, we challenged ourselves to implement a new solution.
Dohta:
When we tried running Switch games on Switch 2, there were some where loading times became faster, or game performance became more stable, so we realised that the overall gameplay experience could improve. And as mentioned previously, GameChat will also be available for Switch games that are played on Switch 2. Even for previously released games, there are opportunities to add value in the sense that it can enhance and change the gameplay experience. We understand that people buy new hardware so they can play new games created for it, so we’ve developed Switch 2 with that in mind. However, it’s safe to say that Switch 2 is a console with new strengths in the sense that it adds value to Switch games that players already own. We’ll take advantage of those strengths in the future to further enhance the gameplay experience of Switch games. We believe there are many things we can do, such as making Switch games compatible with GameShare through free updates, as well as leveraging the processing power of Switch 2 to enable games to run in higher resolution and with a smoother frame rate. (25)
Dohta:
Yes, we’re preparing a function so that users can easily transfer Switch data to Switch 2 using their Nintendo Accounts (26). This transfer from Switch to Switch 2 is actually the first system transfer that moves the account as a whole. Before Switch, players needed to create a new account for each new hardware generation. Since we established Nintendo Accounts and supported them on Switch, we’ve made various efforts to expand their use beyond our dedicated gaming consoles. I think it’s natural for our customers to assume that those accounts, which they’ve used for various purposes other than gaming, can be used as-is on the new console.
Sasaki:
Nintendo Accounts are linked to customers’ important information and we believe it’s our mission to treat them with care. For our customers also, it’s crucial that their accounts and data – which they’ve used until now – can be transferred without any loss. We’re working to ensure that the transfer is as secure and stress-free as possible.
Dohta:
Speaking of transferring, I expect many people who buy a Switch 2 will already own a Switch. They might wonder which console they should use to play their digital games, but with virtual game cards, they can load and eject digital games between Switch and Switch 2 just like you would with a physical game card. This feature can also be used among Switch console as well as Switch 2 consoles. We originally developed it with the idea in mind that many players will continue to play both Switch and Switch 2 after Switch 2 has launched. So, you can continue to keep using both consoles.
Dohta:
Thanks to the console’s performance capabilties, Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 has been improved and runs smoothly even when displaying a large number of games. We believe the act of finding the game you want to play is itself part of the game console experience.
Kawamoto:
Also, there’s a feature on Nintendo eShop called For You, which lets you quickly see screenshots and watch introduction videos for games.
With this feature, I think players will be able to easily find something interesting without having to search every nook and cranny of Nintendo eShop.
Sasaki:
I think it was a big deal for us that, with the improvement of the console’s processing capability, we were able to take our goals one step forward. First we prioritised making the console appeal to as many players as possible, then we shifted our focus to improving the player’s experience. The team came together to create something with that goal in mind.
Kawamoto:
There were a lot of ideas for the name, and we really struggled to find the right one. We even considered ideas like “Super Nintendo Switch”. However, Super NES (27), which came out after the NES (28), couldn’t play NES games. Since Switch 2 can play Switch games, it didn’t feel right to use the same naming convention as Super NES. Switch 2 is a new console with improved performance, but we’d like players who get their hands on it not to focus on the specs, but rather to think of it as the latest console developed by Nintendo. So in the hope that it becomes the new standard for Nintendo Switch, we named it Nintendo Switch 2.
Dohta:
That’s right. From the beginning of development, we wanted Switch 2 to be a console that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of players. This hasn’t changed from Switch to Switch 2. I also wanted to create an experience that as many players as possible could enjoy, rather than an experience made specially for those who prefer high-performance hardware. So, we wanted a name that would communicate simply to potential customers that, if you’re considering buying a Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 is the newest console.
Sasaki:
I thought the name was simple and easy to understand, since development began with the idea that Switch 2 would be a proper successor to Switch.
Dohta:
We really struggled because there were so many different ideas, but in the end, after lots of back and forth, we all agreed that it should be Nintendo Switch 2 after all.
Sasaki:
We’ve packed the Technology Development team’s devotion into every aspect of this hardware, the system software, and the network services with the hope that everyone will enjoy playing new games on this new dedicated gaming console from Nintendo. After all, games are fun. So we just wish for everyone to genuinely enjoy playing Switch 2 without worrying about all the technical details.
Dohta:
Going forward, new games will continue to be released not only by Nintendo but also by our publishing partners, leading to brand new gameplay experiences. In that sense, it will be no different from past hardware, so I hope everyone will look forward to that part of Switch 2. Since Switch could be taken on the go in handheld mode, I think it blended more into the daily lives of players compared to past game console, with many becoming attached to it as their own personal Switch console. We prepared various features, such as ensuring compatibility for Switch games and smooth system transfers using Nintendo Accounts, so I hope everyone will warmly welcome Switch 2 as their own new personal console.
Kawamoto:
I’m repeating myself, but since Switch 2 is a new dedicated gaming console, I’d simply like everyone to thoroughly enjoy the games. As a person who makes gaming consoles, there’s nothing more important than this. I hope players will enjoy games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, which are made possible because of the Switch 2 console’s capabilities, and games like Drag x Drive and Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, which leverage the new features of Switch 2. And I also think that existing Switch games can be enjoyed even more with features like the larger screen and with GameChat. I hope that this new console, Nintendo Switch 2, which supports both compatible Nintendo Switch games as well as Switch 2 exclusive games, will become the new standard. Which once again goes to show why it had to be named Nintendo Switch 2.
It was fascinating to hear the passion that went into creating Nintendo Switch 2. I’m looking forward to the new gameplay experiences that will become the new standard in the future. Thank you very much.
