Nintendo hopes not to make the same mistakes as the Wii U
The Nintendo Switch 2 is about to arrive, and the anticipation couldn’t be higher.
After more than three years of rumors, leaks, and speculation, we’re finally on the verge of the official launch of Nintendo’s new console, scheduled for June 5th . Fans of the brand, accustomed to the innovation and signature charm of the big N, are eagerly awaiting to find out if this new generation will manage to match—or even surpass—the legacy of its predecessor.
The original Nintendo Switch became a global phenomenon. With over 152 million units sold , it was only surpassed by the historic PlayStation 2 (160 million). Its success lay in its revolutionary hybrid offering, combining the best of handheld gaming with the home console experience. Its catalog, packed with classics like Zelda: Breath of the Wild , Mario Odyssey , and Animal Crossing: New Horizons , helped cement it as one of the most beloved consoles of all time.
A tough challenge: Surpass the original Switch?
Nintendo now faces a huge challenge: surpassing its success . It wouldn’t be the first time the company has stumbled in its attempt to maintain momentum. The history of the Wii and Wii U is a clear example. The Wii sold more than 101 million units thanks to its innovative and accessible approach, but its successor, the Wii U, barely reached 13.5 million, becoming one of Nintendo’s biggest failures. That experience left scars that still weigh heavily on the memories of executives and fans.
This time around, Nintendo appears to be taking a more cautious and strategic approach . The Switch 2’s launch will be modest in terms of its initial lineup , with just a few solid titles available from day one. Confirmed games include Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza , both from beloved and established franchises.
More games on the horizon
In 2025, other major titles, such as Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Kirby Air Ride, Drag and Drive, and others, will arrive, aiming to boost sales in the medium and long term. Third-party titles and indie studios are also expected to join the console’s new ecosystem gradually.
Price and economy: Nintendo also feels the pressure of inflation
The official retail price (MSRP) for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be $450 USD for the standard version and $500 USD if purchased as a bundle with Mario Kart World. Additionally, new-generation games will have a price increase: new titles will cost $80 USD, compared to the usual $70 USD for previous-generation games.
Another new feature is that some classic games will receive a “remastered” or enhanced version for the Switch 2. However, users will have to pay the difference to upgrade their titles or purchase the whole game again for $80 USD. This strategy has generated some debate among the community, who wonder if it’s fair to pay again for titles they’ve already purchased on the original Switch.
Pro controllers will also increase in price, rising from $75 to $85 USD, another indication of how global inflation is affecting even the biggest brands in the tech sector.
And the public? They’ve already spoken.
Despite the price increases, the market response has been impressive. Switch 2 pre-orders are nearly sold out at most specialty retailers, and obtaining a launch unit will be a challenge. This indicates that enthusiasm for a new Nintendo console remains strong and that the fan base trusts the company’s ability to deliver a unique experience.
The success or failure of the Switch 2 will depend not only on its technical prowess or initial catalog, but also on how Nintendo manages the console’s lifecycle. If it can maintain a steady stream of quality games, listen to the community, and adapt to the current competitive environment, it could be on the cusp of another historic milestone.
Conclusion: What can we expect from the Switch 2?
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Japanese company finds itself at a historic crossroads. On the one hand, it bears the weight of a console that redefined the market and broke records; on the other, it faces an entirely different technological and economic landscape than in 2017, with more demanding players, higher prices, and fierce competition from Sony, Microsoft, and the mobile market.
The first signs are promising: public interest is reflected in high demand and sold-out pre-orders. However, the true success of the Switch 2 won’t be measured in its first few days, but in its ability to sustain an active community for years to come, with consistent releases, solid backward compatibility, quality online services, and a technical evolution that justifies the change of generation.
If Nintendo can correct past mistakes, such as a lack of support for third-party developers or delays to key titles, and maintain the creativity that characterizes its franchises, the Switch 2 could even surpass its predecessor in the long run. It won’t be an easy task, but the potential is there: an established brand, a loyal community, and a console that promises to combine the best of the past with the demands of the present.
In a market where innovations are fleeting and consumer loyalty is tested with each new generation, Nintendo relies on its unique formula: accessible fun, renewed nostalgia, and experiences that no other company can match. Time will tell if this move is another legendary victory or another lesson in the history of video games.
Director and Co-Founder of GoodGameDaily.com
Andrés Rodríguez Paniagua is a Systems Engineer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Web Development and a Master’s Degree in Project Management. He works as a Technology Product Manager at a multinational company, driving innovation and product strategy. As Director and Co-Founder of GoodGameDaily.com, he combines his passion for video games, technology, and digital media to build a platform for engaging content and community growth.