After Nintendo’s misstep with the Wii U, the company came back stronger than ever with the Nintendo Switch, an innovative hybrid console owners can either play in the living room or on the go. With the release almost four years behind us, it feels like it is time for a successor, whether that be a new console or an upgraded version.
Whatever the case, several aspects of the Nintendo Switch seriously need fixing. While we’d like something new from the Switch in 2021, fans should not be surprised if a successor does not come around until 2022 or even 2023.
10 Better Joy Cons
The Joy Cons’ versatility is much appreciated, but they are too flimsy and fragile. Nintendo is known for building durable handheld devices, so it is surprising to see Joy Cons break so easily. A bad drop can throw something off, or they can simply prove defective after just six months of heavy use. There is also the notorious Joy Con drift issue. The next version of the console needs a new Joy Con design to ensure they last longer.
9 Better Online Services
Nintendo has never had good online functionality. It is not much easier to use today than it was on the Nintendo Wii. Fans would endure the comparatively minor sacrifice of maybe not having access to services for a little while if it meant a complete relaunch of Nintendo’s online infrastructure.
The company does not seem to take it as a priority. It is especially notable during the COVID pandemic, where so many friends are separated and keeping in touch purely through gaming.
8 Accessory Compatibility
While the Nintendo Switch is cheaper than most of the other competing consoles, purchasing the full package is still an investment, especially if you opt for the Pro Controller. Any extra Joy Con also sets you back about $80. It would be a shame if these toys were rendered useless when the next generation comes. Hopefully, the next version’s form remains the same so these accessories will still be compatible. The Wii U was similarly compatible with the Wii’s controllers.
7 4K
HD is old hat; now, 4K is all the rage. Like most new technology, it was ludicrously expensive several years ago and fewer platforms supported it. Now, TVs with 4K capabilities are actually affordable, meaning more people than ever can experience their games with gorgeous visual quality. An upgraded Switch or Nintendo’s next-generation platform needs to similarly take advantage of 4K. Graphics are not a priority for the company, but we still want games looking sharp.
6 Dock Redesign
One of the worst aspects of the Nintendo Switch’s physical design is the dock. Some owners reported accidentally scratching their screen because of the narrow space where the console fits. Nintendo should go back to the drawing board and make a more user-friendly dock. Considering many kids own a Switch or at least use it with the family, it needs to be safe from clumsy handling.
5 Backward Compatibility
Backward compatibility was a big issue when the PS5 and Xbox Series X launched. With Nintendo, one can never tell if the next console will be able to play the prior generation. If the design remains the same, we can expect to play older Switch games on it. However, if the difference is as big as the crossover from Nintendo 64 to GameCube or the Wii U to Nintendo Switch, backward compatibility is not a guarantee.
4 Improved Performance For Older Games
If backward compatibility is available for Nintendo’s next-generation console, then it needs to boost these older games’ performance.
Microsoft set a new standard with backward compatibility and Sony followed suit with how certain games run at 60 frames per second on PS5 versus the 30 they achieve on PS4. Some Nintendo Switch games regularly drop below 30 FPS, so seeing popular titles run smoother would almost already justify the purchase.
3 Better D-Pad
While analog sticks are more common for movement, plenty of games still heavily rely on the d-pad. Unfortunately, the Switch has a fairly gummy d-pad, and the pro controller’s pad is arguably worse. A firmer, less gummy feeling d-pad is a must for either an upgraded version of the Switch or its true successor. Nintendo has a strange history with controllers, both innovating in the space and making some of the most infamous ones around, so we should be happy the d-pad is the biggest complaint.
2 Improved Battery Life
On first editions of the Nintendo Switch, the most power-intensive games only ran for about two and a half hours before the battery drained. The Switch Lite and newer models can go for about five hours before needing a charge. The latter is at least acceptable, but we want a battery where we don’t have to worry about charging during a long gameplay session, which can stretch up to five hours for hardcore gamers. Battery life can already be extended with separate products, but some do not want to deal with the extra hassle.
1 Simultaneous Release With Breath Of The Wild’s Sequel
Breath of the Wild released alongside the Nintendo Switch, becoming one of the most notable launch titles in history. Seeing such a gorgeous game run on the go with few concessions compared to the living room experience was a revelation. With a sequel to the legendary open-world title in the works, releasing it alongside an upgraded Nintendo Switch feels like a no-brainer. Expectations are high for the new Zelda game, so a release on stronger hardware would help the game live up to, and perhaps even surpass, its predecessor.
