Nintendo Switch 2 features we want to see

The end of the wait is nearly here! This week, Nintendo will unveil the long-anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch console – the Nintendo Switch 2. While it’s sure to have numerous upgrades and enhancements compared to its predecessor, we’ve compiled a list of desired features that could propel the Switch 2 to even greater heights.

Nintendo Switch 2 features wishlist

Better online play/crossplay

For Nintendo, the online platform has been a persistent challenge across generations. Although it’s not always fair to compare Nintendo’s strides with giants like PlayStation and Xbox, one aspect where they could significantly improve is online gaming. Ideally, we’d love to see Nintendo (The Big N) match up in this department. Interacting with friends through games often involves unnecessary complexities, and each game seems to have its unique approach. The potential advantage of Switch 2 inheriting accounts from Switch 1 could alleviate some issues, but for a smoother online experience, it’s crucial that Switch 2 games are designed with online play in mind from the ground up.

A Miiverse replacement

Is it unusual nowadays to find it nostalgic when Nintendo’s online environment was bustling with Mii characters and Mii-related activities? Those miniature digital versions of ourselves that used to socialize with others, embark on journeys, solve puzzles, and essentially embody us in the Nintendo gaming world brought back many cherished moments. Given this sentiment, it feels a bit peculiar that Mii characters have mostly been confined to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We yearn for a place where our Miis could gather and interact with others, as well as the StreetPass feature that allowed us to encounter Miis from various parts of the world during our travels. Are we hoping for a grand return of Miis? Probably not, but we would appreciate the opportunity to experience them in a new, exciting way on Switch 2.

Discord

It’s unclear which chat app is most widely used, but it seems likely that Discord is near the top given its integration with PlayStation, Xbox, and now, speculatively, Nintendo Switch 2. However, while I don’t expect this collaboration to occur, it’s fun to imagine such a possibility.

60 FPS

Today, it’s become standard for games to operate at 60 frames per second, rather than an exception. Given the anticipated enhanced power of the Switch 2 over its predecessor, it’s only reasonable to expect it to achieve 60 fps on most games that are compatible. While the game and the developers play a significant role in this, if the Switch 2 can boast hardware capable of such performance, we can anticipate more games meeting this standard. Here’s to hoping for a smooth gaming experience!

Hardware backwards compatibility

As an avid gamer, I can’t help but wonder about the compatibility of my beloved accessories with the upcoming Switch 2. It’s a given that we’ll be able to slide in our Switch cartridges without a hitch, but what about the controller and other accessories I’ve accumulated over the years? Will my Nintendo Switch Pro Controller still work flawlessly on the new console? What about my original Joy-Cons or the diverse range of third-party devices that have graced the gaming scene for the past eight years? It would be truly disheartening if all these items became obsolete with the launch of the Switch 2. Fingers crossed that Nintendo ensures backward compatibility, so I won’t have to pack them away and relegate them to a dusty closet.

GameCube NSO library

Nintendo has been gradually adding games from its retro libraries for Nintendo Switch Online, giving subscribers on the Switch a chance to relive some classic games from those consoles. The next system in line is the GameCube, which was Nintendo’s initial home console of the 21st century and remains a subject of debate among fans. However, there’s no denying that it introduced numerous beloved titles. Can you envision enjoying Super Smash Bros. Melee on your hypothetical Nintendo Switch 2? We think that speaks for itself!

DS NSO library

Although some gamers might find it “retro,” the Nintendo DS still holds a record that the Switch hasn’t surpassed in sales. This underscores the impact and enduring popularity of the system, largely due to its stellar collection of games throughout its lifetime. Many popular Nintendo franchises saw significant releases on the DS, and even offering a small portion of these classics would satisfy fans yearning for a taste of the past.

Better Pro Controller

As a dedicated Switch gamer, I can’t help but notice that while Joy-Cons are innovative, they don’t quite live up to the mark when it comes to TV gaming. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of Switch 2 and hope it will be accompanied by an improved Pro Controller. The original Pro Controller had a rather disappointing d-pad with a squishy feel. To enhance my gaming experience, I fervently hope that the new one will boast better button quality and responsiveness, especially for games like Splatoon when I’m cozied up on the couch.

Themes

There were numerous criticisms regarding the limited color options (beyond dark grey and white) for the base Switch console. Although it might seem trivial, themes play a significant role in customizing a gaming console and adding an element of enjoyment when simply logging in and navigating menus. Nintendo is renowned for its attention to detail, and we believe they could create some exciting thematic experiences based on their iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, among others. Most console manufacturers have been streamlining features such as this due to modern minimalist trends, but Nintendo has the chance to stand out by offering unique themes while others focus on simplification.

Nintendo Music app

The Nintendo Music application debuted towards the end of last year, providing an official platform for listening to Nintendo tunes without requiring you to casually play them through your console. It only seems logical to introduce a Nintendo Music app for the Switch. This way, we can enjoy Nintendo melodies while navigating other apps and even playing games. Lastly, let’s ensure that the music keeps playing when our consoles are in standby mode.

Bigger internal storage

Initially, the first version of the Nintendo Switch offered 32 GB of built-in memory back in 2017. However, as storage capacities have grown significantly since then, this amount is now rather limited by today’s standards in 2025. Although it may not be feasible for Nintendo to provide a 2TB microSDXC card with every purchase, it would be convenient if the internal memory could accommodate more games than just The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom without quickly reaching its maximum capacity.

Longer battery life

Without further ado, the importance of improving battery life for the upcoming Switch 2 cannot be overstated. As a portable device, whether you’re traveling by plane or commuting to work, the battery must meet and exceed user expectations. Here’s hoping that the Switch 2 will truly excel in this area.

StreetPass (or something similar)

The Nintendo 3DS stands as one of the company’s most remarkable creations, a device I, Sam Chandler, found particularly captivating due to its innovative 3D screen. However, it wasn’t just me; StreetPass was a feature that everyone appreciated and utilized. In essence, if you happened to meet another Nintendo 3DS user in public, your character data would automatically exchange, allowing their Mii avatar to visit your game world (and reciprocally).

This figure might be employed in a compact dungeon-exploring mini-game, joined to a set of other custom characters, and would aid you in increasing your account level. It was an intelligent feature that promoted camaraderie and interaction – unfortunately, it was strangely missing from the Nintendo Switch. The console seemed tailor-made for this type of social aspect.

Regarding the potential future Nintendo Switch 2, we eagerly anticipate that Nintendo will emphasize social features similar to StreetPass significantly.

Docked 4K gameplay

It’s not unreasonable to assume that many individuals engage in gaming in 4K, either through their own systems or TVs capable of such resolution. In terms of the potential Nintendo Switch 2, we hope it can deliver 4K resolutions when docked, as it would significantly enhance the visual quality of the games, surpassing the 1080p limitations of the original Switch by providing higher-resolution textures.

Enhanced Switch 1 games

Upgrading hardware significantly improves the visuals and performance of video games. This implies that titles, particularly those that had difficulty running on the 2017 model, should receive updates or new versions specifically optimized for the upgraded Switch 2. Ideally, we could insert these games into the Switch 2, update them, and witness improvements while playing, making our gaming experience smoother. Games like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet might particularly benefit from this upgrade.

Streaming in handheld

As a passionate fan, I must admit that one feature missing from the original Nintendo Switch was its inability to stream gameplay on platforms like Twitch while playing in Handheld Mode. The console needed to be docked for any streaming functionality. It’s a bit of a downer, and I sincerely hope this is an issue Nintendo addresses with the Switch 2. Can you imagine the convenience of streaming while having the flexibility to move your setup thanks to Handheld Mode? This might not appeal to all fans, but it certainly resonates with content creators aiming to share Nintendo Switch content more seamlessly.

In simpler terms, we believe that these suggested features could enhance an already exceptional console, the Nintendo Switch. Primarily, Nintendo should emphasize and build upon what made the Switch unique in the first place. We are confident they can do it, but honestly, we’re hoping for some of the innovative ideas we proposed earlier.

2025-03-30 21:28