As we questioned in our original story yesterday, it was unclear whether Nintendo would be able to hold its previously announced pricing due to the tariff announcement. In response, Nintendo has paused all pre-orders, which were set to begin on April 9. In comments and in a story in Newsweek, pre-orders are suspended indefinitely. Predictably, the news sent shockwaves and confusion through the gaming industry as the latest impact of the new economy underscores uncertainty.
Our original story continues:
In 2017, Nintendo’s Switch was one of the most successful, most innovative videogame platform launches to date. Plus, with its line of classic, familiar, and gorgeous games, it cemented Nintendo’s reputation as the platform for the entire family, finally taking its place in the living room. The launch followed decades of innovation and continued consumer relationships with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, and many others, all as well-known and beloved as any Hollywood stars.
This June, Nintendo is banking on the next generation of Switch–aptly named Switch 2–to continue the legacy. June 5 is the launch date, and it’s likely to be a phenomenon. (A word to PR folks out there, don’t plan any launches or events for that day.)
From everything seen at the press unveiling in New York on April 2, it looks like a very good bet, even at a launch retail price of $449 ($499 with MarioKart World). Gaming media from around the world descended on Manhattan to be introduced to the platform and get hands on experience. First, who knew there were so many people who cover videogames? However, based on the whoops and hollers when new versions of classic games were unveiled, they are an enthusiastic lot, to be sure.
However, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
From our limited exposure, there’s no reason to think this won’t be a massive hit. The design is reminiscent of the original Switch but in a sophisticated charcoal gray. After all, why mess with what works?
Under the metaphoric hood, however, is where all the significant upgrades are powering the play experience. From a bigger screen with twice the pixels of the original Switch to 3D Audio, to 4K capabilities, 256 GB of storage, Joycons that connect magnetically and can double as a mouse in some games; the hardware is a major leap forward for Nintendo.
The real value, though, beyond upgraded games and a more elegant play experience thanks to enhanced frame rates, is the human experience of playing.
Central to the launch event was the announcement of GameChat, a new system that uses a built-in microphone in the unit and allows people to talk, share screens, and fully interact during gameplay. With the additional camera, video chat brings people together in a play experience wherever they are in the world. GameShare also allows players to share supported games with players who don’t own the software themselves.
During the event, Nintendo unveiled many games from development partners, but the two that got the biggest crowd reaction were MarioKart World, which allows 24 drivers in each race, and Donkey Kong Bananza, which opens up an entirely new way to play. Plus, there are titles from GameCube, and many ways to upgrade current Switch games.
It’s a long way from my first Nintendo game, which was the Donkey Kong Game and Watch back in the day. It was no less fascinating then than the new games are now. Oh, and for those of us who never really mastered MarioKart driving, careening off road is now a feature. Well played, Nintendo…and much appreciated.
Nintendo is kicking off the launch period with major events around the world like we experienced in New York, through April and May. This consumer event will give people their first chance to try out the system. The entire schedule is here.
What remains to be seen is whether the announced launch prices can hold, given the new tariffs on products from both China and Vietnam, where the bulk of products are made.
We like to make predictions here at Global Toy News. Richard Gottlieb always said, “It’s not likely anyone will hold us to them, given how often predictions turn out differently.” However, we’re going to go out on a limb and suggest that Switch 2 will be the hit of the summer, and that it will be worth it for gamers to dig deep and enjoy the ride.
Nintendo system image provided by Nintendo.
All other photos by Christopher Byrne
