We additionally see an additional button on the face of the right-hand Pleasure-Con, beneath the House button. Whereas that is unlabeled within the teaser, it might see some type of “C-button” performance, which Nintendo utilized in numerous kinds on the N64 and GameCube previously. It is also value noting one significantly pointed shot targeted on the left Pleasure-Con thumbstick rotating—might this be meant to focus on improved thumbsticks for the brand new era, probably incorporating Corridor impact expertise? Given the drift points that plagued the unique Swap, it might be a wise transfer on Nintendo’s half.
{Photograph}: Nintendo
The largest adjustments to the primary console itself, past the elevated bodily dimension, are the addition of an additional USB-C port on the highest and a brand new U-shaped kickstand. Whereas the previous is a wonderful addition, opening up the potential to assist extra equipment, the latter appears slightly flimsy—higher than the nub that propped up the unique Swap however much less sturdy than the Swap OLED’s strong back-panel kickstand.
Talking of the OLED Swap, and judging purely from the chunky bezel proven within the Swap 2 reveal, the brand new console could also be reverting to an LCD panel. Once more, this has been rumored for some time, however will probably be exhausting to not see it as a little bit of a step backward.
The most effective takeaway from the reveal, although, is Nintendo instantly confirming backward compatibility with current Swap video games, each bodily and digitally (albeit with a number of as-yet -unspecified exclusions). That is incredible information for gamers who’ve spent the higher a part of a decade build up their libraries, and one other instance of Nintendo’s quiet confidence and sense of continuity. Whenever you’ve racked up 1.3 billion software program gross sales in your extremely profitable platform, why threat alienating these prospects?
And that is seemingly Nintendo’s technique for Swap 2, in a nutshell: If it ain’t broke, why repair it? Gamers love the Swap as it’s, the corporate’s essential rivals are all emulating it to higher or lesser extents, and all indicators level to “more but better” being a compelling promoting level. It’s taking part in it secure—nevertheless it would not have to do anything.
