How Switch 2 Could Become the Ultimate Indie Console

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Shehryar Khan

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When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it quickly gained popularity for its indie exclusives. Games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Mario Odyssey struck new excitement in the hearts of fans. Behind the spotlight of the Switch, a quiet revolution was taking place; indie games were thriving on the platform.

The Switch quickly became the home for many of the best indie titles. Now, as the anticipation for the Switch 2 continues to build, Nintendo has the chance to lock in its identity as the ultimate indie gaming console of this generation.

A Legacy of Indie Success

The original Switch proved that a console does not need to match the raw horsepower of competitors to succeed with indie games. The flexible hybrid design allows players to enjoy indie hits on the go. Games that may have been overlooked on PCs or lost in overcrowded digital stores found a safe haven on the Switch, granting them new life.

Developers lately have noticed that there is more demand for indie games than AAA titles these days. Nintendo’s commitment to showcasing indie titles through Indie World Showcases and eShop promotions has heightened the value of these games. With the Switch 2 now in the making Nintendo has a rare chance to make indie support a centerpiece of the new console and not just a side benefit.

Hardware Improvements That Matter

If the Switch 2 is going to be the ideal platform for indie developers and fans some key hardware upgrades are due. Firstly, storage space must be addressed. Many indie titles are smaller in file size, however larger more ambitious projects such as Blasphemous 2 and Sea of Stars are increasingly demanding more space. 

Using a base internal storage of at least 256 GB and a faster SSD like system can eliminate space related issues and help make the console more future proof. Secondly, upgrading the processing power and graphics capabilities will help the Switch 2 manage more complex indie games without any performance issues.

Many indie games these days make use of advanced lighting effects, hand drawn or pixel-art graphics and physics systems that may strain the current hardware of the original Switch. Even basic improvements such as support for DLSS from Nvidia could significantly improve the frame rates and visual clarity of games.

Putting Creativity in the Spotlight

A major reason that made the Switch special for indie games was its intention to give smaller games some attention. Indie World Showcases often introduced players to new and creative experiences while simultaneously increasing the reach of indie titles. On platforms such as the PS5 and Xbox, indies often compete with AAA games. 

However, on the Switch they often go toe to toe or sometimes even surpass these AAA games. According to many reports indie titles are now generating nearly as much revenue as AAA titles.

The Switch 2 could expand on this strength with smarter storefront curation, personalized indie recommendations, and seasonal indie festivals in the eShop. Nintendo can use the trust it’s created among fans to make indies the front and center of its new console.

Supporting Developers and Hardware Innovations

Indie success isn’t just about reaching players. If Nintendo wants to be the ultimate indie gaming console for creators, it must provide them with the necessary tools and support to make development and publishing easier. Even just offering responsive support teams and reducing bureaucracy could make a massive difference to help small studios that do not have the support of a major publisher. 

On the other hand, speaking about Nintendo’s hardware game, it has lagged behind the competition for quite a while. The Switch 2, however, could be the turning point, with rumors suggesting 120 FPS gaming capabilities, better load times, and a new chipset, plus features such as a dual-screen mode. 

With the demand for indies at an all-time high, this is Nintendo’s chance. The groundwork has already been laid, now it’s a matter of execution. Only time will tell if Nintendo can be deemed the ultimate indie console or not.

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Shehryar Khan

[Comparisons Expert]

Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.

Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com