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- The Nintendo Switch was the weakest console of the bunch last generation.
- It still ended up outselling both the PS4 and Xbox One, setting a high bar for all manufacturers.
- Nintendo’s strategy of releasing great exclusive titles and prioritizing creativity over raw graphical fidelity has done wonders for the Switch.
When it comes to the console wars, most of us, including myself, compare PlayStation and Xbox because they have the most powerful hardware.
However, the Nintendo Switch has been the most successful in recent years. While the console was released over seven years ago, and of course, its hardware is not as powerful as the competition’s, the Switch has completely outclassed its rivals.
Despite being the weakest console, it outsold recent PlayStation and Xbox consoles, delivered Game of The Year winners, and marked a monumental comeback for Nintendo after the Wii U’s colossal failure.
In fact, the Switch is now close to dethroning the PS2 as the best-selling console. This is enough proof that powerful hardware is not the be-all and end-all of console gaming.
Why it matters: While Sony and Microsoft are busy developing AAA projects with ridiculous budgets and production values, Nintendo has always been working to create creative and innovative experiences for fans.
It’s Not Always About Being Powerful
I think Nintendo has proved all of us wrong with the release of the Switch, as I have always believed that a console with more powerful hardware would be more attractive and have a higher probability of winning a generation.
However, watching the Switch remain a constant pick for many despite being released so many years ago and having the weakest hardware has been an eye-opener. Although I still believe that impressive hardware is important for a console, Nintendo has gone above and beyond to deliver experiences that transcend hardware limitations.
Take Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for instance. The game’s physics systems saw industry-wide praise from developers, and it was shocking that Nintendo’s teams were pushing physics to such an extent on the weakest hardware of the last decade.
The company’s approach to hybrid gaming is also commendable. After failing at a similar concept with the Wii U, it returned stronger and delivered seamless gameplay that could be taken on the go at a moment’s notice.
I primarily use my Switch for handheld gaming, but the freedom of switching between home console and portable gaming is unparalleled.
The First-Party Lineup
Nintendo’s first-party lineup is stronger than it has ever been. The fact that the Switch already has Game of the Year winners like Zelda: Breath of the Wild to its name but continues to deliver new hits each year is nothing short of a miracle.
After missing out on Super Mario Wonder last year, I finally played this incredible 2D platformer recently. Despite going in with high expectations, I found myself completely blown away by the energy that this platformer exudes at each level.
Moreover, games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Astral Chain, Super Mario Odyssey, and more show why millions continue to flock toward this platform so late into its lifecycle. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond also coming next year, the console has yet to run out of steam.
The company’s biggest strength is perhaps its ability to rejuvenate familiar franchises like Mario and Zelda with exciting new ideas. Despite a few letdowns like Pokemon Legends Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet, I’ve found little to complain about in this department.
It’s quite fitting, then, that the Switch has sold over 140 million units and is nearly the best-selling console in the US.
The Switch 2 Could Be Just As Successful
While the Switch 2 hasn’t been officially announced yet, recent reports suggest that plans for an announcement before March 2025 are underway. Since the groundwork is already there, the Switch 2 could follow the same trend as its predecessor.
All Nintendo needs to continue its current momentum is a strong first-party lineup. The new hardware should also be a considerable upgrade, giving the platform more breathing room on the technological front.
Ultimately, the gaming giant does not have to worry about competition with the PS5 or Xbox Series S|X.
Rumored to provide PS4 Pro-like performance, the Switch 2 might be more of the same, but Nintendo doesn’t really need to fix what isn’t broken. Even if the next-gen console ends up falling behind in the hardware race, its innovative approach to gaming should be more than enough to make up for the hardware shortcomings.
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[News Reporter]
Abiyan is on track to complete his Computer Science bachelor’s degree. His enthusiasm for writing and gaming motivates him to keep readers and gamers updated with the latest information from the industry. In his free time, Abiyan enjoys playing Dota 2 and Rocket League. Abiyan has also been cited in reputed websites such as Kitguru, Comicbook, GamingBible, Eurogamer and Gamingbolt.
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