Introducing our Future of Gaming series, a comprehensive exploration of gaming’s most groundbreaking technologies, players, and creators. Handheld gaming consoles are taking the world by storm, following in the footsteps of Nintendo’s Game Boy, which was launched in 1989. Versatile and innovative handheld consoles are the way of the future, with Valve, Ayaneo, Asus, and even PlayStation joining the movement.
Considering Nintendo’s penchant for unconventional innovation, the question remains: what’s next after the groundbreaking success of the Switch? Will it be called the Switch 2, or something entirely different? Here’s what we hope to see from the next console.
First impressions matter, and the next Nintendo console must be another hybrid model that can be played in handheld or docked mode. The sleek and simple design of the Nintendo Switch has won hearts, and we hope the next console, if associated with the “Switch” branding, will continue to feature the iconic neon colors.
Bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to handheld gaming. The balance between power and portability is crucial, and a variety of options at different price points, like those offered by competitors, could be the winning formula.
The beloved Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons have had their fair share of issues, so we hope to see more robust new-gen input devices. Seamless compatibility with existing hardware and the option for custom controllers would be a welcome addition.
Memory is critical in the age of digital downloads, and a new Nintendo console should offer more internal storage. Picture quality, processing power, and graphics performance should also take a leap forward, with higher resolution and smoother framerates to keep up with new-gen gaming.
Enhanced graphics capabilities, with the potential inclusion of NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling and compatibility with Unreal Engine 5, would be a game-changer.
The next-gen Nintendo console also needs to step up in terms of entertainment features, offering a wider range of streaming apps and improved friend list and voice chat functionality for adult gamers.
Backward compatibility is a must, as gamers continue to invest in first-party exclusives for the Switch. Ultimately, the success of the next console will depend on its ability to justify the upgrade from its predecessor and deliver an exceptional gaming experience.
