Super Switchcom Kerfuffle

I didn't understand what Furakawa was doing with the Nintendo Switch 2. I would say "4K makes some sense", but then remember that most people aren't streaming 4k content and the Switch 2 doesn't play UHD Blu-ray. 1440p at 60fps locked makes sense, but 120fps at 1080 is a bro spec. Bro spec as in science doesn't support the anecdotal claims that it enhances performance, but people demand it because big number, go fast helps people eek out self-worth through the stuff they own. Bro specs are for $1200 PC builds, but then again the mouse feature on Switch 2 also feels very PC.

Then I remember that the original Super Nintendo was supposed to be a budget computer and it all makes an awful kind of sense. Nintendo Switch 2, perhaps under the influence of Nvidia, is a step backwards into Nintendo's past. It isn't an evolution of the tablet or AR space. It is an attempt to squeeze PC mob mentality into a casual tablet device.

We see Nintendo's version of PC's Discord in Game Chat, but we don't see the community features in the Nintendo Today app. The Switch 2 has made some waves because of privacy invasion that is common in PC software, but these things violate COPPA so it must be assumed that they will be turned-off for kids, again suggesting that this device is more PC than tablet. 

Ultimately, the Super Nintendo PC features like mouse integration and satellite modem integration were almost dead on arrival. The support just didn't exist from 3rd party developers that wanted to focus on kids. The question is whether the Nintendo Switch 2 is a kid's device. It already feels that it isn't and will most likely fall behind the Xbox or tablets in my house. The price for a fully featured Switch 2 is high, and higher still with software. Sonic Racers may feel like store-brand karting, but Minecraft is giving it a premium identity that makes it a much easier sell for my children, while the price is well within my budget.

Initial sales may be high, but that was the same story for the PlayStation 5. It seems like Iwata understood the future and Furakawa is looking to the past. The Switch 2 isn't the console I wanted, or one I want to buy for my kids. It is unfortunate, but hopefully someone learns from Nintendo's mistake.