Is it time to box the original Nintendo Switch?
It’s just over two weeks since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched, and what a ride it’s been. Console launches are always exciting, but with so few previews, this one has felt like a collective adventure into the unknown. Owners are diving into the system’s features, quirks, strengths, and weaknesses. The discourse has been chaotic, but undeniably fun to follow.
Some have criticized the Nintendo Switch 2 for being a safe and somewhat boring upgrade. I’m sympathetic to that perspective, but even if the console hasn’t introduced radical changes, there’s still plenty to discover.
I’ve been particularly excited to see how original Switch titles perform on the new machine. Despite a few challenges when upscaling from 720p to 1080p, many games are running significantly better out of the box. Hat tip to Redditor wtfimdoingwithmylife, who is compiling an ever-growing list of original Switch games that benefit from performance boosts.
Farewell to the original Nintendo Switch?
So with the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, is it time to say goodbye to the original? Well, the original, and the Lite, and the OLED, for that matter. Over its long lifespan, the Switch underwent a series of graceful evolutions, even if it never got the long-rumoured ‘Pro’ edition fans were hoping for.
Coming off the troubled Wii U, and with its dedicated handheld line under pressure from mobile gaming, the Switch was a make-or-break device for Nintendo. While the company’s ability to produce great games was never in question, the merging of its handheld and home console products was a risk.
Fortunately, the risk paid off and the Switch tapped into a market where flexibility took precedence over power. The hardware only needed enough capability to ensure that both handheld and TV experiences remained enjoyable. It was the console equivalent of a Swiss (or Switch) Army knife, and everyone loved it.
In the eight years since the original Switch launched, mobile gaming has continued to grow, dedicated home consoles far outpace the Switch in graphical power, and younger players are increasingly turning to gaming PCs. Despite these changes, Nintendo was correct in identifying that there would be a significant audience for full-fledged gaming experiences on a handheld device. The subsequent rise of retro handhelds, the Steam Deck, and other portable PCs proves as much. The Switch wasn’t just successful; it was a trendsetter.
My journey with the system has been long and meaningful. As a lifelong Nintendo enthusiast, I’ve always loved the company’s consoles, but the Switch has touched my life in deeper, more personal ways.
To give just one example: it was my constant companion during years of international travel, as I navigated the complexities of a long-distance relationship. During the COVID lockdowns, while stuck at my dad’s house in the UK for six months, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offered a welcome escape. It became the setting for date nights with the love of my life (now my wife ❤️) in Canada. And when I finally moved to the fine city of Toronto, the Nintendo Switch was the only console I brought with me.
So, as we explore everything the Nintendo Switch 2 offers, it’s also worth pausing to reflect on the console that came before. The Nintendo Switch 2 may be shiny and impressive, but it only exists because of the foundation laid by its predecessor.
The original Switch is undeniably showing its age, but I think it still has a little left in the tank. As I wrote last month, my trusty Switch Lite lives at my bedside, its modest screen more forgiving of aging textures and frame rate drops. It’s still perfect for late-night gaming sessions as I chip away at a mountain of unplayed RPGs. I don’t see it being packed away any time soon.
So here’s to the Nintendo Switch. It’s not goodbye after all.
