Nintendo’s Switch Enters Filler Era Ahead of Switch 2 Horizon
Nintendo has confirmed that a new console, the Switch 2, is in the works and expected to be announced within the next fiscal year. While this news has been anticipated, it has also shed light on the current state of Nintendo’s first-party game releases for the Switch.
The year 2023 has seen a shift in Nintendo’s release strategy, with a noticeable focus on smaller-scale projects and remakes. This has led some to speculate that Nintendo is winding down major support for the Switch in preparation for the Switch 2.
This scaling back is not a new phenomenon for Nintendo during the final years of a console’s lifecycle. A similar trend was observed with the Nintendo 3DS in 2017, when the company released ports and remakes while simultaneously developing AAA titles for the upcoming Nintendo Switch.
Despite the lack of major releases, the Switch’s filler era offers a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and experience experimental games. Titles like Princess Peach Showtime! and Endless Ocean: Luminous may not be critical darlings, but they offer a glimpse into Nintendo’s creative side and could leave a lasting impression.
Just as the Nintendo 3DS saw the emergence of unexpected hits like Ever Oasis and Hey! Pikmin, the Switch’s filler era may hold similar surprises. These smaller releases, often outsourced to satellite studios, can provide a refreshing change of pace and introduce new ideas to the Nintendo ecosystem.
While the arrival of the Switch 2 will undoubtedly bring a renewed focus on Nintendo’s core franchises, it is important to appreciate the current experimental phase. Embrace the oddities and hidden gems that the Switch’s filler era has to offer, because once the next generation arrives, these unique experiences will become less frequent.
