In a recent interview, Nintendo Of America president Doug Bowser mentioned that some people may not be able to afford the higher priced Switch 2 console, while emphasizing that the remaining Switch consoles were available and would be supported with additional content. A lot of people saw that comment and compared to a comment that former Microsoft Entertainment head honcho Don Mattrix said in regards to Xbox One and Xbox 360.
The quote in question?
“Some of the advantages that you get, of having, a box that is designed to use an online state, so, that, uh, to me is the future-proof choice, and I think people, could’ve arguably gone the other way if we didn’t do it and fortunately we have a product for people who aren’t able to get some form of connectivity, it’s called Xbox 360.”
For those needing context, Xbox One was originally going to have an always online component, which essential meant that the console needed to be connected to the Internet in order to do anything from playing games to picking the color of your nasal spray. People complained about the always online aspect and Mattrick’s response was “get a 360 if you don’t have always online.” Naturally, people cried fouled and Xbox One eventually removed the “always online” requirement.
Doug Bowser’s comment about the old Switch being available for those who can’t afford a Switch 2 isn’t quite the same thing. Switch 2 has a higher price point due to its higher specs, but if you can’t afford the newer system, the older system (as well as its Lite and OLED variants) are still available for more affordable prices. So if you can’t afford the Switch console that lets you play Breath Of The Wild with the Zelda Notes mobile app, you can still buy the old Switch console that plays that game just fine. And it’s not like Switch is being completely tossed aside; they’re still supporting the system with software, some of which will probably also feature Switch 2 versions with added features… like SAMUS NOTES on your Alarmo clock thing.
There are some issues with this Switch 2 launch that raises questions and cries some fouls, but comparing to Xbox One’s total dumpster fire pre-launch – which was overhauled by the time they did launch. Look at the bright side – at least Nintendo isn’t FORCING you to hook up a spy camera to your Switch 2.
Unless the tariffs come into play again.
dtm666 