Ex-PlayStation Boss On Switch 2’s Name: Nintendo Created So Much “Brand Value” – Nintendo Life
GuestGuestLogin | Sign UpNintendo LifeGuestLogin or Sign Up”Why would you mess with that?”Nintendo is arguably taking the safe route with the name of its Switch “successor” – confirming at the start of this year it would be officially known as the ‘Switch 2’.If you are still wondering why it’s called this, or why Nintendo didn’t go with a more exciting name, ex-PlayStation boss Shawn Layden has now shared his thoughts during an interview with the ‘Kiwi Talkz’ hosted by Reece Reilly.When it was acknowledged how Nintendo took a page out of PlayStation’s naming conventions with the use of numbers, Layden noted how it simply comes down to “brand value”:Shawn Layden: “They’ve [Nintendo] created so much brand value in the word Switch, why would you mess with that?”The Switch has now shifted over 146 million units globally as of September 2024, so it’s easy to see just how much “brand value” there is in the word ‘Switch’.When also queried about Nintendo’s current position within the gaming landscape, Layden reiterated how Nintendo has “created its own lane” (or “Private Idaho”, as he previously put it) and its future looks bright:”Everyone respects Nintendo, they’re a competitor but you respect everything they’ve done to create this industry that now we all enjoy and love, so I think they’ll keep on keeping on and the way they do it, they’ve got the right people around it, the right attitude around it.””…they’ve been in this business a long time, they’ve seen all the peaks and valleys…they will continue to be successful”Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer also recently commented on the Switch 2, mentioning he thinks the system will be a “massive success” and how you don’t bet against Nintendo.Phil Spencer: “We love the work that we do with Nintendo”Swing it (again)Just the DS to beatWhat are your thoughts about the Switch 2’s name? Do you think a simple ‘2’ attached to the end of the new system will be clear enough? Are you feeling as confident about Nintendo’s future as Layden is? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.[source youtu.be]About Liam DoolanLiam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He’s been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief.Comments 137Why not call it ‘Switch One’. Or ‘Original NES One’?(obvious jab at Microsoft marketing)It’s a great name. Also a very genius name. Now majority of the people won’t think it’s an add-on, rather it will be a new console. Similar to what PlayStation did, Nintendo did the same .Someone wants a job at Nintendo I’m more than happy with it…It works perfectly for PlayStation, when the next number comes out there can be no confusion over whether it’s a new product or not, rather than just potentially being an add on for the existing product(I’m looking at you…. Wii U)I still think it should have been called the Super Switch, however, I wonder if it maybe has to do with it possibly not being as much of a jump going from Switch 1 to Switch 2 as we saw going from NES to SNES. Does this imply that here will be a Switch 3 and so on? Is this the overall general form factor that Nintendo has converged on for the foreseeable future?I genuinely don’t know why anyone would even consider calling it anything elseNintendo Cosmo, or Super Switch would of been pretty rad. I hate the name as is, as it’s just following in the same foot steps as PlayStation. It’s safe, but it gets the job done unlike the entire Wii U advert’ disaster and Nintendo obviously doesn’t want to make the same mistake again.All i care about at this point is the new Switch 2 Pro controller, and the new features it brings to the table. And of course, a motion sensor bar for both the S2 Pro & S2 Joy-cons for Docked play.Remember when the Wii U released and some people thought it was an add-on for the Wii?Using the number 2 is the simplest, cleanest and easiest solution to name a more powerful version of the Switch.If this’ll be how it is going forward then can’t wait for switch 3! Lol whatever. I thought naming their systems something unique is what set Nintendo apart from the rest but i suppose numbering it is the safer option. At least it’s not Switch U or Gamesphere or something like that.I still maintain the long term success of Switch 2 is not the name or backwards compatability its Switch 2 exclusive games that are not on Switch 1, if all the big first party games are on both Switch 2 and Switch 1 then there is no reason to get a Switch 22 Switch 2 FuriousI think it was the smart move for sure. For some reason I don’t like the logo though 😂 not sure why that is, but it just looks very fanmade to meAnd probably the first in a line of iterative design. With Nintendo finally standardizing on a form the days of video game console gimmicks are probably gone. Or at least that’s what people will probably be saying for the next seven years until they do something bizarre the next time around.When everyone was talking about the successor, I felt like I do not need one, because I was still happy and content with my Switch. Now I realise, that the Switch (Too) is actually just what I want, an improved version of the Switch. This way I do not even feel like I am dropping the Switch.I like how respectful and positive he speaks of his ex-rival.Sony used to steal so many things from Nintendo, their controller design, the rumble pack, PSP which was basically their answer to gameboy so yeah Nintendo is returning the favor with the switch 2 name. Sony is still mad about that whole backing out of the contract with Nintendo thing. 😉I like the simple “2” at the end, but I could see them doing not really “Super Switch”, but more like “Nintendo Switch NEW”, just like they did with the NEW 3DS.
But Super Switch or something like that would be also good. Anyways, the 2️⃣ is great, at least you just write an extra space and a number when talking about it.Nintendo learned their lesson from the WiiU debarkle. Also the industry seems less cut throat. WiiU the vibe I got was everyone was more than happy to celebrate Nintendo’s failure, now everyone seems to have Nintendo’s back (kind of). But in all honesty, criticising for switch -> switch 2?? Those that are complaining are complaining that Nintendo isn’t wacky enough???Consumers in the 90’s being able to understand that “nes” and “super nes” are two different consoles, but “Nintendo Switch” and “Super Nintendo Switch” being confusing for the late 20’s will never not be hilarious. I guess it explains a lot about our future.The numbering scheme is the best and smartest choice, but I wouldn’t have minded a more edgy name, like Power Switch or, my favourite, Switch Please.@Coalescence we will probably still have gimmicks, they’ll continue to be things we don’t see coming. The switch still had motion controls and an IR sensor. Switch 2 may have that mouse option. I don’t see them stopping.@Darkri74345 These days “Super” wouldn’t work as it would make the Switch 2 sound more like it’s the cancelled Switch Pro.@Darkri74345 We may eventually see a dual screen Switch with the name Nintendo DSwitch or Nintendo SwitchDS.@sd7232 don’t you mean the Switch One X 360? 🤭@MrCarlos46 I would love if the “c” button is “cast” and we can cast a second screen to the dock 👀 N does have that crazy proprietary latency tech they used on WiiUplaystation is a better name brand:)Should’ve named it Switch UThe name is fine, given the design and the similarities to the Switch it is the no brainer choice.Personally I’m waiting on the details with the machine because I’m pretty tired of gaming right now and if Switch 2 can do what I want it to i might well sell off one if not both of my other machines at this stage.No time for all of them.@Darkri74345 Based on an FCC ruling there was no wireless cast protocol on the dock, so it’s unlikely the C button will be for casting the Switch 2 screen over.@Coalescence I think they’ll still be an outlier in the crowd. It was always about the games, anyway.I kinda get where Layden is coming from. Sure the name is “bland” but after all these years of calling it the Switch 2, should we really have expected anything different?
Switch 2 is simple, it gets to the point and, as Layden pointed out, it has brand value and Nintendo knows that.The Wii U argument makes zero sense.Super Nintendo, GameBoy Advance, 3DS… All great successor names that caused no confusion at all with the consumers.I truly miss their playful and innovative attitude. Sticking a “2” behind it feels really dull.@johnedwin it was, but after they killed off their best franchises, I can no longer love them as much as I loved them in the PS1 2 3 Era. We had so many fantastic things there.@8bit-Man I think it might be a mark of the times. It’s not the names that have changedMy 5 year old watched the trailer and knew exactly what this is. My nan would get it too. Is it the most exciting name? No. But it does exactly what it needs to.@8bit-Man The Wii U issue was that the name felt like an add-on… don’t forget the Wii had lots of new control methods and add-ons.The nun chucks were something new, the steering wheel with the Wiimote in it, WiiFit board etc…so when they launched the Wii U, the launch video still used WiiMotes, WiiFit board etc. and then they even say “the new controller” as opposed to the Wii U controller.This along with the name and even the console looking somewhat similar, pis what caused confusion.They should have focused on the WiiU and it’s innovative controller and THEN mentioned you can also use your WiiMote etc with the new console.Regardless, calling the new Switch, Switch 2 is definitely the way to go, especially with todays tech naming scheme. PS5, iPhone 16, Galaxy 25, Pixel 9 etc.If Nintendo decides to do an upgraded variation of the Switch 2, then it would make sense to called it Super Switch 2 or Switch 2 Pro etc. but not adding a number after the name these days, makes people think or need to check.Seeing the number after the name will automatically make anyone realize ohh this is a new one! So it will help get them off the shelves quicker and more noticeable, making the Switch 2 an instant purchase.I would have preferred something else over another Switch, but it would have been a much riskier choice. The Nintendo brand still has plenty of recognition on its own, but at this point their last major successes before the Switch, the Wii and DS, are old enough that many already consider them retro consoles. Aside from the likes of us, people aren’t in the habit of buying each new Nintendo console like they do with iPhones and other iterative hardware. If they want to keep them invested, the safest offer they can give is more of the same.Wii U name sounds like ambulance sirens.
Wee U Wee U Wee U…. (ended up with disaster sales)
Switch 2 sounds really great, like cousin of PlayStation 2.I hate it with a passion, but the system’s got bigger fish to fry than just a name. Stuff like games, features, memory and online capabilities.Like that one Nintendo Life editorial said, this is just Nintendo’s stop gap generation. Maybe in another four or five years they’ll come up with something more novel. I’ll be depressed if they just name it “Switch 3″ though. I seriously wonder if we’ll ever have another unique Nintendo system name again.@Dev-N I personally prefer numerical names like PS2, PS3, etc as it sounds like the next generation names.”Game Boy” had even more brand value by the time they decided to mess with it, so hey. In the end, it sure can seem like they decided to troll the deranged “leakers” while simultaneously reckoning it’s one approach they actually never tried before (no, Color TV-Game family doesn’t qualify as a console in the modern sense any more than the multitudinous Game & Watch handhelds do). Or, more realistically, in the opposite order of factors.For me the U in Wii U was meant to mean “Upgrade” or “Update”, but obviously people didn’t catch on it.Anyway, if they hadn’t called it Switch 2, what would they have called it without getting another Wii U situation?
Somehow, I’m not convinced Super Switch would have been an ideal name. I feel people now wouldn’t be able to tell it’s the Switch successor with that name.by the time we reach april 2nd for switch 2 direct will probably be skeletons by then looking at our computer screen for this long wait.Wouldn’t shock me if there were a few more Sony games making their way to Nintendo systems, i.e., Switch 2.I really wonder how the Wii U would have fared if it were called the Wii 2Clever but boringSwitch 2 was the only acceptable name, imo. Anything else would have come with unnecessary risk. Period. Glad a former PS prez agrees.@Navi because it’s very similar to the Switch 1.@timp29 There will always be someone complaining about something. In the case of Switch 2, I don’t think Nintendo is doing something wrong with the name. There is a developer who specifically said, many months before, that the Switch 2 is an iteration of the Switch 1. This was already clear that the Switch 2 will have the same concept of the Switch 1 but being more powerful, like the New Nintendo 3DS against the Nintendo 3DS.@TheBigK No thanks…@1UP_MARIO Better being clever but boring instead of confusing with the naming.@8bit-Man Then why the Wii U failed?They couldn’t have more clearly learned their lesson from the Wii U. Retain the brand identity from the incredibly successful previous console (Wii/Switch) but clearly indicate it’s a replacement/successor, not an add on.The kiwitalkz interview with Shawn Layden is definitively worth a listen. Shawn provides a lot of interesting insights on past and recent events and the future of gaming.@sd7232 Original NES One X Series SSeriously, Xbox names are not great are they?@Simone93 Just because the Wii U name was a bad choice, does not mean only a number is a valid naming convention.They’ve proven this multiple times in the past. Super Nintendo, GameBoy Advance and 3DS were all great names for iterative systems. They didn’t confuse anyone, yet still managed to refer to the original branding and convey the message that they are the next big thing.@Dev-N,A unique Nintendo system. What would that be exactly?. Also hating a name with a passion… surely you have got better things to do.Makes you wonder how things would have played out had they called the Wii U the Wii 2 instead@Darkri74345 Many people back then did in fact not understand it. “But you already have a Nintendo” says the parent to their child. That was not a rarity.@DiggleDog,I think there was more to it than just the Wii U name. Nintndo had gone into an entirely new market with both the Wii and DS. They pretty much had a lightning in a bottle generation getting in at the ground floor with both motion and touch controls.As a result a lot of casuals bought both those consoles that were simply not there in the same numbers for both the Wii U and 3DS…..They had simply moved onto other things.I think the Switch is a totally different proposition for Nintendo. The main reason the combination of both Nintendo’s home and handheld markets. And the fact they have got the more casual gamers to stay on board with them. They simply understand the market much more.Pretty sure the next generation Switch was going to be a success no matter what they ended up calling it. The simple fact they are promoting it does a lot to help. The Wii U was just a case of assuming everyone would buy the next generation machine and knew what it was. Smae with the 3DS but to a lesser extent.@8bit-Man The Wii U argument is a simple fact. Idk how many people thought it was just an add on, but I have heard many people say that and it’s clear why. The reveal focused only on the controller and they constantly talked about how it has a new controller. What the console itself looked like many still don’t even know. Some people only found out about the existence of the Wii U after the Switch released.With the 3DS there was confusion when the 2DS released. I had to explain to my mother that it plays the same games and isn’t a different thing.I really like the name but I don’t like the logo with the 2 on top, unless they are actually calling it “2 Nintendo Switch” and we’ve been saying it wrong this whole time. 😝 But if they are going to keep the 2 on top how do you NOT put it between the Joycon?What’s better -[] [] 2Or[] 2 []So it should be eitherNintendo Switch[] 2 []OrNINTENDO [] 2 []SWITCHif they are going to mess up the name order anyway.@Simone93 The Wii U had also many other problems, like looking very unappealing, launching with New super Mario Bros. U, which is very underwhelming as a launch game, having big game droughts with no Nintendo games launching for months on end.Well, I mean, I get it. PlayStation’s brand is on the PlayStation name, not the 1, 2, 3, 4… nobody owns the Arabic numerals.@Nailz @AnonyQ It would have sold over 100 million units and we would have got the Switch 1.5 around the same tine as the Xbox Series and PS5?@MrCarlos46,Pretty sure there was never a Switch Pro. The OLED was pretty much what Nintendo had always gone with their handhelds. A mid generation refresh with a larger better quality screen.You could also see the Switch lite as a 2DS equivalent.I think a lot of people overlook the importance of Nintendo combining their handheld and home consoles into one system. For years ever since the N64 it’s been Nintendo’s handheld consoles that have done the heavy lifting. And it was tough supporting two seperate devices with software. Nintendo were very wise doing this.Also how close the Wii U and Switch are in terms of design/concept. The main difference with the Switch is all the hardware is in the tablet device itself. The Wii U’s faliure paved the way for the Switch in more ways than one.@myerscereal Apart from 3DS and New 3DS, Nintendo usually doesn’t do mid generation refreshes that actually have more power than the base model (something like PlayStation and Xbox do).@Dev-N Maybe when Nintendo brings out a whole new concept.@MrCarlos46,Agree. I was just saying I did not think the Switch Pro ever existed apart from in core fans minds. Who were always wanting more ever since the original Switch was revealed.The DSi was a slight improvement but nothing that would have exclusive games for it. I think the new 3DS had only one exclusive game that would not run on the original 3DS models… Xenoblade Chronicles. This I feel is never a good idea.@anoyonmus This does not apply to Sega fans. Adding the number two wouldn’t imply it’s a new console to them. And the Genesis 3 looked so ugly. Now PlayStation fans, they love numbers! And who can blame them? Now Nintendo fans? They’re not happy. They wanted a Super Nintendo Switch to reference the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. So I guess I’m not a Nintendo fan, because I didn’t really care whether they called it that or not. Oh well. Logic wins again! So of course, I cannot wait for Mario Kart 0!Calling it Switch 2 is perfect in my opinion. Makes it simple to understand.Name is boring, but makes sense. Don’t love the logo either, too busy I think. But yeah… it’s what’s under the hood and in the cartridge slot that’s matter in the end!I was hoping for the name ‘Not Steam Deck’.Funny how people think the best and obvious marketing name is a ‘genius’ move… but sadly Japan has a track record for very stupid product/brand names.
I’ll bet NoA put their foot down and told NoJ, “You’re going to call it Switch 2 and that’s final. No, it’s not going to be called Switchly Default! DX Edition 2/C Another. We’re not gonna take the fall for you again like we did with Wii U”.@Prizm Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series. Let’s talk about bad names.@Crono1973 – True, on the American side, XBox console names are the worst.At this point switch 2 feels more like DLC instead of a new console.I think Wii U wasn’t a bad name, I understood first time I heard it, it was a follow up console BUT! I didn’t see the E3 presentation and since watching it, I think that’s where they went wrong. No where near as confusing as Xbox.The numbering is a good idea, I just wish it wasn’t. I just like all the quirky names throughout the years.Not taking the opportunity to call it the Nintendo Entertainment System 8. @myerscerealIt really was one of the best decisions Nintendo has made in the last decade. By combining their portable and home console divisions it’s allowed them to create a steady stream of content and focus all their resources into one device.I suspect anyone who wanted Nintendo to abandon the Switch brand already don’t want Nintendo to succeed.How could a system that is very close to becoming the best selling game console ever not deserve a follow up?Sure the switch has been highly successful largely due to merging the Console and Handheld product lines that previously existed. But I personally am disappointed in the low number of titles that I am personally interested in. Most of the Zelda games for the switch have been remasters of older titles and only a handful of new titles. The WiiU allowed you to purchase older classics Zelda titles but the Switch only allows you to rent the titles if you subscribe to the Switch online, tier one some games, tier two a few more titles, but it’s not even close to all the classics Nintendo titles, let alone the Nintendo published titles. I believe Nintendo is launching the Switch 2 due to the sale of new Switch consoles slowing down so Nintendo seems to need to release a new console. The Wii was widely successful but most of the games are a nightmare to actually play. The WiiU even if it wasn’t a “successful” console had lots of titles available for the console in the short time it was on the market. I believe Nintendo released more Zelda games for the WiiU then they have for the Switch. I don’t consider the Switch online only titles to be a real game release.It worked for Mew.@MrCarlos46 but isnt the switch2 in all honesty a switch pro?The Wii U name was silly, but fine. Nintendo’s problem was poor marketing and waiting too long to release new hardware when Wii software/hardware sales had been dying for quite some time (and motion controls had worn out its novelty). Nintendo were complacent, and they paid the price.The 3DS was also never going to be quite as successful since smartphones were in circulation, and they had poached most of the audience that attracted the original DS in droves. I remember seeing a couple of old ladies back in the day gushing over puzzle games on the DS, in particular the Professor Layton series. You’d almost certainly never see that happen in the Switch section of a physical store today, which is quite sad.I dislike the name, but who cares. Just wany to play them new exclusives!@NintendoByNature Was just about to say almost the same thing, although I’m indifferent to the name.numbered iterations are the only option going forward. if it was super switch… what is beyond super switch? ultra switch? it is very limiting. with switch 2 they can keep iterating just like playstation. also games cost so much now, they can’t afford something like the WiiU@Guitario Great question.Prizm wrote:Funny how people think the best and obvious marketing name is a ‘genius’ move… but sadly Japan has a track record for very stupid product/brand names.I’ll bet NoA put their foot down and told NoJ, “You’re going to call it Switch 2 and that’s final. No, it’s not going to be called Switchly Default! DX Edition 2/C Another. We’re not gonna take the fall for you again like we did with Wii U”.If NoE had any involvement with this, would they side with NoA or NoJ, or are they just like “Personally we don’t care what the console is called. Just reveal it soon enough so the leakers can stop.”Switch 2 is a boring name but an effective one. At least no consumers will be confused unlike the Wii U.I wonder if this means Nintendo is going to follow Sony’s example and just do numbered iterations of the Switch (Switch 3 for example). Honestly, its a smart choice.Switch 2 just means that it’s the next console just like PS naming but it’s a taboo that Switch becomes Switch 2. That makes it known and people can’t make excuse it the same. Same name but next in line and trying to hate on Switch 2 is just full of hot air.@Ade117 So your saying PS1 to PS5 is also a boring name as well?@RedWolf Absolutely. I prefer fun names like Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance, Playstation Vita, etc.@Rodimusprime1313 But I personally am disappointed in the low number of titles that I am personally interested in.
Says what? Is this a Nintendo hater or something?@Rodimusprime1313 I believe Nintendo is launching the Switch 2 due to the sale of new Switch consoles slowing down so Nintendo seems to need to release a new console
At 150 mils is a dying console in only 7 years? What world are you living in.@Ade117 Absolutely. I prefer fun names like Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance, Playstation Vita, etc.
Are you in thinking what your saying? Besides PS, tell me where are those other consoles now? If what you said about Nintendo you clearly didn’t say about PS series as boring.@Ade117 PS names with numerical series are not boring. It shown as the number of generation. Here in my country Indonesia, a lot of people’s called PlayStation machines with native Indonesian language of their numbers. PS1 = PS Satu, PS2 = PS Dua, PS3 = PS Tiga, PS4 = PS Empat, PS5 = PS LimaExcept PSP & PS VITA we pronounced exactly like English names.@Joekun absolutely. We’ll know more in 2 months!I am still partial to Switch-Tooie. 😉@BigE I was for calling it the SUPER Nintendo Switch. But I’m of the generation that went from the NES to the SNES so for me, knowing the Super Nintendo was coming out (we didn’t have the internet, so I got my info from Nintendo Power, GamePro, EGM, etc.) and I instantly knew that it was going to be a huge upgrade from the NES. I could see that the graphics were going to be even better than the Genesis and TG-16; so I was HYPED!I realize that may be lost on the younger generation, because the the internet we can pour over every detail before launch, but back then it was all curated by Nintendo unless “Quarterman” had an “inside source” giving us some gossip.@Koxen You answered it yourself. After the Super Switch would be the Ultra Switch, and I honestly think the N64 would have done better had it been called Ultra 64. But what do I know? hahaSimple and clear and that’s all the name needed to be.Name is ok, but if Nintendo place the Nintendo Switch 2 as a premiun console pricing it at 450 euro/dollars to keep the Nintendo Switch alive in the low-end Nintendo plans will fail in the long-term. It smells like ‘New’ Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo’s customer base is full of casuals and parents that don’t like to pay much for a toy.I’m just glad they never went with New Switch.@BTB20 I completely agree with you. I’m not arguing against the fact that the Wii U failed, and that the confusing name had a part in that.But looking at Nintendo’s history, they’ve also had great success with follow-up consoles that didn’t rely on numbers for their names. People seem to forget that.@Rodimusprime1313,Nintendo did sell aroung 80 million consoles during the Wii U and 3DS generation. Which I feel is still more consoles than if the opted to go into the core space again. Which is around 180 million consoles per generation which i feel Nintendo would be doing well to get even a thirs share of.@SoIDecidedTo Same here!Hearing names like the “Super” Nintendo, or the GameBoy “Advance” had so much wow-effect! It just instantly generated excitement, right?It’s funny how much a good name can do for the hype factor.@Guitario,No. For a couple of reasons. The first on being there was no such thing as the Switch Pro in the firest place. It was simply core fans wishlists based on the original not living up to the hype before it’s reveal.Secondly the Switch 2 is a massive leap over the original, which was already dated hardware before it launched. The Switch 2 is more powerful by defalt as it’s releasing eight years after the original. Rather than any real effort by Nintendo to make a more powerful system. Mobile chipsets are just getting to the point that most casual customers will not be able to tell the diffence between games on this and Sony or Microsoft’s machines.People need to let the WiiU go.That was different. Both naming and marketing around the WiiU was a confusing mess! Like the whole marketing department at Nintendo was run by interns at the time.The Switch 2 is a logical name. The Switch has developed in a huge and very succesful brandname.
People know what it is and what to expect.
Calling it Switch 2 is just logical. People know and recognize immediately what it is. It’s a new generation Switch console. Just like how Playstation has been branding their new generation consoles for the past 20+ years.could of been called the Slick or the Click and then everyone would be confused…. so no@MrCarlos46 this hurts. That’s precisely what I wanted, so 3DS games could come to the system. Now I have no interesting ideas.Edit: I actually googled it (haven’t been following any leaks, believe it or not) and a dedicated button for chat/comms makes an insane amount of sense. Given the absence of good chat support on Switch 1, this would be a great improvement.The main reason they have called it the Switch 2 is so that people don’t get confused the same way they did with the Wii U. So you know its a new console compared to what a lot of people thought of the Wii U that it was an accessory.“Why would you mess with that?” Because… Nintendo.They ditched the gameboy brand after much success let’s not forget!Switch 2 is a perfect name for it. It’s certainly a better naming convention when they released the (sort of) successor to the 3DS by calling it….the new 3DS which then got referred to as just 3DS! Talk about market confusion – how did you know you were buying the correct one? And the less said about the Wii U the better.In other news, Playstation need someone like Layden back at the helm. Many years of ‘the accountant’ (Ryan) and now Munster (Herman) and the fun element of PS has disappeared, especially with the departure of Shuhei.I think they should have learned that brand value with the NES, because they created a kinda perfectly descriptive name and hugely successful product there that everyone knew, Nintendo Entertainment System. I think that should have been the name of every Nintendo console from that point forward and just with a number at the end for each new version, NES 1, NES 2, NES 3, etc, just like with PlayStation.PlayStation, now that’s truly a name that hasn’t been bettered in the industry to date. Sony nailed it first time around.Remember when people used to refer to basically all gaming systems as “Nintendo”. Nintendo could have just called every new system a Nintendo from that point forward and with a number for each new version. So we’d be on like the Nintendo 7 at this point, with the Nintendo 8 about to launch.Switch isn’t exactly a great name outside of this generation of systems imo. Because, unless every Nintendo system from this point forward has some kind of switching from TV to portable to tabletop feature, they’re going to have to find a new name once again in another generation or two.Again, Sony just utterly nailed it with PlayStation. It’s even perfect for PlayStation Portable too. Christ, even Microsoft did well with Xbox as a base name, although all the numbering and series stuff got a bit daft and confusing. But at least we always know it’s an Xbox and the new one is coming. And I think Nintendo needs to find something like that, which it can use for every new console going forward.I can’t believe I live in a world where people have an issue with numbers. They used the right naming system. The one everyone understands. They could not have made it any clearer. It’s a number.The benefit of calling it the Switch 2 and showing off the larger console and new Joy-Cons is that there will be absolutely no confusion that this is an entirely new console and not just an add-on for the previous one. This is (hopefully) not going to be another Wii U situation, where no one will buy it due to confusion.But Nintendo now has to focus on the games, games that you cannot play anywhere else; not even on the original Switch. And they need a LOT of them. We can’t have this be like the New Nintendo 3DS again, where there were only eight games that were exclusive to the system (and frankly, only two worth getting, those being Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Fire Emblem Warriors).And any rereleases of games from the original Switch (such as Breath of the Wild) for the Switch 2 should have any DLC included in the base game, but include exclusive bonus content, in order to incentivize buying them again instead of just popping in the original version.Hopefully Nintendo can knock it out of the park a second time with the Switch 2, as long as they play their cards right.remembering the context of the wii u existing makes the switch 2 name funnier to me. i wonder why nintendo doesnt want to take a risk with naming their new systemi will say tho part of me still doesnt like the name “Switch”. because its such a generic word it always has to be officially called the “Nintendo Switch”. such a mouthful and Nintendo Switch Sports has such an awkward name because of it yes im petty@myerscereal Fire Emblem Warriors can’t run on the OG 3DS either.I can’t wait to get THE NEXT NINTENDO CONSOLE and enjoy all the BRAND VALUE.@Truegamer79 It’s spherical!Keeping the Switch – both its name and concept – makes perfect sense considering its success and if the 2 is what is needed to avoid another Wii U situation I (and many others here and elsewhere as well) will gladly take that, too!@FaroreAbhorsen I mean, they could still find a way to make it work, like a dual screen accessory.I think Switch 2 makes sense it prevents any confusion and should build upon the Switch popularity. I don’t think the numbering is here to stay though.I believe the gaming landscape will be different somehow in the next 5 to 7 years so I imagine a totally new concept from Nintendo for the next console.Excited to see what S2 brings. An updated sensor bar in so e form I imagine would be a good option for the mystery button on the switch@rjejr I fear you are over-thinking it, friend. Lol, that’s my job. Hope you and yours are well.Switch 2 is the best decision Nintendo has made in console-naming since Switch. Everyone, even Grandma knows that the 2 means it’s the new version. SwitchU would have been confusing.@RedWolf What I am saying is that the number of Nintendo games that have been released for the switch hasn’t been that impressive in my opinion. Like Bayonetta 1 and 2 were released for the WiiU, the switch got Bayonetta 3 and that is it. The WiiU got Zelda Twilight Princess, Windwalker, Breath of the Wild, and via digital download was The Legend of Zelda, Zelda 2, Zelda link to the past, Zelda Ocarina, Zelda Mask, Zelda Minish Cap, Zelda Hourglass, Zelda Spirit Tracks. For the switch it’s Zelda Breath of the Wild, Skyward sword, Link Awakening, Tears of Kingdom, and Echoes of Wisdom, and any classic titles are only available with a paid subscription which I personally don’t like paying to only get a handful of Zelda games.@rjejr Which answer do you really want? My sober answer or my drunk answer? Choose carefully.@SoIDecidedTo I got my first games machine in 1982 and I don’t think any one born after the mid eighties could even comprehend how difficult it was to get information back then. Being from the UK console gaming was expensive back then and It wasn’t until I was working that I jumped in with a mega drive (genesis), but I totally get what your saying about adding a bit of intrigue with the nameSwitch 2 is officially the fifth Nintendo iterative system. The SNES, the WiiU, the GBA and the 3DS are a pretty good legacy to rely on but arguably the only one here that surpassed its predecessor is the snes and it’s the oldest of the bunch. And also an insane amount of cult status to live up to.I say it’s doable but careful. Don’t expect NS2 to surpass NS. It’s still just an iterative console. Don’t target snes iterative, just good iterative and most importantly do better than wiiu iterative and we’ll be fine.@sd7232Switch Series One U.
Couldn’t be clearer what it’s all about.@SoIDecidedTo but what is beyond ultra. that is my point. I’m thinking further into the future@Rodimusprime1313 What I am saying is that the number of Nintendo games that have been released for the switch hasn’t been that impressive in “my opinion”.
Now where getting somewhere-people try to make it sounds like the doom is coming but it’s far being even that. The sales of Switch games vs your opinion hasn’t panned out in the other directions. There are games for all age, group and gender. If that’s not for everyone then NO games for any consoles or portable or PC gaming/Steam/GOG would even work for you. Read a book lately.@sanderson72 Switch 2 is a perfect name for it.
The name as you say clearly defines it’s not the same but people can’t wrap their head around Switch 2 is coming and better and more power to do more. But if you read all their comments online and at NL you would think there was no Switch 2. Switch Pro be nice but a Switch 2 clearly states it next generation-you can’t go any simpler then that.@mlt I say it’s doable but careful. Don’t expect NS2 to surpass NS. It’s still just an iterative console.
Another NintenDoomed fandom why do people keep harping misinformation when it’s not the same.I’m pretty much hoping this will be the brand for a while. Not sure if I will be gaming when the switch 3 comes out, but I hope it is a build upon the switch brand.@HammerGalladeBro this is false the U doesn’t mean upgrade the U means You
Wii U is an abbreviation it’s short for Wii would like to play with U (we would like to play with you) Nintendo has addressed this
The name is a punNintendo (Switch) WarpNintendo (Switch) FusionNintendo (Switch) MorphNintendo (Switch) Swap Nintendo (Switch) Wanderer/WanderNintendo (Switch) HYPERNintendo (Switch) MAXIMUMI’ll take Nintendo Switch NomadLots of switch synonyms that could workI would even take Switch double or switch squared even SwIItch over switch 2I would have liked these namesI think the C button means capture maybe camera/screenshot and video were split into different buttons idk@JohnnyMind different leaders would have been different regardless@BTB20,So another title that was exclusive.@Dr_Lugae Let’s try it this way: I suspect anyone who wanted Nintendo to abandon the Wii brand already don’t want Nintendo to succeed.How could a system that is very close to becoming the best selling game console ever not deserve a follow up?How did that turn out?@anoyonmus not even just for PlayStation, but thanks to that concept it followed into other industries. Apple is another example with their iPhone line-up, all they do is introduce iPhone ## and it’s understood by the consumer it’s an upgrade. Google’s Pixel line-up has been on the same trend, Samsung was one this trend, but seemed to deviate slightly.@PokeMadness1996 all those names would create a similar confusion to Wii U, 3DS and DSi. Show CommentsLeave A CommentHold on there, you need to login to post a comment…69 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo’s ‘Supercharge’ eShop Sale (North America)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherNew-Look Donkey Kong Items Now Available On The My Nintendo Store”You’ll go bananas for this”Random: Local Supermarket Wins Trademark Battle Against NintendoIt didn’t expect to beat “such a commercial monster”Rumour: Switch 2 Game Cases Might Take Up More Space On Your ShelfHere’s how they could compare to the current Switch casesJapan’s Switch eShop Will Soon No Longer Accept Overseas Payment MethodsChange will come into effect in March 20News “Nintendo Is Probably The Easiest To Scam” – Devs Discuss The Current State Of The eShop 12Round Up Reviews For Civilization VII Are Mostly Positive So Far 22News Mysterious Patent Hints At “Predictive Input” For Nintendo Switch 2 20UK Charts Donkey Kong Slips From The Top 5 As Sniper Elite Makes Its Debut 22Random Speedrunner Takes Donkey Kong Run To New Heights By Beating The Kill ScreenGuide 69 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo’s ‘Supercharge’ eShop Sale (Nort…Random Oh No, You Can Buy A Life-Sized Gardevoir Plush From Pokémon CenterReview ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom In The Mist (Switch) – An Incredibly Polished, Dow…News Ex-PlayStation Boss On Switch 2’s Name: Nintendo Created So Much “B…News New-Look Donkey Kong Items Now Available On The My Nintendo StoreRandom Local Supermarket Wins Trademark Battle Against NintendoRumour Switch 2 Game Cases Might Take Up More Space On Your ShelfGuide Pokémon TCG Pocket: Dialga EX Deck GuideNews Bananas Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Platforming Problem Is Ruining Th…News Japan’s Switch eShop Will Soon No Longer Accept Overseas Payment MethodsPopular Right NowShow More Join 1,506,412 people following Nintendo Life:© 2025 Hookshot Media, partner of IGN Entertainment | Hosted by 44 Bytes | AdChoices | Do Not Sell My Personal Information
