The Switch has obviously always been a bit underpowered, but the hardware has clearly reached its performance cap, and the console’s natural storage and structure limitations are becoming more apparent after this many years of ownership. With no Switch Pro on the horizon, it’s tough to say when things will improve.
Services – 2
Perhaps a controversial ranking, but the thing that elevates the Nintendo Switch’s main services is how remarkably uncomplicated they are. An incredibly low yearly subscription fee grants you access to online gameplay and a growing collection of retro titles, demos, expansions, and services. It’s an increasingly appealing proposition that Nintendo is finally starting to put some effort into.
Yes, there is so much more that Nintendo could do in this department. Many people are still waiting for that “Virtual Console” alternative that will pretty clearly never come. However, what they do offer is quickly becoming an essential part of the Switch package.
Exclusive Games – 2
While not a banner year for Nintendo exclusives (the console’s biggest draw), the Switch actually enjoyed a somewhat underrated 2022 so far as its software lineup goes.
Arceus, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Splatoon 3, Mario+Rabbids…what the Switch lacked in absolute heavy hitter exclusives, it more than made up for with shockingly good second-tier games that offered a steady stream of new releases throughout the year. Honestly, the Switch was a major new release away from taking this category.
The Future – 1
Tears of the Kingdom is one of the biggest games on the horizon, but the Switch’s lineup is a big question mark beyond that. It’s been too long since we’ve gotten a major update from Nintendo on their biggest potentially upcoming franchise entries, which means that we’re just left to guess in regard to how the company will support its admittedly solid upcoming lineup of slightly smaller games.
