Nintendo had a rocky start to this decade. After the Nintendo Wii's immeasurable success, the company released the Wii U in 2012. The console only moved a fraction of its predecessor's units, ultimately failing as a result of poor marketing, a high price tag, and uninspired gimmick. It's a shame too, considering the system had some stellar titles like Super Mario 3D World, Super Smash Brothers, and Bayonetta 2. Being the champs they are, the legendary video game company brushed the dust off their shoulders and got to work on a new console, one that would rectify their mistake and put them back on top.
That new console, the Nintendo Switch, came in 2017. The hybrid design allowed players to take their gaming on the go or keep it in the comfort of their living room. The novelty itself was enough, but it was aided by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Super Mario Odyssey came out the same year, and both titles were the best each franchise had seen in well over a decade.
In true Nintendo fashion, a Nintendo Switch Lite has been announced, cutting the price tag by $100 while also removing some features like docked play and detachable Joy-Cons. It's a solid budget alternative, but diehard Nintendo fans were looking for a upgrade. We shouldn't expect one this year, but when it does get released, here are 10 revisions we want.
10 A Boost In Performance
Nintendo is doing its own thing now while letting Microsoft and Sony duke it out over the console wars. That doesn't mean they shouldn't take a cue from their enhanced consoles, though.
A new Switch should boost the games running on it. If not graphical upgrades, then it should at least cut down on load times and keep steadier frame rates. It should avoid making certain games only playable on the new model, however, or making significant game play changes to one version over the other like certain games did on the New 3DS.
9 A Better Screen
Bigger isn't always better when it comes to portable electronics, but the Switch's screen could stand to be larger.
If they won't do that, then it definitely needs an overall improvement, whether it be resolution or enhanced scratch protection. Sharper resolution could go a long way towards minimizing the difference between docked and portable modes.
8 Longer Battery Life
The Switch's capabilities are still wildly impressive. It's easily one of the biggest technology jumps between handheld systems the company has made. Unfortunately, the system takes a hit with its battery life.
Depending on the game, the Switch can last as little as three hours. Bump up that battery life, Nintendo, and let people explore Hyrule longer before having to find a place to charge up.
7 Better Joy-Cons
The Joy-Cons are easily the weakest part of the Switch. It's great that certain games can be played with only one of them, allowing for easy multiplayer functionality, but most would rather play with any other controller.
Make the Joy-Cons a respectable way to enjoy video games and people will be happy. At the very least, they should fix that flimsy d-pad.
6 Make It More Sturdy
Nintendo has always had an incredible track record when it comes to the durability of its devices. The Switch is their first portable gaming device that doesn't look like it could handle a several foot drop.
On top of that, the screen can get scratched easily and isn't afforded the protection offered by the DS's clam shell design. Granted, no one should be so irresponsible as to drop their Switch or chuck it across the room, but it ought to withstand the blow if it does happen.
5 A Price Drop For The Other Models
It is hard to say if a revised Switch would rise above the $300 price tag or if it would take the old model's price. Perhaps it would replace the old version altogether. Assuming it's any of the former two, its announcement should coincide with a price drop for the regular Switch.
If it did come as a full replacement, Nintendo would probably drop the price in order to clear out stock for the new model.
4 Built-In Internet And Ethernet Port
Streaming is looking more like the future with each passing day. While Nintendo has always been focused on crafting great games, they are bound to look into the new technology eventually.
To do this, however, they need more options for the internet. Maybe asking for a wireless network for the portable system is too much, but at least include as Ethernet port on the new dock.
3 Netflix
Nintendo Switch is curiously missing Netflix, something that seems to come standard with most consoles these days. Perhaps thee hardware itself making video streaming difficult, but Youtube and Hulu are available.
Whatever the issue is, they should remedy it for the next model. Imagine how nice it would be to watch one's favorite movies and series on the go with the Switch's screen.
2 A New Dock
The Switch's current dock isn't terrible, but some have reported issues with accidentally scratching their screens while placing and removing their Switch.
The switch was meant to be placed in the dock, and even the slightest possibility of scratching it while doing so is inexcusable.
1 Bluetooth Headphone Support
Why this function is absent is still a mystery. The Joy-Cons work through Bluetooth, so one should have no trouble using Bluetooth headphones. At the very least, Nintendo could manufacture their own signature pair for the Switch.
Gaming on the go is almost exclusively done with headphones, and the company is blocking off a lot of options when they don't allow Bluetooth headphones.