Christopher Dring also participates in the discussion fueled by Digital Foundry on social media with the revelations about the discarded Switch Pro: the GamesIndustry.biz boss reflects on the future of Nintendo and explains why the next console from the Kyoto house may not be Switch 2.
In an exchange with video game enthusiasts intrigued by Digital Foundry’s statements on the rumored midgen version of Nintendo Switch that would have been shelved by the Japanese company, the GIbiz manager shared some interesting reflections on the strategies implemented by the Big N for market a new console and ensure its lasting success.
For Dring, in fact, “when launching a new console, it is essential for Nintendo that it can offer a lineup capable of giving it momentum in the medium term. I am not referring only to the games that are marketed at the console’s debut, but also those that arrive in the second month, in the third , in the fourth and so on, up to cover at least the first 12 months“.
However, the GamesIndustry.biz boss explains that “COVID has had a major impact on the supply chain of Nintendo’s key development teams, just as it has happened to all other companies and beyond. Also for this reason, the transition (to the next generation of Nintendo consoles, ed) it will be difficult to manage for them”.
Having rejected the hypothesis of a midgen version of Switch, Dring believes that Nintendo could look with increasing interest at the possibility of “going back to developing a traditional console, it wouldn’t surprise me”. Also because, always argues Dring, “Nintendo will never compete in terms of specifications. That would mean launch a $700 console on the market (adopting a hybrid approach like that of Switch, ed)“.
When Nintendo rolls out a new console, it is essential it has a line-up in place to given it momentum. And not just on launch day, but in month 2, 3, 4, 6, 12. COVID has impacted Nintendo’s core dev teams, just as it has everyone. The transition will be a tough one to manage
— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) December 29, 2022
I would be surprised if we didn’t get a more traditional console sequel
— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) December 29, 2022
Nintendo will never compete with the other systems on specs. It would involve making a £700 handheld
— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) December 29, 2022
