What I think a hypothetical Switch successor should have

The Nintendo Switch is officially six years old. He’s definitely in his twilight years. I seem to hear rumors at least once a week about a Switch successor. Some rumors say it’ll be out later this year or early next, while others say we’ll wait until late 2024 for Nintendo’s next console. I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I want to see from a Switch successor.

Some of these ideas are plausible, others are pure fantasy. Before I get into that though, I want to clarify that I don’t know when or if Nintendo will release a new console and I don’t know if it will be like Switch or if Nintendo will retire a Nintendo and really change things up. However, for this list, I’m going to be working on the assumption that Nintendo is releasing a new console that is a console/portable hybrid like the Switch. Let me know in the comments what you would like to see from a Switch successor. Any theory as to what it might be if it wasn’t a similar console/handheld hybrid? I’d like to hear them.

Improved power

This is the top of everyone’s list. I know many want sharp 4K graphics, but I personally don’t care. I’d be happy with solid 1080p performance at consistent framerates. Granted, a good part of my reasoning is that my TV is only 1080p and so it seems to me that worrying about 4K is a bit of a stretch. If we’re going to push graphics further, I’d say shoot at 1440p.

Make OLED standard

I think this has a chance of success. Nintendo has released OLED Switch and for some it really changed the game. The OLED screen has a smaller bezel and the screen is gorgeous. I’m saving up to get one as a second Switch because of how good it was to see a friend play it. OLED should be the standard for the new console and I’ll even be bold and say that we don’t need a bigger screen than the current one. In theory this could help production as they don’t have to source brand new screens (I think 720p in handheld is fine).

Upgrade storage to SSD

The Nintendo Switch uses eMMC which is essentially a built-in SD card. This storage convention isn’t terrible and typically beats mechanical hard drives, but SSDs are growing in popularity, falling in price, and substantially better at performance. Plus, we need more than a measly 32GB or 64GB of built-in storage. Games are getting bigger and a more powerful machine will mean bigger games. Let’s go with at least 256GB.

Innovate Joy-Con/Controllers

Joy-Cons are a good idea for a controller, but they could definitely use some improvement. To begin with, we find a joystick that is waterproof (or at least more resistant) to the dreaded drift. We can also try to improve the triggering experience. I’ve heard wonderful things about the DualSense haptic feedback in triggers, and I’d like to hear if Nintendo adds something similar. Also, what if Nintendo went with third parties and played with the shape and/or size of the Joy-Cons to make them feel more comfortable in larger hands? It could be something.

Make GUI exciting

Ever since the launch, fans have been waiting for Nintendo to release fun themes for the Switch. We got Black and White at the start and the last one grew by exactly zero. The 3DS had themes based on various characters which helped gamers bring more personality to their device. Something like that would be great. I’d also like a more general redesign to get rid of the very bland queue of recently used games/apps. Allow folders on the front, let’s do more of a grill, something!

Change the approach to online gaming

I know this isn’t something that necessarily requires a new console, but a new console would be a great time to do this. Nintendo needs to change the way it is used online and instead of using peer-to-peer connections, it needs to establish dedicated servers. They also have to ditch the mobile app and simply integrate that functionality onto the console. There must also be a messaging system and make it easier to invite friends to play with you.

Ultimate backwards compatibility

This is my big pipe wish that I know won’t happen. I’d really like it if they released an optional dock that let you plug in your old cartridge games and put your disc games in for past Nintendo consoles. Got a NES game you want to play again? Put it in! I want to play Pokemon Ruby on your TV? You got it right! Maybe you just want to escape Super Smash Bros. Melee from the GameCube era. I’d be extremely shocked if Nintendo did something like this, but I’d love to. I think the more likely option is that there may be backwards compatibility with Switch games and that’s it.