Switch 2’s Weird Era is Fun

Let’s talk about the Switch 2 for a bit. Since the console launched, I have seen discussions of how “weird” the launch year lineup of games is. People have cited a lack of new games in the Mario and Zelda franchises, and a lack of games that popularized the original Nintendo Switch, such as Animal Crossing.

After the most recent Nintendo Direct and the acknowledgement that the Nintendo Switch 2 has already outsold the Nintendo Switch, I got to thinking. Overall, I think Nintendo is in an experimental phase, and that is a good thing. Why? Well, here’s my take on things.

Nintendo doesn’t need to sell consoles with flashy franchises right now, which means those games (the eventual Mario, Animal Crossing, Zelda, etc) can have more time in the oven. On top of that, now is the time for other franchises to shine like the upcoming Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Metroid Prime 4.

Even better than that, however, is that we can all benefit from a bit of time where Nintendo can just do weird things with game development. Admittedly, some of my favorite games from the early console generations, like the PlayStation 1, are a little odd, such as Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring.

Then, of course, you have games like Katamari Damacy (which is getting a new entry next month), which take weird premises and try new things with them. The gaming industry is at its best when new things and weird ideas are being used. We should be talking less about how Nintendo’s first-year strategy is “a bad sign” and more about how they are taking the time to create new and exciting games for us, even if it takes a while.

I’m hoping this means that the next release in these popular franchises has some time to try new things. Pokémon Pokopia is a cool idea, but what about the next Animal Crossing? Well, maybe we’ll get Animal Crossing Galaxy/in Space next time. It’d fit the theme of things like Metroid Prime 4 coming out, and would make a fun crossover opportunity too.

We’re in a year of solid gaming releases, and 2026 will no doubt be a solid year too. Nintendo has never followed gaming trends, and this year, with the Switch 2’s release, is no exception. Enjoy the vibes, and the Switch 2 will have plenty of adventures; it just might take some time.