Way back in the first year of this blog, I mentioned how the Nintendo Switch became the "successor" console for Pokémon main series games of future generations, a future which is now past (or technically still the present) with the entry of the eighth and ninth generation games on the console. Recently, Nintendo has made the next move and introduced what could be termed as the next "successor" to the "successor"... or just a renewal of the "successor" status. Aptly, as stated in the title of this post, it's called the Nintendo Switch 2.
As demonstrated by its "teaser trailer", the entry model of the console will be slightly larger, feature a revised controller design that snaps rather than slides into place, and have other design improvements. What is most important, however, is that the console will play games for the original Nintendo Switch, with a few exceptions - most likely due to the new controller design affecting the gameplay of the unplayable ones. This key part also has a few implications for its "successor" status, not to mention upcoming Pokémon games.
So, to some extent, the Nintendo Switch 2 is not quite a "successor", more like an advanced version of it vis-a-vis the Nintendo 3DS toward the DSi (itself also not quite a "successor") and the original DS. Still, it will have its exclusive games that can only be played on the new console, again much like these prior consoles, and the status stands. The main series Pokémon games likewise had games on the prior consoles and will surely have new games on the new console while old games can still be played on it.
The question then becomes how (and when) new main series Pokémon games on the new console would leverage the exclusive capabilities and features of that console for its further entries - as in the tenth generation and possibly eleventh if it makes it that far, just like for earlier consoles. Those capabilities and features are what the games have always depended on and admittedly done well even in the present, so it remains to be seen how that would proceed and thus be realized in the games to come.
Understandably, any new console is always a big undertaking for the parties involved, be it the console maker (in this case Nintendo) and game maker (in this case Game Freak for the Pokémon main series games). The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is a big thing in its own regard, and while its "successor" status may or may not be quite affirmed at this point, at least upgrading the status of itself as a "successor" is still something viable, particularly for the future of Pokémon and other popular game series in this area.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/24/2024
Two years ago: The Hoenn Cup of GBL
Three years ago: The Johto Cup of GBL
Four years ago: Learning from Each Other, for Life
Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/22/2020
Six years ago: Don't Forget Our Roots
Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/24/2018
Eight years ago: Memories of Johto
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