For the Nintendo Switch 2 to succeed, it needs these 3 essential features.
To create a successful announcement trailer for the Switch 2, Nintendo should review the excellent presentation trailer of the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo is maintaining a surprising silence about its upcoming console, but time is running out. The company has announced that the Switch 2 will be revealed in a month and a half, that is, before the fiscal year ends. It is still unclear how that presentation will unfold, and the rumors surrounding the device have been confusing for over a year. Although I don't have insider information or shocking leaks, all this anticipation around the Switch 2 has made me remember how the Nintendo Switch was presented back in the day. From the first teaser in October 2016, Nintendo executed a masterful rollout for the Switch's launch, which is recorded as one of the best console announcements of all time, even though the initial trailer is no longer available on its official site (though it can be found on YouTube).
If Nintendo manages to recreate the three elements that made the Switch announcement such a striking moment, its next console will start off on the right foot.
The Hook
The term "gimmick" often has negative connotations, but Nintendo's console hooks often change the rules of the game. The Wii revolutionized motion controls, while the Switch was a precursor to a wave of portables capable of running games with console or PC quality. During the reveal trailer for the first Switch, Nintendo emphasized the hybrid nature of the console, showing various situations where its portability was beneficial. Let's recall the woman who, at a rooftop party, used her Switch to play Mario in handheld mode. While it's likely that the Switch 2 won't stray too far from its predecessor, it will surely have some unique feature that distinguishes it from previous Nintendo devices. According to leaks, the Joy-Cons of the Switch 2 may have new capabilities, including what is suggested to be an optical sensor.
In the first 30 seconds of the Switch 2 trailer, it should be clear what makes those controllers and the console itself different from what Nintendo has released before. If the trailer fails to convey this information, it will be challenging to convince consumers why they should invest in a new console that, at first glance, looks similar to the one they already own.
Nintendo Games
While the specifics of the Switch 2's hardware are significant, so too are the games developed around that hardware. Unlike consoles like the Xbox Series X, which were presented without showing gameplay, the Nintendo Switch launch trailer showcased a series of titles from both internal and external developers. In that first trailer, we saw games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, NBA 2K18, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim running on the console. The announcement of the Switch 2 is expected to present a similar lineup of games. If Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an intergenerational title, it could be the first game we see running on the new console. Even if Nintendo does not reveal more details about the games until a future presentation, we should at least get a sneak peek of the titles that will be available at launch. Moreover, it would be wise for Nintendo to involve third-party studios in the reveal, especially if there is a Switch 2 game that is currently only on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Like any other console, the success of the Switch 2 will depend on its game catalog. Nintendo needs to provide reasons for the upgrade, and the best way to do this is by showcasing some of the anticipated titles during the first months on the market.
Lifestyle
One of the underrated aspects of the Switch reveal trailer was how it established the lifestyle associated with using the console. The marketing campaign for the Wii and Wii U largely focused on families and children, while the Switch trailer featured only young adults, imparting a more modern and fresh image from the very first glance. Personally, as a high school senior at the time of the Switch announcement, I can confirm that this strategy had an effect. This time, Nintendo does not need to combat a negative perception of who its console audience is. At the launch of the Switch, Nintendo was seen as an underdog that had to validate its offering. This is not the case now, but it means that Nintendo will have to work harder to convince people to upgrade. The first Switch 2 trailer should once again show people using the device in their everyday lives. This would be more effective than simple gameplay sequences and cinematic shots of the hardware; the goal of these types of reveals is to tell a story, and Nintendo needs to clearly define the narrative it wants viewers to understand.
If Nintendo manages to hit the mark on these three fundamental aspects, it will be able to generate excitement for its upcoming console, although launching an upgraded version of one of the most successful consoles in history could be enough on its own.
