Discussion with the Game Creator: Nintendo Switch 2 - Initial Discussion (Part 1)
In an exclusive interview for our Ask the Developer series, the team behind the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 shared insights into the making of this highly anticipated console. The interview was conducted before the system's scheduled launch on June 5.
The development of the Nintendo Switch 2 began around 2019, with research and development starting even before the project formally kicked off. Tetsuya Sasaki, a member of the Technology Development Division and the technical director for Switch 2, explained, "We wanted to focus on improved graphical capabilities, enhanced technology support, and facilitating longer, more immersive gameplay experiences that the original Switch could not handle."
One of the unique features of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its support for technologies like 'Voxil', which allows for enhanced use of destruction and continuous play experiences. This technological advancement was not feasible on the original Switch. The Switch 2 is also expected to support higher resolution, specifically 1080p in handheld mode and 4K when docked, indicating a significantly upgraded display output capability.
Nintendo is also focusing on attracting third-party developers with new dev kits, though access to these kits has been limited as of mid-2025, delaying announcements for many Switch 2 games by major studios.
The developers of Nintendo Switch 2 believe that software developers will have even more possibilities to create unique games with the improved functions of the system. Kouichi Kawamoto, the producer for Switch 2 and the general director for Nintendo Switch, said, "The improved processing power of Switch allows for the creation of a world in the sky and underground, as seen in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom."
In this sequel, players can fuse objects together to create new ones, a feature made possible because of the Switch system's capabilities. Meanwhile, in Donkey Kong Bananza, players can destroy anything in the game without restrictions, a testament to the enhanced technology support of the Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 system serves as a base, and unique gameplay experiences can be offered later via accessories packaged with games. For instance, in Ring Fit Adventure, players use the Ring-Con and Leg-Strap accessories to move their entire body.
Takuhiro Dohta, the director for Switch 2 and the man behind every launch title from Nintendo DS to Switch, shared that the developers wished for a faster processor to provide new and unprecedented gameplay experiences. This wish was fulfilled with the improved processing power of the Switch 2.
In Mario Kart World, all courses are connected seamlessly in a single world. The developers of Nintendo Switch 2 prioritized improving the processing speed to allow for new and unprecedented gameplay experiences.
The interview concluded with the developers expressing their commitment to making the Switch 2 a platform that advances technical performance and broadens third-party game support. The team is confident that the Nintendo Switch 2 will revolutionise the gaming world, just as its predecessors did.
- The Nintendo Switch 2's development started around 2019, focusing on improved graphical capabilities, enhanced technology support, and longer, more immersive gameplay experiences.
- One unique feature of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its support for Voxil technology, enabling enhanced destruction and continuous play experiences.
- Nintendo is working on attracting third-party developers with new dev kits, though access to these kits has been limited.
- The developers of Nintendo Switch 2 believe that the improved functions of the system will provide software developers with more possibilities to create unique games, such as fusing objects together in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
- In Donkey Kong Bananza, players can destroy anything without restrictions, thanks to the enhanced technology support of the Switch 2.
- The developers of Nintendo Switch 2 prioritized improving processing speed to offer new gameplay experiences, like seamlessly connected courses in Mario Kart World.
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