BTTR Roundup #28: Why the Switch 2 is already a success (before it even launches)

I've been thinking about the game console upgrade cycle this week.

We're just a couple of months away from Nintendo officially launching the Switch 2 — eight years since the original model changed gaming forever.

And while it hasn’t even hit store shelves yet, I’m already convinced that the Switch 2 is a guaranteed success.

I vividly remember taking the kids to Big W in March 2017 to pick up the original Switch. I’ve bought a lot of consoles over the years, but this was the first launch I could really share with my family.

I remember setting it up, eagerly firing up 1-2 Switch—and then feeling a bit let down. But that disappointment lasted about five minutes because The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was breath-taking.

Over the years, the original Switch became the foundation of many great family gaming experiences. Mario Kart has easily seen the most playtime in my house, but we’ve also had plenty of fun with Mario Party and the various Mario platformers.

And for me personally, the Switch was a revelation—it let me take epic single-player adventures anywhere. It’s the console that finally let me finish Skyrim, replay The Witcher 3, and experience countless hours of Zelda brilliance.

While Sony and Microsoft focused on graphical fidelity, Nintendo doubled down on gameplay—a move that paid off spectacularly. Just this week, Nintendo announced in its earnings report that the Switch has sold over 150 million units worldwide, putting it just 4 million short of the Nintendo DS, and within reach of the PlayStation 2 at 160 million.

With the imminent arrival of the Switch 2, there’s speculation about whether the original Switch will become the best-selling console of all time. But at this point, the actual numbers don’t even matter—because Nintendo has already made sure that the Switch’s legacy will continue.

One of the biggest reasons the Switch 2 is already a success? Backward compatibility. Unlike previous generational jumps that forced players to rebuild their libraries, the Switch 2 will support original Switch games.

That means millions of current Switch owners can upgrade without losing access to their favourite titles—an instant selling point that will drive early adoption.

Then there’s the sheer hype surrounding the Switch 2. Even before an official reveal, leaks and rumours have generated massive anticipation.

Nintendo has built a reputation for delivering something different, and this time, they’re refining rather than reinventing, which is exactly what fans want.

So, even though the Switch 2 hasn’t launched yet, it’s already positioned to succeed. A massive existing audience, backward compatibility, and Nintendo’s track record of innovation mean it’s not a question of if the Switch 2 will be a hit—it’s just a question of how big.

Even though the Switch 2 hasn’t launched yet, I’m already convinced it’ll be worth it.

What do you think? Are you planning to upgrade or sticking with the original Switch?

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This week's tech news

Apple launches Invites app | BTTR

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The DJI Flip is a really well designed for portability, while offering a strong performance boost over the DJI Neo. I’m keen to play with this one.

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Dyson’s latest vacuum cleans cars and boats (and more) | BTTR

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UPDATED: Looks like Catch Connect isn’t shutting down on April 30 after all

Following the demise of Catch.com.au, Optus MVNO Catch Connect informed affiliate partners it’s closing its operations at the end of April before retracting its statement.

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Ninja SLUSHI now available in Australia | BTTR

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This week's reviews

Moto Tag review: A decent AirTag clone for Android users | BTTR

Apple’s AirTag clearly inspired Motorola’s Moto Tag, from its design to its functionality. But it’s more than just a simple clone, though it doesn’t surpass its inspiration.

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Nick @ BTTR