Why the Switch 2 Was Missing from the Summer Game Fest – Editorial

Sure thing, let’s dive in. So, we’ve got this new console hitting the shelves. Yep, Switch 2—ringing any bells? Now they’re telling us it’s the fastest-selling console ever, with over 3.5 million sold during opening weekend. But get this—barely any buzz about it last week. Weird, right?

Anyway, game announcements. Couple biggies like Final Fantasy Tactics and Mortal Kombat Kollection—seen these before on Switch 1 though. We’ve got Sonic Racing: Cross Worlds (was gonna be a Switch 1 thing), some new Marvel folks, plus updates for Hitman: World of Assassination and Street Fighter VI at the SGF kickoff. Oh, and Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar trailer made an appearance at Wholesome Games. Yet, somehow missed the boat on Call of the Elder Gods and Constance unless you’re only diving into Switch 2.

Now, why the sparse lineup? Well, lemme break it down.

### The Lone Ranger—Switch 1

There’s like, a gazillion Switch 1s out there—152 million if we’re counting. Switch 1 to 2 reminds me of that awkward PlayStation 2 to 3 shuffle. PS2 was still getting fresh releases until 2010. PS3? Crazy expensive when it launched—599 bucks back in ‘06. Even after PS3 hit the scene, PS2 got smash hits like God of War 2 and Persona 4, which some folks say was the best PS2 game ever. The user base was huge, just couldn’t be ignored.

And look at Nintendo, still holding onto those Switch 1 versions for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Zut Alors. Haven’t heard a peep if Rhythm Heaven Groove or Tomodachi Life will get upgrades, so chances are they’ll run on good ol’ Switch 1. Less graphical headaches that way, you know?

### Development Kit Mystery

So, has anyone actually gotten a Switch 2 devkit? Maybe, maybe not. The first game announcements are from names you might recognize—they have to decide on using a Game Key Card for retail releases. Big studios and notable indies like Toby Fox with Deltarune and Shin’en doing Fast Fusion.

But have smaller teams gotten a piece of the pie? Who knows. Check the Switch 1 eShop ‘cause if something’s not Switch 2 ready, it might not show up. We’ll need months of sifting through to confirm enough developers are fully testing their Switch 1 stuff on the Switch 2. Does Nintendo even have enough devkits out there to cut down on any mess?

By now they could’ve opened the floodgates. If they have, let’s hear it in the comments or on Discord or whatever. January or April seems like the likely timeframe, post-reveal. But creating anything significant in just five months? Yikes—look what happened with Shin Megami Tensei V—Switchmas was ages ago, but the game only just launched.

### Direct Delights

Nintendo loves their exclusive announcements. Remember Xbox’s 2022 showcase? Persona games all over the place—except for Switch. And then, boom—Nintendo’s Partner Showcase threw them into the mix. So, could Persona 4 Revival pull a surprise on Switch 2? Cross your fingers they keep Yuri Lowenthal’s voice.

They thrive on those Nintendo Direct reveals. Dropped big news during the past four Junes. I’m set with days off in late June, fully expecting Nintendo to crash my vacation with some Direct madness. A teaser here, a longer presentation there—keeps us on our toes.

### Random Thoughts

With Super Mario World (the movie) next year, could Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza be the major players? But wait—would it be time for a new Mario platformer yet?

Anyone else notice Nintendo isn’t really courting “Doritos Pope” Geoff much these days since Reggie left? They haven’t shown off much during the SGF window since 2021’s digital E3 came round, and their Winter Game Fest appearances have reduced post-Joker. Hmm.

Oh, speaking of which, the Microsoft classics that jumped to Switch, like Grounded and Pentiment? Nintendo’s always had the pleasure of announcements. Might sound bananas, but could we see Halo or Gears of War on Switch 2? Nintendo platforms gotta get some Call of Duty, legally. So, Nintendo trumpet ready?

Even day 1 was jam-packed with 24 games and five upgrade kits for Switch 2. There’s plenty to chew on this coming week too. So let’s not panic about a “dead platform” just cause there weren’t a million ‘Switch 2’ titles shouting your way last weekend. More news is bound to come, and hey, there’s a blooming 3.5 million-strong market waiting.