Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Development Began Pre-2019; ‘Super Nintendo Switch’ Was Considered as a Name
Following the official unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo published a detailed developer interview featuring Producer Kouichi Kawamoto, Senior Director Takuhiro Dohta, and Technology Development General Manager Tetsuya Sasaki. The discussion sheds light on the long-term planning behind the new console, revealing that internal research and development had already commenced before 2019.
Early Hardware Planning Started Before Formal Project Kickoff
According to Sasaki, even before Nintendo began formal development in 2019, the seeds of the Nintendo Switch 2 were already being planted. Sasaki emphasized the necessity of early hardware development in order to properly prepare the software development kits (SDKs) for first- and third-party developers.
“We knew that we would continue to develop new gaming consoles even after the launch of Switch, so we needed to get ahead of ourselves and start sowing the seeds of ideas for what we could do with the next console,” said Sasaki.
The “Super Nintendo Switch” Name Was Seriously Considered
One of the most intriguing insights from the interview was that the name “Super Nintendo Switch” was a strong contender. Kawamoto explained that while the nostalgia factor was appealing, they ultimately dismissed the idea because of the backward compatibility differences between the Super NES and NES, compared to the Switch and Switch 2.
“The Super NES… couldn’t play NES games. Since the Switch 2 can play Switch games, it didn't feel right to use the same naming convention,” Kawamoto said.
Instead, the team unanimously decided on "Nintendo Switch 2" to clearly indicate that it is the next-generation system and to maintain a sense of continuity for consumers.
Not Just About Specs: A System for Everyone
Dohta emphasized that, like the original Switch, the Switch 2 is designed to appeal to a broad audience—not just those seeking cutting-edge performance.
“We wanted the Switch 2 to be a console that could be enjoyed by a wide variety of players… rather than an experience made specially for those who prefer high-performance hardware.”
The goal was to deliver a familiar yet modern console that aligns with Nintendo’s design philosophy of simplicity, fun, and accessibility.
Technical Enhancements and New Features
The developers also touched on the technical upgrades within the Switch 2:
Battery capacity has been increased by 1.2x over the original Switch to accommodate the demands of the upgraded SoC.
Joy-Con 2 introduces an improved HD Rumble 2, offering a broader spectrum of tactile feedback and faster response times.
The Pro Controller 2 features “smooth-gliding sticks” and “seamless grips”, enhancing overall ergonomics and durability.
These refinements underline Nintendo's effort to modernize the Switch experience while preserving its user-friendly appeal.
What do you think about the “Super Nintendo Switch” name? Would it have brought back great memories, or was Nintendo right to go with Switch 2? Share your thoughts below!
