Switch 2 to CRUSH the Original? Devs Weigh In!

Nintendo Switch 2: A Developer's Perspective on the Next-Gen Console

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and the gaming world is buzzing! Just weeks after its highly anticipated launch, we delve into the perspectives of seasoned game developers to get their initial impressions and predictions for Nintendo's newest offering. We had the privilege of speaking with key figures from Virtuos, a studio known for its impressive portfolio of co-development and porting work on titles like Heavy Rain, Horizon Zero Dawn, Cyberpunk 2077, and the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.

Specifically, we interviewed Alex Heise, Director of Business Development at Virtuos North America, and Eoin O’ Grady, Technical Director at Black Shamrock (a Virtuos subsidiary involved in titles such as Back 4 Blood and Marvel's Midnight Suns). They shared their insights on everything from sales expectations to the console's unique features and performance capabilities.

Record-Breaking Launch and Future Outlook

Nintendo announced that the Switch 2 moved over 3.5 million units in its first four days, making it the fastest-selling console ever in that timeframe. Was this success expected? Here's what our experts had to say:

Eoin: "Given the phenomenal success of the Switch, expectations for the sales performance of the Switch 2 were already quite high. I think we will see the Switch 2 surpass its predecessor. This is precisely because it is a Nintendo console, renowned for innovation and its unique gameplay experiences, and because it meets the growing demand for gaming on the go."

Alex: "As the fastest-selling console launch of all time, I don’t think anyone fully predicted this level of success... Nintendo clearly prepared well in advance, sourcing new partners and adjusting manufacturing locations to meet the high demand for the Switch 2."

First Impressions and Standout Features

What immediately stands out about the new console? Alex and Eoin highlighted key aspects:

Alex: "On the hardware side, the aspect I am most impressed with is... the build quality. The Switch 2 feels noticeably more premium than its predecessor. One of the most appreciated improvements is the Joy-Cons’ attachment mechanism, which feels much more secure and stable."
"On the software side, the eShop improvements have been both a pleasant surprise and a delight. The store now loads very quickly and is snappy to navigate... Additionally, the weekly personalized recommendations based on your existing library are fantastic!"

Eoin: "I was happy to see that the new hardware supports DLSS and VRR in handheld mode... The virtual game card is another wonderful addition to the platform... I am also intrigued by the novel and communal gaming experiences that can be built with the GameShare feature."

Performance and Porting Potential

How does the Switch 2 stack up in terms of raw power? Can current-gen games be easily ported to the new hardware?

Eoin: "GPU-wise, the Switch 2 performs slightly below the Series S... However, the Series S does not support technologies like DLSS, which the Switch 2 does. This makes the GPU capabilities of the two consoles comparable overall.
CPU-wise, there is a clearer distinction between the two consoles. The Switch 2 is closer to the PlayStation 4 in this respect... Any game shipping at 60 FPS on the Series S should easily port to the Switch 2."

DLSS, Ray Tracing, and Controller Innovation

The Switch 2 boasts impressive technologies like NVIDIA DLSS and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. How are developers utilizing these features, and what potential do they hold?

Eoin: "For games like Mario Kart World or the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza... DLSS may not be needed... Cyberpunk 2077 has shipped with DLSS... making a strong case for developers to implement it."

Regarding ray tracing: "hardware ray tracing continues to be widely used across all platforms for reflections and shadows. This is where I see the most potential for the Switch 2, as it has sufficient power to deliver high-quality shadows and reflections at reasonable resolutions and frame rates."

And about the controllers: "Nintendo’s innovation with its controllers continues to amaze us all... Every first-person shooter should make use of the mouse feature; motion tracking should be integrated wherever it enhances gameplay, and support for the two mini controllers should be standard in every multiplayer game."

GameChat: A Social Game-Changer?

Finally, how will GameChat impact the Nintendo Switch 2's social scene?

Alex: "GameChat represents a significant step toward enhancing the social experience on the Switch 2... Features like seeing what your friends are playing and being able to quickly join them are essential elements of the modern social gaming ecosystem."

Eoin: "GameChat has multiple layers of appeal... The social element is very interesting and will undoubtedly be a hit with both players who love to stream as they play and those who enjoy watching."

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch 2 has clearly made a splash, exceeding expectations and introducing innovative features. With its blend of portability, performance enhancements, and unique control schemes, the console is poised to captivate gamers and developers alike. The insights from Virtuos offer a valuable glimpse into the potential of the Switch 2 and its future impact on the gaming landscape. As developers continue to explore and leverage its capabilities, we can expect to see a new wave of engaging and immersive gaming experiences on Nintendo's latest platform.

Source: https://wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-qa-with-virtuos-i-think-we-will-see-it-surpass-the-predecessor/