Tetsuya Sasaki, Nintendo’s technology development head, reveals insights into the Switch 2’s evolution, alongside producer Kouichi Kawamoto and technical director Takuhiro Dohta. Initially envisioned differently, the console’s development began in 2019, focusing on innovative features like a full HD LCD screen, Joy-Con 2 redesign, and social capabilities through GameChat. This system allows friends to communicate easily while gaming, with parental controls ensuring a safe environment for younger users. The Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5.
“Did we envision from the beginning that the Switch 2 would take its final shape? The answer is no,” shares Tetsuya Sasaki, head of technology development at Nintendo. This engineer has played a pivotal role in bringing the Nintendo Switch 2 to life, collaborating with producer Kouichi Kawamoto (Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo Music, Miitopia) and technical director Takuhiro Dohta, known for his work on Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
In early April, a roundtable discussion took place featuring these three influential figures, including representatives from European media outlets such as BBC News, Der Standard, and La Vanguardia. This event allowed for an in-depth look at the development of the upcoming console, set to launch on June 5. Interestingly, the console was initially considered for the name Super Nintendo Switch before that idea was swiftly abandoned.
“We aimed for a name that would signify the new standard for the Switch console, which led us to the final choice of Switch 2,” highlights Kouichi Kawamoto. This decision was not made lightly. “We gathered frequently to brainstorm, but nothing felt right. This process went on for years,” recalls Takuhiro Dohta. “Naturally, we also spent considerable time pondering what this new console would ultimately become!”
The Long Journey to Switch 2
The collaboration between hardware and software teams kicked off shortly after the original Switch’s debut in 2017, but the formal development of Switch 2 began in 2019 when these three leaders were appointed to guide the project. “It took us years of rigorous testing, trial and error, and countless iterations to create the console we know today,” continues the Switch 2 director. “This endeavor was a personal challenge for me. Since joining Nintendo in 2003, I’ve been involved in developing launch titles for various consoles,” including Super Mario 64 on Nintendo DS, Wii Sports, Nintendoland (Wii U), and Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch).
“I used to be one of those developers voicing concerns to the hardware engineers about console designs,” smiles Takuhiro Dohta. “This time, I found myself on the other side! I was the one receiving feedback from game developers. However, I believe my background in software significantly influenced the technological design of Switch 2.” The developer elaborates: “As a game developer at Nintendo, you constantly ponder: ‘What can we achieve with the hardware we have?’ For Switch 2, I aimed to create a large playground. Now that we have it, I keep dreaming about what we can create within that space.”
Innovative Design Features of Switch 2
Kouichi Kawamoto identifies another unique aspect of this console’s design: “Typically, at Nintendo, a console features a central innovation that influences game design and development.” Examples include the dual touchscreen of the DS, the motion-sensing remote of the Wii, the tablet of the Wii U, or the “portable mode/TV mode” of the Switch. “With Switch 2, we stepped away from that tradition, which posed its own challenges. However, with our new full HD LCD screen that supports HDR, 4K mode on TVs, a refresh rate of up to 120 frames per second, a new Nvidia processor, and an internal memory chip that utilizes microSD Express cards for quicker data access, we possess all the elements needed to develop the games we envision.”
While Switch 2 may bear a visual resemblance to its predecessor, its internal components are entirely distinct. This engineering marvel ensures that nearly the entire game library from the 2017 console is compatible with its successor. The detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers have also undergone a comprehensive redesign, featuring enhanced vibration capabilities and a magnetic attachment system—an idea initially shelved during Switch 1’s development due to weak magnets.
Takuhiro Dohta notes that the Joy-Con 2 “can now operate in desktop mouse mode, which is a significant hardware innovation. However, game developers are not mandated to use this feature; it serves as an optional tool.” Technical director Tetsuya Sasaki adds that the mouse functionality works on a variety of surfaces, not just tables or mouse pads, allowing players to utilize it in games like Mario Party Jamboree or Metroid Prime 4 while relaxing on the couch.
Another exciting feature of the console is the introduction of social capabilities called GameChat. With a simple button press, players can converse with friends online, regardless of whether they are playing the same game. This communication can occur solely through voice, thanks to a built-in microphone that filters out background noise (like vacuum cleaners or blenders) to ensure clarity even in noisy surroundings. The only sound that won’t be filtered is applause, “to convey emotions.” Video exchanges are also possible through an optional camera, allowing screen sharing between players. Game Chat was originally intended for the first Switch but was scrapped due to power limitations.
“With GameChat, you will never find yourself talking to strangers. Only those on your friends list can communicate with you,” explains Takuhiro Dohta. For younger users, “they can only chat with friends approved by their parents” through the Switch 2’s parental control app, which also allows parents to regulate video conversations. Such discussions can be limited solely to the child’s face, ensuring privacy. GameChat will consume battery life when in portable mode, with Nintendo estimating a range of 2 to 6 hours.