Nintendo is undoubtedly taking a cautious path with the name of its next-generation console, officially confirming it earlier this year as the ‘Switch 2’.
If you’re still curious about the reasoning behind this name choice, or why Nintendo opted for something less adventurous, Shawn Layden, the former head of PlayStation, shed some light on the matter in a recent interview with Reece Reilly on the ‘Kiwi Talkz’ podcast.
During the discussion, Layden highlighted how Nintendo appears to have borrowed from PlayStation’s numbering strategy, emphasizing that this decision hinges on the “brand value” of the Switch name.
Shawn Layden stated, “They’ve [Nintendo] created so much brand value in the word Switch, why would you mess with that?”
With over 146 million units sold worldwide as of September 2024, the substantial “brand value” associated with ‘Switch’ is unmistakably evident.
When further discussing Nintendo’s standing in the gaming world, Layden remarked that Nintendo has successfully “created its own lane”—or, as he creatively puts it, a “Private Idaho.” He expressed optimism for their future:
“Everyone respects Nintendo; they’re a competitor, but you have to respect everything they’ve accomplished to shape this industry that we all enjoy and cherish. I believe they will continue to thrive, especially with the right people and mindset supporting them.”
“…they’ve been part of this business for a long time. They’ve experienced all the highs and lows…and they will keep succeeding.”
Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, also weighed in on the upcoming Switch 2, expressing his belief that the system will be a “massive success,” reinforcing the idea that you shouldn’t bet against Nintendo.
What are your thoughts on the name Switch 2? Do you think that merely appending a ‘2’ to the end of the title conveys all necessary clarity? Are you as optimistic about Nintendo’s future as Layden seems to be? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Priyam Gera