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Switch doesn't directly compete with PS/Xbox though; if the Switch 2 audience wants those systems they'll get them in addition to rather than instead of a Switch 2, so there is no need for Nintendo to rush out a successor to try to compete. Also I think you're overlooking something; the whole point of the Switch was that Nintendo can focus on just one platform instead of being spread thin over two. Running Switch and Switch 2 concurrently would defeat the whole purpose of this unification and put them back where they were in 2011-2016. |
That's mostly the case which why I specified the level of investment. Most people own a Switch in addition to another platform, but if the Switch was their sole or primary platform Nintendo would see much higher software sales across the board, more investments in their online service and digital purchases. The idea is them reaching PS2 levels of success and Switch 2 becoming the primary development platform for many developers in the next decade. Things like it becoming "primary" gaming platform require better third party support. Of course not saying it isn't the primary platform people many people already.
For the second point, visual concessions are definitely made to get 1st party games running on Switch, if BOTW2 is 30fps/900p on Switch and 60fps/4k (maybe upscaled) on Switch 2, that'd be awesome. The more visually demanding games will see more obvious benefits more but even simple things like anti aliasing make a big difference to visuals and Nintendo titles mostly lack it. Just look at the beauty below and Nintendo could of course do way more with draw distances, texture detail etc, stuff that is all axed during optimisation.
That's very much a docked perspetive, handheld wise Switch 2 would have better screen, better joycons, their could also be performance efficiencies which center on battery life in portable mode instead of upgrading visuals (although I could be misunderstanding the science here)
This certainly won't be appealing to everyone but the intention wouldn't be for the system to appeal the everyone from day one. Its to complement the Switch in the early days, appealing to people who would otherwise start to invest elsewhere in the coming years, already trapping them in a new Nintendo eco system that will last til 2026+. Switch 2, people who invested in Switch 4-5 years prior. Switch 1, people casually interested who mainly want to play Mario, animal crossing, pokemon or just look for a device for their kids.
Its early availability courts third parties; It'd have titles not on the the Switch like FFVII, Monster Hunter, Assassins Creed, Elderscrolls, Mordern Warefare. It'd receive games on day one and not 1 year later. A reduced difference in parity whilst also boasting portability will make 3rd title perform even better on switch 2 and Nintendo will be seen a valid place to look for such titles. This is an uphil battle, as was the Xbox attracting franchises like GTA. Its worth the fight.
I believe many Switch owners will start to invest in PS5/Series X in a few years out of force, I think Nintendo could offer that alternative soon with DLSS and boast the games that would otherwise be skipping Switch. I said it before, Nintendo do not need third parties but its a massive revenue source and security from gen to gen, that shouldn't be scoffed at. Switch has made progress, and they can make even more. If Nintendo can see a viable route to expand its reach without sacrificing their core competencies, then they should try it. I actually don't see the risk.
At worst:
Its too early, but that means means little if Nintendo have a monopoly as people say. The general public would still rather just get a PS5/Series X to play third parties which means Switch 2 relies on Nintendo's core audience. Nintendo's core audience who got the Switch 4-5 years prior would surely invest in system which operates as a Pro? When ever the time is right the Switch 2 would eventually take the reigns, even if it starts slower than hoped. Part of this dynamic will also people acknowledged in how Nintendo role out the platform, they won't market it as a replacement.
Switch 1 sales are slightly effected by competing for retail & manufacturing space but ultimately its not being "replaced" or having software support withdrawn until Nintendo decides. Maybe they'll be a few core exclusives like Metroid 4 but nothing that would end the Switches life early killing their cash cow. If sony can produce 30m playstations and playstation 2s in one year, I'm sure Nintendo can produce 20m Switch's and 10 Switch 2s.
This is my narrative and I'm sticking with it 
The only thing I think is up in the air is when the tech would be available and at what price, that deserves a separate conversation. Fall 2021 amazing, 2022 perfect, 2023 meh
Edit: sorry the format is being sucky and won't me remove that white space
