I think the Switch would've been nearly just as successful in 2011 as it was in 2017. The concept along with playing great console like Nintendo games on the go would've been just as appealing.
However, I think Nintendo making a switch in 2011 would've been worse in some ways. I'm 2011 Nintendo's hardware teams were mostly led by older veterans who were a bit slower in embracing modern tech trends as the time. They still used proprietary charging ports instead of universal ports, still used an outdated resistive touch panels, and imo in terms of overall design it felt like they didn't look very sleek/modern. Proof alone is how the 3DS & Wii U were designed, they felt pretty outdated design wise in some ways, I feel like the Switch in 2011 would've been held back by the older veterans at Nintendo who didn't want to embrace modern features or designs as much as the younger team that developed the Switch.
I also think cause of the climate of video games at the time and the idea that "smartphones are gonna kill consoles", the Switch in 2011 probably would've tried to replicate a lot of smartphone features like adding a camera and an internet browser, along with other apps. Which may have been better in some ways, but in other ways a pointless waste of time and resources. Like nobody really cares to waste manufacturing costs on what could be going towards more powerful hardware towards adding a camera that very few would use over a smartphone.
However, it'll still be a massive success in 2011 just cause it's a hybrid console with Nintendo games, still selling over 100M+ units.
Last edited by javi741 - on 30 March 2024
