When the Nintendo Switch first released in 2017, it lacked many features that current generation consoles are generally expected to have. Though it makes up for this in some ways with its own unique design and has received updates over the years, the Nintendo Switch still lacks some features that we would all like to see.
Here, we’ve laid out 5 features that we are still holding out hope for on Nintendo Switch.
Themes
The Switch currently only has two available themes: a dark mode and a light mode. Though it’s better than nothing, this doesn’t quite meet the bars set in the home console industry by Sony and Microsoft, and is almost out of character for Nintendo to not have by now.
The 3DS line of products were known for their vast collection of both free and premium themes, creating expectations for Nintendo’s handheld hybrid, and many fans were disappointed to find a “Themes” category in their settings, but with only two options and no way to gain more.
In future updates, an inclusion of premium and free themes would be something we would all love to see.
This post was originally written by David McGovern.
Voice Chat
The largest setback for the Switch in the field of multiplayer games would definitely have to be the lack of fully integrated voice chat. Users are required to use a phone application in order to connect with friends and communicate, which on its own requires special headsets or a set of cumbersome adapters for full use.
This has been a huge complaint since release, but fully integrated voice chat may be too much to ask for on the Switch due to the current hardware limitations of the console.
However, in upcoming newer hardware versions and software updates, we would like to see some changes that makes the process of talking with your online friends more streamlined.
Intuitive Friend System
Nintendo has never quite been known for user-friendly friend systems, and are notorious for implementing the cumbersome “friend code” system across many of their platforms.
Though the Switch makes adding nearby friends quite easy, adding friends who are long distance is another story; the only way to add a non-local friend is to obtain their friend code or go through a “recently played” list, if you’ve played a game with them recently. Without an effective search option, this system can be somewhat clunky, especially if you want to add a friend that you may have not played with recently, and do not know their friend code.
In the future, it would be nice if this system came to reflect the more user-friendly methods used in other mainstream consoles.
More Classic Games
Nintendo’s already began porting some classic NES titles to the Switch for those with a membership to their premium online service, and classic titles for consoles like the Neo Geo can be found in the eShop. However, the selection is much smaller, and plainly, much less interesting, than the Virtual Console options available on the 3DS and Wii U.
Classic handheld titles like the Pokemon: Red and Blue for the Gameboy played wonderfully on the 3DS and was a blast to the past; games like this would likely bode well on the Switch, too. If Nintendo found a way to get more Gameboy, SNES, or other classic console games onto the Switch, we would be ecstatic.
If you’re a subscriber to the Switch Online service and can’t get enough of classic games, be sure to head here to check out which NES games were made available in April 2019, and here to get some opinions on Nintendo Switch Online.
Netflix and Other Streaming Services
Though not necessarily a feature, Netflix has become a staple application for almost any device that can connect to both the internet and a screen. Essentially a tablet with removable game controllers, the Switch is prime real-estate for streaming services, and this was a feature that most expected to see near launch.
That didn’t happen though, and it was a long time before we saw services like YouTube and Hulu finally straggle to the device. The services that are there run fantastically, however the options available to users are lacking. Services like HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, and, of course, Netflix, would all thrive on this platform, and we would love to see them make their way to the Switch in the future.
Did we cover every feature that you had wanted to come to the Switch? Feel free to discuss what you would like to see in the future in the comments below, and be sure to check out this article to see if you’re eligible to score 12 free months of Nintendo Switch Online.
If Switch Online’s retro collection doesn’t tempt you, maybe our list of the Top 13 Longest Video Games on Switch will strike your fancy.
Published: Apr 15, 2019 11:38 am