Nintendo Says the Switch 2 Is Just Getting Started

The Nintendo Switch 2 has had a complicated start.

Since launch, the system has faced criticism over its price, its early game lineup, and the lack of a massive exclusive title that makes players feel like they absolutely need to upgrade from the original Switch.

Nintendo, however, wants fans to know one thing:

This is only the beginning.

Nintendo of America president and COO Devon Pritchard recently spoke about the future of the Switch 2 and made it clear that the company sees the new console as a long-term platform, not something that should be judged entirely by its first few months.

“We’re at the beginning of Nintendo Switch 2,” Pritchard said during an appearance at the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit.

She also pointed to the games already released by Nintendo and third-party developers while teasing that much more is still on the way.

Nintendo Is Thinking Beyond Just Games

One interesting part of Pritchard’s comments is that Nintendo’s future plans are not limited to the Switch 2 itself.

Nintendo has been expanding its characters and franchises into movies, theme parks, merchandise and other entertainment.

That includes its growing relationship with Sony Pictures, which is developing the upcoming live-action Legend of Zeldamovie.

For Nintendo, movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Zelda film introduce these characters to people who may not even own a Nintendo console.

That could become an important part of the Switch 2 era.

Someone might discover Zelda through a movie and then decide to play the games.

Someone visiting Super Nintendo World might become interested in Mario.

Nintendo is trying to create an ecosystem around its biggest characters rather than relying entirely on console sales.

Where Is the Big Switch 2 Zelda Game?

Of course, there is still one question fans would love Nintendo to answer.

When are we getting a brand-new Legend of Zelda game designed specifically for Switch 2?

The franchise is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and excitement remains high around Zelda.

But Pritchard did not reveal any new information about an original Switch 2-exclusive Zelda adventure.

For now, Nintendo appears more interested in reminding players that the console is still very early in its life.

That means many of the games that could eventually define the Switch 2 may not even have been announced yet.

Nintendo Is Fighting for Your Time

Nintendo also recognizes that its biggest competition isn't necessarily another console.

It is your time.

Games now compete with streaming services, YouTube, TikTok, movies, television and countless other forms of entertainment available every hour of the day.

Pritchard acknowledged that reality but said Nintendo remains focused on creating experiences that people remember for generations.

That philosophy sounds simple: make something fun.

Of course, making something players will still care about decades later is much harder.

Nintendo has already done it with Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Donkey Kong, Kirby and many other franchises.

Now the challenge is doing it again on Switch 2.

The console may not have had the smoothest beginning, but Nintendo clearly believes the biggest part of its story has not happened yet.

And for Switch 2 owners waiting for that next must-play game, Nintendo’s message is pretty simple:

Stay tuned.