Court documents from the ongoing legal battle between Activision and Microsoft have revealed that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 may have similar power and performance as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. Chris Schnakenberg, Head of Platform Strategy and Partnerships at Activision, made this comparison during a meeting with Activision executives. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be released in 2024, but the exact name for the console is still unknown. With this information, fans can expect the next generation hybrid console from Nintendo in the near future.
The leaked documents became public due to the scrutiny over Microsoft’s attempted acquisition of Activision, and Schnakenberg’s speech emphasizes the potential of the Switch 2. He stated that the new console is close in performance to the “Gen8 platform,” referring to the PS4 and Xbox One. Based on this, he encouraged Activision executives to consider developing games for the Switch 2, citing the company’s past successes on these consoles.
This speech took place at the end of 2022, and Schnakenberg’s involvement with Nintendo indicates a certain level of insider knowledge about the console. Later in December 2022, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick used this information to prepare for a meeting with Nintendo’s CEO and President, Shuntaro Furukawa, further confirming the credibility of these details.
Technologically, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be almost a decade behind the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but Nintendo has always focused on innovation and unique gaming experiences. The hybrid nature of the original Switch contributed to its immense popularity, and it is unlikely that Nintendo will give up the portable capabilities to match the power of the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
However, the increased performance of the Switch 2 will be significant for third-party publishers. Currently, porting games to the Switch is often challenging due to hardware limitations, leading to compromised versions of games. With a console that is approaching the performance of the PS4 and Xbox One, developers can potentially bring modern games to the Switch 2 without sacrificing their quality.
Additionally, Nintendo’s strong library of exclusive titles such as Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Donkey Kong, and Metroid has always been a major strength of the company. The graphical power of the Switch 2 will not have a significant impact on the sales of Nintendo consoles, as fans will still be drawn to the unique experiences offered by these beloved game series.
In conclusion, according to court documents from the Activision-Microsoft case, it is expected that the Nintendo Switch 2 will match the performance of the PS4 and Xbox One. Although it may not compete in terms of power with the latest generation of consoles, Nintendo’s focus on innovation and a strong lineup of exclusives will continue to ensure success for the company.
