Could it ever happen? (pic: Metro.co.uk)
A reader suggests that Nintendo team-up with Sony for their next console, to ensure a more powerful device with better online features.
There’s recently been a lot of speculation about what Nintendo might be doing for its new console and it’s all been very entertaining, especially as everyone admits that they really have no idea and that Nintendo is impossible to predict. The one point that caught my interest though, is the one about how powerful a potential Switch 2 could be, with the consensus being that because of size and price restrictions it would probably not be as powerful as a PlayStation 4.
I agree with this and yet I also think that Nintendo are not the ones to push the limits of what a portable console can do. That may seem odd since they pioneered the concept but their success, and the failure of others, has always been based on low-tech, low cost solutions that can appeal to, and by afforded by, as many people as possible. A policy that is essentially still the same for the Switch.
I am certain that if Microsoft or Sony were to attempt a similar hybrid device that theirs would be more powerful (even if it lacked the more innovative features, like Joy-Cons). You only have to look at what Valve did with the Steam Deck to see what can happen with a company that is more focused on horsepower. Nintendo has other concerns, and that’s what makes them great, but as the complexity and cost of technology increases, I do feel that they need to partner with someone that can complement their skills.
You could argue that a team-up with Microsoft would work just as well but, call it personal preference, but I just don’t see them working well with Nintendo. They clearly have only a limited understanding of first party development, they’re just that bit too obsessed with power above all, and as such a vastly bigger company I just don’t think they’d really listen to Nintendo, even if they pretend it’s an equal partnership.
Sony is also incredibly arrogant but they’re a Japanese company that should find it that bit easier to interface with Nintendo. They also understand the importance of first party games and have many successful franchises of their own, none of which step on the toes of Nintendo’s.
I see two potential routes for a collaboration, the first being a relatively loose one, where Sony helps out with the hardware and things like online infrastructure but where the final console is still a Nintendo branded Switch 2, or whatever they call it.
What Sony would get out of it, other than a share of the profits, is maybe they could put their exclusives on there, either PlayStation 4 games that run on it or a cloud gaming service that would make PlayStation 5 games possible – effectively making the Switch 2 a Sony portable as well.
The other route would involve an even closer relationship, where the Switch 2 and the PlayStation 6 become one and the same. The problem with that is that the timings don’t really match up, although I’m sure such a thing wouldn’t be quick to build and so maybe they would eventually.
As a lifelong Nintendo fan I would be perfectly happy if Sony took over the graphics and online side of things, as well as live service titles, mature-rated games, and all the other things that Nintendo doesn’t like to do.
Basically, I want to see both companies secure themselves against the behemoth that is Microsoft, before they get a chance to buy up even more of the games industry. Do I think a Nintendo x Sony mash-up could really happy? No, not really. But I do think it would be to the benefit of both of them.
By reader Blake
he reader’s feature does not necessary represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
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A reader suggests that Nintendo team-up with Sony for their next console, to ensure a more powerful device with better online features.
