With news that Switch 2 sales have started to slow, a reader is worried that complacency and poor planning is spoiling the prospects for Nintendo’s new console.
Last year, the big story was that the Switch 2 had become the fastest selling console of all time. I think a lot of people found this a little odd, because there didn’t seem to be that kind of excitement behind it, but then Nintendo’s main audience isn’t necessarily hardcore gamers, so I think some of the appeal was lost even on long-term fans.
After launch, Donkey Kong Bananza was great and… the rest wasn’t. I didn’t get Pokémon Legends: Z-A but it seems to have got only mildly positive reviews. I did get Metroid Prime 4 though and that was a crushing disappointment, even though I thought I’d still appreciate it despite the flaws.
We’re now in 2026 and the only games that have a release date are Mario Tennis Fever next month and Pokémon Pokopia in March, not the most existing of games, I don’t think anyone would pretend. Beyond that you’ve got Yoshi And The Mysterious Book and a new Fire Emblem, which I’d also venture are not the most widely popular of Nintendo franchises.
They’re niche games, basically, and so was Kirby Air Riders, Hyrule Warriors, and Metroid Prime 4. I can see the logic in that that meant you had a Zelda and Kirby game for the launch year, but I think these games are only likely to put people off the main franchises, more than anything else.
I read with interest the report this week, about how Switch 2 sales have slowed, particularly in the US, and that Nintendo thinks that because it didn’t have any big Western games. I’m pretty sure that’s not the problem, so I can’t wait for that overreaction to make things worse. It wasn’t because the line-up was too Japanese it’s because it was niche games that aren’t popular in the West. I’d say that was a distinct difference.
And now that we are out of the launch year can we just admit that having no Zelda or Mario, or even the slightest hint of one, was a massive mistake. Given how well orchestrated the Switch 1 was I would’ve thought that repeating the same tricks would’ve been easy, but Nintendo seems to have ignored every lesson of their very long history.
We’ve got the 40th anniversary of Zelda, 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and a new Super Mario movie coming up soon and, as far as we know at the moment, no major games to tie in with any of them. Missing one anniversary is a mistake, missing three super obvious opportunities like this reeks of incompetence or being complacent.
I don’t know which it is but the more you look back at the Switch 2 with hindsight the more it seems like it was all rushed, with very little planning… which makes no sense, as Nintendo had all the time they needed to get ready and were not working under any kind of time limit.
I hate to say it, but they’re exhibiting Sony style arrogance, where they seem to think a minimum effort will be enough and that because their last console did well they don’t have to try so hard with the next one. I would never have guessed that’s how they’d be with the Switch 2, but I don’t know how else to explain it.
If there is a Nintendo Direct in February it needs to unveil a new Mario, some kind of Zelda game, and ideally a new IP. I do not want to sit through a 50 minute showcase telling me that they still don’t understand what was good about Mario Tennis 64 or that they the budget for the next Fire Emblem has been increased to £10 and a packet of crisps.
Unfortunately, I would be willing to bet that the second description is a lot closer to what eventually happens and that people are going to feel even more worried about the Switch 2’s future after the Direct is done.
By reader Gordo
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A fresh look for Mario Tennis Fever has come out today, showcasing a massive roster, as well as a slew of new modes coming to the court in February.
Nintendo pulled back the curtain on Mario Tennis Fever (which has already been confirmed as a Switch 2 exclusive) during a Direct back in September, showcasing gameplay and revealing its release date on February 12. Now, with a little over a month to go before launch, the company has dropped a new trailer featuring new looks at gameplay, mini-games, Adventure Mode, and a peek at the largest character roster in series history. The trailer can be seen below, including all of the gameplay additions fans can expect.
Mario Tennis Fever has detailed a slew of new features and characters coming to the court. Fever Rackets will spice up gameplay with shot modifiers that apply effects to the ball as it goes over the net. If an opponent can return the shot without a bounce, players can return the effect right back. There are 30 available Fever Rackets for fans to play with, and Mario Tennis Fever has also revealed a staggering 38 character-filled roster, letting players pick a playstyle tailored to them. Players can also turn off Fever Racket play for good old-fashioned tennis volleys. Joy Cons can also be used with motion control to swing the racket itself.
On top of that, Mario Tennis Fever revealed a slew of new modes for fans to jump into, starting with Adventure Mode. This mode starts you off as Baby Mario learning the ropes at the Tennis Academy, and you will have to master your skills to make it past challenging boss fights.
Other modes include Trial Towers mode, which forces players to take on a series of challenges as they climb their way to the top of a tower; Mix It Up mode that allows players to play matches with unconventional rules like the fan-favourite Ring Shot (where you have to hit balls with precision through rings to earn points) and Forest Court Match, where you can expand the court’s size by feeding Piranha Plants tennis balls.
As you enjoy #MarioTennisFever, you’ll also have the opportunity to give your #NintendoSwitch2 a new look!
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 8, 2026
The first new colored Joy-Con 2 controllers—Light Purple and Light Green—also arrive Feb 12.
Pre-purchase now: https://t.co/xoK6jsePMp pic.twitter.com/JoE8r4oOQl
Super Mario Wonder also makes an appearance on the court, with Wonder Seeds turning the court into a wacky fever dream, and a Tournament Mode features commentary from the talking flower present on each stage in the base title. Nintendo has also revealed a new Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 colourway, light purple and light green, which will be launching the same day as Mario Tennis Fever.
Mario Tennis Fever and the new Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers launch on February 12.
