Summary
TheNintendo Switchhas been around for a while, so it’s no surprise that Nintendo is looking to the future and is hard at work on a follow-up to the highly successful hybrid console. This year, the company made its first mention of the Switch 2, revealing that gamers will hear more about it “within this fiscal year.” That’s good news for anyone who feels the Switch is a little too weak for the modern gaming landscape, though with the new console seemingly close, it’s odd that fans have yet to hear about its game lineup.
Though there has already been speculation surrounding what games will launch with the upcoming gaming console, very little has been officially confirmed. Notably, players have no idea what theSwitchsuccessor’s launch titles may be. This could open the door to Nintendo doing something new for the platform’s mascot, borrowing a winning strategy from Sony.
PlayStation Strikes Gold With Astro Bot
When the PS5 launched in 2020, it had several launch titles, includingSpider-Man: Miles MoralesandDemon’s Souls. This was an effective strategy to get PS5s flying off the shelves, but one of the biggest gems at the console’s launch wasAstro’s Playroom. The game comes pre-loaded on all PS5s, and it showcases the console’s standout features, including its use of the SSD and the various abilities of theDualSense controller.
The game stars Astro Bot, who gamers got their first look at withThe Playroom VR. Astro Bot made another appearance inAstro Bot Rescue Mission, another VR game released in 2018. These titles helped propel Astro Bot’s popularity, allowing the white and blue robot to serve as an effective mascot for PlayStation. Players will get another chance to interact with the mascot with therelease ofAstro Boton September 6, with the title serving as the sequel toAstro’s Playroom.
Nintendo May be Gearing to Launch a New Mascot With the Switch 2
Nintendo has a history of having great launch titles with its new consoles. Notably, theSwitch launched withThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a highly successful title that redefinedThe Legend of Zeldafranchise in addition to showcasing the hybrid console’s abilities. This is not the first time the company has utilized this strategy, as the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) hadSuper Mario Bros.while the GameCube launched withLuigi’s Mansionand the Nintendo 64 launched withSuper Mario 64.
There has yet to be a big launch title announced for theSwitch 2, but perhaps this could be because Nintendo wishes to keep things under wraps until it makes a major announcement. However, it could also be a sign that the company is cooking up something big for its next console in the form of a new mascot. Like Astro Bot, the new mascot could star in its own game where it showcases the new abilities and features of the Switch 2. This is all speculation at this point, and gamers will have to wait for further news from Nintendo before getting their hopes up, but it would certainly be interesting.
What Could Nintendo’s New Mascot Look Like?
If Nintendo wishes for its hypothetical new mascot to be successful, it has to be as adorable as Astro Bot. Fortunately, Nintendo has never struggled in this department, as seen withcharacters such as Kirby. It would also be a smart idea to make the mascot’s game free likeAstro’s Playroom, pre-loading it onto new consoles to save players time and money while also showing them the ins and outs of the console. This is the strategy Sony took with Astro Bot, and it was a good move that paved the way for 2024’sAstro Bot.
Although this is all speculation and wishful thinking, the idea of a new mascot for Nintendo is exciting. It could open up the doors for new games, including a stunning launch title that showcases what the Switch 2 is capable of. If implemented correctly, a new mascot could be the start of yet another successful franchise for Nintendo.
JOIN ASTRO IN A BRAND-NEW, SUPERSIZED SPACE ADVENTURE
The PS5® mothership has been wrecked, leaving ASTRO and the bot crew scattered all over the galaxies. Time to ride your trusty Dual Speeder across more than 50 planets full of fun, danger and surprises. On your journey, make the most of ASTRO’s new powers and reunite with many iconic heroes from the PlayStation universe!
Blast off on a supersized adventure
From sandy beaches to lush jungles and piping-hot volcanoes, explore a myriad of memorable planets in search of Astro’s lost crew!
Power up your platforming
With your new powers, battle out a whole new roster of quirky baddies and huge bosses. Feel every hop, punch and crack through your DualSense wireless controller.
Join the PlayStation celebration
Reunite with over 150 iconic PlayStation heroes and celebrate 30 years of PlayStation history!
