This week, Nintendo officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2, confirming months of speculation about its next-generation console. While the name Switch 2 feels like a natural evolution, reports suggest that Nintendo had other naming options before settling on this final title.
Super Nintendo Switch Was a Consideration
During the latest Nintendo Direct, the company revealed that Super Nintendo Switch was one of the potential names for the new console. However, after careful deliberation, they ultimately decided against it for several key reasons:
- Backward Compatibility Matters – Unlike the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), which was not backward compatible with NES games, the Nintendo Switch 2 fully supports Switch 1 games. Nintendo wanted to ensure players understood this crucial feature, which led them to discard the “Super” naming convention.
- A Clear Evolution, Not Just an Upgrade – Nintendo sought a name that conveyed progression rather than just improved performance. The term “Switch 2” clearly signals that this is a next-generation console, not just a revision of the original Switch.
- Brand Recognition and Simplicity – The Switch brand is iconic, and naming the successor Switch 2 makes it easy for consumers to recognize it as part of the same successful product line.
Why Did Nintendo Choose Nintendo Switch 2?
According to Tetsuya Sasaki, one of Nintendo’s senior executives, the decision to go with Nintendo Switch 2 was driven by logic and clarity:
- The new console is a direct successor to the original Nintendo Switch, making a numerical sequel the most intuitive choice.
- Nintendo wanted the name to clearly communicate that this is a brand-new console, while still being part of the Switch family.