Switch 2 Release Update is Bad News for Fans Expecting a Major Overhaul of One Nintendo Feature

As the anticipation builds for the much-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, players are left wondering what significant improvement the overall console’s ecosystem will receive. For a long time, players wanted to see a complete overhaul or at least a revamp of Nintendo’s Switch Online (NSO) Service as it is not very intuitive and lacks the appeal of modern-day online services like the popular Xbox Game Pass.

However, it doesn’t seem like a much-needed revamp is going to happen anytime soon due to the recent updates indicating an early 2025 release window for the Switch 2. This news is very likely to frustrate fans, as their hopes for a revitalized online service need to wait even longer, also hindering the console’s ability to compete effectively in the online gaming arena.

Reason Fans Wanted A Nintendo Switch Online Revamp

For many fans, Nintendo Switch Online has been a mixed bag since its launch in 2018. Although the service provides essential features like online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a library of classic games (some even support voice chat), the service overall lacks the depth and appeal that players have come to expect from competitors like Xbox Game Pass.

With Game Pass, players not only have a massive library of games but also have many day-one releases, better ecosystems, and improved game recommendations, showing the huge difference between the two services. Fans have been vocal about these issues for a long time and hoped that with a new console, they would also see a revamped NSO service.

The reason fans even considered the revamp after hearing the rumors about Switch 2 is that they thought Nintendo would borrow a page from Microsoft’s playbook and invest in a more substantial online service to widen their audience.

However, with recent rumors suggesting that the console is almost ready and will be launched in early 2025, there is not much time left before the console’s release, so the likelihood of seeing any significant changes in the NSO seems very slim.

Another nail to the coffin is that all the rumors regarding the Switch 2 have indicated that Nintendo seems more focused on improving the hardware side of things, neglecting almost all of its online service. This has left many fans wondering whether the company will ever pivot to meet modern gaming demands or if it will continue down its familiar path.

The Future of Nintendo’s Online Services

While there is still some hope left in the fans that the company may eventually recognize the value of investing more time in a competitive online service, the current trajectory suggests otherwise. With the Switch 2’s launch looming over everyone’s heads, it appears that fans will need to wait even longer for a revamped NSO that meets their expectations.

It is evident that the lack of a major revamp to NSO ahead of the Switch 2 launch is indeed bad news for most fans. From all the leaks and rumors, the new console looks very promising as it aims to deliver cutting-edge technology (with noticeable hardware upgrades) and beloved games, but the limitations of its online service may hinder its potential.

For now, gamers will have to lower or somewhat hide their expectations about any change to NSO while continuing to hope that Nintendo will eventually embrace a more robust online strategy that brings more appeal to the ecosystem.

In the end, players are super excited about the upcoming handheld Switch 2 and hoping that the day will come when NSO will stand on equal grounds with other online services like Game Pass.

What online service do you like the most? Tell us in the comment section below.