Nintendo Missed Out on a Major Game of the Year Title But Switch 2 May Finally be Powerful Enough to Run it

Recently, the nominations for the prestigious Game of the Year title were announced, and to the disappointment of many, Nintendo was completely absent from the list. Not a single original Nintendo game made it through to this year’s GOTY race. While the company has consistently delivered excellent titles and great experiences, it’s clear that the Switch’s hardware is the limitation factor.

With the rumors speculating the upcoming Switch 2‘s performance, things may be about to change. Leaks suggest that the next-generation console will be much more powerful than the current Switch. This means that even if it does not break the drought in GOTY nominations for Nintendo, it will be able to run games like beloved Baldur’s Gate 3, GOTY of 2023.

The Switch’s Hardware Limitations May Be Holding Nintendo Back

One of the most notable games missing from the Switch library is Baldur’s Gate 3. This game has captivated players with its deep storytelling, complex character progression, and immersive gameplay. However, despite the Switch’s success with many genres, it’s simply not powerful enough to run a game like BG3 or most AAA titles.

It is clear that Switch’s selling point is its portability and unique hybrid design. However, with the industry’s recent push towards high graphic fidelity and increasing processing demands of modern titles, the Switch is showing its age. Fortunately for Nintendo, the Switch 2 is close and could change all of that.

The nominees for GAME OF THE YEAR at #TheGameAwards on December 12.

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— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) November 18, 2024

Recent leaks and rumors surrounding the new system suggest that it will have a significantly more powerful GPU and CPU, along with enhanced memory that will be able to run even modern AAA games. If these leaks hold true, the Switch 2 could finally have the performance needed to handle demanding titles, including Baldur’s Gate 3 and other popular AAA titles.

Although Larian Studios has stated they are moving away from the Baldur’s Gate franchise, the introduction of a much more capable device like the Switch 2 can encourage the studio to rethink its decision. While everything is still speculation (including the Switch 2’s performance), it would present an enticing opportunity for both Larian and fans of the game.

However, this also raises another question, what if leaks are not true and Switch 2 is also not powerful enough? In that case, the fans will need to get accustomed to the fact Nintendo consoles are only good for portability and their hybrid features, rather than for playing AAA games.

Switch 2 May Hold the Key to the Future

Nintendo may have missed out on a GOTY nomination this time around, but with the Switch 2 on the horizon, the company has a chance to recover from that disappointment. It can not only try to deliver an engaging new title but also showcase its new console’s hardware capabilities.

It is uncertain that the new system will change the outcome of the following GOTY awards, but it could help usher in an era where Nintendo consoles are much more capable and can finally run the kinds of ambitious, cutting-edge games that have been out of its reach for years.

As for the players who believe that the Switch 2 may just be the breakthrough that the company needs to push more innovative games. The leaks give them good news as it suggest that the handheld will offer significant performance improvements. If it can deliver on these promises, it will become the key to the future of the company and might even convince Larian to make a port.

In the end, who knows? The Switch 2 might be the key for Nintendo to start delivering games that are worthy of being nominated for GOTY awards once again.