Why the Switch 2 Is a FOMO Factory

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The unseen force that controls our spending is called FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. It’s that uneasy sensation that arises when you’re left out of a sudden social gathering, when your friends are engrossed in the latest episodes of an addictive TV series, or more pertinently, when everyone else is powering up the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2, while your original Switch labors under the strain of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Low Power Mode.

Nintendo, renowned for its innovative marketing strategies, has found a way to transform the fear of missing out (FOMO) into a source of income. Introducing the Nintendo Switch 2 – a cutting-edge hybrid console that leaves your existing Switch looking like an antique artifact from the past, even if it’s still functioning smoothly.

In simpler terms, what causes the Switch 2 to be a notorious source of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)? Let’s delve into its peculiar predicament first. Nintendo claims it will share space with the original Switch, much like an awkward housemate who overstays their welcome but refuses to leave despite being difficult to accommodate.

As stated by Nintendo President Doug Bowser (indeed, his real name and an intriguing nod to gaming history), the original Nintendo Switch won’t be phased out. Instead, it will continue to exist within the broader Switch family, prompting curiosity about how long one might continue using it. In simpler terms, Nintendo plans to keep the first version of the Switch in their product lineup and people may wonder for how long they should stick with it.

However, some of Bowser’s remarks during the latest interview seemed disturbingly reminiscent of a public relations strategy straight out of the Don Mattrick handbook of self-undermining communications.

You might recall Don Mattrick, the fellow who proposed that Xbox One necessitated a constant internet connection, and when folks objected, he advised them to stay with the Xbox 360 instead? Absolutely, that’s him!

We are definitely creating the conditions for a highly charged emotional and financial conflict.

To put it simply, while the notion that two consoles can peacefully coexist might seem plausible on paper, it’s more like comparing VHS and DVD formats – they shared some time, but eventually, your cherished Switch 1 will transition into a “legacy” system, which essentially means you may experience periods of scarcity in first-party releases.

On my original console, I’m forced to endure a 45-second wait for fast-travel while playing Xenoblade, all the while witnessing superior graphics, quicker loading times, and exclusive features on the potential Switch 2. This isn’t sharing the spotlight; it feels like second-class gaming experience.

The real surprise? While you’re struggling with Joy-Cons drifting like old shopping carts in Pokémon Scarlet, your friends are chatting excitedly about the amazing ray tracing in Mario Kart World or how smoothly Metroid Prime 4 runs (thanks to its optimization for Switch 2). And it’s not just a case of missing out—it feels like you’re missing out on something extraordinary.

Ultimately, Nintendo’s strategy of offering two consoles may appear appealing to consumers, but it’s essentially a subtle form of mental persuasion. As time goes on and you continue using your original Switch, you might find yourself experiencing a gaming world tinted with a sepia hue.

When popular game franchises begin to abandon your current gaming system, you might find yourself gazing at it with a sense of nostalgia, much like being overlooked in a game of dodgeball. So, get ready. Regardless if you decide to purchase the Switch 2 or not, the fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) has already departed—and it’s not coming back for the original Switch.

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2025-04-13 16:42