While the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 was a historic event in the world of video games, the phenomenon isn't just attracting the curiosity of gamers. Nintendo's competitors have been watching from afar what promises to be the biggest launch of the year, halfway through their own console generation. There's only a small step between watching from afar and taking a closer look. PlayStation has just crossed the line by sending its players a questionnaire to fill out... on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Indeed, the brand behind the PS5 wants to estimate its own audience's interest in its competitor's console. Very specific questions are asked about Nintendo's marketing strategy, how players would use the console, and their consumption habits. Here is a non-exhaustive list of questions asked in the form:
The end of the questionnaire includes a question about Nintendo's more than dubious pre-order method. Indeed, on its own site, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will have priority on stock, and will be placed in a list based on their number of hours played and the length of their subscription, with a minimum of 12 months to be eligible. This is a condition that has caused quite a stir, but fortunately is not valid at the various third-party retailers, who are also offering the console at a more advantageous price.
Sony covers its back
While this initiative is surprising on the part of PlayStation, it makes sense in Nintendo's marketing strategy. Regulars will have noticed the surprising absence of family games during the Nintendo Direct presentation. The company focused on the console's visual performance, improving the screen, porting AAA games such as Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077, and showed very few first-party games accessible to a young audience.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is taking the turn towards competitive gaming, online games and therefore establishes itself as a direct competitor to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, where the current Switch was more of a UFO, a reference of its own genre. Even in terms of pricing, Nintendo is taking a professional and much more premium approach, aligning itself with the launch prices of Sony and Microsoft consoles. It therefore seems logical that these companies are taking a closer look at the future console.
Progress to be made on Nintendo's side
For the moment, it is difficult to estimate sales at the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. While it is true that the presentation was more or less qualitative, and that the console is desirable, its price has cooled the vast majority of players hoping to buy it, at least those who express themselves on the networks. Its lack of major innovation is also a weak point according to analysts who deplore the absence of a real generational change. However, we must not neglect the regular Nintendo customers who will pay whatever the cost, but also all the players who do not speak on the networks and who are also likely to treat themselves to the Nintendo Switch 2.
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