It feels like ages for Nintendo enthusiasts, even though it’s only been seven months since Nintendo hinted at the arrival of the next-gen Switch console. The rumor mill has been working overtime with whispers from credible insiders and less reliable sources alike, all speculating about this mysterious new console. Online leaks have seemingly spilled all the beans, from tech specs and design dimensions to intriguing details about the controllers. However, amidst all this noise, Nintendo has adopted a rather mysterious stance, offering no concrete details about their latest gaming innovation.
A hot topic of debate among fans has been the possible launch window for the so-called “Switch 2.” There’s widespread belief that Nintendo might make the big reveal before the fiscal year ends on March 31, 2025. Many are guessing an early January announcement, followed by a summer release. Some believe a March release might be in the cards. Whenever the Switch 2 eventually arrives, it’s expected to come with an impressive roster of games, with third-party titles complementing Nintendo’s offerings. A standout candidate for a launch game is Genshin Impact, a title that would sit perfectly on the new console.
### Genshin Impact: A Zelda-Inspired Gacha Phenomenon
Genshin Impact is one of those game titles that’s become a household name, especially given its global success. Born from HoYoverse’s vision, this gacha RPG started modestly but quickly transformed into a media powerhouse. Since its 2020 debut on platforms like PlayStation 4, PC, and mobile, it has raked in a staggering $3.9 billion, spreading the gacha gaming phenomenon well beyond its Asian stronghold. While numerous games now draw inspiration from Genshin Impact, it’s easy to forget how much the game itself took cues from Nintendo’s own The Legend of Zelda series. Initially dismissed as mimicking Breath of the Wild too closely, Genshin Impact has carved its own identity, albeit with a sprinkle of Zelda’s magic.
### The Untapped Potential for Genshin Impact on the Switch 2
It’s surprising that Genshin Impact hasn’t yet made its way onto a Nintendo console, given its clear influences. Announced for the Switch back in January 2020, the game is yet to pin a definitive release on Nintendo’s platform. Meanwhile, it’s made its way to newer consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. While HoYoverse did confirm ongoing development for the Switch in 2022, their subsequent silence, coupled with the imminent Switch 2 release, leads many to suspect that plans for the original Switch might have been shelved.
Despite its mobile availability, Genshin Impact requires considerable horsepower, and the current Switch may fall short in delivering an optimal experience. Enter the Switch 2, potentially packing the necessary punch to handle such demanding games. If HoYoverse decides to embrace the Switch 2, launching Genshin Impact as one of its premiere titles could be a smart move. After such a long wait, offering this sought-after game at the launch of the new console would be a great gesture towards Nintendo’s dedicated fanbase. Such a release would not only leverage the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2 but also reward patient gamers with an eagerly anticipated experience.
