Why the Switch 2 Draws Comparisons to the Xbox One

In April 2025, the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 was officially unveiled, offering an insightful look into its noteworthy features and the upcoming library of both third-party and exclusive titles like "Donkey Kong Bananza" and "The Duskbloods." While the announcement initially stirred excitement, some details emerging after the Direct presentation have prompted mixed feelings among fans.

Among the concerns is the console’s price, set at $450. This places it at a higher price tier compared to the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S, both of which offer similar performance but boast a larger array of games and features. Additionally, Nintendo’s decision to charge $10 for the "Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour," a tech demo meant to introduce the console, left many scratching their heads. Such moves echo Microsoft’s perplexing strategies during the Xbox One’s launch, strategies that hindered early sales.

Why Many Think Nintendo is Repeating Microsoft’s Xbox One Misstep

One major gripe with the Xbox One was its stringent online-only requirements, which were seen as unfriendly to consumers. Microsoft required the console to always be online, which rendered it useless without a stable internet connection since games couldn’t run otherwise. This was tied to how the console verified game ownership, checking each time a game was played to ensure legitimacy.

Though Microsoft eventually reconsidered, the damage to the Xbox One’s reputation was considerable, and many people are drawing parallels to Nintendo’s strategy with the Switch 2’s "game key cartridges." Nintendo has clarified that some physical games won’t actually contain the game data on the cartridge, but instead a "key" to download the game. While only an initial internet connection is necessary, many see this reliance on digital content as puzzling, especially with the higher cost for these physical games. This new system seems like a more cumbersome alternative to simply downloading directly from the eShop, inviting comparisons to the Xbox One’s infamous online constraint.

Nintendo’s PR Stumbles with the Switch 2

Though not an issue of hardware itself, Microsoft’s public communication during the Xbox One launch didn’t paint the console in the best light. A particularly notorious statement from then-CEO Don Mattrick suggested players without internet should stick to the Xbox 360—a comment viewed as dismissive. It contradicted the idea that the Xbox One was a meaningful advancement.

Similarly, a comment from Nintendo CEO Doug Bowser regarding the Switch 2’s steep pricing stirred the pot. He pointed out that the original Switch remains available for those looking to enter Nintendo’s ecosystem. This echoes Mattrick’s tone by seeming to sidestep the real issues consumers face. Whether these decisions will influence the Switch 2’s success remains to be seen.