Nintendo is certainly carving out a unique niche in the gaming console market these days. While the gaming community eyes the upcoming PS6 and the next iteration of Xbox with some apprehension due to the small technological jump seen in recent generations, the Nintendo Switch continues to capture both attention and sales with positivity.
What’s truly remarkable is that the Switch, although not matching its competition in terms of sheer power, manages to stand out. Instead of chasing the latest, most expensive technological innovations like ray-tracing, Nintendo has wisely concentrated on delivering exceptional exclusive games and a straightforward user experience. Even the notable upgrade with the Switch OLED model was about enhancing handheld gameplay rather than setting out to reinvent the console with revolutionary design changes. As Nintendo eventually shifts towards a more powerful successor to the Switch, it would be wise for the company to retain its focus on user experience. This strategy could effectively rival giants like Sony by capitalizing on one oft-overlooked feature of the original Switch.
Sonys’ DualSense controller is a highlight of the PS5, captivating some and perhaps dismissed by others as a gimmick. Nonetheless, its haptic features are a game-changer, increasing immersion across both realistic and fantastical games. From the intense moments of The Last of Us Part 2 to the whimsical adventures of Astro Bot, the DualSense is shaping the future of gaming experiences.
Interestingly, the praise for Nintendo’s HD Rumble predated the hype around the DualSense. Created by the same developers eventually responsible for the DualSense, HD Rumble allowed Switch games to become more immersive and textured, elevating the traditional rumble. If one views the DualSense as an evolution of HD Rumble, then perhaps Nintendo could push “HD Rumble 2.0” as a counter to Sony’s dominance in haptic technology.
The flagship features of the DualSense, such as adaptive triggers, are now seen as setting a new benchmark in the industry. Even if other console makers don’t replicate Sony’s exact approach, expanding the haptic experience to the controller’s most tactile component seems like a no-brainer. On a hybrid console like the anticipated Switch 2, this could yield even more captivating gaming experiences.
At its core, the vibration in the DualSense shares similarities with that of the Switch’s Joy-Cons and Pro Controller, offering varied vibrations for different scenarios. The added value of the DualSense, however, lies in its precision—giving players a haptic experience that closely aligns with their on-screen avatar’s sensations. Nintendo, learning from this approach to creating realistic sensations through haptics, could greatly benefit the Switch 2 controllers.
It would be quite a surprise—and a letdown—if Nintendo were to abandon its focus on haptics with the Switch 2. While somewhat overshadowed by the DualSense, HD Rumble remains an integral part of the Switch experience. With the PS5’s controller taking center stage, it’s an opportune moment for Nintendo to reaffirm its relevance in the haptic space, reminding gamers of its own innovations.
