Nintendo has officially announced that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will not feature an achievements system akin to those found on platforms like Microsoft’s Xbox, Sony’s PlayStation, and Steam. These systems, which have become staples for gaming enthusiasts on other consoles, will not be integrated into the Switch 2’s offerings.
The revelation came from Bill Trinen, Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience, who tersely dismissed the idea with a simple, “Nope.” Despite this, Nintendo is embracing modern gaming trends by introducing the GameChat feature on the Switch 2. This new feature, integrated directly into the console’s user interface, facilitates both voice and video chat during gameplay—a significant improvement from the original Switch, which required a separate smartphone app for voice chat.
Interestingly, Nintendo is experimenting with an achievements-like system through the Switch 2 Edition re-releases of popular Zelda titles such as “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” These games will feature their own achievement lists accessible via the new Zelda Notes App. This app, part of the broader Nintendo App, allows players to track progress, such as the number of completed shrines and other metrics. While not exactly an achievements system, this development shows Nintendo stepping closer to potentially integrating such features more comprehensively in the future.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to hit the market on June 5th. It will be available for a suggested retail price of $449.99 in the United States, 49,980 yen for the Japan region-locked version, 69,980 yen for the Japan region-free version, and €469.99 in Europe. This new console promises to deliver cutting-edge experiences while maintaining Nintendo’s unique charm in the gaming landscape.
