When Nintendo made the official announcement of its upcoming Switch console, the name seemed to immediately make sense. Rather than the somewhat weak naming of the Wii U, which was named in order to focus on "you" more, the Switch appeared to have gotten its name from the way in which you "switch" between home and portable gaming seamlessly. Now, it seems that this is only part of the message the company wants to convey with the name.
Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream just recently published a few questions that it had sent in to Nintendo for this month's issue, and one of them was pertaining to the name. Evidently, it is also referring to how this will "flip a switch" in people's lives and change the way they view entertainment:
We decided that this name would be the best fit for our product for two reasons. It represents one of the defining features of the Switch, the ability to seamlessly 'switch' between the TV screen and Switch's screen, while also embodying the idea of being a 'switch' that will flip, and change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives.
Moving on from there, Nintendo went on to explain how the reveal trailer was meant to show the diverse scenarios in which one could play with the Switch:
We wanted to show people just how much of an enjoyable difference it will make in their entertainment experiences, by having them see and hear for themselves what it can do in an easy-to-digest manner. It allows people to enjoy a home console experience not only in front of a TV, but in rooms with no TV, or outside altogether. And because the controllers are detachable from the main body of the console, each of its forms offer different play experiences for people to enjoy.
What do you think? Is the Nintendo Switch an effective name? Do you think it will do what Nintendo hopes it will do? Drop us a comment in the section below
[source nintendoeverything.com]
Comments 92
o shizzle waddup
Seeing this explain the name makes a lot of sense. I like where they're going with it.
As for me, I personally liked the name because it was a complete abandonment of the Wii brand, something I think they've needed to do for a long time now.
Pretty sure everyone knew as soon as they saw the reveal trailer why it was called the Switch.
Definitely like the name a lot.
That's pretty much what I expected, it's a fitting name.
better than Wii U but i still prefer NX
"Wii U", sounds like something you tell a toddler just before putting it to bed so it doesn't wet the bed.
Yup, the name made sense & it's a thousand times better than the NX. While gamers will no doubt love the name NX, it will be completely meaningless to the vast majority of people... the ones that need to buy into it to make the Switch a success.
The Switch's name is miles better, I'm so glad they dropped the Wii finally. That'll go a long way toward setting it apart as an all new product.
Speaking of the trailer, Nintendo really should use the distinct "click" from the reveal trailer in their advertising. The sound really lasts with you.
Love the name. It's simple and effective.
@ Mega_Yarn_Poochy
I agree! Every time I see the system or logo I hear that click sound in my head! 😂
I like the name Switch, but being old school I would have much preferred a return to NES, maybe NESX, or even NE:S - Nintendo Entertainment : Switch
Am I the only one who likes calling it the "NS"?
Afterall, we referred to Nintendo 64 as "N64", and abbreviated Nintendo's first 2 consoles to "NES" and "SNES".
@yuwarite ooh, I like NS too
@Dm9982 There's no space after the @.
@yuwarite Ugh, I hate that shortening almost as much as WU for the Wii U (yes, some people say that for some reason). It just doesn't sound as "good" as the name: "the Switch".
It's an effective name. The BIGGEST problem with the Wii U, why it failed at retail the way it did, was because consumers were confused about the U and what exactly it was. Nintendo did a poor job explaining the Wii U was not simply a new controller for the existing Wii but a new console.
I always felt like the best thing Nintendo could have done for the NX project was abandoning the Wii name and starting over. There will be zero confusion with the Nintendo Switch-- everyone will know this is a new system. Nintendo is effectively "starting over" and doesn't have to be a victim of its own marketing.
As long as third parties don't flip/flick the Switch then I'll be happy.
I'm in agreement about the Wii name being dropped; the name was the butt of many jokes in my family. Switch is a lot better/cooler-sounding name.
Nintendo's really........switching it into high gear with this console.
:/
Interesting. But I will keep calling it the Nintendo Sandwitch. The toasterish design begs for this name. It calls to me. It calls to you. Mmmmm... sandwich.
A possible name for a super slim version OR updated version like the new 3ds would be: THE SWITCHBLADE
(Yes I known it isnt out yet but still..the name)
@MegaMari0 Wow... Making it even more slim? That would really be some... cutting edge technology!
The WiiU's biggest problem was the dropping of Nintendo from the brand. People always referred to the Wii as 'Nintendo Wii' but when was the last time people called it 'Nintendo WiiU'?
Only the gameboy managed to get away with it.
@Clownshoes
You're part of the problem.
@Clownshoes I think you underestimate people's hunger for the Sandwitch. Because you cannot consume a Pro or a Scorpion... Unless you're on an episode of Survivor.
Also, it's more like a phablet, with accompanying toaster.
Its catchy, easy to explain, and just plain works! This is a total 180 to the whole "Wii U being a Wii add-on" confusion.
Good going Big N!
The name is better than the last 3 consoles. NX was still a better name, but we all know this could have been a lot worse
I feel like I'm playing the switch every time I use Wii remotes to play Wii games on my Wii U game pad screen, and it's awesome
I like the name too, everytime when someonr uses the word switch my mind goes like hey Nintendo switch lol.
I cant wait for the games reveal
@Clownshoes Here we have a Nintendoomer in its natural habitat....
While I'm generally optimistic about the idea behind the Switch I do feel it's a bit sad and funny how Nintendo acts like it's really a big deal:
"It allows people to enjoy a home console experience not only in front of a TV, but in rooms with no TV, or outside altogether"
It's not like the Vita wasn't marketed in almost the same way. Besides, how big is the difference between a 'console' and a 'handheld' game nowadays really? I feel like we are at a point where the two provide pretty much the same experience.
I know it's just marketing trying hard to sell the thing but I feel like that's not really the cool thing about the Switch. I like the concept because it simplifies and unifies the gaming concept, no more buying both a (Nintendo) handheld and a home console for all my gaming needs with a split library of games!
I think the name also represents a 'switch' for Nintendo as a company.
Recently I saw an article in a minor online tech magazine (don't remember the name) that was about shop sales for consoles in the coming month. After the Ps4 and XOne they wrote about the Wii2 offerings. They also repeated this Wii2 in different paragraphs, in bundle with Mario Kart 8... I also like the switch, as it illustrates the concept, but i'm not sure it will "switch" the way people play, that happened some time ago. Still, it could be an effective way of bridging the gap beetween console and mobile gaming.
I think the Switch is going to be one of the fastest selling consoles ever. It is such a clever concept.
Iam excite 4 the nintendu wii switch
Switch sounds like "Sweets".
Hopefully a good name that bring great Fortune for Nintendo.
@Clownshoes
Oh, do you know what ? I am 'Switch'ing from Sony (Used to be when I was Teen) to Nintendo, permanently. Unique console from Nintendo, here I come !
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy I disagree. NS sounds great to me. To each his own. On a side note im very much looking forward to the switch, but my main concern is the games they release, as this has been a problem with every console lately. Im not a zelda fan and am tired of "new" super mario games, so things dont look too bright for me...
@noutBr
For me, i'm okay for both consoles and handhelds. They offer different thing but same fun aspect. I enjoy my NDS or 3DS games despite of non HD graphics, as long the gameplay make me addicted while i'm enjoy too the consoles (Gamecube, Wii and Wii U) with better graphic and other aspects. For gamers who doesn't have TV, they still can play Switch with same performance. That's a big deal. At the same time I can treat Switch both as Console and handhelds equally if I have HD TV.
@noutBr PS Vita couldn't hook up to the tv though.
To be honest, I wasn't keen on the Switch name at first. However, that name appears to be very helpful for Nintendo's marketing people to get their message across, so it was probably a great choice of name.
I keep wanting to call it "NVIDIA SWITCH".
@KJW90 Excitebike Switch confirmed?
It's an okay name, definitely better than the Wii.
And it rhymes with curse words I use to call the system instead of Switch. 😜
Nintendo Switch is the best name I could have possibly thought up for a console like this.
Lots of connotations.
It will get people to Switch from their current consoles
People can turn on the Switch
It's a Switch of direction for Nintendo
I can imagine the marketing... 'It's time to Switch'
All their Wii U games are making the Switch.
@Clownshoes
Are you lost? You seam to be posting on the wrong forum. Wish you the best of luck but i can't play splatoon on my PS4, and I can't play Zelda on my Xbox one. Nintendo still has my playtime all wrapped up.
@IceClimbers I think you mean super effective
I hope the switch sells wells
It's a basic name, like other Nintendo consoles, but it needs a brand name like Xbox or PlayStation. Preferably with Nintendo in the name, maybe like NIntendo Entertainment System. Or NES for short.
@zool
S.W.I.T.C.H.
S = Superior
W = Ways
I = Incorporate
T = Technology
C = Creating
H = Happiness
Well, my fictional abbreviation of SWITCH.
@Clownshoes decently priced games really🤔 Most new PS4 games retail at 50-60 pounds. I don't know any new Nintendo titles in that price bracket.
@Clownshoes Did you come here from Push Square?
They sold the potential very well in the trailer, and the name fits like a glove.
It's not silly, and it retains the "wi" from Wii but stays monosyllable, and avoids sounding the same. Clever.
What I'm very happy about is how much of this functionality will come inside the base retail unit.
It's sure to be a success.
@Clownshoes
Shut up, Meg.
@Clownshoes I think a lot have already moved. Look at the Wii u sales.
I think it`s super-effective
@darthstuey ps4 games are cheaper. Smash 4 @ retail was 49.99
Mario kart 8 was 49.99
These games are still 50 pounds in the eshop
Honestly, I still prefer the name "NX".
@Clownshoes They just think NIntendo is pointless and dated. I mean, if this whole shortage on purpose thing is gonna be the norm, then I demand they ship as many units as possible, only for people to have major problems, that the repair department at Nintendo would be swamped! OR that people return it in favor of the XBox One S or the PS4 Pro. It's like demanding you order the hostage special, when all you really wanted is a Pepsi.
I think it would be a missed opportunity if Nintendo doesn't advertise with the slogan, "Make the Switch"
Man, the Nintendo Wii 3 is looking good!
Nah, just kidding. I really like the Switch's name, and I'm so happy that Nintendo stopped the Wii branding. Makes it seem like they're not banking on the Wii's success, because face it, that's not happening again. I'm really excited for the Switch.
And yes, that "click" sound from the trailer is the stuff of dreams.
"Flipping a Switch in people's minds" never even occurred to me, and I don't like it one bit, reeks of smugness and superiority. After the failure that was the Wii U Nintendo needs to stop thinking of themselves as the wise man on the mountain top who enlightens people with it's wisdom and get down in the muck and start working to get some sales. "Flipping a switch" is like saying, "our job here is done, either they get it or they don't, and if they are too stupid to get it that's on them, not us."
That conceit on their part aside, it's a great name. While switching between home and away is the obvious reference, as others have said that switch sounds is already iconic, like Wolverines "snikt", and switching the joycons on and off, switching them on and off the Joygrip, that's what switch means to mean, that sound switching up the controllers.
So focus on the sound, drop the zen buddism.
@rjejr I think you're looking way to deep into this.
The separation of console and handheld games is (hopefully) going to be successfully bridged by the Switch. Simply being able to play "console-level games" everywhere does change things for some people.
For as long as I can member I have always said 'I'm going to play Nintendo'.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy I'm not the one going to deep into this, they are the ones who said they picked the name b/c they wanted to flip in switch in people's mind, not me. They are going too deep, I'm calling them out for going too deep, just like you are calling me out for going to deep, but your comment is misdirected, it should be aimed at them, not me. They're the ones dropping acid and listening to The Doors instead of focusing on doing real marketing work.
Did you even read what THEY said?
"embodying the idea of being a 'switch' that will flip, and change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives."
Who talks like that about a videogame console? Save that hyperbole for the invention of the Orgasmatron.
Love ya @rjejr but I'm with @Mega_Yarn_Poochy on this one. If you aren't going to try and "change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives" you don't belong in the video game hardware business. Microsoft and Sony aim to do the same. Flipping a switch isn't real deep. It just means changing someone's mind. Again, if you are in marketing and you don't aim to do that...
Feel better soon.
Woah! Have you all not seen a Clownshoes post before? Or are you feeling generous during the Holiday season and just wanted to make his day? lol. Fair enough, either way!
@rjejr Sony's CEO on the PS4Pro:
“You’ve heard me saying this many times, but our constant theme at Sony is of course innovation. And we’re continuing to show innovation in TV, audio, digital imaging, and mobile, but it doesn’t stop there.
Innovation has been fundamental to our success in our PlayStation business, and continues to inspire us to create new technologies and new consumer experiences. And PlayStation is committed to be the best place to play, whether it’d be for gaming, video, music, or even television.
We’re constantly evolving the PlayStation ecosystem through hardware, software, and network capabilities, that create truly inspiring experiences. PlayStation Innovation is simply unparalleled, and it provides a meaningful and powerful mean to connect gamers in ways never before thought possible.”
@Squalllionhart I still prefer NX too but can't help but feel Nintendo Switch is more practical for a larger audience.
Switch to XBOX if you don't like iPad. What a puny little system with a crappy controller. Nintendo has lost its touch.
People who preferred NX. Consider calling it the NS. It's up-to-date and sounds almost the same!
Anyone holding to NX has to admit it's just because it has been repeated so much in rumor stories, right? I mean, it means absolutely nothing to anyone and the internal Nintendo teams don't even seem to remember what it stood for initially. It's just two meaningless letters.
do {
Say.toSelf("NS");
Say.toSelf("Nintendo Switch");
fuzzyNormalcy++;
} while (fuzzyNormalcy < 0);
...Kinda want to see what their handhelds are going to do after this, lol.
@aaronsullivan The "NS" sounds too much like the "NES." It's very easy for a casual onlooker to confuse the two. NX sounds cooler, and it's much less likely to be confused with something like an NES Mini. (Imagine a parent accidentally thinking they're being asked to get an "NS Mini" for their child.) Or, just call it a Nintendo Sandwitch. Pretty much everyone likes sandwiches.
@BensonUii I liken the PS4Pro to being more like a rectangular Oreo. Which is still a kind of cookie sandwich. But it does not satisfy like a fully fledged Sandwitch. Scorpion burgers sound... Interesting. But not enough so for me to try one.
@3MonthBeef
Cutting off the competition from getting a mega share of the most delicious games.
I immediately thought of the N64 marketing here in the States, "Change The System" All I could think is that they should use "Switch The System" this time around.
@Skunkfish "Are you ready to flip your Switch?"
@Clownshoes Hey, do you have lottery ticket numbers or is your crystal ball only focused on pessimism?
On Topic: I am very fond of the name. It makes sense with no added explanation needed and I feel the trailer did a wonderful job of highlighting the ability to switch from one form factor to another. Not sure if this will dethrone the WiiU for me but I am excited to find out!!
..it's called a "Switch" because..
..it's going to SPANK the competition!!...
@Clownshoes that's funny considering I just sold my ps4 for $200 with no regrets except that it ran Hulu and Netflix better... more affordable games? You mean the ones that are $60 at launch and go down to $20 cuz people realized "hey it's not that great." Yet almost any Nintendo game unless it becomes a Nintendo select is 40-60, and people That want to play, will play... and guess what? Probably not complain because I've only had 2 Wii U games I sold off after beating...After I realized, how I had no games for PS4 that were highly replayable WITH FRIENDS, or even replayable games period. (Witcher 3 + bloodborne , dark souls 3 were great don't get me wrong) but my best memories i have recently with gaming have been with friends on the Wii U.... mortal Kombat x was cool too, but ed boon handles his fans poorly and I will never support another mk or injustice. BF1 and the last guardian were the only reason I wanted to hold onto it. But I'll wait til the PS4 pro is down to $200-$250 and still making games focused on graphics and theatrics In a open world... but no friends and the most the fun comes from graphics with a diluted story.
@PlywoodStick Really, I thought of it more like a Switch Army knife since it can do many different things (in addition to being a Sandwitch)
@PlywoodStick
I imagine it's especially similar to those who pronounce NES as "ness" but at least around me growing up everyone pronounced it N. E. S. (en-ee-es) so it's less of an issue.
Either way, I like the callback to the NES and SNES.
Nintendo Switch but shortened to NS in text conversation works for me.
Incidentally, what are people shortening the new kids on the block to? I haven't noticed. PS4Pro? PS4P? PSP (oops)? Pro? XBS? Scorpio?
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy Hah, "WU". Yeah, that doesn't sound good. Sounds like a wrestling company or something.
But yeah, I love the name "Switch" and I like the fact we can call it "Switch" or "NS" and neither one sounds dumb. After 10 years of annoying Wii jokes, it's so refreshing
@aaronsullivan "and "change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives" you don't belong in the video game hardware business."
I don't think either Sony or MS try to do that to the extent where they are NAMING their console to try and get the point across. Should Sony get out of the business b/c they named their 4th console PS4? The console that just passed 50 million sales?That's what you just said, Sony "don't belong in the video game hardware business" b/c PS4 doesn't have a name that effects people's daily lives. Of course you want to make a good console, but saying you choose the name so people can have a switch flipped? That's working way too hard on the wrong things. How about making games people want, not AC:aF or MP:FF and stop worrying about turning people on and changing their lives w/ a console name. Change their lives w/ the games, not the name of the console.
We always pronounced them like 'Nez' and 'Snez'. Actually I still do, is that not right?
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy That coming from a man who has named all of his devices -
Playstation
Playstation Portable
Playstation 2
Playstation Vita
Playstation 3
Playstation Vita TV
Playstation 4
Playstation VR
Yeah, he is really trying to be innovative w/ those names.
I'm all for Nintnedo trying to show peopel a new way to play w/ the Switch, it's their focus on the NAME being som emagical element that will make people say "Oh Switch, that's a great name, I don't care what the price is or what gmaes it has, I'll just flip the Switch and buy one". Thats' my issue. Too much emphasis on the name.
Know who else sells a lot of products, Apple.
iPhone
iPhone 2
iPhone 3
iPhone 4
iPhone 5
iPhone 6
iPad 1
iPad 2
New iPad
iPad 4 (I'm just guessing at that last one, they lost me at "new".)
Apple doesn't try to sell products w/ new and innovative names, but new and innovative products. No, wait, they dont 'do that either.
@rjejr I was never talking about the name, I was talking about the philosophy behind the Switch.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy I like the philosophy behind the Switch, but THEY were talking about the philosophy behind the NAME. That's what I've been commenting on from the beginning, their discussion on why they picked the NAME.
From above, emphasis added:
"We decided that this name would be the best fit for our product for two reasons. It represents one of the defining features of the Switch, the ability to seamlessly 'switch' between the TV screen and Switch's screen, while also embodying the idea of being a 'switch' that will flip, and change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives."
Now if you want to change the first use of "name" to "design" then I'm ok w/ everything else they said, the idea of a hybrid design will turn people on to the Switch. I'm all for that. But they didn't say the hybrid design will change peopel's lives, they said the name will. That's putting too much emphasis on the name.
Maybe they are just reacting to everybody over-reacting about how the Wii U name's caused it to fail, and that makes sense. Only I don' tthink the Wii U name caused it to fail, the price, lack of marketing, making it look like a Wii and the Gamepad look like a Wii add-on, all of those reasons are why it failed. So if they want to say " We heard people about the name, so we came up w/ a better name for our new console." well that's fine. but they say the name is changing peoples lives. I'm glad they gave the name some thought, but they shouldn't rely on it to sell the system just b/c it's a name that doesn't suck.
Good news, that's as far as I can go explaining things, so you get the last word.
@rjejr "while also embodying the idea of being a 'switch' that will flip, and change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives."
I think you're misunderstanding that line. Its saying that the Switch name represents the idea that the Switch hybrid will change how people experience entertainment.
@UK-Nintendo I paid £35 for both of those games on disc. Not sure where you are buying from.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy I have it as my notification tone.
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