Ever since the Switch first launched back in 2017, we - and a significant number of this site's readers - have been hoping to see an updated user interface. Little things like themes and folders are usually at the top of people's wishlists, and we've stumbled across a fan-made design that ticks pretty much every box we could hope for.
The images you see before you have been created by Twitter user @ActualAero. In their tweet, @ActualAero asks Nintendo to let them help with the Switch's next major update, showing off the designs in the process. We must say, we'd absolutely be up for Nintendo taking some pointers from these mock-ups.
Across the four images, you'll spot a simple, static background (or theme), new avatar icons, a messaging system, and a quick look at how folders could work. It's all very simple stuff and not too far away from what we already have, which makes it all the more believable and desirable.
We've seen more exuberant takes in the past, but we'd argue that this is how Switch should look going forward. The system is currently sitting at Version 9.1.0, so perhaps this could make for a lovely overhaul for Version 10?
Nice work, @ActualAero. Here's hoping!
[source twitter.com]
Comments 104
Messages I don't really care, there is already tons of way to exchanges with friends.
But folder and themes! DO WANT!
Or just the background that change with the selected game would also be absolutely marvelous, love the mockup with Xenoblade Chronicles 2
There's no excuse to not have folders by now. Just get those on there and I'll be a happy gamer!
I wouldn't be against some sort of simple messaging but I'm not that fussed about it either. Would like a much wider range of icons than what we have admittedly. Don't really care about themes though and I see no need at all for folders.
Nintendo Switch needs themes and folder like 3DS.
I'd love those improvements, but gosh that background image hurts my eyes
Thank goodness we at least have a dark theme on the Switch, I'm getting tired of being blinded by the Wii U every time I turn it on ^^
best games gave me a idea, have a 2nd row with smaller icons based on play statistics, most often played, longest play time, you know those rankings they had on 3ds. also let me sort by number of supported players... i really don't want to organize that myself if they just give us folders
Folder and themes!
Folder themes, icons etc. Yes make it happen.
I really don’t understand the obsession with themes. The menu is just a way to get to the next game I want to play. I would rather Nintendo spend their resources making great games instead of making themes that I’ll look at for half a second at a time.
It's 3 years now since release, a Theme wouldn't be too much to ask for right.
What people want is more options, they do not hurt anybody who does not use them and people who love options can use them. It is a win win for everybody. Also this would not interfere with the snappiness of the system.
Add manual sorting options and adjustable icon size and it's exactly what I want. No unnecessary clutter, just game management with the option to make it pretty.
Looks rubbish
@ryancraddock the first mockup also includes a Headset icon, might be worth including in the article text?
More on point: folders would be nice, or ways to freely organise the games. Personally I’d rather have a more specific Play Log on the System, like the 3DS and Wii U had.
These are all fantastic ideas and well ecexuted designs. But honestly, at this point I'd be happy if they just gave us "Basic Blue" and "Basic Red" as color options. I totally understand not wanting to slow down the time it takes to boot up the UI, but changing the hex color from #808080 grey to #FF0000 red shouldn't be any slower. Not even by a millisecond.
This won’t happen. This is Nintendo... they don’t care anymore.
I have about 200 games on the switch. Folders would be a godsend.
Someone petition this now. Because this is too good of an idea to ignore.
Just got my switch in November. Kinda of regret it bc the system is bland and not enough great games. Plus nintendo is the greediest company in the business
@Godzil your icon had me wondering why dongaronpa hasn’t made its way to switch. Am I nuts for thinking it would do well?
@AG_Awesome I have over 400 and the idea of trying to sort them into folders sounds like an absolute nightmare to me, haha. Rather just leave them alphabetically (which is the most efficient way to find what I'm looking for anyway) and spend that time beating a game or two instead.
Folders would be much appreciated
@SpiritGun7 I'd definitely buy it. It's a series that I'm sure I'd love but it's just never been on a system that I'm interested in playing it on. Would go nicely on the Switch.
Folders, custom themes, and an accessible web browser with youtube compatibility to use while a game is paused in the background.
My Wii U could play youtube on the TV while checking messenger on the gamepad if I recall correctly. Switch won't be able to do that, but at least make it able to use them separately, and browse the web. This is a handy tool when you need to look something up in order to progress in a game, and therefore something I believe any modern dedicated console should have.
I really wish Nintendo wasn't so afraid of letting people actually interact. The messaging in this mock up would be great to have.
I have made some friends I've known for 10 years via online games and the biggest part of that was being able to actually communicate with them within the game I was playing (and without needing a 2nd device or 3rd party app).
I don't play games online via Switch except Mario Kart and Tetris because of how lacking in features it is.
Themes....I don't care about personally. I'd probably leave it as it is, even if given options. But more options for those who want it is always good.
Folders.....yes. I'd love to be able to custom organize my games.
I want messaging it's too much trouble to get friends into games without being able to tell them you want a March I domt use the phone app either
I don't think that I would personally make much use of folders, though I don't object to them being included as an option. I think potentially a more useful feature would be to be able to separate out uninstalled games and physical ones that are not inserted, so that it is clearer what you actually have on the console at the time.
I can appreciate what they are going for but I personally find that the attempt at a theme in the first image looks quite nasty. Definitely needs work in terms of how the system icons and info sits on top of the background image.
I just want to have more than 4 games clickable (without the need to scroll). This was one way that the Wii U was significantly better than the Switch.
@BenAV I’m just into organization. Even my dvd/blu ray collection is both alphabetical and put into genres. My switch collection is probably closer to 300 at this point. Even having letter folders would be easier for me.
I stand by how I am too busy playing games to worry what the home screen looks like. Themes and other things will only slow it down.
That's a more simple mock up than I'd honestly like. But it hits all the features I would want and would be plenty happy with it.
I would like the ability to put more game icons on screen at smaller sizes too. As well as to organize them how I want - like we had on 3DS and Wii U.
@Donutman the Switch is not so pathetic that static images and folders should have any noticeable impact on speed.
@SpiritGun7 Yeah, I still don't get why they haven't ported them (publicly at least?) Danganronpa for the Nintendo switch when it is available on PC.
The Switch have a way more mature content than most previous Nintendo Console, and would fit perfectly on that system!
Would also love to have the Zero Escape trilogy on the Switch, even if it would be to finish it for third time, at least xD
Just make it so there are Simple White, Simple Black, and Simple Xenoblade Chronicles 2 themes. You know, like on all the other modern game consoles.
I don't care about Xenoblade Chronicles 2 nor do I like this theme but I DO WANT THEMES. I loved the badges and themes on the 3DS it was very fun to customize and save different layouts.
Not going to happen, is my unsolicited opinion. The Switch was always going to be an austerity generation after the Wii U and you’re seeing it in subtle ways like cheaper hardware and barebones functionality. I’m fine with the UI, it performs well and an alphabetized library is just fine for me (and I would assume most).
I cannot even look at the last image because Splatoon2 is not in the best games folder!!! What is this person smoking?!!
Anyway folders would be nice. My game collection is getting a little awkward to navigate these days and I’m sure I can speak for most people here.
Making mockups is no help at all.
Folders would be nice, themes are fluff to me. “All games” button should be on the front.
Why does anyone care?
How much time are you spending in the menu?
Pop in the cartridge and start playing. Tada!
I don't personally care about themes, but Folders are long overdue.
Xenoblade background? Xenoblade PROFILE ICONS? Funny, I don't remember putting together a pitch but obviously I did this. 🤔
Just give me folders as well as an overhaul of the eshop UI. Themes would be a bonus.
Ryan please use the Random label. Cause this is absolutely not News.
EDIT: The article you link at the end is correctly labeled Random.
why at this point can we not do something simple as use an in game screenshot for a theme? Nintendo seem to want to actively give people less or no options at all. more importantly,for me anyway,would be a vastly overhauled eshop set up instead over the home screen changes
I don’t like it, Still having one row of icons is still a waste of space. We had more choices on the 3DS and it’s a much smaller screen!
Please no folders. A game can only be in one folder and folder "icons" would also look sooooo boring. Tags are the way forward. So you can give a game several tags and later search for one tag (e.g. "online mode").
I second folders and themes. As much as I like my new Switch, the 3DS has one-upped it in this department. Messaging would also be nice, but there are other ways to go about doing it that aren't too cumbersome.
The Wii U had folders and the 3DS had themes. I don't understand why the switch, a more powerful system, doesn't yet. I like the minimalist feel and look but it just needs better organization.
@Spartan48 If you think the Switch is bland, there aren't enough great games, and Nintendo is greedy, then I would hate to hear what you think about Microsoft's bland, anti-consumer Xbox One models, their severe lack of great games, and their constant need to push anti-consumer services that in the end will make you pay 3x+ more for a game and still not be able to own it without continuing to pay for access.
The Switch library is utterly fantastic, easily on par with the PS4s and the best Nintendo has had since the GameCube. The device itself is selling like hotcakes because it's anything but bland, and greedy? Haha, usually only someone who's bias or ill-informed will say that about Nintendo. If you bought a Switch and aren't enjoying it, gaming is probably not for you.
Yes! Please! At least let us organize the fleakin menu!
@Godzil but there are zero ways to exchange messages with users you are only friends with on the Switch.
we've been asking for themes and folders for more than 2 years now i don't see it happening any time soon
Folders. Please. Having 200 games installed is hard to navigate.
@Nintyfan microsoft anti-consumer? Are we talking the same Microsoft than the one that has the customer support and that nowadays gives everything the fans ask?
I have Switch, One and ps4 and they treat their customers the best. They did make some mistakes in the past, but right now are like the total opposite.
All it needs is folders and themes, but please have some free themes, or even use your platinum points themes, now that would be great.
Switch 2 will be out before they get the OS sorted lol.
If it isn't too resource taxing, why not? I mean, something has to be done to jazz up the OS. Its just blah....
Never thought I'd be bothered about achievements but it's been fun hunting them down on Ori.
At least they extend your playtime and therefore value for money, and if they did something like reward you with exclusive avatars, home screen music soundtracks, themes, sound fx packs etc, all to use on the Switch's home screen then everyone would go after them for sure.
@Oppyz666 im totally with you on that one, the x360 got alot s#@& for that red ring of death. In the meantime im on my 4th set of joycons costing me 80 euro per set because of joy con drifting. Im a long time Nintendo fan but this is getting ridiculous it really isn't that much we're asking for just an updated O.S. and change the sticks on the joy-cons
@LunarFlame17 I understand your point of view, but i'm also pretty sure that themese and folders could be implemented in about an hour if need be. However long it might take it certainly wouldn't interrupt any kind of game development. Nor would game development teams be working on a U.I.
Folders would be nice, a good way to separate favorites or better define digital and physical games at a quick glance. Xbox has a really good tiling system for groups. I do like how PS4 opens more info below when you go on a game.
I don't know about y'all, but the mere idea of having a party chat on the Switch would change SO much for everyone
Right now there's virtually no point with being friends with someone via the Switch.
They either need to change that or just delete that feature entirely.
Finally i will be able to send messages to complete strangers! WHAT CAN GO WRONG!!?!??!?!?!
Yes themes please like the 3DS ones.
The home screen looks so boring themes would really make it looks more fun to log in.
Eh I always thought of a menu was to get you to the games asap. Adding more bells and whistles goes against that.
@LunarFlame17 Themes are a great addition, honestly I love opening my PS4 to an awesome Monster Hunter Theme with the music playing in the background and Nergigante looking intimidating.
I like how plain it is
@AcridSkull so does your comment.
If you spend more time looking at your home screen than playing games then maybe you should question how much you really enjoy your Switchable and/or UnSwitchable Switch.
@Crono1973 Theres nothing wrong asking to have different backgrounds for the menu besides having a plain white background all the time.
@Godzil they have shown some signs of leaning that way. Kinda snagging all the vita developers. Somnium files is from the same guys who did zero escape I believe. I wouldn’t mind the trilogy but I’ve already played through them so probably wouldn’t pick it up.
Death mark and NG are on sale and they are kinda similar. Fingers crossed the supposed January direct shows some niche surprises. I could go for some SMT V or even an offshoot title or port.
Are there any titles in particular that scratch the zero escape itch that you could recommend?
@BenAV it’s a quirky title but certainly fun and worth trying. It is a strange pseudo zero escape ace attorney mash up if I were to describe it. It definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously and is pretty dang fun the first time through.
@SpiritGun7 Not that much to be honest. Good escape room game with proper scenario are not something common I fear
Hotel Dusk: Room 215, and Last Window: The Secret of Cape West, to some excend on the DS, but that's on the DS, and not really escape room.
Danganronpa is way more close to a Ace Attorney than a Zero Escape game, there is really no escape room/enigmas sequences in them.
And please can we get rid of that wasteful single-row menu and go back to tiles like the Wii U and virtually any smartphone or tablet have?!
@KoekiieWoekiie It wouldn't hurt the "snappiness" of the system but would really help with the "happiness" of the system.
...I'll see myself out.
@Torakaka petition will do nothing. Those never work lol stop wasting your time
@Godzil this is true regarding the escape room elements. It’s been a good while since I played them. I believe there was clue hunting and character interrogation involved which reminded me a bit of zero escape. Not really any escape the room stuff I think. Dongaronpa is pretty solid though although it lacks the ridiculously massive list of possible endings.
@PickledKong64 Need I remind you that it was a petition that allowed Melee to be at EVO?
@Nintyfan your name kinda shows your slant. While Xbox isn't perfect, the UI is still more manageable then the Switch's. Second only to its speed, the Xbox has Switch beat. And it's games aren't for everyone, yes, but I still tend to appreciate Halo more than some of Nintendo's offerings. It's all about taste at the end of the day and everyones is different
It's not hard to add backgrounds. But I can't see them adding party chat or messaging....as much as I want them!
@Torakaka bruh that's something completely different. If that was the case we would've had mother 3, pikmin 4 and Metroid Prime Trilogy on the switch by now. Petitions dont work on bigger things like this.
Sure Shuntaro Furukawa and Nintendo are evaluating see if folders and themes will be widely adopted in mobile OS... after they done exploring wireless audio.
Probably upgrading to Windows 95 at corporate as we speak 😅
For real. What on earth is the hold up here? I know you want some of this theme money, and I’m literally dying to give it to you.
Dear Nintendo, either do something or let us do it.
the headline image kind of looks like absolute garbage, dunno if that's a big seller
I don't see the appeal of any of this. This system is already much faster than my PS4 Pro or PC, and it's simple and it works. I don't want to spend my time browsing games (which are already sorted by alphabet, hours played, or publisher), and would rather spend all of my time playing games rather than looking at a menu, that's been slowed down to accomodate for whatever this is.
Every time someone adds a "social" feature to whatever digital product/service I immediately like it less than I did before. Most of these "social" applications are the worst kind of "social" and instead are just insidious ways to hook users into endless compulsion/addiction loops where they have to constantly keep checking to make sure they're not falling out of popularity and the like.
@Godzil I like the Danganronpa Profile pic
@Nintendonerd12 I'm fine with the current system, stops toxic behavior of all types, and let's face it, the less toxic behavior we have the better.
@impurekind SMH.. Adding static background images(themes) and folders is not going to slow the OS down at all.
I would love this!
I see no reason to waste time on making a screen you're supposed to see as little as physically possible... Customizable. Especially not with the Switch.
On something like Playstation, sure - lots of downtime if you don't just game on it, because the menus are super clunky and you can watch movies and stuff on it too.
But on Switch? Idk, I kinda feel like people who want this want it for no actual good reason. They just want the ability to waste dev time on making a ui they're supposed to spend maybe 10 seconds on when they boot up their Switch... Look like a piece of art they'd stare at for hours.
No interested in themes or messaging but would love Folders. Baffles me that they haven’t implemented something so simple.
That update earlier this morning was not for a system update. Which is weird because it said distribution of update data. Nintendo apologised for the misunderstanding.
I would be up for some backgrounds. The black and white is pretty boring and if Nintendo provides some backgrounds too like they do the avatars for profiles that would be great.
Don't care about themes or messaging all i wamt is folders
@Godzil
With messages you could exchange with people who are not your friends anywhere except on the console.
Ehh I think both are better for us like the 2ds thing u know blob bloblob
Screen shots as backgrounds, folders. Will keep al your millions of customer happy
Folders and the option to switch the default view to "all games".
No themes, no chat, no music, nothing. Just the two things above.
(A shop rework couldn't hurt - but that's two different things.)
Wario avatar please!
The 100s of apps on my iPhone are organised into folders so all are accessible from one home screen... would be great to have games in folders on the switch home screen to save time... and a few themes?
Yeah can the next update deliver features any system would get on launch? I love my switch but so tired of using an Alpha state of software and the Eshop is a pile of literal garbage compared to the first Xbox.
I think themes and folders would be freakin awesome. Also more options for mii and avatars.
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