In a revelation that many might consider unsurprising, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will not incorporate a system-wide achievement feature akin to those found on platforms like Xbox, Steam, or PlayStation. Achievements have become a beloved aspect of gaming, allowing players to tackle various in-game objectives. Despite ongoing requests from the gaming community for Nintendo to adopt such a system on its consoles, it appears this isn’t in the cards for the Switch 2.
During an interview with Polygon, Bill Trinen, an executive at Nintendo of America, provided a clear response regarding the absence of a universal achievement system: “Nope.” While developers will have the flexibility to create their own achievement systems within individual games, players hoping to collect and compare achievements directly on the Nintendo Switch 2 may be left wanting, as Nintendo seems disinclined to fully embrace this feature at a system-wide level.
Individual Games Can Still Feature Unique Achievements
Select Switch 2 Titles Will Implement Unique Achievement Features
Developers will retain the discretion to implement their own in-game achievement systems, and there are already a few titles confirmed to adopt unique approaches. For instance, the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will showcase an achievement system integrated into the Nintendo Switch App, termed Zelda Notes. However, this system will be exclusive to the mobile app and only available through updates for the pricier Switch 2 iterations of these games.
Additionally, select titles on the original Switch have previously featured their own achievement systems. For example, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate included 124 challenges, granting players various in-game rewards. Ubisoft has also launched its own achievement-capable titles through the Ubisoft Connect platform on the Nintendo Switch. It will be interesting to see how many more upcoming games will embrace their own approach to achievement features compared to the original Switch.
Our Perspective: Achievements Aren’t Essential, But They Add Enjoyment
Achievements Remain a Widely Desired Feature
Although the absence of a dedicated achievement system may not deter most gamers, it is likely to disappoint many enthusiasts who have eagerly awaited this feature through another console generation. Nintendo appears to be both drawing inspiration from its competitors and also setting itself apart. The Switch 2 will introduce voice chat capabilities through GameChat, a feature that has been commonplace on Xbox and PlayStation for several console generations. Meanwhile, the Zelda Notes feature indicates that Nintendo is at least exploring the concept of achievements, albeit without a robust commitment this generation.
Additional features and enhanced ways to enjoy games are generally viewed positively by gamers. Given the popularity of achievement systems on other consoles and PCs, it is surprising that Nintendo has opted against a comprehensive solution similar to its competitors. While this development may be disappointing, there is hope that more Nintendo Switch 2 games will offer unique in-game achievement opportunities compared to those seen on the original Switch.
Source: Polygon