Does the Nintendo Switch Really Have a Third Party Problem?

When the Switch’s existence was first confirmed by Nintendo and assumed the codename “NX”, everyone immediately hoped that this new console would correct all the problems of the Wii U. The list of problems that the Wii U had was not a short one. Complicated branding, keeping the Wii’s name, lack of games at launch, not enough quality software, a second screen that disconnected if you left the room with the console, and many more. Despite the Wii U’s shortcomings, most people would argue that the Switch was a direct correction of these mistakes by Nintendo, fixing nearly all the complaints people had with their previous console. However, one major problem the Wii U had that many believe the Switch is currently having still, is a lack of third party support. Game companies are not bringing their big games to the Switch. The Switch is getting some support with games like NBA 2K, Skryrim, and Dragonball Xenoverse 2, sure, but where is Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty? That is the question on the minds of so many fans and gamers. Is this really a valid complaint though? Does the Switch REALLY have a third party problem? Well, I don’t think so.

In my opinion, there is no real third party problem with the Nintendo Switch. Admittedly, this is purely opinion based, and, like most things, depends on a matter of perspective. If big, AAA games from all developers are what you are desiring, then sure, you are going to be mightily disappointed with your Nintendo Switch. If you were anticipating playing Call of Duty: World War II or Far Cry 5 on the go with your Switch, then of course it will seem as if no developers are supporting it. However, if what you are desiring from third parties on the Switch is unique, interesting, and experimental games that utilize Nintendo’s latest piece of hardware, then you will most likely be pleased. The latter of these two perspectives is the one that I take. Developers may not be sending their AAA games to the Switch, but many are taking time to develop something unique for the system.

It is my opinion that Nintendo did not desire companies to develop their biggest franchises for the Switch. They did not expect EA to develop Battlefront 2 for their system. This was, likely, never their intention. If Nintendo wanted every company’s biggest game, then the Switch would absolutely not be the console that it is, and likely wouldn’t be the success that it is either. In order to get every big game, or even most of them, Nintendo would have had to push for power out of their new console, choosing 4K and a trillion teraflops over the unique portable/home console that they opted for. Nintendo knew what they wanted the Switch to be, and with that choice, they likely knew they were opting out of major, power hungry third party games. Nintendo was okay with this fact, and so am I.

Due to the documented difficulty of porting games to the Switch and the fact that it is underpowered compared to the other systems on the market, developers are having to find alternate routes on how to create games for the system. These alternate routes are mostly coming in the form of developers creating unique games or gaming experiences intended specifically for the Switch. This was likely Nintendo’s intention and preference from the very beginning. This fact may be seen as negative, but should instead has to be embraced. The Switch is unlike any other system on the market, and Nintendo is unlike any other company. Charisma, quirkiness, charm, individuality, and uniqueness are all words that can perfectly define what Nintendo is as a company, and that must be expected out of their games as well. Due to all of this, we are in fact getting very unique games and experiences from big third parties. One such example is coming in the form of the Skyrim Switch port. While the Switch version of Skyrim may be the same game that came out on other consoles way back in 2011, this new iteration of the game will be very unique. Skyrim on Switch will have brand new, Nintendo exclusive features including both motion controls and amiibo integration that will allow players to explore the massive open world dressed as Link. While these features may not be game changers, it is still a way that the Switch is being supported by a third parties in a unique and interesting way. A more extreme example of a developer trying something new with the Switch is Ubisoft’s Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. This is an action/strategy RPG featuring an insanely odd crossover between Nintendo’s mustachioed mascot and Ubisoft’s hyperactive rabbit like characters. Ubisoft could have easily chose to send a buggy mess of a port of Assassin’s Creed to die on the Switch, but instead chose to support the system through this Unique game. Skyrim Switch and Mario + Rabbids are just two examples of many that show that the Switch is indeed getting big third party support, just in different ways than many expected.

The Switch may never be a third party powerhouse with a library consisting of the majority of AAA games coming out year after year. Due to its unique design and success, however, third parties are and will continue to support the Switch by creating a combination of new games and putting interesting spins on ports designed for the system. No system is perfect, including the Switch. There are definitely problems with the Switch not getting the big games from big developers, such as needing to own multiple consoles to play non-Nintendo exclusives. That cannot be denied as an issue. However, because of this fact, the Switch and its fans will continue to receive new, unique games that likely would have never been developed had Nintendo chosen to follow the status quo with their new system in order to cater to the needs of AAA games. I, for one, am thankful for this and fully approve of Nintendo’s approach to appealing to third parties.