How Switch 2's Leaked Codename Compares to Nintendo's Past Consoles

that nintendo switch's successor will soon be upon fans, and information continues to leak about its true nature. A code name for the Switch sequel recently emerged, and it may be the key to finding out what the Switch will bring.

With Switch 2 confirmed to be in development earlier this year, many have been expecting an official reveal to happen sooner rather than later. But as the Switch's 8th birthday approaches, fans are growing anxious about this reveal. While rumors are swirling about whether the Switch 2 reveal has been delayed, others are digging up every hardware leak they can muster. Given that the Switch was introduced to rescue Nintendo from the Wii U's poor sales, the company was stuck with the previous generation for nearly 12 years. Fans and analysts alike were wondering when Nintendo would bite the bullet and move on.

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New GBA game on Nintendo Switch Online suggests a bright future for F-Zero

The latest addition to Nintendo Switch Online's Game Boy Advance library may rekindle hope for fans of the F-Zero franchise, which has been dormant for nearly two decades. Nintendo recently added two games to the service: F-Zero: GP Legend and F-Zero Climax. Based on the F-Zero: GP Legend anime, this title features a mix of characters from the show and series veterans like Captain Falcon. With this update, F-Zero now has four games available on Nintendo Switch Online. That's a significant number for a franchise that hasn't hit the mainline in 20 years.

What Codename ‘Ons’ Means for Switch 2

Despite the endless development cycle, Switch 2 is very realistic and will eventually hit the market. But before that, the internet has been flooded with numerous leaks about what the console will look like, with everything from DS-style dual screens to magnetic Joy-Cons being proposed. However, one of the biggest leaks about the Switch 2 is its purported codename 'Ounce'. Nintendo hasn't commented on this codename, but the speculation is worth looking into.

In the past, Nintendo codenames had meaning, but they were only ambiguous.

The code name is typical for Nintendo and may give fans a basis for what to expect. A good example of this is the N64, codenamed 'Project Reality'. Some might think this codename is better suited to a game like Virtual Boy, but the nickname is definitely reminiscent of virtual reality, making it a good borderline for the move into 3D. Although the N64's low-poly graphics can't be called 'realistic', breaking into a new dimension is definitely a move worthy of the title.

On the other hand, some Nintendo code names seem downright unexpected. The cult classic GameCube system's code name is 'Dolphin', which doesn't sound like a good fit for a machine lacking underwater capabilities. 'Dolphin' may also refer to: super mario sunshine; It's not a launch title, but the water-related gameplay (and Isle Delfino's dolphin-nosed inhabitants) make it plausible. Still, this connection requires a lot more mental gymnastics than the N64 for Project Reality.

'Ounce' is more obvious than other Nintendo codenames, but it may be a red herring.

The name 'Ounce' for the Switch 2 is probably the least ambiguous of Nintendo's codenames. Because weight is a very important factor for a portable Switch successor. On the other hand, this may still be a misnomer. The DS code name 'Nitro' signifies power, just as 'Ounce' signifies a special connection to weight, but the DS has little reputation for being a particularly powerful console.

Still, weight is definitely a concern for portable consoles. Many people have expressed the idea that the Switch 2 is likely to be a lightweight machine, but the opposite could also be true. The 'ounces' may suggest that weight has been added to accommodate demand for more powerful Nintendo consoles.

Nintendo has always lagged behind when it comes to graphics and processing power, and this has become more evident as the Switch's lifespan has grown. Many people consider the Switch's hardware to be on par with the Xbox 360. That means Switch 2 has its work cut out for it if it wants to catch up. So it's somewhat plausible that 'Ounce' could refer to hardware bulk support.