The Curious Case of Switch 2: are bigger Game Cases Necessary?
When the Nintendo Switch cases made their debut in 2017, they appeared almost absurdly oversized compared to the minuscule SD cards they housed. The plastic encasements where significantly larger than the games themselves, and most of these cases lacked any additional content. While I have enjoyed collecting them, it’s hard to ignore the environmental waste they represent. Recent leaks suggest that the upcoming Switch 2 might exacerbate this issue.
A Shift Towards Larger Dimensions
The most notable revelation from last month’s declaration regarding the Switch 2 is its trend towards increased size across various components—larger Joy-Con controllers, a more expansive screen, and even grander Mario Kart experiences. It seems that game cases are also set to follow suit.
In January, Felipe Lima from Universo Nintendo reported an accidental leak by French retailer FNAC revealing that a Take-Two game for switch 2 measures approximately 5.12 inches in width and 7.7 inches in height. This represents a staggering increase of about 43% in case size compared to current models.
Visualizing Size Increases
Recently,a user on the Switch 2 subreddit named HertzBurst created an artistic visualization demonstrating how these new dimensions would compare visually with existing cases. If these measurements hold true—and aren’t merely placeholders or errors—Switch 2 game cases coudl surpass even those of PlayStation 5 titles, which stand at only 6.7 inches tall but accommodate Blu-ray discs.
While PS5 cases may lack additional inserts like manuals or promotional materials as well, their dimensions are still closely aligned with what they contain—a disc format not too dissimilar from standard sizes. In contrast, it appears that Nintendo will continue using SD cartridges for its new console; thus one must wonder why such an increase in case size is warranted.
Speculations on Purpose
What could possibly justify this extra space? Is Nintendo genuinely concerned about customers mistakenly purchasing games meant for one console over another? Or could we be witnessing a renaissance where game packaging returns to being filled with maps, posters, and other collectible items?
I recall my excitement when I purchased games for my original Switch on launch day; opening The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild revealed nothing but a small piece of plastic inside—a stark contrast to The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+, which included delightful stickers and an exquisite gold booklet reminiscent of classic NES manuals.
Will Nostalgia Return?
Despite my fond memories tied to physical copies and their accompanying treasures, I remain skeptical about whether titles for the Switch 2 will offer similar experiences on average. However, if these dimensions are indeed accurate specifications rather than mere marketing gimmicks or errors in reporting—surely Nintendo must have plans to fill this newfound space with something worthwhile? It seems unlikely that millions of larger plastic shells would be distributed globally containing nothing more than tiny cartridges within them… right?