How the Switch 2's leaked codename compares to previous Nintendo consoles

The Nintendo SwitchSoon the successor will be found among fans, and there are still uncertainties about its true nature. A codename for the Switch sequel has recently emerged, which may be the key to finding out what it will bring.

Since the Switch 2 was confirmed to be in development earlier this year, many expected an official reveal to come sooner rather than later. However, as the Switch approaches its 8th birthday, fans are getting nervous about this reveal. Rumors are swirling about whether the Switch 2 reveal has been delayed while others dig up whatever hardware leaks they can find. Given that the Switch was introduced to save Nintendo from the Wii U’s weak sales, the company has been stuck with the previous generation for almost 12 years – making both fans and analysts curious as to when Nintendo will pass the bullet will bite and move on.

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Nintendo Switch Online’s new GBA games suggest a bright future for F-Zero

Nintendo Switch Online’s latest addition to the Game Boy Advance library could spark new hope among fans of the F-Zero series, 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 anime “F-Zero: GP Legend,” these titles feature a mix of characters from the series and series veterans like Captain Falcon. With this update, F-Zero now has four games available on Nintendo Switch Online, a significant number for a franchise that hasn’t seen a mainline entry in 20 years.

What the code name “Ounce” could mean for the Switch 2

Despite a seemingly endless development cycle, the Switch 2 is very real and will come to market at some point. Before that happens, however, a plethora of leaks are flooding the internet about what the console might look like – everything from a DS-style dual screen to magnetic Joy-Cons are suggested. However, one of the biggest leaks about the Switch 2 is its alleged codename “Ounce”. Even though Nintendo hasn’t commented on this codename yet, it’s worth taking a closer look at the potential for speculation.

Previous Nintendo codenames had meaning, but only vaguely

Codenames are typical of Nintendo and can give fans a basis for what to expect. A good example of this is the N64, which was codenamed “Project Reality”. While some may think this codename is more fitting for something like “Virtual Boy,” as the alias is certainly reminiscent of virtual reality, it is a good delineation for the transition into 3D. While the N64’s low-poly graphics can hardly be described as “realistic,” the push into a new dimension is certainly a step worthy of the title.

On the other hand, some Nintendo codenames seem completely out of line. The cult-classic Gamecube system was codenamed “Dolphin,” which sounds rather incongruous for a machine that lacks aquatic capabilities. It’s possible that “dolphin” could refer to this Super Mario Sunshine; Although not a launch title, the water-themed gameplay (as well as the dolphin-nosed inhabitants of Delfino Island) make this plausible. Nonetheless, this association requires far more mental gymnastics than the N64 to project reality.

“Ounce” is clearer than other Nintendo codenames, but could be a red herring

The Switch 2’s “Ounce” nickname is probably the least vague of all Nintendo codenames, as weight is a very important factor for a likely portable Switch successor. Then again, this could still be a misnomer. Just as “Ounce” implies a special connection to weight, the DS codename “Nitro” implies power, but the DS hardly had a reputation for being a particularly powerful console.

Regardless, weight is certainly relevant for a portable console. Many have floated the idea that the Switch 2 may be a lightweight machine, although the opposite could also be true. “Ounce” could indicate additional weight, which would reflect demand for a more powerful Nintendo console.

Nintendo has always lagged behind when it comes to graphics and processing power, which is made even more apparent by the Switch’s longer lifespan. Many have equated the Switch’s hardware with that of the Xbox 360, meaning the Switch 2 still has a ways to go if it wants to catch up. Therefore, it is more than plausible that “Ounce” could refer to a portion of hardware mass.