Love it or hate it, Nintendo has engraved its legacy deep within the gaming world. A pioneer in the industry, this gaming behemoth has brought us classics like “Super Mario,” “The Legend of Zelda,” and the “Pokémon” series.
Yet, no company is without its controversies, and many people think that Nintendo sucks. Many have voiced concerns, criticisms, and downright frustrations with some of Nintendo’s decisions and practices. Have you ever wondered why a certain group of gamers have a bone to pick with this iconic brand?
This post discusses the top 9 reasons why some folks aren’t chanting “Team Nintendo.” Whether you’re a loyal defender or a critical observer, this post comprehensively examines the ‘whys’ behind the Nintendo naysayers.
Nintendo’s Rise in Popularity
Nintendo began in 1889 as a small business making handcrafted playing cards. Nearly nine decades later, they expanded by creating Nintendo for America Inc. (NOA), launching new products like the Nintendo gaming watch and related games.
A year later, they introduced the arcade game Donkey Kong, which became a big hit. From its release in 1981 until 2023, Donkey Kong has stayed popular, with many people cherishing fond memories of playing it. Back then, it was famous as the best-selling arcade game, helping Nintendo rise to prominence.
As time passed, Nintendo expanded its offerings to include video game consoles and a wide range of games. The first was the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Mario Bros.
By continually enhancing and adding new content to its games, Nintendo has secured its place as one of the leading sellers in the gaming world, with only a few competitors, such as Sony, on the same level. But that is not the opinion of every gaming enthusiast about Nintendo.
Reasons Why Nintendo Sucks
Nintendo is known for creating enjoyable and relaxing games, which many gamers look for. However, some players like to go beyond the game’s limits and try new things.
Unlike other gaming companies, Nintendo doesn’t allow this kind of experimentation. They’re quick to stop anything created or hosted without their official approval. This strict control can be why some people are unhappy with Nintendo.
1. Lack of Online Functionality
Anyone who has used the Nintendo Switch knows that the online services are frustrating and far from good. They seem to be at least a decade behind rivals Microsoft and Sony, and their online functionality is severely lacking.
You might think the seventh best-selling console would have a decent way to connect players online, but that’s not the case. It’s confusing why Nintendo’s online service is so inadequate.
Fortunately, some fans and tech-savvy individuals have filled the gap. They’ve created a website that links players together much more effectively than Nintendo ever did.
This highlights how Nintendo doesn’t seem to put any effort into their online implementation yet still charges full price for old games. Surprisingly, even the older Nintendo DS has better voice chat than the newer Nintendo Switch.
2. Limited Third-Party Support
A big complaint from Nintendo fans is the lack of support from third-party developers. Unlike PlayStation and Xbox, Nintendo has difficulty getting major game developers and publishers to release their games on Nintendo consoles.
Because of this, Nintendo’s gaming library isn’t as diverse as it could be. Players miss out on a wide variety of gaming experiences that are available on other systems. This is a significant area where Nintendo falls short compared to its competitors.
3. No Native Voice Chat
One of the joys of playing games online is talking with other players, especially friends. But surprisingly, the Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer built-in voice chat.
Instead, players must download the Nintendo Switch Online app to their phones. Using a headset with your phone isn’t ideal, as the Switch’s audio will still come from the console or TV.
Voice chat through the app isn’t even an option for every multiplayer game. While every NES title supports it, only a few modern games like Mario Tennis Aces and Super Smash Bros.
You can only use voice chat while playing these games and in a lobby, so it’s useless if you want to talk with friends outside the game. This limitation can be frustrating for Nintendo Switch users.
4. There’s no HDMI Port
Imagine this scenario: You bring your Nintendo Switch to a friend’s house and play on the small screen at the kitchen table. Your friend suggests connecting it to the big HD TV in the living room for a more comfortable gaming experience.
Unfortunately, you must explain that you left the dock at home, and the Switch doesn’t have an HDMI port to plug into a TV.
This means you can’t easily connect it to a TV on the go, whether at a friend’s house, a relative’s, or a hotel room. This limitation has disappointed those who want to enjoy their games on a larger screen.
5. Charging is Awkward
The Nintendo Switch has some awkward charging problems. Since the charging port is on the bottom of the console, you can’t charge it while standing on a table; it must be held or laid down.
This minor but frustrating design flaw could have been avoided by placing the charging port elsewhere on the console.
There have been reports that the Switch can lose charge while plugged in if it’s being played while docked. Though it doesn’t lose enough charge to run out of battery immediately, this problem raises concerns about the long-term reliability of the Nintendo Switch’s battery power.
6. Repetitive Game Titles
Nintendo has faced criticism for leaning too heavily on its well-known franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. While these classic games have a huge fan base, players sometimes want something new and different.
The shortage of fresh, innovative titles can lead to a feeling of sameness in their game offerings, and this lack of variety might limit creativity in the gaming world. It’s a concern for those who wish to see Nintendo expand their horizons and offer more unique experiences.
7. Overpriced Accessories
Nintendo is known for charging a lot for its accessories and extra equipment. Everything from controllers to memory cards can be expensive, annoying gamers who feel they’re paying too much for things they need.
These high prices can add up and make owning a Nintendo console a more costly experience overall. It’s a concern for those who want to enjoy their games without spending much on additional items.
8. Unreliable Cloud Saves
A key feature of Nintendo Switch Online is the ability to save game progress in the cloud. But this service has been unreliable, with reports of game saves disappearing without warning. Imagine losing all your progress and having to start over!
What makes this even more frustrating is that players have to pay for this cloud save feature. The fact that it doesn’t always work as it should disappoint those who rely on it to keep their game progress safe.
9. Inconsistent Multiplayer Experience
The Nintendo Switch Online multiplayer experience falls short of the expectations of players due to the unstable nature of their servers, which results in poor connection quality.
Players must also pay for a separate app on mobile devices to chat with their friends, which is an unnecessary inconvenience in today’s age.
How can Nintendo Turn it Around?
Is Nintendo genuinely interested in changing the opinion of people who think Nintendo sucks? Being the leading gaming company globally, they almost have a stronghold on us with their exclusive games. They seem to realize that they can produce mediocre content and still succeed, which is evident in some of their actions.
But if they do want to enhance their current image, they might consider:
- Reworking the eShop: Fans would love to see a complete overhaul of the eShop, possibly reintroducing something like the virtual console. This could allow access to cherished older games.
- Ensuring Game Quality: They must commit to ensuring that games are rich in content and well-crafted. No more releasing subpar games that don’t meet fans’ expectations.
- Reviving Beloved Games: A big wish among fans is the return of classics like Wind Waker on modern consoles.
- Building a Strong Online Presence: Nintendo must work heavily on its online presence and connectivity. They can add proper voice chat and other online features like those available on Xbox and PS.
By taking these steps, Nintendo could demonstrate that they value their fans’ opinions and are devoted to delivering a satisfying gaming experience. This would be a significant move toward revamping their current reputation.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo’s current challenges are evident, but the path to improvement is clear if the company chooses to pursue it. Nintendo can enhance its reputation and reconnect with its audience by listening to fans, focusing on quality, reworking the eShop, enhancing its online gaming system, and reviving beloved classics like Wind Waker.
These strategic changes could mark a new era for Nintendo, solidifying its position as a leader in the gaming industry. By making the required improvements, Nintendo sucks can be changed to “Go Nintendo Go.”
Leave a Reply