"Switch 2: A Major Leap in Accessibility for Nintendo"

After months of speculation, leaks, and rumors, Nintendo has finally unveiled the Switch 2 during its own Direct presentation. Not only did we get exciting trailers for new titles like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and exclusive Nintendo GameCube games for Switch 2 Online, but we also got an in-depth look at the system itself. I'm thrilled to report that, from an accessibility perspective, the Switch 2 marks a significant upgrade over its predecessor in nearly every aspect.

Several months ago, I shared my accessibility predictions for Nintendo's latest console. I hoped for more robust accessibility options, enhanced Joy-Con controller usage, and unique inclusive design practices. To my delight, Nintendo not only met these expectations but exceeded them with additional features. Let's dive into the exciting and confirmed accessibility features of the Switch 2.

New Accessibility Settings

While the Direct didn't reveal many tangible accessibility options beyond fully customizable controls for each virtual GameCube game, Nintendo launched an accessibility page detailing a range of new and returning features. The customizable controls work similarly to those on the original Switch, and settings to adjust text size to three different variants are back, now with the added ability to implement High Contrast and change general display colors. The essential Zoom functionality also returns, greatly benefiting players with low vision.

Nintendo's most significant addition is the new "Screen Reader" setting, a crucial tool for blind and low vision individuals. This feature, available for the HOME menu and system settings, allows disabled players to navigate the Switch 2 independently. Users can choose different voices, adjust read speeds, and control volume levels. Although we're unsure if individual games will support these tools or include their own accessibility features, Nintendo's commitment to its disabled audience is a promising sign for the future of accessibility within the company.

Innovative Design

Nintendo introduced a new inclusive tool within the revamped Nintendo Switch App: Zelda Notes, a companion app for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The Navigation option in the app helps players locate shops, areas of interest, and even the elusive Koroks using a GPS-like interface. With audio cues and voices, the app directs players to their chosen destinations, aiding blind and low vision individuals in navigating the overworld and reducing cognitive overload associated with traveling vast distances.

The app's Autobuild Sharing tool is particularly beneficial for cognitive, blind/low vision, and physically disabled players. By scanning a QR code, users can automatically build Zonai tech creations if they have the required materials. This feature alleviates the challenges I faced with the control layout and button requirements for building Zonai machinery in Tears of the Kingdom. Now, I only need to focus on gathering materials, not the construction process. This inclusive design is something I've consistently admired in Nintendo's approach.

Additionally, the Item Sharing feature allows disabled individuals to exchange items with one another by scanning a QR code, reducing physical strain by eliminating the need to search the world for essential items like weapons and food. While these features don't make Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom fully accessible, they represent a significant step forward.

Wheelchair Sports

The most surprising announcement was Drag X Drive, a Rocket League-esque game where players control characters in manual wheelchairs on a basketball court. This not only showcases excellent disability representation but also highlights one of the Switch 2's new hardware features: mouse control. By flipping the Joy-Con on its side, players can use it as a mouse, sliding it across any surface. While we're still uncertain about the required force to move the cursor, this innovative feature promises to enhance accessibility for a wide range of disabled players. Combined with the variety of controllers available for the Switch and Switch 2, Nintendo continues to push the boundaries of controller usage.

As a dedicated Nintendo fan, I'm incredibly excited for the Switch 2. Although I'm hesitant about spending up to $450 on the system, my passion for gaming started with Nintendo. Each new system brings exciting accessibility enhancements, showcasing Nintendo's dedication to inclusive design. While Nintendo doesn't yet offer a first-party accessible controller like the Xbox Adaptive Controller or PlayStation Access Controller, its innovations in new ways to play are significant for disabled individuals. Coupled with the recent announcement of Nintendo joining other developers to create standardized accessibility tags, it's clear that Nintendo is committed to advancing accessibility standards in gaming.