Absence of an Achievement System: The Nintendo Switch 2's Core Problem

Despite my great admiration for the Nintendo Switch 2 device and its innovations, I face a fundamental problem that is not related to battery life. As a Nintendo enthusiast since childhood, I have always appreciated the company's focus on unique gameplay enjoyment and its innovative hardware, in addition to its iconic game library. When the Nintendo Switch 2 was revealed in January, I was filled with excitement and managed to secure a pre-order. Since receiving the device on June 5, I haven't stopped exploring its potential. I am impressed with the technical improvements, the upgraded Joy-Con controllers, and the excellent early titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. However, after months of continuous play, one issue significantly impacts my experience, and it's not poor battery life, especially since I mostly use the device in docked mode. Instead, my main disappointment lies in Nintendo's failure to integrate a comprehensive and unified achievement system for Switch 2 users. I will explain the details of this disappointment and why I believe an achievement system is essential for enhancing the gaming experience.

Achievement System: A Catalyst for Engagement and Deepening the Experience

Recently, I completed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on PlayStation 5, and I enjoyed it so much that I strived to earn its Platinum Trophy. The process of tracking every collectible, defeating powerful bosses, and developing relationships with the game's characters was a rewarding experience. When I finally obtained the Platinum Trophy, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, as hours of long gameplay were crowned with a shining award in my virtual collection.

More importantly, my friend Nikita (from Future) and I were playing Expedition 33 and sharing details of our journeys, comparing different strategies to achieve various accomplishments. These awards sparked rich conversations about combat tactics, exploration strategies, and our perspectives on the game's world and characters. Unfortunately, this unique social and interactive experience provided by achievement systems is absent from the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo continues its policy of rejecting a centralized achievement system, even though it offers a deep sense of satisfaction and encourages engaging conversations among players about their shared passion.

Achievements: It's worth noting that the concept of achievements in video games is not new; its roots can be traced back to Activision's patches in 1982, which rewarded players for achieving high scores. However, it was the integrated, platform-wide achievement systems, such as the Gamerscore introduced by Microsoft with the Xbox 360 in 2005, that solidified this concept and ignited a spark of competition and recognition among players globally. Today, these systems have become an integral part of the gaming experience on most platforms, enhancing player engagement and adding value to the time spent on their favorite games. (Source) (Source)

The Missing Incentive: Why the Absence of Achievements Affects Player Choices?

The absence of a unified achievement system directly impacts my choices as a player. As someone who is competitive, I find great joy in leveling up my awards, tracking my friends' progress, and boasting about my achievements. For this reason, when a game like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available on both Switch 2 and PS5, I often choose the latter, not only for potential performance but also for the attractive rewards it offers, even if it means sacrificing the flexibility of portable play.

Nintendo believes that unified achievement systems might impose a certain way of playing on players, which could diminish the natural enjoyment of the game. The Japanese gaming giant prefers players to focus on the core game experience without being distracted by external goals. (Source) (Source) While this philosophy may be understandable, many believe that achievements can be a powerful motivator that pushes players to explore every corner of a game and experience all it has to offer, including first-party titles. For example, I enjoyed Donkey Kong Bananza, but the absence of a specific Platinum Trophy for collecting all fossils and Banandium stones made me not complete this extra challenge. If there was an incentive in the form of an achievement, I might have made a greater effort to achieve this goal.

It's true that there are small rewards granted for completing weekly and monthly tasks, such as playing specific titles through Nintendo Switch Online services, which award "Platinum Points" that can be spent on profile customization options and even physical rewards. But in my opinion, these rewards do not measure up to a comprehensive and unified achievement system, which does not seem likely to be added in the near future for the Switch 2. But, hope remains, doesn't it?

In conclusion: We welcome your contributions and thoughts on this topic. Are you also disappointed by the absence of an achievement system on Switch 2? Or do you not see this affecting your experience? Share your opinions in the comments.