I know Nintendo won’t do it, but I really hope the Switch 2 brings back the DS’ best feature

Reflecting on my gaming experiences, I hold a special place in my heart for the Nintendo DS. While the Switch and its upcoming successor hold promise, the DS remains a nostalgic favorite. Fond memories of playing Mario Kart with friends during car rides to school flood my mind, prompting me to reminisce about my childhood days.

That being said, I also appreciate the innovation of the Switch. With a plethora of incredible games and the industry evolving with new portable consoles like the Steam Deck and PlayStation Portal, the Switch has made a significant impact. However, one feature that I believe sets the DS apart is the download play option.

For those unfamiliar with the DS, download play allowed players to join in local co-op games even if they didn’t own the game themselves. This feature promoted camaraderie and convenience, enabling friends with different game preferences to enjoy gaming together.

While the Joy-Cons of the Switch offer a similar experience, I find that it lacks the simplicity and ease of download play. Games like Mario Kart 8 can become crowded on the screen during splitscreen play, diminishing the overall experience. Additionally, complex games like Splatoon would not translate well to splitscreen, affecting gameplay dynamics.

Although the Switch promotes local co-op through Joy-Cons, the personal nature of portable consoles makes sharing challenging. The introduction of download play would enhance the multiplayer experience, especially for more intricate games.

Looking ahead to the Switch 2, the larger size may address some concerns about undocked gameplay with friends. However, the simplicity of sharing games effortlessly through download play remains a fond memory. While it may not be a practical feature for boosting sales, the nostalgia it evokes is undeniable.

As Nintendo continues to innovate, I hope they introduce unique features that capture our imagination. While some may feel underwhelmed by the Switch 2, there is potential for exciting developments, such as rumored mouse-like functionality in the Joy-Cons. And let’s not forget the importance of bringing back the Virtual Console for a complete gaming experience.