After months of intense speculation, rumors, and leaks, Nintendo has finally unveiled the Switch 2 in a dedicated Direct presentation. Not only did we get trailers for exciting 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 console itself. From an accessibility perspective, I'm thrilled to report that the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor in nearly every way.

Several months ago, I shared my accessibility predictions for Nintendo's latest console. I hoped for more robust accessibility features, improved Joy-Con functionality, and unique inclusive design practices. To my delight, Nintendo not only met these expectations but exceeded them with additional enhancements. Let's dive into the confirmed accessibility features of the Switch 2 in this Access Designed review.

New Accessibility Settings

The Direct didn't showcase many tangible accessibility options directly, except for fully customizable controls for each virtual GameCube game, which align with the system settings. However, Nintendo released a detailed accessibility page that outlines both returning and new features.

Fully customizable controls are back, functioning similarly to the original Switch. The ability to adjust text size to three different variants returns, now with added options for High Contrast and customizable display colors. The Zoom functionality, crucial for blind and low vision players, also makes a return. But the standout feature is the new "Screen Reader" setting.

Blind and low vision individuals often rely on Text-to-Speech to navigate menus and settings. While this option is currently limited to the HOME menu and system settings, it's a vital tool that allows disabled players to independently navigate the Switch 2. The Screen Reader comes with options to select different voices, adjust reading speeds, and control volume levels. Although we don't yet know if individual games will support these tools or offer their own accessibility features, Nintendo's focus on their disabled audience is a promising sign for the future of accessibility at the company.

Innovative Design

Beyond specific menu settings, Nintendo introduced an inclusive tool that enriches a beloved franchise while enhancing cognitive, physical, and blind/low vision accessibility. The revamped Nintendo Switch App now includes Zelda Notes, a companion app for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. With its Navigation feature, players can locate shops, points of interest, and even the elusive Koroks within a GPS-like user interface. The app provides audio cues and voices to guide players to their chosen destinations. While it doesn't assist with precise navigation or combat, it significantly aids blind and low vision individuals in exploring the expansive world, reducing cognitive overload.

For cognitive, blind/low vision, and physically disabled players, the app's Autobuild Sharing tool is a game-changer. By scanning a QR code, users can automatically construct Zonai tech creations if they possess the necessary materials. Personally, I struggled with the control layout and button inputs required to build Zonai machinery in Tears of the Kingdom. This new tool alleviates those challenges, allowing me to focus on gathering materials rather than the construction process itself. This feature embodies the inclusive design principles that I've long admired in Nintendo's approach.

Additionally, the Item Sharing feature, similar to Autobuild Sharing, allows disabled players to exchange items with one another by scanning QR codes. This reduces the physical effort needed to search the game world for 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 game reminiscent of Rocket League, where players control characters in manual wheelchairs on a basketball court. This not only showcases proper disability representation but also highlights one of the Switch 2's new hardware features: mouse control.

By turning the Joy-Con on its side, players can use it as a mouse on any surface. Although we don't yet know the required force to move the cursor—comparable to my mouse's 6400 DPI on an ultrawide monitor—this innovation promises accessibility benefits for various disabled players. It's thrilling to consider how Nintendo might further utilize this feature, but more importantly, it provides another tool for disabled individuals. Coupled with the variety of existing controller types on the Switch and Switch 2, Nintendo continues to push boundaries in controller usage.

As a Nintendo enthusiast, I'm incredibly excited about the Switch 2. Though I'm hesitant to spend up to $450 on the system, my love for gaming began with Nintendo. Each new console brings exciting accessibility advancements that underscore Nintendo's commitment to inclusivity and innovative design. While we still lack a first-party accessible device like the Xbox Adaptive Controller or PlayStation Access Controller, Nintendo is making strides in its own unique way. Combined with their recent commitment to standardized accessibility tags, I'm confident that Nintendo will continue to elevate accessibility standards in the gaming industry.