Nintendo’s enduring game design philosophy could be the key reason why the Switch 2 will not feature system-wide achievements. This notion stems from an interview with a senior Nintendo executive from years past, which has resurfaced amidst discussions about the impending console.

Achievements have become a staple across gaming platforms since the late 2010s, yet Nintendo remains firm in its approach. Even after unveiling the Switch 2, it was confirmed that this new console would continue the trend of forgoing a unified achievement system.

When questioned about the absence of achievements for the 3DS back in 2011, Trinen asserted that Nintendo’s designers refrain from steering players toward specific goals just for the sake of attaining rewards. They aim to cultivate an environment that promotes exploration and creativity in gameplay.

Statement from Bill Trinen: “[Nintendo’s designers] don’t tell you how to play their game in order to achieve some kind of mythical reward.”

This philosophy suggests that the repeated lack of a unified achievement system is not coincidental but rooted deeply in Nintendo’s design principles. While fans have urged for the adoption of achievement systems, it appears that loyalty to their gaming identity prevails, at least for the current generation of consoles.

Some Switch games have introduced localized achievement systems, such as Pikmin 4. However, it remains uncertain whether Nintendo will integrate a more comprehensive approach in the future, especially with the ongoing shift in the gaming landscape.