After months of intense speculation, Nintendo has officially revealed the Switch 2 in a dedicated Direct presentation. Alongside game announcements like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza – plus exclusive Nintendo GameCube titles for Switch 2 Online – we finally got a comprehensive look at the hardware itself. Most notably from an accessibility standpoint, the Switch 2 represents a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor in nearly every aspect.
Several months ago, I shared my accessibility wishlist for Nintendo's next console, hoping for enhanced accessibility features, improved Joy-Con functionality, and more inclusive design approaches. Surprisingly, Nintendo not only met these expectations but exceeded them. Let's examine the Switch 2's confirmed accessibility features in this special Access Designed report.
New Accessibility Settings
While the Direct itself showed limited accessibility options beyond fully customizable controls for GameCube games, Nintendo separately released an accessibility page detailing numerous returning and new features.
The system retains fully customizable controls, operating similarly to the original Switch. Text size adjustments now come with three options, enhanced by new High Contrast modes and customizable display colors. The essential Zoom functionality returns, along with the groundbreaking addition of a Screen Reader.
This Screen Reader feature (currently available for HOME menu and system settings navigation) provides crucial independence for blind and low-vision players, complete with adjustable voices, reading speeds, and volume controls. While game-specific implementation remains unclear, this inclusion marks significant progress in Nintendo's accessibility commitment.
Innovative Design
The redesigned Nintendo Switch App introduces Zelda Notes, a revolutionary companion tool for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Its navigation feature uses GPS-style guidance with audio cues to locate shops, points of interest, and Koroks – dramatically improving accessibility for blind/low-vision players navigating Hyrule's vast landscapes.
For those with physical or cognitive disabilities, the Autobuild Sharing tool allows instant creation of Zonai devices via QR codes – eliminating the complex building process while maintaining gameplay integrity. Similarly, the Item Sharing feature reduces physical strain by letting players exchange gear through QR codes.
Wheelchair Sports
The surprise reveal of Drag X Drive – a wheelchair basketball game with Rocket League mechanics – showcases both meaningful disability representation and the Switch 2's innovative new mouse control functionality. By positioning a Joy-Con sideways, players can use surface tracking for precise cursor movement, opening new accessibility possibilities.
While Nintendo hasn't created a dedicated accessible controller like competitors, their continued controller innovation – combined with newly announced industry-standard accessibility tags – demonstrates growing commitment to inclusive gaming. As a lifelong Nintendo fan with accessibility needs, I'm excited to see where these developments lead the industry.
