Paris Games Week: More than a year after the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we take stock with the players

Nintendo’s latest hybrid console has sold approximately 24 million units during its first year of availability, a figure that significantly exceeds the roughly 15 million units sold by its predecessor in the same period. This commercial success was achieved despite a launch price of 499.99 euros, which stands in sharp contrast to the 329.99 euro price tag of the original model. The device celebrated its first anniversary in June and has now entered its second year on the market. While the sales data indicates strong consumer uptake, visitor feedback at the Paris Games Week this weekend suggests a more complex picture regarding user satisfaction with the software library accompanying the hardware. The Paris Games Week, described as a major hub for video game enthusiasts in France, opened its doors on Thursday, October 22, and runs through Sunday. The event features new releases, competitions, and testing areas. Among the attendees interviewed over the weekend, opinions were divided. Many players criticized the lack of substantial new intellectual properties. One visitor, identified as Matthieu, aged 32, noted that while the first generation launched with iconic titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the current lineup feels lacking. He remarked that recent releases have been underwhelming compared to previous entries in their respective franchises. Another attendee, Camille, aged 28, described the catalog as non-existent, arguing that the majority of high-profile launches consisted of remakes or remasters rather than fresh experiences. She expressed a desire for genuine novelty, stating that the company appears to be losing its edge in originality. The criticism extends to specific titles. Players pointed to the release of versions of existing games, including Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077, which had already appeared on other platforms. Nintendo also created specific editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom for the new hardware. Critics viewed these moves as signs of weakness. The list of recycled content includes Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, Star Fox, and an upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Even among newer titles, some sequels have disappointed. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is cited as an example, where high expectations did not match the final product according to several users. Despite the software complaints, many visitors acknowledged improvements in the physical design and performance. The new controller modules are larger than their predecessors, and the screen size has increased from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches. Graphical capabilities have also improved. However, the decision to utilize an LCD panel instead of OLED technology has frustrated some owners. Users described the display as less colorful and bright, a trade-off they found difficult to justify given the near 500 euro price point. Beyond the main floor, the event highlighted the growing intersection of gaming and physical fitness. In partnership with the Ile-de-France region, the organizers introduced a sports zone featuring physical challenges. This area reflects the rising popularity of exergames, a term combining exercise and gaming. Titles such as Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure, and Fitness Boxing 2 allow players to perform movements like running, dancing, or boxing to control avatars. These games turn the player's body into a large controller. Health professionals attending the event offered cautious assessments of these digital workouts. Jerome Auger, a sports physiotherapist and osteopath, stated that while being active is better than being passive, these games cannot replace sustained physical activity. He noted that sessions often last less than thirty minutes before becoming frustrating. Although some exergames engage the cardiopulmonary and muscular systems, experts warn that they do not offer all the benefits of traditional exercise. Walking, for instance, aids joint health, breathing, and balance in ways that screen-based activities do not fully replicate. Research indicates that active video games can positively impact body mass index and cardiorespiratory capacity in children and adolescents, but the effects are moderate. They should not be considered substitutes for conventional physical education. Auger suggested that these games could serve as motivational tools, particularly in school settings or for older adults struggling with sedentary lifestyles. They might help individuals regain a taste for movement, serving as a transitional step toward regular exercise habits. The World Health Organization recommends between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults aged 18 to 64. Achieving this target solely through dance or virtual volleyball matches would require extensive playtime, which is rarely practical. The broader industry context adds another layer to the event. While player demand in France remains dynamic and widespread, the professional sector is facing severe economic difficulties. Studios are experiencing financial strain, impacting even leading companies in the field. This paradox highlights a disconnect between consumer enthusiasm and the economic realities faced by developers. The Paris Games Week thus serves as both a celebration of the medium and a barometer for the industry's health, showcasing popular trends like exergaming alongside underlying structural challenges. Visitors continue to test new hardware and discuss future releases throughout the remainder of the weekend.