Nintendo Direct was held on April 2nd 2025, where we had plenty of reveals, announcements and updates on the new Switch 2 console. We've already written a blog listing everything that was mentioned which you can check out here, so we aren't going into too much detail on that in this blog.
Nintendo mentioned quite a few features and add-ons surrounding the Switch 2 that we thought sounded very familiar. In this blog, we delve into what accessories were revealed and explain where we recognise them from when it comes to past gaming consoles, let's get into it.
Related blog: Rumoured Games Consoles Releasing In 2025
When did the PS2 EyeToy come out?
Firstly, Nintendo revealed a brand new Switch 2 camera, which puts gamers into their games. This means you can join the racers on the track in Mario Kart World, participate in live mini games in Super Mario Party Jamboree and much more! The camera also allows gamers to see each other playing, and you can capture your friends' reactions, interact with friends and play online! The camera has been made especially for the Switch 2 and will be priced at $49.99 with a release date of June 5th.
But we couldn't help but think of another camera feature from an iconic console from 2003, the Eyetoy for PS2. The PS2 Eyetoy was a colour webcam (of course for the PlayStation 2) used for gesture recognition in games. It allowed players to physically interact with the games and talk to others with its built-in microphone. It seems like Nintendo took some inspiration from its Sony competitor, especially because within the first year the Eyetoy sold over 2 million units worldwide... maybe Nintendo saw the potential.
What was the Game Boy camera?
And the Switch 2 camera didn't only take inspiration from the PS2. The iconic Gameboy console from the 90s also had a camera feature simply called the Game Boy Camera. It perched on top of the Gameboy and had a 128x128 pixel camera and could store grayscale images and take photos of the player. As we know the Switch 2 camera also takes photos inside and outside the game, and considering Gameboy Camera sold 500,000 units in Japan within its first 3 weeks of release, we can understand why Nintendo would want to try it.
How did download play work with DS?
Next up, quite a recent console comparison is the Gameshare feature of the Switch 2 and how it is similar to the Nintendo DS. Gameshare allows gamers to share compatible games with anyone who has a Switch or Switch 2, both gamers can play even if they don't have a copy. Gamer 1 can invite Gamer 2 to play and the consoles will connect via local play.
Download Play on the DS was a feature from the early 2000's that allowed consoles to share one Game Card for multiplayer gameplay, or players could send and receive game demos. It was great as players could try out the games with their friends without having to purchase them.
What is the C on the N64 controller?
At Nintendo Direct, Nintendo constantly referenced the new 'C Button' which is a button on the Switch Joycon 2 that activates Game Chat. And whilst this is technically a new concept, we can't help but wonder if the name was inspired by an old relic, the Nintendo 64 controller.
Releasing in 1996, the Nintendo 64 controller had 4 'C Buttons' on the top, they were originally intended to control the camera in 3D games but because the pad only had 3 other face buttons, the C buttons were assigned for other functions.
What mouse did the PS1 use?
Again, another massive conspiracy amongst the Switch 2 since the release video in January was the 'mouse controls' where it looked like the controllers could also be doubled as a mouse. This proved to be true. But there was a time when you could buy a separate mouse for another big console, the PS1. Releasing back in 1994, the PS1 Mouse was a 2 button ball mouse plugged directly into the console, players could then play their favourite games with a mouse alongside their controller.
This is probably the only feature we prefer on the Switch 2 over their original inspirations. The Joycon 2 can double as a regular controller and built-in mouse and the fact it doesn't need a paid add-on is great. (Especially as in 2025 you have to pay extra for EVERYTHING)
What is Astros playroom for?
Now in comparison, let's have a look at a couple features for the Switch 2 that we aren't as keen on. First is the Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a 'game' where players can stroll around the controller and find out the functions of the controller and how they work in gameplay. Whilst we think this is a great idea because it allows players to get an understanding of the new controls, we can't get past... the price tag. That's right... if you want to try out the gaming tutorial you must pay. And whilst it's only £4 upcharge, we think this is ridiculous because Astros Playroom on the PlayStation for example released in 2020, was a free downloadable feature, not a game you must pay for.
Why should gamers pay for a tutorial when they could just Google the controls or watch a YouTube tutorial? We think it's ridiculous.
Did the Famicom have a microphone?
And finally, the last feature on the Switch 2 we aren't as fond of is the built-in mic on the console. First of all, why is it on the console and not the controller? If you're playing with the console in TV mode the player won't be near the mic. The 1983 Nintendo Famicom where the mic was built into the actual controller, we think this would have made much more sense for players.
Related blog: Having Trouble With Your Nintendo Controller?
Conclusion:
Did you spot any of these Easter eggs? We love that Nintendo is referencing some of these old, iconic video game consoles in their most recent releases. We just hope the modern versions live up to the reputation of the previous consoles. But only time will tell, and we'll have further information on these accessories once they're released.
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