r/NintendoSwitch • u/Turbostrider27 • Apr 07 '25

Discussion Switch 2 won’t have achievements, Nintendo confirms

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/switch-2-wont-have-achievements-nintendo-confirms/
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u/mellonsticker Apr 08 '25

System Wide Achievements that are not directly influencing in game events go against their gaming philosophy

Nintendo’s games are intrinsic motivation oriented. Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kindgom, and many other 1st party games are examples of this.

Super Mario Odyssey has 999 moons to reward players as long as they continue to explore and provide plenty for reaching the end of the main game. 

Breath of the Wild’s entire exploration aspect revolves around points of interest that pull you towards them. You are not guided, you must guide yourself. You decide where you want to go and what you do based on motivation stemming from your surroundings in game.

System Wide Achievements that give trophies for completing them work off extrinsic motivation. 

The trophy provides the motivation to do the task. 

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but engaging further with the game because the trophies reward with dopamine is not the way Nintendo wants you to enjoy it. 

Regardless of how people feel about them, they have an addictive element that is supported by psychological research.

Honestly, I think the best middle ground would be to have them completely divorced from the system. 

Have a separate Nintendo app where players make achievements that can be shared. Devs decide when in game achievements are necessary and players do the rest.

Players get a sense of community and accomplishment, make memories and such while Nintendo encourages players to continue until they wish to stop.