The purpose of this project is to explore an evolution of the Nintendo Switch OS / Interface and investigate the following:

  • A: Explore / develop visual foundations to serve as a basis for a new design language.
  • B: Create an interface to better represent the personality of Nintendo and their products.
  • C: Ideate new features to enhance the user experience and 'delight' players.

I've been a fan of Dan's for years. His design and sensibilities speak to me. You may recognize his work with Polytron, C-Smash VRS, and a slew of delightful concepts.

Right before the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct two weeks ago, Dan shared this concept for a new UI/UX for the Switch's operating system. I wish I hadn't seen it, because now it is all I want, especially when the Switch 2 is also devoid of any charm. I mean, look at this.

Update: 4/16/2026

Saw this article pop up on my "In Review" section and noticed the links are now broken. Not sure what's happened to my online pal Dan's Arkotype, but I was able to use the Wayback Machine to recover the images. I've downloaded and embedded them myself now and provided links to those Wayback archives.1 2 3 I also added a link above to the archived page itself.

250416_Arkotype_SwitchOS_Game-3

250416_Arkotype_SwitchOS_S-Picross-Play

250416_Arkotype_SwitchOS_S-flourish-N

I miss charm and personality in my video game consoles. When Sony did the 30th anniversary themes for PS5, that was a revelation. The outcry at their impermanence seemed to wake Sony up though. Gosh I miss the Firewatch PS4 Theme. I long for the days of Update Day.

These are devices for primarily for playing games. We use the technology every day. I think these things could use a little more personality and joy.

Footnotes

  1. Virtual Console page design for Metroid Fusion. ↩

  2. Picross mini-game. ↩

  3. A cute little flourish when inserting a cartridge. Sadly, the video of the animation is no where to be found. ↩