Just before the official sales of the Nintendo Switch 2, new information about this device is coming to light. The company has confirmed that the upcoming console will not include a system-wide achievement system. Rival platforms, such as PlayStation and Xbox, allow users to earn and track achievements across all games. However, Nintendo says that it will forgo this feature, and Nintendo continues to forgo it. When asked whether the new console would finally adopt a unified rewards framework, Bill Trinen, Nintendo’s VP of player and product experience, responded directly: “No.”
Game-specific tracking remains an option
Despite the absence of a global achievement system, Nintendo players will not be entirely without progress-tracking features. As part of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup, enhanced editions of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild will include their in-game achievement systems. However, these will not be integrated into the console itself. Instead, players will access them through a new mobile platform called Zelda Notes.
The Zelda Notes system is part of the updated Nintendo App, available on mobile and tablet devices. This tool will serve as a companion app. It will also offer detailed tracking of players’ activity in the two Zelda titles. Gamers will also be able to monitor metrics such as weapon collection, shrine completion totals, and other in-game milestones.
Rather than appearing on the console, all achievement data will be seen within the app. In addition to basic tracking, Nintendo will also add a new reward system within Zelda Notes called Medals. It offers a structured but game-specific incentive. The reward will be issued when players reach specific points. These rewards will only apply within the Zelda universe, different from the usual trophies tied to user accounts.
Nintendo Switch 2 Social features through the app
Players using Zelda Notes will be able to share their progress and achievements with friends. They will also be able to view each other’s records and milestones using the comparison features. This feels a bit like some features on the platform-wide achievement systems. However, it is limited to select titles and external to Switch 2’s operating system.
