A recent discovery of prototype menu mockups for the Nintendo Switch has provided a fascinating insight into the early development stages of the system. The images, shared by German translator PaulFelixKelly, were found on a prototype Switch NAND, offering a glimpse at the menu designs that Nintendo was considering before settling on the final version. The mockups, which date back to 2015, showcase a more colorful and chaotic home screen compared to the monochromatic look of the actual menu. Additionally, the designs feature a greater variety of icons, giving some lesser-known Nintendo characters a moment in the spotlight.
In addition to the menu mockups, Kelly also uncovered design concepts for the Nintendo NX, which eventually became the Switch. His findings revealed that the overall design of the console was established relatively early in development, with only a few differences from the final product. While the colorful and lively menu mockups are intriguing, it’s understandable that Nintendo opted for a cleaner and more concise design for the actual system. Nonetheless, the discovery offers a unique peek behind the scenes of the Switch’s early days, sparking curiosity about the console’s development process.
The revelation of these early menu mockups and console designs triggers discussion about the possibilities that were considered before the Switch’s release. Fans are left to ponder whether they prefer the colorful, more chaotic early designs or the cleaner, more streamlined menu that ultimately made it to the system. The discovery also raises questions about other aspects of the early development, such as the existence of menu music, adding to the intrigue of the prototype system’s history.