Nintendo Switch

Intro

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was first released on March 3, 2017, and has since become one of the most popular gaming systems in the world. The Switch is unique in that it can be used as both a home console and a portable device, allowing players to take their gaming on the go. In addition to the docked mode, the Nintendo Switch’s portability comes with 2 other modes: hand-held and tabletop mode. In hand-held mode, the Nintendo Switch becomes the typical handheld gaming device, similar to Nintendo’s previous product - the Nintendo DS. In tabletop mode, the Nintendo Switch is able to detach its wireless joy-cons and have another player play on the same device, allowing multiplayer, on the same device, and on the go. The Nintendo Switch also holds exclusive game titles like Pokemon and the Legend of Zelda. With its unique design, a strong lineup of exclusive titles, and the ability to be played anywhere, the Nintendo Switch has proven to be a major success for Nintendo based on its sales.

Although popular and welcomed amongst people, the production and use of the Nintendo Switch may have unethical implications. Specifically, ethical issues regarding supply line working environments, workspace culture, environmental impacts, and emissions. All three aspects are incredibly important in determining whether the company is to be loved or hated, regardless of how good its product may be. If the production of a product came from illegal employment, toxic and harsh workspace, and in addition to creating tons of pollution, it is hard for anyone to support the product. Discussions of the company's production will begin after a description of the product.

Nintendo Switch

Design

A picture of the OLED Nintendo Switch in table top mode

The Nintendo Switch features a modern, portable design that sets it apart from traditional gaming consoles. The main component of the Switch is the tablet, which has a 6.2-inch touchscreen display and two detachable controllers, or Joy-Cons, on both sides. The Joy-Con controllers can be attached to the sides of the tablet for portable play or used separately for traditional console gaming. The Nintendo Switch also comes with a dock that connects the tablet to a television for home console play, hence docked mode. One of the key features of the Nintendo Switch's design is its versatility with its controllers. The Joy-Con controllers can be used in a variety of ways: as traditional controllers (similar to Xbox), motion controllers for motion-based games(similar to the Nintendo Wii), and as individual controllers for local multiplayer gaming. The Switch's tablet can also be placed on a tabletop using a built-in kickstand, hence tabletop mode, allowing for local multiplayer gaming without the need for additional display or controllers.

Physically Interactive Games

The Nintendo Switch has a game called Switch Sports - a collection of sports-themed minigames that utilize the Joy-Con controllers to imitate playing the sport. Switch Sports have sports like Basketball, Beach Volleyball, and Table Tennis, each sport with a unique gameplay to restore the way to play the actual sport in real life. The Joy-Cons allow players to perform various actions like serving, shooting, and hitting. The multiplayer modes allow players to compete against each other in both local and online matches. Switch Sports is a fun and accessible way for players to experience different sports in a casual setting from their homes, or on the go. The game Switch Sports provides a variety of benefits to players both socially and physically. The multiplayer modes allow players to have friendly competitions with others, promoting social interaction and teamwork. Playing Switch Sports is also a low-impact form of physical activity, making it a great option for people of all ages, and fitness levels, in addition to the game being inclusive to all sorts of players.

Portability

In continuation of the Nintendo Switch's design is its portability, the tablet-like device can be removed from the dock, allowing players to continue their gaming experiences wherever else. The Joy-Con controllers can also be detached and used separately, allowing multiplayer with friends or family without the need for additional controllers. The Switch's battery life ranges between 2.5-9 hours depending on the game and settings, which can be convenient for hand-held gaming. The Switch's portability has proven to be a major selling point for the console. The design could be revolutionary, as the first gaming console comes with the option of both traditional console gaming and portable or hand-held gaming. The Nintendo Switch's portability has given players the freedom to enjoy their favorite games wherever they are, making it a unique and popular option in the gaming industry.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

A crucial component of a product is making sure they are accessible and accommodating to all users. Nintendo strives to create products that can be used comfortably by individuals with disabilities and those from a diverse range of backgrounds. This dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is evident in the design of the Nintendo Switch and its accompanying games, which offer a range of options and settings to enhance the gaming experience for those with disabilities.

The Nintendo Switch and its games have been created with accessibility in mind, offering options such as adjustable text, color correction, and customizable button mapping, along with the ability to use the Joy-Con controllers resting and practically any surface. Unfortunately, for individuals with physical disabilities who still face difficulties with the Nintendo controllers, additional modifications may be required. However, there are many creative individuals and design specialists who have already created controllers and adapters that can accommodate a wide range of physical disabilities.The company has also launched several games with features that provide accessibility, such as audio cues for those with visual impairments and the option to slow down gameplay for those with mobility challenges. These efforts show the company's dedication to making gaming accessible for all, regardless of ability.

Appropriate and Inclusive Game Content

Nintendo also emphasizes its games to be appropriate and inclusive. Nintendo wants to avoid making content that encourages or promotes hate, violence, or harmful actions. Nor does the game content want to bring harm or offend any vulnerable population. Specifically to make everyone welcome to enjoy its gaming content with peace of mind, without worrying about offensive or inappropriate content. Policies and guidelines have been made to follow for creating appropriate content for individuals of all ages, considering cultural diversity, and abiding by local laws.

Ethical Implications

Ethical Implications of Production

The Nintendo Switch has faced criticism for its production process, specifically in regard to working conditions and labor practices. Allegedly, the minerals Nintendo has sourced to make the Nintendo Switch come from conflict zones in Africa. On top of that, slave labor is enforced to extract the metals from the dangerous mines. The facts are that Nintendo’s return surveys from their supply lines have returned 76% in 2017, meaning 24% of their supply lines could be in conflict with unethical working standards. Nintendo does have the commitment to raise that percentage of certified supply lines to 100% based on their CSR procurement policy. But from 2016 to 2017, the increase in certified supply line percentage only went up by 2%. So it is unclear whether Nintendo is continuing to make progress towards that 100% as no related percentages were released. In 2022, Nintendo has released a statement on its website about respect for human rights.

The statement made clear that there are no situations in Nintendo’s supply chain that would constitute as forced labor, which is verified by third-party auditors. In addition to this statement, Nintendo has also released its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) on working conditions and their mineral procurement, striving for equality, good working conditions, and responsible mining. The statements would seem Nintendo has taken a fair amount of effort to take and continue ethical and responsible actions towards their supply line and the environment.

Ethical Implications in Work Environments

To follow up on the human rights of workers detailed in Nintendo's CSR procurement, Nintendo has detailed its conduct and guidelines to achieve equality when selecting suppliers along with ensuring fairness and the health of the supplier workers. However, there are still incidents reported where Nintendo is turning a blind eye to fairness amongst contractor employees. In an article, a sexual harassment incident is revealed in one of the suppliers for Nintendo. The incident revolved around female game-testing employees facing sexual comments and reported being "hit on" during drinking events. Alike a fraternity house with lack of professionalism, many employees face sexual harassment during their contracted time at Nintendo. To add insult to injury, the game testing contract manager was also involved in sexual harassment, which caused the female game testers to fear for their job security since the manager could remove any game tester quietly from their next contract cycle.

A photograph of Doug Bowser - President at the Nintendo of America

Being a game tester, or short-term contract worker meant lesser benefits than a longer full-time employee, which also could be a factor where people in power, managers or full-time employees, have a sense of superiority over the contract workers. The power trip of these workers meant a vulnerable population, female contract workers, would be targeted and exploited. From the incident, Nintendo of America's image has taken a negative hit due to the lack of regulation in work conduct to allow these incidents to happen. To face this issue, Doug Bowser, the president of Nintendo of America, has sent an internal message: “We have strict policies designed to protect our employees and associates from inappropriate conduct and expect full compliance with these policies by all who work for or with us... We have and will always investigate any allegations we become aware of, and we are actively investigating these most recent claims.” After the release of Doug Bowser's statement, at least one of Nintendo's employees has been fired due to sexual harassment, meaning Nintendo has condemned individuals who violated their code of conduct. In this case, individuals or small groups of individuals would be responsible for sexual harassment and are not representative of the company's values. However, it is not known whether internal Nintendo will continue to remove individuals who violate Nintendo's code of conduct. Although Doug Bowser's affirmative attitude toward ensuring workspace safety and fairness, it is unclear whether the work division under Nintendo will follow through and bring the same level of repercussions to misconduct with urgency.

Nintendo recognizes the importance of designing products that are accessible and usable for individuals with disabilities and takes into account the needs of diverse cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. Additionally, Nintendo is committed to ensuring that the content of its games does not promote hate, violence, or other harmful behaviors, and does not exploit or harm vulnerable groups. Despite Nintendo's pledge on making products that are ethical and responsible to consumers, these commitments are falling through with their own employees, specifically issues with sexual harassment and giving offenders repercussions. The monetary aspect of making safe and inclusive products here seems to outweigh the need for a fair and inclusive working environment.

Ethical Implications of Environmental Impact

The Nintendo Switch has also faced criticism for its environmental impact. There are reports in 2010 about Nintendo scoring the lowest on Greenpeace environmental rankings, a 1.8 out of 10. For comparison, Nokia scored 7.5 out of 10. Greenpeace based its own scores on public information published on each company's website: proof of improvements in eliminating hazardous substances, responsibly managing product waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Greenpeace has stated that Nintendo has not reduced greenhouse gas emissions despite its pledge to reduce them. Such actions can cause distrust in the company and in 2022, the company released its CSR statements to pledge to reduce emissions and protect the environment, which creates a much better image than aforementioned. The CSR statement begins with the intention of prioritizing the health and safety of everyone involved with Nintendo, continuing to deliver smiles to everyone Nintendo touches, and building long-term trust with the customers. In the CSR statement, Nintendo has banned multiple toxic substances and is continuously monitoring the use of harmful substances. The company has also made the statement about working with more “green” contractors and supply lines. Some other actions taken include: reducing the packaging of the console, using recycle-friendly packaging for games, reducing shipping and transportation emissions, reducing console power consumption, and using recycled materials and parts for production.

Nintendo's CSR Report

In the 2021 CSR report, Nintendo has taken a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste, in addition to promoting environmental responsibility. Nintendo's CSR Report creates a standard itself for others to follow and contribute to a more sustainable future. Nintendo is specifically mentioning its intent to not use any more energy and resources than necessary.

Transportation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and Nintendo is taking steps to minimize its impact in this area. The company is promoting the use of sea transportation, which has a lower carbon footprint compared to air transportation, in addition to looking for ways to optimize its transportation routes to minimize emissions and waste. By doing so, Nintendo is demonstrating its commitment to being a responsible corporate company and promoting sustainability in all aspects of its operations. Greenhouse gas emissions go hand in hand with transportation, and similarly, Nintendo is taking several actions to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions as well. Including, but not limited to promoting the use of renewable energy sources, implementing energy-saving measures, and optimizing energy usage in its offices and manufacturing facilities. In addition, the company is working to raise awareness about the importance of reducing energy consumption for a sustainable planet.

Packaging

In an effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability, Nintendo is focusing on reducing packing costs and materials. Nintendo does so by making its packaging more compact and efficient in order to the company is reducing its overall waste footprint. Nintendo is also looking for ways to use recycled materials in its packaging and printing materials, further reducing its impact on the environment. These efforts and the report not only help reduce waste but also send a message to consumers, themselves, and other corporate about the importance of being environmentally conscious.

Toxic Chemical Wastes

Nintendo pushes for a safer and healthier world in the future by actively reducing toxic chemical waste by having strict environmental regulations, guidelines in its manufacturing processes, and a detailed list of what chemicals are permitted and prohibited. Following the CSR report, the company is using substitute materials that are more environmentally friendly. Nintendo is also implementing and promoting the safe disposal of waste to minimize the use and harm of toxic substances to the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch has accessibility capability, flexible playing modes, and game libraries that can be enjoyed by all. However, there are still existing ethical issues such as illegal supply lines, fairness amongst workers, and environmental sustainability issues. Fortunately, Nintendo has statements that they vow to improve all three aspects mentioned. Given Nintendo's example of producing the Nintendo Switch, a generalization could be drawn that every company is paying increased attention to inclusivity, workspace fairness, and conduct, along with environmental impact. These three aspects will continue to be the key points in evaluating a company, regardless of the consumers' love for its product. Another generalization drawn is that since each company requires resources to put out its products, they are incentivized in the beginning to maximize profits, in turn, overlooking the importance of inclusivity, fairness, and sustainability.