WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the Federal Aviation Administration will immediately begin replacing all air traffic control equipment with Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 gaming console. The decision came after Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance received a private demonstration of the handheld device at the White House last week. “This thing is incredible, truly incredible,” Trump said during a press conference. “The graphics are amazing, the controls are smooth, and frankly, it’s much better than anything our air traffic controllers are using right now. I have seen some other handheld gaming consoles, and they were okay, but this one is the best.”
The Switch 2, which Nintendo has not yet officially released to the public, impressed both leaders with its advanced technology and user-friendly design. Vance praised the console’s portability and battery life during the announcement. “We need to create a space for the Switch and Switch 2 of the world to have a chance. Our air traffic controllers work long shifts, and now they’ll have a device that can last all day without needing to be plugged in,” Vance explained. The FAA estimates that over 14,000 air traffic controllers across the country will receive the new gaming systems within the next six months. Each controller will be required to complete a 40-hour training program that includes both aviation safety protocols and basic gaming tutorials.
Aviation experts have raised concerns about the sudden switch from traditional radar systems to gaming consoles. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the decision, stating that the Switch 2’s touch screen capabilities and wireless connectivity make it “so freakin’ sweet” for modern air traffic management. The first airports to receive the new equipment will be in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Nintendo stock prices were unmoved following the announcement, while several aviation technology companies saw their shares drop slightly. The Switch 2 gaming consoles are expected to arrive at control towers nationwide beginning next month.
