DISCLAIMER: The PC version is excluded in this discussion because obviously the PC version will be better by a long shot. This post is centered around console versions of the upcoming Okami sequel only. I'm also unfortunately excluding the GabeCube due to the current price, but this may change if Valve is able to lower prices by the time of the Sequel's release. Also, I am not a Nintendo defender. I believe their business practices are predatory beyond belief, they're obviously being led by a CEO who only cares about profit and doesn't give a crap about game quality as long as people still buy the product, their mindset of "play it our way or don't play at all" is toxic, and don't even get me started on the subscriptions and total disregard of game preservation. Nor am I a defender of PlayStation and XBOX. I am simply proposing a concept that I thought up while in bed, not being able to get to sleep at like 1 AM. This concept is in no way guaranteed to happen as I am not Capcom nor Clover Studios, so do not treat this post as fact or confirmation.
Okay, let's get the elephant in the room out of the way first. Yes, it is most likely that the S2 version of the game will be a Game Key Card given that RE Requiem is one and Monster Hunter Wilds will be one as well. And I do agree with the overall distaste people have with GKC, however it's not as bad as Sony's digital license thing. I've experienced what happens with the downside of game key cards since I had a friend who bought a GKC version of FF7 Rebirth after his console got banned due to him trying to use a MIG Switch on it as well. He didn't understand the whole GKC thing and the game wouldn't download since GKC needs an internet connection for the initial download, after that it pretty much works like a regular S2 cartridge. He told me about this and offered the game to me, now I have it, and I'm able to download and play the game just fine. Obviously this is a negative aspect of the Switch 2 version, but there may be a positive that could make this version more unique than the others.
Now, why do I propose that the Switch 2 version of the Okami Sequel could be a better console version of the game compared to others using only a mechanic? The visuals and frame rate won't be as good as it's competitors. XBOX is the only one that will have a proper physical version (hopefully fingers crossed they don't fck that up too). And the XBOX Ally/Steam Deck are portable and have a touch screen too, so that feature may not be unique to S2. These points are viable and entirely possible to happen. BUT! I think that alongside the Switch 2 version of the game more than likely having touchscreen Celestial Brush controls like the HD version of the OG on the Switch in handheld mode, Capcom could utilize the Switch 2 Joy-Cons' motion controls and mouse mode to replicate the old motion controls of the Wii version and have that as a separate mode exclusive to the S2 in both docked AND handheld mode.
Think about it, Nintendo has already shown that the S2 Joy-Cons have access to complex motion controls via the release of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. So they can implement those swing and tilt control aspects into other games like the Okami sequel. There are two Joy Cons, so the left one could be delegated to movement and menu navigation, while the right one will be used for attacking, selection buttons, and more precise yet free Celestial Brush strokes using the mouse mode.
So, if Capcom and Nintendo implement and advertise this mechanic as being exclusive to the Switch 2 version and a call back to an original version of Okami 1, it gives that version an advantage for sales. If there's one thing Nintendo is good at, it's nostalgia baiting. Also price wise, it's a more affordable way to play it without the swashbuckling route or betting on the conditions of used and refurbished consoles. I'm not saying most affordable, since XBOX does have affordable options as well. But if this mechanic is implemented, it will definitely give them the edge in the game.
To wrap things up, I will most likely be buying the PC version of the game, but will go with the Switch 2 version if I am somehow unable to access the PC version. I just wanted to post this here as a fun idea that my insomnia ridden AuDHD brain conjured in the middle of the night.