We’re living through a radical shift in software development. The rise of AI tools and no-code platforms has made it easier than ever to create functional applications, websites, and tools without writing a single line of code. For coders, this doesn’t signal the end of their relevance-it’s a call to evolve. In the AI-driven world, the value lies less in how you build something, and more in what you choose to build-and why.

The Rise of No-Code and AI Tools

Thanks to a wave of new tools, non-coders now have the power to build MVPs, automations, and fully-fledged digital products without technical training. Some popular platforms include:

• Webflow – Design and launch professional websites visually.
• Bubble – Build interactive web apps with logic and workflows, no code required.
• Glide and Adalo – Create mobile and web apps from spreadsheets or templates.
• Zapier and Make (Integromat) – Automate workflows by connecting different apps and services.
• Airtable and Notion – Flexible databases and content tools with front-end capabilities.
• ChatGPT and Copilot – Generate code, content, logic, and even debug issues.
• Replit and CodeSandbox – Instantly spin up cloud-based coding environments with built-in AI assistance.
• Softr, Framer, Tilda – Build polished, interactive sites and apps visually, fast.
• AI agents and copilots like Cursor, Warp AI, or even GPT-enhanced CLI tools – Speed up development dramatically for technical users.

In this environment, technical expertise is no longer a gatekeeper. That means coders are no longer just the builders, they’re the architects, strategists, and product thinkers.

The Real Skill: Knowing What to Build

With barriers to entry falling, the real advantage now lies in clarity of vision, not technical execution. Being able to identify real problems, validate ideas quickly, and know when to build (and when not to) is the new superpower.

Ask yourself:

• Is this something people really need?
• Can it be validated without building a full app?
• Could it be built with existing tools to test demand?

Knowing what to build, based on user pain points, timing, and market fit-is a rare and powerful skill. Coders who develop product intuition will always stand out.

The Trap: Building in a Vacuum

Many engineers fall into a familiar trap: they build because they can, not because they should. The joy of solving technical problems and the comfort of building solo often leads to projects that are technically beautiful but ultimately unused.

This trap looks like:

• Spending weeks perfecting architecture before validating the idea.
• Choosing complex stacks over quick prototypes.
• Polishing something endlessly in isolation, instead of getting user feedback early.

In the AI world, where you can ship a prototype in a weekend, this mindset becomes increasingly dangerous. Time-to-feedback is the new gold.

Embracing the New Role of the Coder

In this landscape, the best coders will:

• Use AI and no-code to move faster, not prove their chops.
• Prioritize experimentation over perfection.
• Focus on outcomes, not output.
• Collaborate with non-technical teammates who can now participate directly in building.

Technical know-how is still incredibly valuable, but it’s amplified when paired with product thinking, speed, and empathy for users.

If you’re a coder, don’t worry-you’re not being replaced. You’re being repositioned. From gatekeeper to guide. From builder to strategist.

In a world where anyone can build, the real differentiator is knowing what to build-and having the courage not to build what doesn’t matter.

Let’s code smarter, test earlier, and stay focused on what really moves the needle.

After years of speculation, Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. While the reveal has sparked excitement thanks to its much-improved hardware, the announcement has also been met with raised eyebrows,mostly due to its steep price tag, some surprising downgrades, and questions about whether it’s truly a next-gen leap or just a more expensive refresh.

A Powerful Machine, At a Price

On paper, the Switch 2 is a beast compared to its predecessor. It boasts a faster custom Nvidia chip, improved graphics capabilities, and support for 4K resolution in docked mode. The display is a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with 120Hz refresh rate, offering fluid visuals whether you’re racing in Mario Kart World or exploring vast open worlds. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers feature magnetic attachment, enhanced haptics, and built-in sensors that mimic the precision of a mouse.

However, all this power comes with a hefty cost. The console launches at $449.99, a full $150 more than the original Switch at launch. And it doesn’t stop there,first-party games now retail for up to $80, a significant bump in price that’s likely to frustrate longtime Nintendo fans used to more accessible pricing. In the US, Nintendo was also forced to delay the pre-launch in order to reevaluate the price (aka raise it) for US customers due to the US administration tariffs.

Feels Like a “Pro” Update – 10 Years Later

Despite its solid tech specs, the Switch 2 has drawn comparisons to mid-generation console refreshes like the PS4 Pro or PS5 Pro, systems that offer more horsepower but don’t fundamentally change the gameplay experience. The problem here is that this isn’t a mid-gen update. It’s been over seven years since the original Switch, and for many fans, it’s felt like a decade-long wait for something truly revolutionary.

Instead, what we’ve received is an upgrade that improves visuals and performance, but retains much of the original’s DNA. The design is familiar. The user interface reportedly stays largely the same. And although backward compatibility is a welcome feature, it reinforces the idea that the Switch 2 isn’t a radical departure, but a continuation.

Downgrades That Raise Eyebrows

Perhaps the most puzzling choice Nintendo made was reverting to an LCD screen after the success and visual quality of the OLED model released in 2021. While the company claims the LCD is brighter and supports higher refresh rates, many fans see it as a step backward in terms of contrast and color vibrancy.

Even more concerning is the battery life. Nintendo’s official figures suggest a range of 2 to 6.5 hours, a drop from the 4.5 to 9 hours offered by the revised Switch and the OLED model. For a hybrid console designed for on-the-go play, that’s a hard pill to swallow, especially when you’re paying a premium.

A Hard Sell for Families

One of the Switch’s greatest strengths was its universal appeal, particularly to families. It was affordable, portable, and easy to understand. The Switch 2, by contrast, struggles to justify its existence to more casual users, especially parents whose kids already own the original console.

With a similar look and feel, parents might not see any reason to upgrade, especially at nearly $500 before even factoring in the cost of games and accessories. Nintendo has done little so far to differentiate the Switch 2 in terms of exclusive experiences or must-have features, which may slow adoption outside the enthusiast crowd.

Physical Games, Digital Frustrations

Adding to the controversy is Nintendo’s new approach to physical game distribution. Some titles will now ship on “Game-Key Cards”, essentially empty cartridges that function as download codes. For collectors and those with spotty internet connections, this is a frustrating shift. It blurs the line between physical and digital ownership and removes one of the biggest conveniences of owning a physical copy: instant, offline access.

While this strategy likely helps reduce production costs and accommodates larger game sizes, it risks alienating a part of Nintendo’s fanbase that values the tactile and collectible nature of physical media.

So what are your thoughts on this? Are we looking at the repetition of the original Switch’s success or another WiiU moment for Nintendo?