The New Nintendo Switch 2: A Stroll Down Familiar Paths
Nintendo has taken a bold step by introducing the Switch 2 as its first console to carry a sequential number, establishing it as a direct successor. While longtime fans recognize names like “Super Nintendo,” this time around, Nintendo appears to be emulating the approach of competitors like Sony, aiming for a more straightforward upgrade that feels less experimental. This method seems logical, considering the immense success of the original Switch, which became one of the most popular home consoles in history. The attempt to innovate with the Wii U resulted in mixed reactions. Thus, the question arises: why tamper with a winning formula?
However, the strategy leaves the Switch 2 in a bit of a tight spot, primarily due to its steep price tag of $450. Notably, pre-orders have been postponed as Nintendo adapts to recent global tariffs, which might even push prices higher. Does the Switch 2 offer enough fresh content to warrant an upgrade? Having had the opportunity to experience it firsthand, the answer is a tentative yes, at least until the final pricing settles post-tariff adjustments. Yet, some hesitations linger.
The Switch 2 Feels Familiar
The evolution from the Wii or DS, which transformed the gaming landscape, is not quite present in the Switch 2. For those already familiar with the original, the core experience carries over with little change.
Design-wise, it retains the essence of a tablet integrated with detachable joysticks, capable of connecting to a television for a more expansive gaming experience. While there are new features introduced, Nintendo clearly hasn’t deviated far from its original concept, which is both a strength and a limitation.
On one hand, this strategy is commendable; however, it means enhancements must be evaluated chiefly through their technical specifications, rather than via novel experiences that fans typically expect from Nintendo. Unfortunately, the results of this approach do not entirely favor the company’s direction.
Specifically, Nintendo has opted for familiar hardware once again. The specific chip utilized for the Switch 2 hasn’t been disclosed. There are whispers that it might be a generation behind, around five years old, hinting at limitations. Thus far, the offerings aren’t too dissimilar from contenders like the Steam Deck or the Lenovo Legion Go.
On the positive side, the display has seen an upgrade to 1080p from the original’s 720p. Measuring at a generous 7.9 inches, it surpasses both the original and the OLED variant’s sizes of 6.2 and 7 inches, respectively. It can support up to 120 frames per second, and when docked, is theoretically able to deliver 4K gameplay at 60 fps or render lower-resolution games at 120 fps (though performance will vary by title). Designers claimed ray tracing functionality exists, although observation during play wasn’t possible.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
Further enhancing its appeal, there’s an additional USB-C port and a built-in microphone for the GameChat feature. While I didn’t demo it, the revamped kickstand now offers greater sturdiness and adjustable angles. Additionally, the docking station incorporates a fan to maintain console performance during extended gaming sessions (its quiet operation was noted, despite the noise of the demo event).
One of the most significant upgrades is to the Joy-Cons. They now connect magnetically, sporting larger thumbsticks and trigger buttons, along with more pronounced SL and SR buttons, making for a significantly more comfortable gaming experience. The previous generation’s Joy-Cons were often criticized, but the enhancements here mitigate the need for additional controllers. There are even a couple of exciting new features, which will be shared later.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
On the other hand, there are drawbacks. The Switch 2 does feel slightly bulkier and heavier compared to its predecessor, but the differences may go unnoticed without a side-by-side comparison. Moreover, the switch to LCD may disappoint those accustomed to the vivid colors of the OLED version, even if the trade-off serves to justify size and cost adjustments. Yet, the display retains a satisfactory brightness and vibrancy, suggesting that fans may eventually see an OLED variant in the future.
Overall, while the device is stylistically sleek, it leans more towards being “an evolution of the Switch” rather than a groundbreaking sequel. A careful look at the enhancements reveals they fall short of the drastic shifts experienced between generations like the PS4 and PS5. Instead, they simply bring Nintendo up to par with existing competition, posing the question of whether it can keep pace in coming years.
Ultimately, games will be essential in determining the success of the Switch 2.
Mouse Controls: The Standout Addition
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
Before diving into game specifics, it’s essential to highlight a unique aspect of the Switch 2: mouse control functionality. It’s not as revolutionary as the motion controls introduced with the Wii, but it stands out among other consoles.
The concept is quite intuitive: by positioning a Joy-Con sideways, it can act as a mouse. A cursor appears on compatible games, allowing for a control style reminiscent of PC gaming.
However, this setup has its downsides. The necessary grip feels unconventional, and hitting face buttons while holding the Joy-Con sideways can be awkward. Despite these challenges, using mouse controls in titles like Civilization VII and Metroid Prime 4 felt like a natural and enjoyable shift. It raises the bar for what players might expect from console gaming.
This feature introduces exciting possibilities, but its adoption lies with developers. It has the potential to redefine how shooters and strategy games are experienced on consoles, which is intriguing given the historical association of such genres with older demographics and platforms like Xbox. Nonetheless, if not implemented effectively, it risks being reduced to a mere novelty.
Metroid Prime 4: A Case for the Switch 2
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A standout title that made the most compelling argument for the Switch 2 was undoubtedly Metroid Prime 4, even for those not typically drawn to the franchise. While previous installments had their charm, this iteration was a visual delight and played seamlessly. Engaging with it offered a moment of realization: “This wouldn’t have been possible on the original Switch,” even though it’s technically cross-platform.
Nintendo proudly touted that Metroid Prime 4 operates at 1080p and 120 fps on the Switch 2. Although this may seem modest compared to the competition, the technical finesse combined with Nintendo’s inherent creativity in design made for an enjoyable play experience. The enhanced frame rate especially facilitated a smoother interaction with the action.
The introduction of controls unique to this console has brought a new level of immersion. Players can navigate Samus in three-dimensional space with unprecedented precision. Aiming becomes intuitive, and scanning for environmental details is now effortless.
Of course, there are risks as well; a less skilled developer might inadvertently turn the Metroid experience into a formulaic shooter, akin to Halo. However, my brief encounter maintained the signature design quality and engagement level that has marked the franchise.
In essence, Metroid Prime 4 stands as a powerful endorsement for the Switch 2, even while balancing its connections to its predecessor.
Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza Feel Familiar
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In contrast to Metroid Prime 4, the other key titles available so far, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, tread more hazardous terrain.
In short, both games could have seamlessly launched on the original Switch. While graphically pleasing, they fail to introduce groundbreaking mechanics requiring the Switch 2’s capabilities. Their art styles, though appealing, don’t diverge enough to differentiate from previous releases, making it challenging to spot unique elements from Mario Kart 8 or Super Mario Odyssey.
Among the two, Mario Kart World suffers from this the most. Playing it felt almost indistinguishable from Mario Kart 8, which, despite being a high-quality game, has its drawbacks. The lack of innovation raises questions about the necessity of its existence as a Switch 2 exclusive, aside from its intention to promote console sales. New features like grinding, wall jumps, and a battle royale mode seem to offer novelty that could have easily been included in the previous generation.
Although I didn’t get ample exposure to the free roam mode reminiscent of Forza Horizon, it may have potential. Still, its necessity remains questionable. Could it be an expansive environment with endless exploration or merely a lobby for matchmaking? Ultimately, the core Mario Kart gameplay is enjoyable but lacks the allure of a system-defining experience, merely enhancing visuals without substantial differences from its predecessor.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
On the other hand, Donkey Kong Bananza is set to become a hallmark of the launch period for Switch 2. Unfortunately, much of what applies to Mario Kart World also resonates here. The visuals are commendable, yet they fail to distinguish themselves starkly from what was achievable on the first Switch. The game mechanics aren’t extensive enough to necessitate advanced hardware, raising questions on their exclusivity.
This title introduces destructible environments as a key feature. Donkey Kong adopts a mining role, allowing players to dismantle significant portions of the in-game world. Though this gimmick might lend itself well to engaging gameplay, the underlying truth is that with some visual compromises, much of this could have reportedly functioned on the original Switch. Yet the overall graphical fidelity remains solid with no evident dips in performance during gameplay.
Sadly, as a fan of Donkey Kong, the experience thus far can feel tedious. Over time, this might improve, but the game seems to suffer from a similar fate as its Nintendo 64 counterpart, featuring an overabundance of collectibles.
With the ability to smash almost everything in sight, maintaining a fluid gameplay state akin to Super Mario Odyssey becomes overly challenging. Players are incentivized to destroy elements of the map for rewards rather than flow through course obstacles seamlessly. Adopting a more relaxed attitude might offer enjoyment, yet it would benefit from a design that prioritizes speed and thrill—something I hope will be addressed as the game progresses.
Third-Party Titles: A Mixed Experience
Nintendo has some upcoming first-party titles in the pipeline, yet my pre-release experience on the Switch 2 was primarily shaped by encounters with notable third-party games.
Unfortunately, these experiences left much to be desired. From Cyberpunk 2077 to Street Fighter 6, the performance of such established titles felt inconsistent, particularly given their prior strong performance on platforms like the Steam Deck.
Take Cyberpunk, for instance: it appeared distorted on the Switch 2, marred by pixelation and frequent frame drops that rendered combat sequences disorienting. This underscored a troubling notion—the system, though visually enhanced over its predecessor, does not appear to remedy the performance problems many had anticipated.
It’s worth noting that the demo build of Cyberpunk was relatively early in development, but it highlights the performance capacity of the Switch 2, aligning closer to the PS4 level. Good for a handheld device, certainly, but this parallels the older and cheaper Steam Deck, raising concerns about how long this hardware can sustain relevance when gaming technology continues to evolve.
Civilization VII also exhibited some performance hiccups, albeit less consequential due to its turn-based nature. On a brighter note, Street Fighter 6 and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut both performed smoothly with satisfactory graphical resolutions. Capcom’s familiarity with Nintendo’s architecture would explain this achievement, yet, even in Street Fighter, pixelation was noted, indicating that this console does not serve as the best platform for every title.
This can serve as a stopgap for gamers without existing consoles, but concerns loom about future third-party support. If titles like Cyberpunk struggle to find their footing, it’s fair to ask whether developers may start bypassing the Switch 2 or releasing versions impaired by technical compromises.
Switch 1 and GameCube Titles Shine the Most
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A disappointing yet revealing realization emerged: the most enjoyable experiences on the Switch 2 were primarily derived from the Switch 1 collection.
Titles like Breath of the Wild, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4, and even Mario Party Jamboree shine brilliantly on the Switch 2, enhancing resolutions and frame rates to deliver impressive visuals. This revelation underscores the limitations of the previous generation, especially as some games struggled to reach their full potential on the older platform. Although I missed testing Tears of the Kingdom, plans for a Switch 2 upgrade signal the need for better performance.
In isolation, the prospect of playing such an extraordinary library of Nintendo games without performance constraints is refreshing. However, this offers three significant limitations for the Switch 2.
Firstly, title familiarization alone doesn’t suffice as a compelling feature for the Switch 2. Despite the celebrated status of Metroid Prime 4, it remains compatible with the original Switch. This reality presents an appealing alternative for cost-conscious gamers who can still enjoy much of the original experience without a hefty investment.
Secondly, implementing these enhancements comes with a price tag. Gamers who might already own Kirby and the Forgotten Land must spend extra to access the Switch 2 Enhanced Edition, erasing the notion of having an improved experience for existing titles without further payment. While Nintendo is offering discounted upgrade paths, it remains a burdensome realization for players seeking transitions.
Lastly, not every existing title will run on the new system. Given that the Switch 2 employs emulation for non-enhanced versions of Switch 1 games, this raises compatibility queries. While the initial concern isn’t catastrophic—Microsoft has dealt with similar challenges successfully—it does imply that Nintendo must undertake extensive checks for compatibility with over 120 titles, some of which may struggle to launch. Consequently, legacy ownership may not guarantee playable experiences on the Switch 2, suggesting that potential buyers should retain their original Switch for now.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
A bright spot in the realm of Switch 2 emulation is the inclusion of GameCube titles. The rollout will commence with classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur II, available exclusively on the Switch 2 as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan, with support for a newly designed GameCube-style controller (available separately to online subscribers). Personally, Wind Waker performed flawlessly during my tests, with uninterrupted loading. However, $50 for a limited selection raises eyebrows when alternatives are readily accessible. The added membership at least provides the enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom as part of the package.
The Switch 2’s Offerings and Future Potential
So, where does this position the Switch 2? The narrative isn’t as bleak as it may appear.
Beneath its surface, the Switch 2 presents a refined piece of hardware, boasting numerous quality-of-life upgrades and one novel control feature that, while intriguing, faces an uncertain future in terms of overall acceptance. It does not significantly challenge the current hardware spectrum like its predecessors did. Like the GameCube or Wii U, its success is contingent upon the lineup of games available. Before its $450 price point was revealed (which surpasses the original Switch’s launch cost by a considerable margin), initial impressions leaned more positively.
However, that price compels more discerning choices when compared to the Steam Deck and Sony’s entry-level PS5. This situation necessitates the familiar guidance typical of console launches—patience. Unless there’s a pressing need for—say—a first-day release of the new Mario Kart, waiting seems wise. Compelling reasons to invest in an upgrade are minimal at present, especially when existing software experiences incur charges or face potential issues. Future purchases may hold better value, especially with the anticipated exclusives yet to be announced.
Ultimately, this method may still serve Nintendo’s interests effectively. The company learned valuable lessons from the Wii U’s flop, leading to the decision to maintain the strong identity of the Switch while making enhancements. In an era characterized by economic considerations like tariffs, the “Switch but more” strategy makes perfect sense.
Yet there’s a tinge of disappointment. The original Switch was characterized by novelty and affordability, making it easy to recommend at launch. Contrastingly, the pathway forward underlines that even Nintendo cannot escape the industry-wide convergence towards standardization. The gaming landscape is gradually transitioning into featureless consoles reminiscent of smartphones.
