So I finally got my hands on a Nintendo Switch 2 after weeks of waiting. And despite all the backlash over pricing and the discussion over its technology, I can honestly say…it’s cool. Is it revolutionary? Well, not really, but it is a cool little system that has a lot to offer.
In this piece I’ll discuss tech performance, but I’ll also talk about the games and what titles you should give a try. Obviously we’ll work on reviews down the road, but, for now, this gives you a general idea of what approach to take. Of course, your tastes may vary, but this is from my perspective.
So, yeah, let’s jump into the system!
First Impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2
The first thing I can say about the system is “sleek.” This thing is sleekly built. By that I mean it has a very smooth feel to it, right down to the dock and the JoyCons. It’s like it has a nice finish to it to avoid scratches. Granted, the dock is a little skinny and has fallen over on more than one occasion. But the system itself is spectacular. Plus the screen is just about the right size, with a nice little 1080p output.
The JoyCons are very cool. The sticks feel much better than the traditional JoyCons did, and have some sort of Hall Effect-ish thing to them to avoid drifting. What’s more, the magnetic snaps are awesome, making it much easier to connect them to the system and the joystick frame. Also, I can connect Switch 1 Pro Controllers very easily to the console, though I need to charge it on my first system. Ah well.
Output to a television is smooth as silk. The details look fantastic with games like Mario Kart World and Fast Fusion, two must-have games. The menus are also easier to read, and the eShop is much, much simpler to navigate through. (Sadly, you still can’t just shut out the shovelware, but oh well.) Sound is crystal clear, particularly on a surround sound speaker. Get yourself one if you can.
It’s also nice to have a “quick delete” option for games that you try to remove from the system – something sorely missing from the first. I also like how easy it is to connect to your older console, though be careful with the System Transfer option. It’ll try to download all of your games in one shot – and you only have 256GB to mess with. (Unless you bought a memory card – but even then, it could be chaos.)
Overall, I’m pleased with the system. It doesn’t go above and beyond just yet with its features (I have yet to try GameChat), but it’s cool. It feels like a nicer build of the first Switch, and offers support aplenty for some of its older stuff. Speaking of which…
Let’s Get Into the Games
First up is obviously Mario Kart World. I still need more time with it, but it’s great thus far. It carries over what worked so well with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but with larger tracks and more competition. I’m sure fans will be right at home with it.
Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer and Fast Fusion offer more racing thrills, and come recommended. I also enjoy Street Fighter 6, though its World Tour mode only goes at 30 FPS for some reason. Here’s hoping that gets patched. And holy heck, Cyberpunk 2077 looks amazing on the system.
The real draw here, however, is backward compatibility. Not all games will shine through like this, but here’s a few that I tested out.
First off, Bayonetta 3 sees a nice frame rate boost to 60 FPS. Considering it wasn’t officially announced, this is a genuine surprise. It’s never looked better. I also liked the touch-ups to Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 and Hyrule Warriors, also unannounced.
Of course, the Legend of Zelda games are exquisite with their 60 FPS boosts, and I’m sure Kirby and the Forgotten Land will follow suit with its expansion. Also, it’s worth noting that Borderlands 3 is quite the trip, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has never looked or played better. It just feels more natural on Switch.
And, finally, yes, you can stream GameCube games. And they look great. F-Zero X is spectacular in its own right, and Soul Calibur II is a treat to play. Link’s back!
Again, your tastes may vary, but feel free to give older games a try on the Switch 2. Not all of them get boosts (Doom Eternal is still sadly locked at 30 FPS), but you’d be surprised just how many get a go-ahead.
Now You’re Playing With Switch Power
We’ve still got mileage to cover with the Nintendo Switch 2. Thus far, though, it’s not bad at all. I do wish there were better system transfer options, as well as more boosts for older games. But what’s on hand will definitely keep you busy, and some titles look absolutely rad here.
We’ll keep you informed on what other games to check out. But, yeah, if you can afford the expensive entry fee, dig in, kids!
Need a neat Nintendo Switch game to check out on Nintendo Switch 2? How about checking out Castlevania Dominus Collection?
