Following a month's usage of the Switch 2, I'm unable to wholeheartedly endorse Nintendo's latest gaming device.
The Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo's latest gaming console, has been on the market for a month now, and while it's off to a strong start, it's not without its challenges.
The Switch 2, priced at $450, is currently home to popular games like Mario Kart World and the newly released Welcome Tour, which costs $10. However, the console is yet to provide a unique experience that is exclusive to it, leaving some critics to view it as creatively stale compared to past Nintendo efforts.
Mario Kart World, in particular, has been a hit, with its open-world aspect initially downplayed by some, but now praised by many, including this author. The game is expected to be a title that Switch 2 owners will keep playing for the entire generation.
While the current lineup is impressive, some gamers might find themselves waiting for the fall and winter releases of new games like Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. These upcoming games are expected to boost the Switch 2's momentum and potential, making it easier to recommend in the fall and winter.
Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer on the Switch 2, is one of the highly anticipated games of the season. Its release, along with the others mentioned above, will likely make the Switch 2 the most promising Nintendo hardware in recent years.
The Switch 2's increased power is beneficial for games that take advantage of it, but unfortunately, not all games are optimised for the console yet. For instance, the Switch 2 performs better for games without proper Switch 2 editions, such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
In the second-hand market, the future is uncertain, and it remains to be seen how the prices will fluctuate as more games are released and more consumers buy the console.
One area where the Switch 2 could improve is in its new mouse controls, which are not utilized in a significant way by any current games. This is something that future games might address, potentially enhancing the gaming experience.
Overall, the Switch 2 is a promising console with a strong lineup of games. For those who see a couple of titles they missed out on or want to replay on the go, the author finds it easier to recommend the Switch 2. However, for others, it might be tricky to make a recommendation due to the current lack of exclusivity and the uncertain second-hand market.
As we approach the fall and winter, keep an eye on official Nintendo announcements and leaks for more information on upcoming games. With potential titles like Metroid Prime 4, Animal Crossing, Star Fox, and The Legend of Zelda in the pipeline, the future looks bright for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Switch 2's performance is enhanced for games that are optimized for the console, although some popular games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet lack proper Switch 2 editions. The recently released movie-and-tv game, Welcome Tour, is currently among the popular games available on the Switch 2. While waiting for the fall and winter releases of new titles such as Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, some gamers might explore sports-betting or delve into the world of smartphones and technology for another form of entertainment.
