Nintendo Switch 2 Previews: Insights on Hardware and Launch Titles

Game journalists have been given the opportunity to experience the long-anticipated sequel to one of the most successful consoles in history, the Nintendo Switch 2. Let’s delve into the essential features of this platform and its launch titles, based on the previews provided by our Western colleagues.

The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel but rather refines the familiar concept. As highlighted by Video Games Chronicle, «The hardware of the Switch 2, from our brief encounter, feels like a more powerful second attempt at delivering the original console.»

Although the screen remains an LCD instead of the hoped-for OLED, it still impressed the journalists. The Joy-Con controllers have also undergone improvements: they are now larger, more comfortable to hold, and connect to the console via magnets instead of the previous slots. A particularly exciting feature is the mouse mode, which allows players to instantly activate the new Joy-Con in supported games by simply turning it sideways. For those who prefer using the dock, it has been significantly strengthened: «I’m not worried about accidentally breaking this stand,» writes a reviewer from VGC.

The original camera received positive feedback from a Game Informer journalist, despite some hiccups during the demonstration: «There was only one instance where the camera didn’t immediately recognize the player standing at the right moment, likely because the color of his shirt closely matched the wall background.» The journalists also commented on the enhanced gamepad.

Brian Shea, an editor at Game Informer, noted that it is challenging to determine, after such a short hands-on experience, whether these enhancements will convince millions of original Switch owners to upgrade. Therefore, let’s move on to a portion of the initial game lineup.

One of the standout titles at launch is *Mario Kart World*, which operates at 120 frames per second, with Game Informer praising its «exceptional performance.»

IGN reports that the most significant innovation is a larger open map reminiscent of *Forza Horizon*. The gameplay retains its *Mario Kart* essence while becoming more user-friendly: item recovery is quicker, bonus boxes appear instantly, and new mechanics such as planes and aquatic racing replace the familiar gliders and underwater sections.

The game features a battle royale-style mode where 24 players start together, and four are eliminated after each round until only four finalists remain. The only contentious aspect is the price; *Mario Kart World* will cost $80, notably above the typical market prices, which seems excessive without additional content.

While the announcement of *Mario Kart World* was anticipated, *Donkey Kong Bananza* came as a surprise. VGC notes, «Another game drew questions as a launch title, *Donkey Kong Bananza*,» indicating that many had expected new 3D Mario adventures instead of a return of the iconic ape. The game presents a vibrant adventure with platforming elements, although the demo left some questions unanswered. The primary mechanic in *Bananza* involves destruction; Kong can smash the ground and environment with his fists, uproot sections of land, and then throw them.

Andy Robinson, editor at VGC, remarked that it is still uncertain whether the game can reach its full potential compared to other major releases.

The anticipated title *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* finally presented itself to the public after years of development. The shooter utilizes the mouse function of the new Joy-Con, albeit with some caveats.

According to Andy Robinson, the use of Joy-Con as a mouse in shooting segments felt less convenient than desired. He expressed uncertainty about relying on this mode throughout the game, particularly since a table or at least a flat surface is needed for comfort, although Nintendo claims the feature works on the lap.

GameSpot added that *Beyond* looks stunning, maintaining the style of the original trilogy while upgrading it for the new platform. However, the preview author expressed a slight concern that the demo felt overly action-oriented, whereas the *Metroid Prime* series is more celebrated for its exploration.

Additionally, titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Split Fiction* will be available on the Switch 2, alongside enhanced versions of games from its predecessor.

The console is set to launch on June 5, with the question of whether the Switch 2 can replicate the phenomenal success of the 2017 console still open. IGN notes that the Switch 2 is undeniably a more premium product, whose price «reflects this status,» raising concerns that the wider audience may hesitate to switch to the Switch 2 at $450, especially with *Mario Kart* priced at $80.