So I picked up a Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day and I’ve been delving into Mario Kart World plus a couple of other games since Thursday. Here’s a few early thoughts.
Hardware
The Switch 2 is much bigger than the original, but feels very familiar, like it swallowed a mushroom. That bigger size feels natural pretty quick and the joy cons are more comfortable for my hands now, although the right thumbstick still feels awkward to reach. The Steamdeck is still the best for comfort. I’ve no doubt there will be some great third party joy cons like this from Mobapad in due course – it’s only day 4. A real positive is the joy cons now magnetically attach – much nicer than the original Switch with its slide mechanism.
The screen itself is clear and vibrant. It’s 1080p so higher resolution than the Steamdeck and thats welcome. However it’s LCD and it’s a real shame, but no surprise, that Nintendo didn’t ship an OLED option. There’s a noticeable difference in vibrancy between the Steamdeck and the Switch 2. We’ll look forward to 2028 and the Switch 2 OLED edition 😬
Sound from the Switch 2 is really good. Much better separation in Mario Kart World – maybe the bigger size? Whatever the reason, I was impressed. The kick stand is also well integrated and I’ve found myself using it more when I’m at the desk with the joy cons detached – much more comfortable. Not so good was the included dock. Not sure how but Nintendo have managed to make this feel cheaper and more plastically than the previous version. Good job.
I also picked up the Pro Controller and the GameCube Controller. The Pro Controller is fantastic. In total contrast to the dock, it feels solid and if you’re used the previous Pro Controller it looks familiar – but the sticks are such a step up. So smooth, I love playing Mario Kart with the controller. There’s now a couple of back buttons that don’t get in the way but are easy to use. About the only ding is the lack of analogue triggers which are standard everywhere else.
As for the GameCube controller, I couldn’t resist. USB C charging, wireless support and also has gyro controls which weren’t pre-announced. Only really works with Switch 2 GameCube games which are limited but nice to have.
Games
Launch games are pretty light but Mario Kart World makes up for that. It’s been so long since we’ve had an actual new Mario Kart game. Big change in this version is open world – the tracks are part of a wider world. I’ve mostly stuck to Grand Prix racing, solo and online. I much prefer the actual tracks vs racing point to point as some of them are a bit dull…probably because I don’t know them well enough. What is obvious is the amount of shortcut potential in this game…and you can see it during multiplayer as those that know the best routes are miles ahead. Also – turn off steer assist which is on by default 😡. I picked up the Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle. It was disappointing to get a small bit of paper with a code to type in to get the game. Gone are the days of manuals but would it have been so hard to include an actual game card?
I also picked up Fast Fusion which is WipeOut without the weapons. Plays really well for the price of £15. I’ve not mentioned game pricing yet. Nintendo have said first party games will now cost £80, and Xbox have followed their lead. I don’t have too big a problem with that as every generation has tended to increase by £10 or so which is less than inflation over the years.
Both of the recent Zelda games, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have Switch 2 upgrades for £7.99…or free if you buy Switch Online + Expansion pack. Considering the upgrades in each game that seems fair, and I’m looking forward to playing both games through.
Closing Thoughts
The Switch 2 is evolution, not revolution. Nintendo have played safe and given the sales of the Switch you can’t blame them. Apart from the lack of OLED, this meets expectations of a new console but if you didn’t pick up on launch day you aren’t missing much. Mario Kart World is a great game but the rest of the launch titles are so so. If you have any sort of back catalogue though the Switch 2 is by far the better platform to play through…just do yourself a favour and pick up the Pro Controller as its much better than the joy cons.
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