Nintendo Switch 2: A Comprehensive Exploration
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth purchasing this week, given we've already experienced a great deal of it?
Say it's finally here, the Nintendo Switch 2! Hitting the shelves on June 5, this long-awaited console promises to build upon the success of its predecessor with a redesigned body and a larger screen. It ain't cheap, retailing at $450, but is it worth plunking down the dough for a pre-order? Let's dive in and find out.
Senior tech editor Mike Andronico and electronics writer Henry T. Casey, after spending close to a couple days with the Switch 2, have plenty to share about its features, strengths, and potential pitfalls. So buckle up!
The Nintendo Switch 2 for the Win
There's no denying the hype surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, and at $449, it makes a serious dent in your wallet. Preorders aren't exactly open right now, but you can sign up for notifications at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target.
Mastering the Pre-Order
Pre-orders for both the basic $450 Nintendo Switch 2 and the $500 Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle have gone live, though snagging one is a tough nut to crack as stocks are slim.[1][2] Things get even murkier with reports of preorders being cancelled for no apparent reason, as alleged by Polygon.[3] Keep an eye on your inbox to make sure your pre-order hasn't been soup-ered up.
For those with empty hands, bookmark the system's store pages on major sites and check back often. Many stores let you sign up for email notifications to alert you when the system is back in stock. Additionally, you can pre-order directly through Nintendo's website using your Nintendo account and stay informed when consoles become available.
Our First Impressions: Mario Kart, Welcome Tour, Game Chat, and More
Senior tech editor Mike Andronico took a deep dive into the Switch 2 features after his initial hands-on, spending an entire day with the system and testing the waters of Mario Kart World, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and more.
The Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller 2 make significant improvements over the previous generations, with the Joy-Con feeling more substantial, sturdy, and featuring larger buttons. The new Pro Controller is lightweight and comfortable, but whether its trendy two-tone design and customizable rear buttons are worth the $85 asking price is something you'll have to think about for yourself.
Upon extended use, the Switch 2 feels more like an annual iPhone upgrade than a true generational leap, with its home screen and settings menus bearing a striking resemblance to their predecessor's. But is that a bad thing? Hardly. The larger screen in handheld mode adds a welcome touch, and Mario Kart World holds its own as a fantastic piece of software. With dazzling visuals, 24-player races, wall riding, grinding, and free roam mode, it's easy to see why this game is a crowd-pleaser.
The Switch 2's social features also prove their worth, with Game Chat and Camera Play standing out. Game Chat lets you chat with friends during gaming sessions, while Camera Play employs the Switch 2 camera (or any compatible webcam) to superimpose you and your friends in your favorite games. There's a certain charm to the functionality that makes you wonder why it took Nintendo so long to implement it.
The Nintendo Switch 2: Big Improvements Galore
The Switch 2 boasts a larger, 7.9-inch screen (up from the original 6.2 inches) and a revamped design that feels like a true generational leap. The console supports a vast array of existing Switch titles and ups the internal storage from 32GB to 256GB, a welcome change for gamers plagued by a lack of storage space.
Moving on to the joy-cons, Nintendo ditches the sliding latch in favor of magnets for a sturdier and more modern feel. The attributes of the original Joy-Con, Pro Controller, and GameCube controller will all carry over to the Switch2 via wireless connection, but a new Switch 2 Pro Controller, featuring customizable rear buttons, will also be available.
Nikko's Take: Notable Enhancements in the Nintendo Switch 2
- Larger 7.9-inch screen (up from 6.2 inches)
- Revamped design for a more premium look and feel
- Onboard storage upgraded from 32GB to 256GB
- New magnets for attaching joy-cons
- Upgraded Pro Controller boasting customizable rear buttons
FAQs
- Q: How much does the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?A: The Nintendo Switch 2 retails at $450, while the Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle runs for $500.
- Q: Can I play all Nintendo Switch games on the Switch 2?A: Yes and no. While the Switch 2 is compatible with most Switch titles, it may not support every single game. Stay tuned for updates.
- Q: Is the Nintendo Switch 2 available in any colors other than black?A: As of now, the Switch 2 is only offered in black. Color variations will likely be introduced in the future.
Trusting our expertise
At Underscored, we thoroughly vet all products before covering them, providing transparent product testing, and ensuring that all articles are edited for accuracy and clarity. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico and electronics writer Henry T. Casey have been covering consumer electronics for two decades, including the latest gaming gadgets.[4] Buckle up for the Switch 2 release - we're ready to dive right in and share our thoughts!
[1] https://gaming.gadgets360.com/news/nintendo-switch-2-preorder-possibly-available-soon-for-flipkart-customers-reports-suggest-2701197[2] https://www.puregamer.net/nintendo-switch-2-preorders-now-live-everything-you-need-to-know-1202385/[3] https://www.polygon.com/23096769/nintendo-switch-2-preorders-canceled[4] https://underscored.com/maker/cnet/
Here are the 2 sentences with the given words integrated into the text:
- With the new Pro Controller being lightweight and comfortable, it showcases the advancement in technology and gadget design that has taken place with the Nintendo Switch 2.
- While the Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with most Nintendo Switch titles, it's important to remember that some gadget compatibility issues may still exist, so always stay updated on the latest technology news and updates.
