Nintendo Switch 2 Initial Review: A Sequel Done Right
What does a 'sequel' mean? Bigger, better, and builds on the success of what made the original so good. When you think of the word, you'll likely imagine sequels like Back to the Future Part II, Red Dead Redemption II, Empire Strikes Back, and plenty more.
So, for Nintendo to do this for the very first time for one of its consoles is classic Nintendo. You could say that the Wii U was a sequel to the Wii. But to me, it's a console that was so confusing in what it offered, it should have been given a different name entirely.
But what do you do to follow on from one of the successful consoles of all time? You create a sequel that refines and builds upon what came before.
That's what the Nintendo Switch 2 is, and I've been waiting for this new console for years. It's no secret to anyone that Switch 1 has struggled with newer games. From slow-loading screens to low frame rates in areas you wouldn't expect in 2024, the console wasn't just showing its age; it was showing its limitations.
Having watched the Switch 2 Direct on April 2, I was sold even more. Amazing features, overdue power boost such as 4K and 120 FPS, and one of the strongest game lineups for a console launch I've ever seen, including Wind Waker.
So with all this in mind, as my Switch 2 arrived on launch day (SW-5466-4419-6788 if you'd like to add me), I've been using it nonstop. Time for some initial thoughts.
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Setting Switch 2 up was a breeze. After applying a screen protector to it, I started transferring what was on my original Switch to the new console, thanks to the transfer tool Nintendo offers during the start-up process. It was very easy, reminiscent of transferring an old iPhone to a new one. As long as both consoles are close to one another, your album, settings, and more go over, and then an internet connection is required to re-download your games. The only quibble I have with this is a lack of being able to cancel all of these in one go. I had to individually cancel the download of several games I hadn't played in years, but otherwise, a great start.
The screen on the Switch 2 surprised me. Everything looks crisper, blacks pop out, and it's an ideal size, especially in the age of handhelds like Steam Deck and the ROG Ally X. Big fan of the magnets on the Joy-Cons too — there's a satisfying click once they snap back into the Switch 2, and I've found myself using them more in Tabletop Mode than I did before with Switch 1. They just feel nicer to use. I've only used the mouse controls a small amount, but they work well, and I can see plenty of first-person shooter games being a perfect fit, especially when Call of Duty arrives on the console.
Of course, with this being a far more powerful console, it means everything feels snappy when going between photos, settings, game library, and finally, the eShop. It's finally usable! Swapping between different games, categories, and my wish list never felt this fast before. I didn't once feel annoyed that I had to use this in order to buy the arcade version of Ridge Racer, exclusive to Switch 2.
A few friends came over on June 6, and one mentioned how 'sleeker' it looked, and he's not wrong. The console looks thinner but more sturdy, more matte but more refined. For £429, it should be, but I didn't expect the Switch 2 to feel this premium. It led me to think of what a 'next-generation' console means.
Welcome To The Next Generation
Going back to the Sony PlayStation 2 in 2000, that represented a leap from its predecessor. The graphics could now achieve something developers only dreamt of in the mid-90s, and the bigger memory, as well as having DVD as its primary storage medium, meant that plenty of games could go into more detail in every aspect. PlayStation 2 felt like the next step for me, and it's something I've had similar feelings to in the interim, such as the PSP, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. But that feeling's been absent for me since. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X felt like interim upgrades to me. There's nothing that's 'next-gen' to me. They've improved upon what came before, but that's about it. Nothing felt exciting.
For Switch 2, that feeling came back for me. Perhaps it's to do with how long we've had to wait for this follow-up, but when you consider how everything has been improved from Switch 1, you realise how far the console has come. Combine this with its launch title, Mario Kart World, showcasing modes like free-roam, races with 24 players in, Knockout Tour, and a fantastically amazing soundtrack, Nintendo is clearly on another level compared to Microsoft and Sony.
And I have to mention how simple it is to upload screenshots and videos now. Using the Switch app on my iPhone, and making sure 'Automatic Uploads' is enabled on the console, anything I decide to capture gets synced to the app. No more QR codes, no more taking out the microSD Express Card, it's very simple now. Long overdue.
So what about the games?
All Around The World
What more can be said about Mario Kart World? I wasn't sure what could follow Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but of course, Nintendo realized how a free-roam aspect could take the series forward. But having played it relentlessly since launch day, I've been struck by some inspirations from other games that I didn't expect. Forza Horizon with its free-roam is an obvious one, but Rare's Diddy Kong Racing, with the planes and hovercrafts to fly and float over water respectively, was a nice surprise. Even Naughty Dog's Crash Team Racing, with how you can boost when jumping over ramps or when you boost for long periods, took me back to playing the original back in 1999 on my original PlayStation.
After completing all of the cups to unlock Rainbow Road, I'd be happy to put World as number 2 in a Mario Kart series list, behind Mario Kart 64. Everything works here, I've yet to find a fault with the game. I've never liked Battle Mode, so this didn't do anything for me, but that's a personal choice, not the game's fault.
So, Ridge Racer: Disappointing. I was shocked when I saw it announced on April 2, but having played it, it's just the arcade version with a confusing user interface to manage saves, multiple games, and modes. There's been no calibration for the controls when selecting the track difficulty or the type of transmission, either. You have to be very precise, otherwise you'll be on Novice, whether you like it or not. And no 2-player mode either! Something I remember being fantastic when playing Ridge Racer in arcades, gone. There should have been more effort made here, and it's a shame that it's very barebones, with no thought to the menus.
GameCube Classics, exclusive to Switch 2, are fantastic. Having ordered a controller as well, everything just works. I've already written about how some playing games like Fortnite will be a struggle with this, but when it comes to the three games offered via this service? Perfect. Also, the app's color in the main selection screen will change from red to purple if the controller is connected, a really nice touch. So far, I'm a quarter of the way through with Wind Waker, and it's such a good time, a game that was ahead of its time. Soulcalibur II is great, a game that I had on Xbox back in the day, where the guest character was Spawn. F-Zero GX is still nuts in its speed and more, so it's great to see it return.
Ultimately, looking for faults with the Switch 2 is difficult for me — it's hard to find one. It's obvious now why the console launched this year, Nintendo wanted to take time on this, to make sure that it could improve upon almost everything that came before, and, for now anyway, it's a home run success.
When I think about what I'd like to see next, more games on the GameCube service is an obvious one. I've written about my wishlist before, but if we see TimeSplitters 2 and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II appear before the year ends, I'll be very happy. I've not bought the camera, as I'm holding out to see if there'll be another that lets you plug one on top of the Switch 2 itself via the USB-C port, much like how the PSP Go!Cam worked on Sony's portable.
But right now? I'm very content. And that's even before I mention backward compatibility with Switch 1 games and how there are massive improvements with some already.
I may do a 'six months later' post in December, as we're surely due a Nintendo Direct soon where we'll inevitably see the next 3D Mario, so my game library may change again. But right now, Switch 2 has been worth the wait.
Thanks for reading.
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