What To Do First With Your Nintendo Switch 2

Summary

Apply a screen protector to keep the Switch 2’s display safe and scratch-free.
Set up the dock for the Switch 2 to play games on TV in 4K resolution.
Transfer system data, buy accessories, set parental controls, and get Nintendo Switch Online for a complete gaming experience.

Experiencing the arrival of fresh equipment never fails to be thrilling. The long-awaited launch of Nintendo Switch 2, following an eight-year dominance by its forerunner, promises a significant leap in technical capacity. This upgrade promises enhanced, visually stunning gameplay adventures for gamers.

To enjoy racing through Mario Bros. Circuit in Mario Kart World or exploring the new chapters of DeltaRune, setup is necessary first. But there’s more! To ensure that your Nintendo Switch 2 is ready for a long gaming journey, here are some initial steps you should follow:

[Here are a few essential things you should do first with your brand new Nintendo Switch 2.]

1. Apply a Screen Protector

Keep the Switch 2’s Screen in Pristine Condition

Using a screen protector might not seem thrilling, but it can be a lifesaver for your Nintendo Switch 2 if it slips or gets jostled with keys or other items inside a bag, potentially causing screen damage. Even if you don’t plan to carry it often, everyday accidents at home like drops and minor impacts are still possible. Over time, the regular Switch’s screen could acquire small scratches and marks from repeatedly inserting and removing the system from its dock.

Although the display quality of the Switch 2 is significantly improved, this enhancement comes at a higher cost when it needs to be replaced. Applying a screen protector provides reassurance for players in case of accidents, and fortunately, these protectors are quite affordable as well.

2. Set Up the Dock

Make Sure the Switch 2 Is Ready for the Big Screen

Similar to its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2’s dock serves multiple functions. It not only functions as a handy charging station for the console, but it’s also essential for playing games on a TV or monitor. Gamers who wish to fully explore the capabilities of the Switch 2 hardware will likely prefer to play their games while the system is docked.

As an enthusiastic gamer, I’m thrilled about the potential of the Switch 2! When connected to a dock, this beauty can showcase games in stunning 4K resolution, running seamlessly at 60 frames per second with HDR 10 support. But when I’m on-the-go, games will max out at 1920×1080 resolution. The moment I get my hands on the Switch 2, setting up the dock should be the top priority. That way, if the battery ever starts to drain, I can quickly dock it and carry on playing on my TV without any interruptions.

3. Complete the System Transfer to the Nintendo Switch 2

Home (Screen) Away from Home (Screen)

With the backwards compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2, gamers can delight in playing all their cherished games from the initial Switch on the sleek new device. To continue their gaming journey seamlessly, they should move their Nintendo Switch data across to their Switch 2. Luckily, there’s a System Transfer feature available on the original Switch to ease this process.

To initiate this process, navigate to ‘System Settings’ on your initial Nintendo Switch. Underneath, choose ‘System.’ Then, click ‘System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2’. Position your new Nintendo Switch 2 next to the original device. When prompted, press ‘Done’. This will power on both devices, and the transfer will automatically start.

This process will move over all your games, DLC, user accounts, game progress, video clips, screenshots, and system configurations, including an “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” island. This means that players won’t need to separately download any particular app or data transfer tool, as was previously required for transferring an island from one original Nintendo Switch console to another.

4. Pick Up Some Additional Accessories

Enhance the Switch 2 Gaming Experience

At the release of Switch 2, a variety of accessories will debut, enhancing gameplay or shielding the device. Although not all accessories may cater to every player, many are likely to satisfy a majority. For example, a Pro Controller could offer a more familiar gaming experience in docked mode, while a camera might enable GameChat functionality. To guarantee availability and prevent potential shortages or price hikes, it’s advisable to purchase these items on or near the launch date. Here is an overview of the available accessories at launch, along with their prices:

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Controllers: $89.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Straps: $12.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Wheels: $19.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99

5. Set Up Parental Controls

Stop Young Gamers From Playing What They Shouldn’t Be

If video game enthusiasts have young relatives or children, they would likely prefer to regulate their access to immediate gaming sessions of games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Hitman. The upcoming Switch 2, similar to its predecessor, offers parental controls that empower adults to control how their kids utilize the device. These settings enable parents to restrict playtime duration for younger gamers, ensure they’re playing age-suitable games, and impose limitations on online activities with the system. For children who play online, it also lets adults monitor whom their child interacts with during gameplay.

The controls for all these devices can be managed using a free application designed for smart devices, which also connects to both the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and its original version. These parental controls are essential when multiple family members will be utilizing the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly younger gamers who may not grasp what is appropriate or might test boundaries.

6. Buy Nintendo Switch Online Subscription

Be Ready for Online Play

To enjoy multiplayer competition in games such as Mario Kart World, it’s necessary to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This service not only enables you to play online with other gamers but also grants access to more than 170 retro games from NES, SNES, Game Boy, and GameCube when the Switch 2 is released.

In addition to these main features, subscribers can enjoy benefits like:
– Access to the Nintendo Music app on their smartphones
– Trial versions of upcoming Nintendo Switch games (Game Trials)
– Special vouchers for purchasing Nintendo Switch games (Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers)
– Exclusive games only available through this service
– Save data cloud backups, ensuring your game progress is safe and accessible across multiple devices.

With the debut of the Switch 2, Nintendo Switch Online will introduce some fresh functionalities. The new GameChat function allows players to chat with friends, display their screenshare, and observe each other’s activities, all while continuing their individual games. Additionally, Nintendo 64 games will now offer a CRT filter, customizable button layouts, and a rewind feature when played through the Nintendo Classics app. Lastly, both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom’s upgrades for the Switch 2 come at no extra charge.

For certain aspects, they’re unique to the Expanded Pack edition of the membership; however, given that they come at a slightly increased cost, it’s still a subscription worth contemplating if these additional features seem appealing and beneficial for players.

7. Download the Day One Update

Make Sure the Switch 2’s Storage Is Ready to Go

times have changed since products were initially bought and only upgraded when their successor arrived; the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, however, will get regular software updates, introducing fresh features for users while addressing any security concerns, with the initial update ready on its launch day itself.

On the first day, it’s crucial to install the initial update because it allows for MicroSD Express card compatibility. Nintendo announced in April that an update would be necessary to activate this feature, and now we know that the day-one update will facilitate this function. Furthermore, it might also enable 3D audio through the console’s internal speakers. If you intend to insert a MicroSD Express card immediately upon setup, ensuring that you download the day-one update should be your priority on the launch day.

8. Add Friends

Be Ready to Play Together

In the game called “Mario Kart World“, players have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities by competing against others online in standard races and Battle Mode. However, there’s also an open-world mode where players can freely roam the map, discover hidden treasures, and complete side challenges at their leisure. To fully enjoy these modes, organize a gathering on an island from “Animal Crossing New Horizons“, or collaborate using “Split Screen” with a friend, players must first add friends to their system.

Instead of adding friends directly on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, users will require Friend Codes or QR codes for friendship connections. It’s essential that they swap these details promptly so they can dive straight into multiplayer games as soon as the opportunity arises.

9. Play Some GameCube Classics

Re-experience Some Retro Classics

Among the advantages of a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription is that it expands the retro library to include GameCube games. Starting on the launch day, subscribers can enjoy playing titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker,” “Soulcalibur 2,” and “F-Zero GX.” More GameCube games will be added in the future.

Upcoming GameCube games will offer improved graphics with higher resolutions compared to their original versions, as well as customizable control options. If you’re aiming for an authentic experience while revisiting these classic titles, it might be worth investing in the wireless GameCube controller.

10. Revisit Breath of the Wild/ Tears of the Kingdom with the Switch 2 Updates

Play Two of the Switch’s Best Games in the Best Way

The legendary games The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its successor, Tears of the Kingdom, are two standout titles for the Nintendo Switch platform. Despite the limitations of the Switch’s hardware and the vastness of each game’s map, they both performed admirably. However, with the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo is offering an enhancement pack for each game. With these upgrade packs, the games will boast higher resolution graphics, a more fluid and consistent frame rate, and quicker load times. Furthermore, there’s added compatibility with a Zelda Notes app to aid players on their journey, as well as an extra save slot.

Regardless of whether players are revisiting or embarking on their initial journey through Hyrule, their versions of this world are likely to demonstrate the full potential of the yet-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

2025-06-04 19:37