Get Ready for Nintendo Switch 2: The Ultimate Hands-On Preview of Exciting New Games!

For the first time in quite a while, it seems that Nintendo is focusing more on refining and enhancing their home console offerings rather than aiming for groundbreaking change. The very name of their latest device, the Nintendo Switch 2, hints at an advancement of current technology, as opposed to a radical break from its predecessors. I, as a fan, am eagerly anticipating what this evolution will bring!

Without a doubt, some aspects of the Nintendo Switch 2 exhibit an originality characteristic of a console, yet they also embody improvements upon the original Switch’s blueprint. After getting a chance to handle the Switch 2, it’s evident that Nintendo has a distinct direction in mind for its upcoming console. Although this new direction may not promise groundbreaking innovation, it undeniably keeps enjoyment at the core.

Nintendo Switch 2’s Design is All About Refinements

The design of the Nintendo Switch 2 is immediately noticeable for being larger than its predecessor. A 7.9-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD screen and a broader, taller overall structure give the Switch 2 a more substantial feel without making it bulkier. Nintendo has maintained the same thinness of the original Switch, but enhanced its width and height. The changes aren’t so extensive that the handheld feels cumbersome – the Switch 2 still offers a comfortable form factor – yet making key components larger helps distinguish it.

One often overlooked aspect of the design for the Switch 2 is its magnetic attachment mechanism for the JoyCons to the body. Previously, the rail system worked fine, but the new magnetic “snap” that connects the JoyCons to the screen offers a satisfying click and provides a sense of security and snug fit. Removing the JoyCons from the Switch was somewhat laborious, whereas on the Switch 2, detaching and attaching them is nearly effortless. This convenience is enhanced by the upgraded full-width kickstand, which allows for adjustment to multiple viewing angles.

The enhanced HD Rumble feature provides a richer tactile experience, making the joysticks on the JoyCons feel more responsive and precise. Additionally, a second USB-C port positioned atop the Nintendo Switch 2 makes charging in tabletop mode simpler and allows for the connection of additional Switch USB accessories even when docked. It’s these minor adjustments that collectively contribute to a significant improvement with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Behind the scenes, the latest NVIDIA chip enables games on Switch 2 to utilize a 120 FPS refresh rate and 4K resolution in dock mode. It’s clear that some advanced Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology is at play to make the games look and perform as seamlessly as they do, but transitioning to 4K60 is a significant upgrade for Nintendo.

Playing Nintendo Switch 2’s Biggest Launch Titles

Despite the enhanced graphics and expanded capabilities of the Nintendo Switch, it’s clear that the emphasis remains on the games themselves. During the preview event, we had the opportunity to get our hands on several exciting games such as “Mario Kart World”, “Donkey Kong Bananza”, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond”, and numerous third-party titles that are being adapted for the Switch 2.

Mario Kart World Brings Battle Royale to Kart Racing

It’s no wonder that Mario Kart World will debut alongside the Switch 2, given that Mario Kart 8 continues to be a powerhouse on the original Switch. The core gameplay remains similar to traditional Mario Kart, but with an open-world driving feature that seamlessly connects races. Fresh characters and innovative power-ups, such as a feather for dodging shells or a mega mushroom to grow huge and crush opponents, bring a fresh twist to the kart racing genre.

In the world of Mario Kart, I find myself particularly excited about the Knockout Tour mode. Unlike aiming to revolutionize its racing fundamentals, this innovative feature promises to deliver an exhilarating experience. Essentially serving as a battle royale-style race within the Mario Kart universe, Knockout Tour introduces a fresh dose of tension and chaos.

The key rule here is that players must maintain a specific position at each checkpoint, or risk elimination. If a player misses the mark by even an inch or a mile, they’re out of the race. It’s a high-pressure, nail-biting experience that I can’t wait to dive into!

Initially involving 24 contestants and ultimately narrowing down to four competitors battling for victory, the Knockout Tour is an exciting experience that brings back the thrill of competing for first place reminiscent of the early versions of Mario Kart. It incorporates a dash of unpredictable luck, much like most Mario Kart races, but this element also allows each player a fair chance to recover and continue the game. Notably, Knockout Tour appears destined to become popular among content creators, which will undoubtedly increase its allure.

Donkey Kong Takes Smashing to a New Level in Bananza

The standout game for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is “Donkey Kong Bananza”.

The game “Donkey Kong Bananza” is set to be released in July, which makes sense given its similarity to the star-collecting mechanic in Mario games – like chasing golden bananas. Since a new 3D Mario game isn’t expected until 2025, “Donkey Kong Bananza” looks primed to fill that void gracefully.

Nintendo Switch 2’s Mouse Mode Adds Precision and Depth

The unique aspect of the Nintendo Switch 2 lies in its mouse control feature. When you rotate a JoyCon sideways, it can glide over surfaces (including your trousers!), mimicking the movements of a computer mouse. This is demonstrated in the game Drag x Drive, which showcases this functionality and provides quite an arm workout. The game draws inspiration from titles like Rocket League that blend combat with sports. Whether Drag x Drive will remain entertaining or just novel remains to be seen, but we had a good time playing it for the first time.

To enhance accurate gameplay, the game Metroid Prime 4: Beyond offers the mouse control option. Manipulating the character becomes instinctive when you use the left JoyCon joystick for strafing and the right JoyCon in mouse mode for aiming. However, it may take some practice to click the right trigger as if using a mouse.

It’s important to note that at the hands-on event, the JoyCons had to be tethered, which meant you couldn’t experience the full sensation of moving them across a surface. However, despite this restriction, playing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond with mouse mode was enjoyable. And if you prefer not to use mouse mode momentarily, you can simply pick up the JoyCon and utilize the joystick; it’s that effortless.

Playing Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Existing Games

At the Nintendo Switch 2 preview event, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on several versions of first and third-party games unveiled during the Nintendo Direct broadcast. I had a chance to play some exciting titles such as:

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom looks better than ever in docked mode with a high resolution and frame rate. Switching weapons is snappier and the visuals are crisp and clear.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is getting an add-on that includes more Mouthful modes, bosses to defeat, and goodies to collect.
Mario Party Jamboree uses the Switch 2’s new camera to add more zany fun to an already terrific party experience.

Predicting the market size for potential games like Hogwarts Legacy 2 or Yakuza 0 on Switch 2 is challenging, yet publishers should be commended for offering console enthusiasts the opportunity to explore their well-known titles. Although not as robust as a PC version, these Switch 2 adaptations are still an excellent means of enjoying these games, and they run smoothly on the hardware. However, Cyberpunk 2077 fell short in terms of performance and image quality when sprinting. CD Projekt Red issued a disclaimer that the demo did not reflect the final product, but the playable content left much to be desired.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hands-On: Final Impressions

At its debut, the Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce games like “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza,” indicating that it’s set to maintain Nintendo’s successful run in the console industry. Each aspect of the Switch 2, including its design, improvements, and game library, seems tailored for this purpose. Instead of introducing significant changes as they have done in the past, Nintendo appears to be aiming to build upon existing success. The innovation here can be found more in the gaming experiences themselves rather than the combination of mechanics and interactivity that is usually emphasized.

Although the current console transition isn’t particularly thrilling, the Nintendo Switch 2 still manages to be just as captivating. With its larger size, improved features, and impressive upgrades, it continues to hold appeal. And with a strong lineup of games, that’s all that truly matters in the end.

2025-04-03 16:07