I Like the Switch 2, But the Wii U Launch Was Way More Exciting

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Summary

  • The NIntendo Switch 2 launch doesn’t feel quite as exciting as previous Nintendo systems.
  • Even though things didn’t work out with the Wii U, it tried something new and featured a greater variety of big-budget launch exclusives.
  • Nintendo played it safe with the Switch 2, which will likely be better for the console in the long run.

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and although it’s thrilling whenever a new gaming console arrives, I must confess that my anticipation isn’t as high as it was for previous Nintendo releases – not even compared to the Wii U. The Nintendo Switch 2 has been greeted with immediate commercial success, receiving numerous compliments for its upgrades from the original Switch. However, despite the Switch 2 being a remarkable device, its initial exclusive game offerings fall short of expectations.

The new Nintendo Switch 2 has debuted with five unique titles, one being a revamped version of a handheld game from the 3DS era. Notable among these launch exclusives is the popular racing game Mario Kart World, accompanied by other racers like Fast Fusion. Additionally, there’s the instruction manual-like offering called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a high-definition remaster of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, and the cooperative game from Konami, Survival Kids. Most of the games available at launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 are either longtime releases or physical versions linked to Game-Key Cards.

In comparison, Mario Kart World stands out as a fantastic game, but Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is disappointing and among the worst I’ve played this year. The other launch exclusives are not setting the world ablaze like they did during the Wii U’s debut. The Wii U launch struggled with rehashed multiplatform releases, but it also had a more diverse selection of big-budget launch exclusives. New Super Mario Bros. U was somewhat derivative of previous entries, yet still provided a fresh experience for Nintendo fans thanks to its 4-player co-op mode. Nintendo Land showcased the Wii U GamePad’s potential brilliantly and remains one of the most innovative local multiplayer experiences available. ZombiU, in my opinion, was a hidden gem among the Wii U launch exclusives, offering a challenging take on the zombie game genre while maximizing the Wii U’s unique features. It’s one of my favorite Wii U games and I believe it’s significantly underrated. The Switch 2’s lineup is currently limited to one big-budget launch exclusive (Mario Kart World), with other releases being less prominent compared to the Wii U’s offerings in 2013.

Wii U’s Launch Exclusives Were More Interesting than the Switch 2’s

Compared to the anticipated excitement surrounding the Switch 2, the build-up to the Wii U was much more thrilling due to its unique launch lineup and groundbreaking features. However, unfortunate factors such as a misleading brand name, poor marketing strategies, and prolonged content shortages severely hindered the Wii U’s potential for success. Despite these setbacks, the Wii U represented something fresh in the gaming world. Similarly, the original Switch was innovative, offering a fusion of handheld and home console experiences that significantly influenced the industry. The upcoming Switch 2, while boasting enhanced capabilities, seems to lack the creative flair characteristic of Nintendo consoles since the revolutionary Wii era.

In other words, by sticking with a safer approach rather than taking risks, Nintendo essentially ensures the success of the Switch 2, given the strong performance of the original Switch which is on its way to becoming the top-selling video game console in history. However, this approach may not spark the same level of excitement as previous Nintendo console launches due to its similarities with the first Switch.

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2025-06-07 20:33