Switch 2 Launch Games Have a Major Advantage Over the Original

by

The anticipated arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, but it hasn’t been met with unanimous praise yet. Critics have expressed concerns such as the console being overpriced, its launch games not living up to those of earlier Nintendo systems, and doubts about Nintendo’s recent efforts against piracy and emulation being consumer-unfriendly. However, despite these criticisms, it’s expected to sell well.

Following the unexpected surge in sales of the initial Nintendo Switch, a period when many were taken aback by the Wii U’s underperformance, the upcoming console version enjoys an advantage of established prestige. Moreover, the original Switch is highly regarded as a quality console, so a more potent and feature-rich successor is likely to be viewed as a smart investment for numerous owners, regardless of its initial library of exclusive games. However, it’s worth noting that the launch lineup for the Switch 2 does boast at least one significant advantage over the first Switch’s, which should make it more appealing to both novice players and those considering an upgrade.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Has More True Exclusives at Launch than Its Predecessor

Breath of the Wild Was a Cross-Platform Release—Mario Kart World Isn’t

It’s commonly acknowledged that “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” ranks among the greatest games ever produced, and undeniably as one of Nintendo’s finest launch offerings. However, contrary to popular belief, “Breath of the Wild” isn’t a traditional launch title since it was also simultaneously released on the Wii U, and initially designed with that console in mind when it was being developed.

The significance lies in how the Switch’s unique characteristics differ from the Wii U, particularly its hybrid design. It’s likely that this versatility played a significant role in the Switch’s superior sales performance compared to the Wii U. Breath of the Wild (BOTW) undeniably contributed to this success, but it’s plausible to suggest that many Zelda series enthusiasts might have continued using their Wii Us if not for the Switch’s hybrid functionality. In other words, BOTW could have sold just as well on the Wii U as it did on the Switch, had it not been for the device’s hybrid nature.

It’s worth noting that unlike the initial major exclusive for the original Switch, the upcoming “Mario Kart World” is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. This new title, which blends the classic Mario Kart gameplay with open-world elements, reportedly requires more power to run than the older model can provide. Therefore, if you’re keen on playing the next installment of Mario Kart, you’ll need to invest in a Nintendo Switch 2, which was not a requirement for the first Switch’s flagship game.

The Switch 2’s Third-Party Launch Titles Are Some Heavy Hitters

In addition to Mario Kart World, the upcoming Switch 2 will introduce a number of other major AAA games which likely wouldn’t have run smoothly on the original Switch. Leading the pack of these visually stunning games is Cyberpunk 2077, a game that many would not have anticipated finding on any Nintendo Switch console, making the hardware upgrade all the more enticing, particularly for those who predominantly use the Switch as their gaming device.

In comparison to the Wii U, it’s evident that the Switch 2 offers more advanced features. Although the Switch was an improvement over the Wii U, this enhancement wasn’t as substantial as the difference between the first and second generations of the Switch. Furthermore, the original Switch’s initial games didn’t reveal this power gap as clearly as future titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Street Fighter 6 may do.

Read More

2025-05-19 18:09