Controversies
Nintendo Switch 2 high game prices, no groundbreaking new feature
Overview
The Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5, 2025, enhances the hybrid gaming experience with improved hardware and new features. Priced at $449.99, or $499.99 with Mario Kart World, it offers a premium gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware and Performance
The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR. When docked, it supports 4K at 120 Hz. It is powered by an NVIDIA chip with eight ARM Cortex A78C cores and an Ampere GPU and has 12 GB of LPDDRX RAM and 256 GB of storage space, which can be expanded via microSD card.
Features and Compatibility
It supports most Nintendo Switch games, although some are not fully compatible. New features include a real-time translation system, Virtual Game Cards for rent and GameCube games via Nintendo Switch Online. The Joy-Con 2 controllers can be attached magnetically and have a C button for chat.
Introduction and Reception
At its launch with titles such as Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077, the console was praised for its performance but criticized for its high game prices and lack of innovative features.
Nintendo Switch 2: A Comprehensive Look at the Next-Gen Console
The Nintendo Switch 2, which will be launched on June 5, 2025, builds on the success of its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch, which sold over 150 million units. The new console, announced in January 2025, offers significant hardware upgrades, enhanced features and a robust launch lineup.
The 7.9-inch display, while not an OLED display, is praised for its high quality and supports HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR) for smoother viewing (CentroLeaks). When docked, the console outputs up to 4K at 120 Hz and is therefore suitable for high-definition gaming. The adapted NVIDIA chip and the larger RAM enable performance-intensive titles. Games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond can be played in 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps modes (Nintendo Official).
Nintendo Switch 2 Networking and Battery
Networking enhancements include Wi-Fi 6 and an Ethernet port in the dock to improve online play. The battery life of 2 to 6.5 hours depends on the requirements of the game and can be extended by a maintenance mode.
Controllers
The Joy-Con 2 controllers feature a magnetic attachment, larger SL/SR buttons, HD Rumble 2 and an optical sensor for mouse-like precision in games like Metroid Prime 4. A new C button supports in-game chat, but the lack of Hall-effect sensors has raised concerns about possible stick drift (Engadget). The Pro Controller, which costs $85, offers similar improvements and Amiibo support.
Nintendo Switch 2 Backward Compatibility and New Features
The Switch 2 is backwards compatible with most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, allowing players to carry over their existing libraries. However, some titles, such as the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit, are not compatible and details on compatibility are still pending (Nintendo Official).
New Features of Nintendo Switch 2
- Real-time translation system: Facilitates communication between multiple players in different languages.
- Virtual Game Cards: Allows you to lend games to up to eight people within the same Nintendo Family Account or local network for two weeks.
- Nintendo classics: GameCube games such as F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soul Calibur II are available via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, with features such as button mapping and CRT filtering (Wikipedia).
- Switch 2 Edition Upgrades: Select games, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, offer improved graphics and performance for $10 or via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Launch Details and Pricing of Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, at a standalone price of $449.99 and bundled with Mario Kart World for $499.99 (GameStop). Pre-orders began on April 24, 2025, but were delayed due to high demand and US tariffs on Asian production, which also increased the price of accessories (Nintendo Official).
Impressions from Users and Media
Initial impressions from hands-on events and the media are overwhelmingly positive. The high-quality screen, while not OLED, has been praised for its HDR and VRR capabilities (CentroLeaks). The performance improvements, which enable 4K and 120 FPS, have impressed users. Mario Kart World and Metroid Prime 4 were praised for their graphics and gameplay (NSuperGamerGuy, geoffkeighley).
Criticisms
However, some points of criticism have also emerged. The prices for games, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99, are considered high compared to other platforms (Danny8bit). Also, while the Switch 2 is seen as a powerful advancement, some users, including Geoff Keighley, criticize the lack of a groundbreaking new feature (geoffkeighley). The user interface has received a minor facelift without music, although new sounds have been added (MikeOdysseyYT).
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Announcement
- CentroLeaks Switch 2 Impressions
- NSuperGamerGuy Switch 2 Thoughts
- geoffkeighley Switch 2 Impressions
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