Nintendo held an hour-long livestream showcasing its second version of its Nintendo Switch console, aptly named the Nintendo Switch 2, on April 2. I sat in my chair eagerly, awaiting new features and game announcements (literally just “Animal Crossing”).
And finally, it came. Touting a larger screen, 256 gigabytes of storage, better graphics, 120 frames per second, magnetic Joy-Cons and… mouse controls?
Some of these announcements had me raising my eyebrows, wondering what was going on in the boardroom to approve these additions. But then I remembered – this console is geared more toward families and children rather than the markets the PlayStation and Xbox were geared toward. It made me feel better, even though I know I’d never use these features.
One was essentially an in-console Discord clone, allowing you to voice and video chat with friends while playing games. You can even screen share while playing the game, allowing you to have split screen with your friends. There is even a new Nintendo Switch camera (does anyone remember the Game Boy camera?). Sadly though, the screen sharing looked to run at a whopping 10 FPS, equivalent to a slideshow. Pretty on-brand for Nintendo, to be honest.
By holding the Joy-Cons with the bumpers down on a surface, you can use it just like you would a computer mouse. It can be used for certain games, such as “Mario Party” titles, as another way to play. Unnecessary? Just a little bit. But it’s definitely different, and any innovation in the market is welcome.
Another new, or should I say re-added, feature is the ability to Gameshare. With certain games, you can share the game with others either online or locally. It’s similar to the old DS Download Share, but now you’re not limited to playing a Shy Guy in “Mario Kart.” The ability to share games, especially with the ever-rising price of games and thousands of games released a month, is a perfect addition.
Oh yeah, did I say rising prices?
In the United States, the Switch 2 is $450. Nintendo-published games are currently listed at $80, an increase of $20 over the original Switch, following the line of Triple-A game price increases. It could possibly get even worse.
Understandably, users online fret the worst, echoing how this might potentially increase the price of the console even more, though this is not confirmed. Others pointed out how the current price of competitors such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are similar in price in America.
Certain games will also be gaining new revamped games from the original Switch to the Switch 2. Games such as “Super Mario Party Jamboree” will gain new modes that utilize the Switch camera, new minigames and a rollercoaster-styled on-rail shooter.
If anything, the games announced were probably the best parts of the announcement. New releases, port announcements and some first-time Intellectual properties are coming.
The first game teased for the Switch 2 before its Direct was a new “Mario Kart” –- a fan favorite amongst every console, but the first new entry into the series in 11 years. “Mario Kart World” will be released with the console and features new off-roading elements, an open world mode, Knockout Tour mode and more. Plus, an impressive array of characters such as Mario, Bowser, Birdo, Shy Guy, Penguin… The Moo Moo Meadows cow? The Cheep Cheep Beach fish? The team behind these picks must know the fans well, because many obscure background enemies get their big break within this roster.
A contender for one of the hypest releases was actually in the previous Direct just a week prior, with the announcement of “Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.” The original
“Tomodachi Life,” a Nintendo-published life simulator released on the 3DS, has been a fan favorite for a while. “Living the Dream” seems to take this and updates it to almost an island resort theme, though not much was mentioned about the exact features.
“Donkey Kong Bananza” also ended the broadcast. A 3D open-world exploration with ground-punching destruction-filled traversal. It’s similar to “Super Mario Odyssey” and “Donkey Kong Country” games, with a mix of the “Rampage” series thrown in there.
Overall, there are many parts to the Switch 2 that leave me scared. I loved the first Switch console, but I feel as though a new console is not worth it for a few new games. I would much rather borrow the console from a friend, or go over to their house to play the new “Mario Kart,” than to buy it myself. Though, I do feel the outrage over the pricing is very misguided. Consumers and fans have the right to be upset over certain features, but at the end of the day, even with the fun games and features, Nintendo makes this product to make profit.
