Our Thoughts After the Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal

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Yesterday during Nintendo’s dedicated presentation, we got a first look at the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. With its release scheduled for June, it’s time to bid farewell to our cherished original Nintendo Switch consoles as we eagerly prepare for its arrival.

During a one-hour demo, Nintendo unveiled the upcoming model, the Switch 2, along with its new functionalities, game lineup, and pre-ordering details. Sifting through all this information was quite extensive, so we took some time to process and reflect on the insights gained from the presentation.

After the initial excitement has died down, with Nintendo Treehouse presentations yet to come for additional details, we’re eager to express our views on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Back in 2017, when the original Nintendo Switch debuted, it was groundbreaking. Its unique hybrid design generated quite a buzz, inspiring a fresh trend in portable gaming devices, leading to the development of products like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, among others.

Initially, Nintendo astonished us with games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and consistently released contemporary masterpieces with every new product launch. Even the initial Switch version breathed new life into underappreciated titles from the Wii U era, which didn’t quite shine due to the Wii U’s limited impact in the gaming industry.

As the original Switch nears its sunset, Nintendo opted to enhance rather than revolutionize their most successful console since the Wii. While many online discussions suggest that fans are generally content with maintaining the console’s design, the high cost of software and the use of cartridges as physical keys have been met with criticism.

Alister’s Switch 2 Thoughts

I’d snap up the Switch 2 without a second thought, regardless if Nintendo designed it as a triangle with oversized baseball bat-style controllers. The original Switch remains my all-time favorite console, and seven years post-launch, it continues to be a regular part of my gaming routine.

It’s equally thrilling to lay eyes on the upcoming Switch version as it was with the original. I’m pleased they didn’t stray too far from the formula, much like how the DS evolved into the 3DS. There seems to be no need to tinker with something that works just fine. The game selection is outstanding, and I can hardly wait to play Mario Kart: World on its release day.

Once more, what’s puzzling to me is missing a primary Mario platformer at the launch. Indeed, just like the Switch, it also debuted without a launch-day Mario game (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe arrived a month later), and we didn’t get Super Mario Odyssey until more than six months had passed. I had anticipated that Odyssey 2 would be introduced at launch, given that it’s been nearly eight years since the initial game was released.

Instead, we received a fresh 3D Donkey Kong game titled “Donkey Kong Bananza,” which is scheduled to launch a month following the console’s arrival on July 17. This game appears to be an open-world platformer that stars everyone’s beloved gorilla, and it looks amazing. Rather than a 3D Mario game for the Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza seems like a fitting alternative.

Beyond Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, we’ve spotted a variety of upcoming Switch 2 games that are worth looking forward to. The comeback of WWE2K and the unique, multiplayer-centric FromSoftware game, The Duskbloods, offer a diverse range of options for players to find something they’ll love.

Appears that Nintendo has taken fan feedback into account when it comes to online gaming social features. Innovations such as Game Chat enable verbal communication with friends and visual interaction if they purchase the camera accessory, making their gameplay visible on screen. The ability to observe a friend’s gameplay, regardless of the specific game being played, is quite enticing – essentially, it will be like having your own personal interactive Twitch stream!

If I manage to grab a pre-order invitation for the Switch 2, it will most certainly be a first-day buy for me. Of course, the Mario Kart World package seems like the best choice.

Of course, I must admit, I might be slightly partial due to my delightful seven-year journey with the first Switch. However, it’s just my viewpoint. Now, let me pass the baton to the exceptional Feliciano for his summary of the event.

Feliciano’s Switch 2 Thoughts

Although Alister seems quite excited about the Nintendo Switch 2, my feelings towards it have become somewhat mixed as I’ve learned more details. There appears to be a problem emerging in Nintendo’s business strategy with this next console. The fluctuating prices of cartridges and upgrade packs might drive away budget-conscious gamers. Granted, the $449 price tag for the upcoming console is reasonable, but the trend of $80 games could potentially lead to troubles within the gaming industry.

I want to make this clear: I’m thrilled about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and can’t wait to use it! However, I find it challenging to justify my support for Nintendo as their games are becoming progressively costly. For instance, consider the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which is essentially a tech demo demonstrating the console’s abilities. But here’s the catch – it’s hidden behind a payment barrier. If Sony had given Astro Bot away for free to showcase the PlayStation 5’s features, Nintendo could have done the same effortlessly.

I’m not planning to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 as soon as it comes out. It seems challenging to get one in my country without having to deal with scalpers or high taxes. Still, I can’t wait to check out the selection of third-party games and exclusives. The Duskbloods, a new IP from FromSoftware, looks intriguing – although it’s essentially another spinoff of Elden Ring: Nightreign. Many think it could be the next Bloodborne, but it’s actually not. Additionally, I have concerns about playing a game at 30 fps when I could easily enjoy it at 60 on a Steam Deck.

In summary, the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is an impressive follow-up to their top-selling console. Yet, certain business strategies could potentially disadvantage longtime fans in the future. While Nintendo hasn’t always been consumer-centric historically, they continue to show enthusiasm for creating exceptional video games with unique features. One such game that has me intrigued is the upcoming open-world Donkey Kong title.

Currently, I’m keeping my first Nintendo Switch since there are numerous Japanese Role Playing Games left in my queue to play. If Nintendo decides to entice me with a sequel, an expansive open-world Zelda could lure me back.

Final Thoughts

In summary, our discussions revolve around the upcoming Switch 2. It’s clear that consumer opinions are mixed, leading to a range of enthusiasm levels. Many fans of the original Switch seem intrigued by the prospect of owning the new device, although there are concerns about pricing and game distribution methods.

As an excited fan, I can’t wait to share more insights about the Switch 2 with you once I get a closer look at the games during the upcoming Nintendo Treehouse Live events! Stay tuned for updates!

If you’re interested in purchasing the new Nintendo Switch 2, feel free to explore its availability across well-known online stores by clicking here.

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2025-04-03 14:13