Nintendo Switch 2: Worth the Hype?
After a month on the market, the Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz, but is it worth the hefty price tag? While the console boasts impressive features and enhanced performance, some argue a lack of exclusive titles makes it hard to justify for casual gamers.
Racing Games Revved Up
Two racing games stand out. Mario Kart World delivers a fresh open-world experience filled with collectibles and side quests. Multiplayer courses become physical locations within the game’s expansive world. Meanwhile, Fast Fusion, from the long-running Fast series, offers futuristic racing reminiscent of F-Zero and Wipeout. The visuals are especially impressive, showcasing what the Switch 2 can do.
Old Games, New Life
The Switch 2 breathes new life into older titles. Games that struggled on the original Switch now run smoothly. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, notorious for their performance issues, are significantly improved. New editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom also benefit from the upgraded hardware, though these come at an additional cost for those without a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
Improved performance extends to titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Bayonetta 3, with faster loading times and smoother gameplay. Additionally, access to GameCube games is available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, with Wind Waker as an early highlight.
Controller Compatibility
A major plus is backward compatibility with original Switch controllers. Unlike many console transitions, players can use their existing Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers on the new system. This is especially beneficial for multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros. and Mario Party.
However, concerns remain about the durability of the Joy-Con controllers. Despite claims of redesigns, some experts suggest the underlying technology is similar to the previous generation, potentially leading to continued “operation” problems.
Pricey Proposition
The Switch 2’s high cost is a significant drawback. In Norway, the price has more than doubled compared to its predecessor, reaching 6,695 krone (approximately $625 USD). Adding Mario Kart World brings the total to 7,449 krone. As of December 2023, the average price for a video game console was $472.36 worldwide (Statista).
While justifiable for gaming journalists who can recoup the cost through content creation, it’s a harder sell for casual gamers.
Lacking Killer Apps?
The biggest issue is the limited selection of exclusive titles. While Mario Kart World and Fast Fusion are solid additions, and enhanced versions of older games like Bravely Default and Cyberpunk 2077 are welcome, there’s a sense that something is missing.
Upcoming releases like Donkey Kong Bananza, developed by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, and later titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, offer promise. Whether these will justify the console’s price remains to be seen, especially for owners of the original Switch.
Early Verdict: Proceed with Caution
At launch, the Switch 2 faces an uphill battle. The impressive hardware and backward compatibility are offset by the high price and lack of must-have exclusive games. Whether the Switch 2 is worth the investment depends on upcoming releases and individual gaming preferences.
