Holy crap, it's actually happening.
After years of rumors and Reddit threads that went absolutely nowhere, I finally got my sweaty hands on Nintendo's Switch 2 last week. My first thought? "This thing is gonna bankrupt me." My second thought was wondering if I could somehow justify selling my sister's cat to afford it. (Sorry Mittens, but Mario Kart World looks THAT good.)
The "Oh My God It's Bigger" Moment
Let's talk size because apparently it matters. The new screen is a whopping 7.9 inches compared to the original's 6.2. When I first picked it up, I legit thought "this is basically a small TV now." Despite not having OLED (which honestly made me sulk for about 5 minutes), it rocks 1080p with 120fps that makes everything look smoother than my attempts to explain a $400 gaming purchase to my girlfriend.
And teh storage? 256GB. Remember when we thought 32GB was enough back in 2017? Bless our naive little hearts.
Those Magnetic Joy-Cons Changed My Life (Slightly)
Can we talk about how the Joy-Cons are now MAGNETIC? This might seem minor to normal people, but anyone who's ever fumbled trying to slide those damn controllers back into place while standing on a crowded train understands this is revolutionary.
The controllers also work as a mouse now. Playing Drag x Drive (basketball on wheels, because why not), I was swinging my arms around like I was directing air traffic. My roommate walked in and thought I was having some kind of episode. Worth it though - the control feels incredible.
Wait... I Can See My Friends' Stupid Faces While Playing?
There's a new camera and GameChat feature that lets up to 12 people hop on while playing. Back in 2018, I spent approximately 4K hours on Discord while gaming, and now Nintendo's basically saying "we're bringing that chaos directly to your screen."
You can actually see your friends in the corner while playing. His response: "already updating my resume." Because apparently showing his gaming face to the world is a career liability.
The new C button takes you straight to GameShare for challenging friends. I feel stupid now for all the times I complained about Nintendo being behind on online features.
Games That Made Me Consider Selling Blood Plasma
Listen. The games lineup is what's gonna make or break this thing, and Nintendo knows it.
Mario Kart World isn't just another Mario Kart. It's an open world where you can drive from track to track, grind railings like you're playing Tony Hawk, and find hidden stuff everywhere. It's basically Mario 64 with wheels. And you can race against 24 PEOPLE. Twenty-four! That's like... a small wedding's worth of racers trying to blue shell you into oblivion.
Donkey Kong Bananza (yes, that's how they spelled it) is an explosion of color that feels like getting punched in the eyeballs by a rainbow. In a good way.
And then there's Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - a Zelda prequel that had me ready to call in sick for approximately two weeks when it launches.
The "Holy Crap AAA Games Actually Work" Surprise
The most shocking part? This little beast can handle Cyberpunk 2077 and Borderlands 4. I nearly dropped the thing when I saw Keanu's digital face looking back at me from a handheld. The Switch 2 is powerful enough that I'm pretty sure it could run my entire apartment if I hooked it up right.
The backwards compatibility means all your old Switch games work too - but they look better. Tears of the Kingdom on this screen made me emotional in ways I'm not ready to discuss with my therapist.
Your Bank Account's Worst Nightmare
Now for the part that hurts. It's £395.99. Games? £55 to £75 each.
I did some quick math and realized if I wanted the console adn about 5 games at launch, I'd need to skip approximately 47 meals or convince my boss I deserve a "Nintendo bonus" this year.
The whole pre-order situation in the US has been a complete mess thanks to Trump's tariff drama. Nintendo moved production from China to Vietnam to avoid tariffs, then Vietnam got hit with a 46% tariff (though it's suspended for three months). Poor Nintendo execs probably need a vacation after that nightmare.
Is it worth it? If you're a Nintendo fan or have kids or are just someone who enjoys experiencing joy... yeah. Probably.
The Switch 2 launches June 5th, which gives me exactly two months to explain to my partner why we need this more than we need to fix the bathroom sink.
Game on, wallet off.
THE GAMES THAT'LL EMPTY YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
EXCLUSIVES (aka the system sellers):
Mario Kart World
Donkey Kong Bananza
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment
Drag x Drive
The Duskbloods
Kirby Air Riders
Survival Kids
SWITCH 2 EDITIONS (the glow-ups):
Super Mario Party Jamboree
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Pokemon Legends Z-A
Civilization VII
3RD-PARTY GAMES (the "wait, this runs on a Nintendo?"):
Split Fiction
Cyberpunk 2077
Hogwarts Legacy
Borderlands 4
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
Fortnite
Star Wars: Outlaws
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I report cheating or toxic behavior in games?
Most games have built-in reporting systems that allow players to report cheating or toxic behavior. This can typically be done through the game's interface, where you can provide details about the incident. Developers take these reports seriously to maintain a fair gaming environment.
How can I improve my gaming skills?
Improving gaming skills involves consistent practice, understanding game mechanics, and studying strategies used by top players. Watching tutorials, participating in community forums, and playing with more skilled players can also provide valuable insights and help you advance your abilities.
What is game streaming and how does it work?
Game streaming allows players to play games over the internet without needing powerful hardware. Services like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming stream gameplay from remote servers to players' devices, enabling access to high-quality gaming experiences on less capable systems.
What are game genres and their significance?
Game genres categorize games based on their gameplay mechanics and themes. Popular genres include action, adventure, role-playing, simulation, and strategy. Understanding genres helps players find games that align with their interests and play styles.
How do I choose the right gaming headset?
When choosing a gaming headset, consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, microphone quality, and compatibility with your gaming platform. It's also beneficial to look for features like noise cancellation, wireless options, and customizable controls to enhance your gaming experience.
What are the implications of loot boxes in gaming?
Loot boxes are virtual items that contain randomized rewards, which can lead to discussions about gambling mechanics in gaming. Their implications include potential addiction, especially among younger players, prompting some jurisdictions to regulate or ban their use in games.
Statistics
- About 60% of gamers prefer single-player games, valuing immersive storytelling and personal experiences.
- Approximately 63% of households in the United States have at least one person who plays video games regularly.
- Over 60% of gamers report playing with friends or family, emphasizing the social aspect of gaming.
- Streaming platforms like Twitch have attracted over 140 million unique monthly visitors, demonstrating the popularity of game streaming.
- About 70% of American adults play video games, showcasing the widespread appeal across demographics.
- Women represent nearly 41% of gamers, challenging the stereotype that gaming is predominantly male-dominated.
- In 2021, the average age of a gamer was reported to be around 34 years old, indicating that gaming spans multiple generations.
- The average cost of developing a AAA game has risen to approximately $100 million, reflecting the growing complexity and expectations in game design.
External Links
How To
How to Choose the Best Gaming Chair
Choosing the best gaming chair involves considering comfort, support, and design. Look for a chair that offers ergonomic features, including adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests. The material is also important; breathable fabric or leather can enhance comfort during long gaming sessions. Test the chair if possible, ensuring it fits your body type and provides adequate support. Consider additional features like reclining capabilities and built-in speakers, which may enhance your gaming experience. Finally, read reviews to gauge durability and user satisfaction before making a purchase.
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
