Switch 2 Hands-On: More Of The Same, But It Can Still Surprise You

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The Switch 2 isn’t aiming to shock, instead focusing on enhancing its already successful hybrid console. Known for their bold leaps from one generation to another, Nintendo has opted for a steady improvement with the Switch 2, avoiding major upheavals. Even its simple numerical name suggests it’s exactly what you’d expect: more Switch, but improved. After extensive hands-on experience with Nintendo’s upcoming hardware, I’m convinced that choosing “improved, not revolutionary” was a wise decision.

The original Nintendo Switch exudes a childlike charm that rivals from the handheld market, such as the Steam Deck, can’t replicate. A more advanced version of the Switch might not be revolutionary, but it still holds an allure because it reminds me of why I fell for the Switch in the first place. Also, it’s important to note that Nintendo has ventured into the unusual after successful hardware launches before. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will likely steer clear of turning into another Wii U fiasco.

The new Switch 2 model appears more robust than its earlier version and boasts a sleek matte black design aimed at giving it a premium appearance. Despite being used to an OLED screen, I find the larger LCD screen on this model a reasonable compromise. Although the difference in quality is minimal to my eyes, the larger screen seems worthwhile. The color accents are more understated, with the vibrant hues primarily coming from the detached new Joy-Con 2 controllers. A notable improvement is that these Joy-Cons are now magnetically attached, a convenient upgrade that still allows for detachment like before. The magnets are so strong that it can be challenging (but not impossible) to separate them without pressing the release button. This makes them feel more securely fastened, reducing the slight wobble that older Joy-Cons on the original Switch sometimes had. Additionally, the magnets snap into place with a satisfying physical click.

In its separate state, the Joy-Con acts like a computer mouse, a capability that was predicted beforehand but surpassed my expectations when tested in practical use. Regardless of the game, the mouse function operated smoothly and intuitively as anticipated. For instance, Metroid demonstrated how this new feature enhanced gameplay, particularly because you can swap it on-the-fly. Moreover, the mouse functionality effectively utilized the “HD Rumble” feature, as Nintendo has already showcased several creative applications of haptic feedback to improve its performance. The mouse functioned well on the table-like surfaces in the demo zone, but Nintendo emphasized that it’s designed to work on various surfaces, even clothing (yes, you read that right). Initially, I was uncertain about the significance of the mouse functionality, but after experiencing multiple demos, I left each one pleasantly surprised by how well it performed.

In a similar fashion, the upgraded Switch Pro Controller boasts some notable improvements. To begin with, it shares the same sleek matte texture as the Switch console itself, with enhanced color contrast between its main body and shoulder buttons for improved visual appeal. Furthermore, it introduces two customizable rear buttons, which are embedded within the controller’s body rather than protruding like some other controllers on the market. This design feature allows users to utilize them at their discretion, as they can be easily ignored when not in use, yet provide a tactile click when activated.

The kickstand now boasts an extensive upgrade, providing a stable hold at any angle with its complete range of motion. Although I seldom utilized the kickstand before, and I don’t foresee that changing in the future, the enhancement complements the fresh color scheme and Joy-Con advancements to give off a more luxurious vibe to the hardware.

At the recent hands-on event, while there were fresh updates about the Switch 2 revealed by Nintendo, we didn’t get to test some key features, such as the C-button, since they weren’t yet available for testing. The company emphasized social aspects like chat and screen sharing as significant improvements for the device, but unfortunately, we couldn’t try these features out ourselves during the event. One area where this was apparent was in the laggy streaming demo shown in the Nintendo Direct presentation.

As you’d expect from any Nintendo hardware, though, the real proof is in the play.

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Switch 2 Welcome Tour

As a devoted fan, let me tell you, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour has left me utterly baffled. On the surface, it appears to be a tech demonstration showcasing my device’s capabilities. However, Nintendo took it upon themselves to label it as a paid download, which I find perplexing. This interactive software, that seems like a natural fit for being free or even pre-installed, becomes utterly nonsensical when presented as a paid transaction.

when your character crosses a bridge onto the Switch 2 screen, they glide as if on an ice rink to signify the smoothness of the screen. A variety of mini-games are included to teach you about new hardware features or demonstrate the capabilities of the Switch 2. For instance, one game lets you dodge spiked balls using the mouse function, while another allows you to test the HD rumble by shaking virtual maracas.

The highlight of my experience was a demonstration that displayed 4K output from a game. To make it clearer to people who aren’t tech-savvy, the game demonstrated how modern displays have far more pixels packed densely than old TVs used in early Nintendo video games. As an example, it allowed you to play Super Mario Bros. stage 1-1, one of the most well-known stages in gaming, within a small area on your screen. However, instead of scrolling through the stage, it expanded, revealing the entire 1-1 stage slowly on the screen as a pixel counter increased into the thousands. This trick was quite impressive and an effective way to show how both television and video game technology have advanced significantly over the past four decades.

It’s quite challenging to part with money just for a few clever stunts, as the cost details have not been disclosed yet.

Drag X Drive

Using X Drive feels akin to an exhibit designed to highlight the mouse functionality, particularly the ability to utilize two Joy-Con mice concurrently with motion controls. It offers a simulation of wheelchair basketball, enabling you to propel your wheels by manipulating both mice and pushing them forward simultaneously for momentum, then lifting your arm to simulate shooting a ball. It also incorporates elements of Rocket League-style acrobatics, allowing you to build enough speed to roll up one of the sloped sides for an impressive trick shot.

One excellent application of mouse functionality is demonstrated here for several compelling reasons. For instance, manipulating a virtual wheelchair feels incredibly intuitive and functions much like the real-world counterpart due to your physical movements. Applying more pressure on one side than the other causes a gradual drift in that direction, requiring some practice to maintain consistent momentum. Performing actions such as pushing forward on one wheel while pulling back on another or applying brakes during speedy turns enables you to execute sharp and swift maneuvers. This demonstration stands out as one of the best instances of HD rumble working in tandem with mouse functionality, since simulating contact with your “wheels” allows for a tactile sensation that mimics the vibrations of their tread as they roll across various surfaces.

In essence, the accuracy of wheelchair controls appears more refined than the basketball-shooting and multiplayer aspects, which can feel less precise. You merely need to flick your wrist towards the basket, yet the aiming often feels unpredictable. Acquiring a ball from an opponent is as simple as colliding with them at high speed, making it simple but also increasing the chances of getting entangled in a group of wheelchairs. Despite its potential for skill-based gameplay, this game appears to have a relatively limited scope.

What’s Old Is New Again

With the arrival of the Switch 2, it’s expected to rejuvenate many classic games. Even with initial performance and fidelity issues, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom stood out on the original Switch. On the Switch 2, these games shine even brighter thanks to the optional Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack. The visual appeal remains intact, but the world appears clearer and less hazy.

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On the improved Nintendo Switch 2, even games that were visually appealing before appear even more polished. Kirby and the Forgotten Land didn’t have any significant issues initially, but it runs smoother on the upgraded system. The addition of the Star-Crossed World content doesn’t drastically alter the gameplay experience, but it offers a compelling reason to reexperience a fantastic platformer with some fresh features and enhancements.

The upgrade in Mario Party Jamboree is quite noticeable due to the introduction of innovative minigames that utilize mouse functionality. I’ve tested six new ones, and once again, I was amazed by the inventiveness displayed in these games. Some were simple concepts executed well – like sorting emails or controlling an air hockey paddle with a mouse. One game, where you stack soft tetriminos and plush toys to build a towering structure, leveraged the Joy-Con mouse’s rotational ease for precision stacking. The most enjoyable of these minigames was one that involved sending a pull-back toy car across a narrow bridge while other players did the same in the opposite direction, resulting in collisions. This concept was instantly captivating, and the HD rumble made it feel like you could truly sense the winding mechanism when pulling back your “car”.

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 might not be making grand leaps, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it seems designed to build upon the success of its predecessor by bridging both its console and handheld operations in a unique way. This approach, which is unusual for a company like Nintendo that often surprises with the bizarre and whimsical, can be seen as an incremental step. However, even when sticking to the familiar, Nintendo has a knack for delivering unexpected delight through exceptional gameplay experiences.

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2025-04-03 16:10