Accessible, Ambitious, and… Unfinished? The Switch 2 Verdict
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The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, promising enhanced performance and a new generation of gaming experiences—but does it deliver? We've spent two weeks extensively testing Nintendo's latest hardware to bring you the unfiltered truth about what works, what doesn't, and whether it's worth your hard-earned money right now.
Nintendo's latest console offers substantial hardware improvements, featuring larger, more comfortable Joy-Con controllers with magnetic attachments that replace the problematic rail system of the original. The Pro Controller stands out as a particular highlight with its programmable G buttons and improved ergonomics. Performance upgrades are noticeable across compatible games, with many titles running at higher resolutions and steadier frame rates in both docked and handheld modes.
Surprisingly, accessibility features represent one of the Switch 2's greatest strengths. The dedicated accessibility menu includes a screen reader, text customization options, color adjustments, and button remapping—features that Nintendo has historically overlooked. This commitment to accessibility is genuinely praiseworthy and long overdue.
However, the launch experience is marred by significant issues. The system UI remains disappointingly similar to the original Switch, lacking the whimsical personality that defined previous Nintendo consoles. Many backward compatible games actually run worse than on original hardware, suffering from frame rate problems or crashes. The new GameCube NSO offering looks fantastic but features nearly unplayable online functionality due to severe input lag.
The launch lineup is similarly mixed. Mario Kart World impresses visually but feels light on content compared to its predecessor. Street Fighter 6 and Yakuza Zero Director's Cut shine as third-party highlights, while Nintendo's controversial decision to charge for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrades feels unnecessarily greedy.
For most players—even die-hard Nintendo fans—waiting until later this year when more exclusive titles are available and compatibility issues have been addressed would be the wiser choice. The Switch 2 shows tremendous promise, but its potential remains largely unrealized at launch.
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Chapters
1. Introduction and First Impressions (00:00:00)
2. UI Disappointments and System Changes (00:05:30)
3. Virtual Game Cards and New Features (00:18:17)
4. GameCube on NSO: The Good and Bad (00:36:32)
5. Joy-Cons and Pro Controller Improvements (00:49:37)
6. Launch Games: Mario Kart World (01:10:13)
7. Street Fighter 6 Performance (01:28:22)
8. Yakuza Zero Director's Cut (01:36:15)
9. Third-Party Games and Ports (01:42:12)
10. Impressive Accessibility Features (01:51:11)
11. Final Thoughts: Wait Before Buying (02:04:42)
6 episodes