Testing the Nintendo Switch 2: The 470 Euro Device Delivering Mario Kart Gameplay
Let's dive into the Nintendo Switch 2, the latest console from the big N! Launched on June 5th, this bad boy is the successor to the extremely popular Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo takes a path pioneered by other console giants: evolve, don't revolutionize. The leap between Switch 2 and its predecessor is similar to upgrading from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 15, rather than the groundbreaking change from Gamecube to Wii.
The basic gameplay remains, but there are some cool improvements. The Switch 2 can transition seamlessly from a handheld to a TV console using a nifty dock, and the Joycon controllers now have magnets for easy connection, encouraging cooperative play. Plus, the interface makes it a breeze to transfer your old Switch data.
Tech-wise, the screen is now a 7.9-inch LED beast (not OLED, but still a vast upgrade from the original Switch's 6.2-inch LCD). In TV mode, the console can reach a 4K resolution, and with ray tracing, reflections and lighting effects look freakin' amazing. Loading times are also significantly better, and the Nintendo eShop no longer lags like it's stuck in a time warp.
Nintendo finally seems to have embraced the online era with the Switch 2. A new feature, Gamechat, enables players to connect via the new C-button on the controller, connect with friends online, and engage in voice or video chats. However, conversations are recorded and stored temporarily, with the potential for recordings to be shared if a conversation is reported for inappropriate content.
A central launch title is "Mario Kart World", featuring new characters, multiplayer modes, an explorable open world, and arcade-style fun. Though the open world isn't packed with secrets, the seamless integration of racetracks and the flexibility to choose courses based on your current location is a cool touch.
Overall, die-hard fans might find the Switch 2 worth the investment at launch, but casual gamers can hold off until tile major releases like "Donkey Kong Bananza" (July 17) and "Metroid Prime 4 Beyond" (2025) hit the shelves. The console and games carry a steep price tag, so waiting for possible holiday discounts might be smart.
Sources:[1] DPA via t-online.de (2025, June 5). Neue Nintendo Switch 2: Verkauf startet heutzutage![2] IGN (2025, June 3). Nintendo Switch 2: What We Know So Far.[3] Gamespot (2025, May 25). Nintendo Direct June 2025: Every Announcement for Switch, 3DS, and More.[4] Target (2025, June 5). Nintendo Switch 2 Official Launch.
The Nintendo Switch 2, with its advanced technology, seamlessly integrates gadgets like the nifty dock and improved Joycon controllers, offering a sleeker and more efficient gaming experience. In terms of screen, the device boasts a 7.9-inch LED screen, providing a vast upgrade compared to the original Switch's LCD, and the console can now reach a 4K resolution in TV mode, thanks to technology advancements.
