Nintendo has officially dropped the visuals and details of the heavily awaited Switch 2, and so far, there have been mixed opinions.
The original Nintendo Switch, like most Nintendo products, was revolutionary. A home video game console and a portable console mixed into one; a more successful version of the Wii U.
The joy-cons can simply slide off the screen to connect to a grip, making a controller, or they can be used as 2 separate controllers for co-op gaming. When used like this, the controllers are intended to be used sideways, with tiny buttons replacing the bumpers. There is also a small stand on the back of the console and a dock that you can slide the switch into to play games on the TV with the same amount, or better quality. The console doesn’t have much space with or without an SD card.
The Switch 2, introduced on April 2 during Nintendo Direct, not only has a larger, sturdier stand, but also a wider screen with higher definition. The controllers no longer slide, but pop onto the console with magnets that are activated by a small button on the back of each controller.
Each separate controller now has bigger side buttons, larger joysticks, and a new mouse control feature for a larger array of motion controls. Not only are the sound controls refurbished, there is now a built-in mic for game chats and a camera that goes with it. The Switch 2 has eight times the amount of space as the Switch 1, and has a much faster performance speed. The dock now comes with a fan to cool the device, and Switch 1 games can still be played with no issue.
Bryan Joya-Estrada, a first-year student, states, “If we’re talking features, I guess one thing I would look forward to is the camera and the new mic because the old one was a hassle having to plug in a headset and finding the camera [A tiny sensor on the bottom of the right joy-con].”
The Switch 2 was announced with two new games: Mario Kart World, an open-world game with new features and new animation style, including 24-player races priced at $79.99, and Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D adventure game priced at $69.99.
Along with this news came the reveal that the Nintendo Switch 2 will not only cost $499.99, but digital game copies can now cost up to $79.99. This has led to mixed emotions as older Switch games are still at their original price.
First-year Milo Hertzler comments that, “I think that the price of $450 or $500 is kind of absurd. Same with games being $70 to $80 bucks. I don’t think a game should be 80 bucks unless it’s huge, and I don’t think Mario Kart, or any of the new games, will be that big.”
Nintendo has also narrowed its digital game catalogue to the point that many games exclusive to the Wii and the DS are no longer available unless you own a physical copy.
Joya-Estrada believes there is a simpler way of going about this. “I feel like they should have bundles that come out. Like how they did with the Mario Anniversary, where they sold Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Sunshine for the price of two games. If they’re already taking down old games, I feel like lowering the price or making bundles would tackle that situation.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in the U.S. on June 5, 2025.
