Nintendo Switch 2: Those geniuses have reinvented the wheel again

On the 11th of April, the anticipated experience of the Nintendo Switch 2 will make its way to London, and we’ve been given a special sneak peek beforehand!

On the day following the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, we journeyed to Paris, eager to experience the Switch 2 Premiere before it was accessible to the European public for the very first time.

Visit the Nintendo Store for all the official pre-order info

It’s undeniable that the Grand Palais in Paris is more stunning compared to the ExCeL Centre in London. However, it seems that the main essence of the event, regardless of where you attend it, will be remarkably similar.

In Paris, there were whispers that a well-known movie star, who just so happened to be strolling by and noticed the Nintendo logos, was denied entry at the Switch 2 Experience event. Without a doubt, it’s the most sought-after invitation in town right now.

1) Watch the video up there for a peek into our experience at the event! Alternatively, continue scrolling to read about our initial thoughts on Nintendo Switch 2’s gameplay.

We’re off to the races!

Following a quick welcome by representatives from Nintendo Europe, we were all guided towards a grand waiting room, which most of us managed to reach, except for those who encountered delays on the Eurostar train.

With great excitement, as the doors finally swung open, there was an abundance of demo stations stretching out before us. A troop of staff dressed in red shirts were poised to greet us warmly. Everywhere you looked, the vibrant starting line of Mario Kart World gleamed from the screens. As you step into the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience for the first time, this is what welcomes you.

After some shuffling and standing by patiently, I finally got to grip a Nintendo Switch 2 myself for the initial time. My first thoughts – it definitely seems slimmer. There’s also an immediate sense of lightness when holding it. The enlarged screen clearly offers advantages right away.

As a passionate admirer, I must admit, the absence of an OLED screen might stir some debates, but personally, I found it a noticeable improvement over my previous experience. The enhanced detail is unmistakable to me.

In the realm of Mario Kart World, no less than 24 racers are simultaneously vying for victory. The excitement escalates as banana peels and coins scatter wildly across the screen, turning the gameplay into an exhilarating blend of fun and controlled chaos.

You have the chance right now to collect up to 20 coins, boosting your base speed stats significantly – it truly proves beneficial. Frankly, it’s crucial to ensure you grab a power-up whenever possible. Although I didn’t emerge victorious in my initial race, witnessing the popular new character Cow in action was quite enjoyable.

The accessory to a crime in your bank balance

At the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience, you’ll have a chance to test drive various accessories designed for the upcoming console.

During the Paris gathering, it was observed that there are newly designed steering wheels intended for the upcoming Switch 2 model. These steering wheels appear rather compact, accommodating a single Joy-Con controller each.

Additionally, there’s a freshly introduced Pro Controller that retains the familiar feel of its predecessor yet sports some subtle differences. Notably, it sports a few additional buttons situated at the rear, offering exciting opportunities for skilled gamers to explore and exploit.

Additionally, we tested the renowned GameCube controller; while I find its original design from the past somewhat debatable, Nintendo has skillfully revitalized it in this case. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker ran smoothly, and we appreciated the choice to revert to a retro, unoptimized CRT-like display.

In actuality, the recently introduced Camera add-on is more compact than its online appearance suggested, yet it significantly amplified the enjoyment when playing Mario Party with companions. Watching oneself on the screen adds an extra dose of silliness and offers a wealth of possibilities for physical humor.

Additionally, there’s a custom-designed carrier for the Switch 2 and its add-ons, perfectly fitting inside your bag. Consequently, you might want to watch your wallet, as this setup could certainly be a potential expense.

New magnets, who dis?

At the event, many of the Nintendo Switch 2 consoles are either secured to the furniture or enclosed within glass cases to prevent theft. However, there’s one console available for hands-on experience once you join the line.

Here, the primary appeal lies in having a hands-on experience with the machine, allowing you to personally examine it. More specifically, you’ll be intrigued by observing the innovative way the latest Joy-Cons connect using strong magnets.

Initially, I had concerns about the bond not being particularly robust, but trust me, it’s almost impossible for these Joy-Cons to detach unless deliberately removed.

Simultaneously, these points hold true: They’re easily adjustable when needed, and their removal can be effortlessly achieved with a single press of a new hidden button. This action makes the magnets incredibly simple to detach. However, if that button isn’t pressed, they remain firmly in place. And let me tell you, the sound when they are attached is quite pleasing.

Don’t be third to the party

Visitors at the Nintendo Switch 2 Demonstration will have the opportunity to test a multitude of games, both developed by Nintendo’s in-house teams and an expanding roster of collaborators from the third-party sector, spread across various expansive rooms.

Regarding the first-party games, I walked away from the event incredibly impressed. Mario Kart World appears to be quite enjoyable, Mario Party Jamboree seems reinvigorated, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has never looked more stunning, and Metroid Prime 4 showcases an impressive new console feature (I’ll discuss that in a bit).

Additionally, I took quite a liking to Donkey Kong Bananza, as it shares some similarities with Spyro but offers an unexpected twist. Instead of merely exploring various islands filled with puzzles, you can also break through floors and burrow deep into the ground in any direction. This feature was incredibly engaging for me, and I found myself eagerly wanting to delve into every hidden corner of this game, potentially investing numerous hours in my exploration.

As for third-party developers, they currently struggle to match the visual and tactile quality that Nintendo’s Switch 2 games provide. Compared to a PS5 or high-end PC, many of these games appear noticeably less polished graphically.

In the game Hogwarts Legacy, the amount of detail noticeably diminishes when viewing objects or landscapes from a moderate distance away. This can lessen the enchanting sensation of exploration and awe that one would expect while delving into the magical wizarding universe.

In contrast to its overall impressive visuals, we noticed an issue with the character’s faces in Cyberpunk 2077. Up close, they appear somewhat rough and lacking in subtlety, as if they are covered in a thin layer of cream. Similarly, in Split Fiction, you might notice a reduction in graphical detail, particularly when examining the intricacies of the characters’ hair.

It appears that Nintendo is onto something exceptional – be it the vibrant, comic-like style of Donkey Kong or the impressionistic hues of TotK; eschewing a realistic appearance results in a captivating visual experience on their latest console.

Nintendo changes the game again

A designated space had been set aside for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the highly anticipated sequel, serving as an initial trial for the novel mouse-like capabilities of the upcoming Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Now, you can utilize your Joy-Con controllers just like a computer mouse! By moving them across a flat surface, you gain finer control of your in-game movements on the screen.

Playing Metroid Prime 4 was an absolute delight! It requires some practice to get the hang of, and since the Joy-Cons are quite slender, they may occasionally tip over during gameplay (which can be inconvenient in a boss battle). Nevertheless, it presents a fresh, daring approach for the Nintendo Switch console.

Indeed, it can be said that the Switch 2 particularly highlights Nintendo’s knack for creating moments of “astonishment and joy” for their audience.

When the initial Nintendo Switch was launched, merging a portable gaming device with a traditional living-room console seemed like a significant shift in gaming conventions.

In no time at all, Valve’s Steam Deck and ASUS’s ROG Ally, along with several other devices offering different qualities, have started releasing their versions of portable gameplay devices capable of delivering TV-standard gaming experiences.

Currently, Nintendo has proposed a fresh challenge for its competitors, suggesting an innovative idea where the controllers of these multi-purpose devices could double as high-functioning computer mice.

This technology could likely be swiftly incorporated into first-person shooter games, and it’s also plausible that intricate simulation games such as Civilization 7 and Two Point Museum would find value in it as well.

Metroid Prime 4 showcases a gaming experience where you’d indeed appreciate a tad more accuracy. It’s the type of game where aligning your shots precisely before pulling the trigger feels essential, particularly since your ammo supply is limited, making each shot count.

It’s intriguing to contemplate where the Switch dock might find its permanent place once players adopt this technology: Is it closer to your television or on your desk? Alternatively, will users opt for tabletop mode more frequently now that they have a mouse option available? The future will reveal these answers, but it’s noteworthy how Nintendo continues to innovate and re-invent the gaming wheel with this latest addition.

What to expect if you’re expecting to visit the Switch 2 Experience

Sadly, our time with the Switch 2 in Paris finally came to an end. In those final hours, we repeatedly moved between various exhibition areas, attempting to fit in as many games as possible before saying goodbye.

Please arrive right on schedule, or even a bit early, for your appointment. Try to fully utilize this opportunity, as there’s simply so much to take in!

It’s best to be here promptly, if not a bit early, for your session. Do your best to make the most of it because there’s an abundance of things to see!

At these events, there’s often an abundance of activities that people may not have enough time to explore, which seems to be a common occurrence for most participants.

Prioritize focusing on what matters most to you, and if possible, fit in other tasks as well.

Regardless of what you plan, remember to anticipate a dose of enjoyment and plenty of walking! I’m looking forward to June’s arrival with eagerness.

2025-04-04 03:35