Nintendo’s latest hybrid console has been out for almost a month now, and the reactions have been mostly (thought not completely) positive. Those pleased with the Nintendo Switch 2 tend to highlight the improved hardware itself as well as the extremely fun Mario Kart World, while detractors center their critiques on high pricing and a lack of compelling original software at launch.
The console appears to be selling quite well so far (even if its third-party titles haven’t had the same success), and one can only imagine the hype train will continue to chug along as upcoming potential Switch 2 hits Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Kirby Air Riders, The Duskbloods, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond arrive. Moreover, players have yet to hear about other possible first-party titles that are surely on the way. (No mention yet of a new 3D Mario, Smash Bros., or Animal Crossing, but let’s be honest: We’ll get there.) That said, there are only a handful of things you can do on Switch 2 that you can’t do on Switch 1 (or even a Steam Deck), so the system has yet to hit a real fever pitch.
But let’s not put the cart before the horse. For now, the fine folks here at The Punished Backlog have plenty of launch impressions to share about the Nintendo Switch 2 — including the Good, the Bad, and the Kart.
Q: How was your experience of actually acquiring the Switch 2? Where did you get it? Did you get the Mario Kart World bundle?
Mark Bowers (MB): I got delivery from Target with the Mario Kart World bundle. It was pretty easy to acquire, especially after the Great Console Wars of the early 2020s. I just wish they’d ship it to deliver on launch day!
Clint Morrison (CM): My experience was surprisingly smooth! I preordered from Best Buy. I had it by 7:15 am on release day. I did get the Mario Kart World bundle!
Zack Gulinello (ZG): I actually didn’t pre-order because I thought the lineup of games at launch was a bit lackluster. I stopped by Target on June 5 to see if there might be a chance they were in stock, but had no luck. Little did I know, my wife went to a different Target to get one as a surprise for me, and she had no problem grabbing one with the bundle on launch day. She only had to wait in line for 10 minutes!
Sam Martinelli (SM): Much like most others, I stayed up until midnight that fateful day in April, only to get swallowed by the chaos wrought upon eager gamers by Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. I ultimately secured a non-bundle Switch 2 from Walmart, which was acceptable but still a little disappointing. Even the most strident Nintendo fanboy within me doesn’t want to pay $80 for Mario Kart.
Just a few weeks later, however, a wave of fortune washed over me, as my request for a Switch 2 bundle through the My Nintendo shop was accepted, and I had access to (and quickly ordered) a Mario Kart World bundle. I canceled the previous order and received my Switch 2 in the mail just after noon on June 5.
Gary Wilson (GW): I was one of the lucky folks to get a Mario Kart World bundle delivered to me via pre-order on launch day. Walmart came through before 8 am on launch with my system (and a frankly silly amount of snacks). While the actual pre-order process itself was a stressful late night with long/dysfunctional queues, the console acquisition itself was a breeze. I was cruising Mario Kart World before most of the world was awake.
David Silbert (DS): My purchase experience was a rollercoaster. Originally, I’d secured a Mario Kart World bundle pre-order through Target (boo, I know). In the weeks leading up to launch, however, I noticed the retailer wouldn’t be shipping my console until four or five days post-release.
Most folks would probably wait a few days for their console to arrive. I am not like most folks. For one, I wanted to make sure I could hit the ground running and provide timely impressions for pieces like this. More importantly, I have zero impulse control.
So, the day the Switch 2 released, I hopped in the car, drove a few miles to my nearest Best Buy, and bought the last bundle they had. Unfortunately, two days later I tested positive for COVID, which sidelined me from any early access with the Switch 2 I had envisioned for myself.
The silver lining? During Juneteenth, I sold my spare Switch 2 bundle (couldn’t cancel the Target pre-order) at face value to a very nice young man who’d been looking everywhere for one. Hope he has more luck in his first few days playing than I did!
Q: So far, how would you grade your Switch 2 experience?
MB: B-. The console looks and feels great, and Mario Kart World plays great as well. Maybe I haven’t explored enough, but it does feel almost too similar to the original Switch. Also, the data transfer process was annoying and very unclear about whether you could do it later (note: you cannot). I have a hard time giving a higher grade for the significant lack of launch titles, too.
CM: B+/A-! I’m currently enjoying Mario Kart World, the Bravely Default remaster, and a backlog of Switch 1 games (including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and replays of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Undertale).
ZG: As a standalone console, it’s an A. The Switch is my favorite console of all time, and this is just a better version. But in comparison to the original, I’d say a C because I’m not gaining a ton from making the “switch” over.
SM: I would give it an A so far! I’m easy to please when it comes to new consoles, as the initial excitement by itself adds a nice, sweet icing to the whole cake. As I’ll explain later, I think Mario Kart World is a fantastic launch title, I love having access to GameCube games through NSO, and I enjoy the overall feel of the console, even if it is largely a souped-up Switch. It’s not the biggest leap from console to console, but it’s a notable improvement in basically every imaginable way.
GW: B. I love Mario Kart World, and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour was a welcome (hehe) little experience. Along with that, I have already dragged the Switch 2 to a few social gatherings, and everyone is loving Knockout Tour. But, I can already feel the dearth of launch content that isn’t third-party. Playing The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for the eighth time is great, but I’ve been here before.
DS: B+. My own health woes aside, the process of buying a Switch 2 was surprisingly easy compared to other console launches like the Wii or PlayStation 5. The console itself is a nice improvement over its predecessor, and Nintendo has a decent line-up of Switch 2 launch titles for anyone looking to give the hardware a test drive.
Will it go down as an all-time great launch? Ask me after Donkey Kong Bananza releases in July. For now, the Switch 2 experience has been solid, but not exceptional.
Q: How do you feel about the hardware in particular?
MB: The new kickstand is awesome — a massive step up from the OG Switch — and the screen is incredible. It no longer feels like a compromise in handheld mode. I love the way the Joy-Con controllers pop off. Everything feels a little bit better.
CM: I have only played it in handheld mode. It feels more comfortable than my Steam Deck and like a clear upgrade over my day-one Switch 1.
ZG: It certainly feels more premium, and as someone who never made the transition to the OLED Switch, this does feel like a decent jump in specs. Handheld mode is a dream on the new screen, and the Joy-Con in particular are much nicer, but the grip they attach to is very uncomfortable, and the bumpers might go straight in the garbage with how pointless they are. Frustratingly, despite a lot of backwards compatibility with controllers and games, some of my accessories, like a third-party dock, are no longer working.
SM: It’s definitely a little heavier than I expected, but overall the console itself is really nice! I love the bigger, brighter screen and sturdier Joy-Con, and the transition from handheld to docked is just as smooth as it was for the previous Switch. The dock itself feels fairly cheap (the back shell keeps falling off), but there aren’t any other noticeable hardware flaws that I’ve noticed.
In terms of what the hardware is capable of when it comes to software? Hard to say this early, since I don’t think a game like Mario Kart World is necessarily impossible on the original Switch. The upgraded Switch 1 games look and run way better, though, and I’m definitely looking forward to trying some recent classics again on the new console.
GW: The system feels great. While the original Switch felt like I could twist and snap at any point, the Switch 2 feels well-built and hefty in the hand. I also like the feel of the new Joy-Con, though I do worry about stick drift already. On the other hand, the dock feels cheap. I have already accidentally pulled the back of the dock off trying to set it up, and snapping it back into place is trickier than it should be!
DS: I’m loving the hardware so far. I can already tell the bigger screen is going to be a game changer, especially for those (like me) who own bulkier handhelds like the Steam Deck. With the Switch 2, you’re getting comparable power to the Deck, except far lighter and with much better ergonomics.
I’ve spent the majority of my time docked to my TV, so I can’t comment too much on handheld mode. That said, everything I’ve sampled — from the new magnetic Joy-Con to the mouse controls — has worked surprisingly well. It’s not a revolutionary piece of hardware by any means, but it’s a much welcome step up.
Q: What games have you played on Switch 2 so far, and how have they been?
MB: Just Mario Kart World so far (again, it’s the only new Nintendo game at launch)! That being said, it rocks. The game plays amazing, everything is so smooth, and the world is gorgeous. It’s a new generation, and it shows.
CM: Wind Waker is still magical! Though I find myself missing the Wii U upgrades. Mario Kart World is the best Mario Kart game — I love Double Dash, 7, and 8, but this isn’t close, y’all. Mario Wonder and Pokémon Violet also play wonderfully! Plus, Tears of the Kingdom feels right at home on the new console.
All that said, my standout launch game remains Bravely Default! It captures the 3DS experience with some lovely quality-of-life updates.
ZG: Just Mario Kart World so far! I love it. The new modes like Free Roam and Knockout Tour are my new favorites and are likely to be the only ways I play moving forward. There are fewer courses than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but I found the sheer volume quite overwhelming by the end of that run, so a tighter offering isn’t bothering me so far. I think this game will be a new gold standard for the series, particularly if the ongoing support is as robust as it was for MK8.
SM: I’ve played a ton of Mario Kart World, which has been amazing. I’ve also tried Soulcalibur II and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker through Nintendo Switch Online. Honestly? They play beautifully on Switch 2. Not all emulation worked out great on the first Switch (Nintendo 64 games, in particular, all suffer from some level of input lag), so it’s nice to say that even a fighting game like Soulcalibur II doesn’t feel all that different from the original. I also just love these games and relish any opportunity to play them on new hardware.
I haven’t actually tried any Switch 1 games just yet, but I did give Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour a shot. I’ll explain more later, but… it’s somehow both worth playing and kind of a waste of time, which I know makes no sense, but you’ll get it later.
GW: So far, I have played Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. My time with Wind Waker specifically has been really great! The visuals look fantastic in handheld mode, and the controls translate very nicely. Wind Waker is a perfect game for the Switch 2: great to look at, great to listen to, and perfectly portable.
DS: I’ve been playing three games mostly: Mario Kart World, Tears of the Kingdom — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (via NSO), and Welcome Tour. Mario Kart World, as you likely know by now, is excellent. The Switch 2 enhancements to Tears of the Kingdom are a game-changer for Zelda fans, and the less said about Welcome Tour, the better. (More on all three games in a bit.)
Q: What’s been a highlight of the Switch 2 experience so far?
MB: I would have to say the new handheld screen. It’s such a massive improvement that I no longer feel like I’m compromising compared to docked mode; it’s the same experience. The picture is gorgeous.
CM: I’m finally playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Switch 2, and it feels like being a kid again. It is the closest experience to playing Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 at five years old that I think I will ever have.
Another highlight: playing Mario Kart World with my five-year-old nephew! Nothing compares to his joy with the new console.
ZG: There’s a cute little jingle that plays when you boot up the system for the first time, and it almost gave me goosebumps. Also, being able to just hold my original Switch near the new one and have all the data transfer worked very well!
SM: Honestly? Just the feel of it all. The controller is sturdy and feels good to use. Every bright color pops off the screen. The HD rumble is sharper and more varied than with the first Switch. The mouse controls are surprisingly effective and easy to use. Obviously, the games are supposed to be the main highlight, and they are for the most part, but I’m genuinely impressed by the hardware.
Plus… Soulcalibur II!!!
GW: The increased size is really noticeable. I found the Steam Deck to be too bulky, and the Switch 1 too small over time. The Switch 2 hits the perfect balance for a handheld without feeling like a horizontal laptop.
DS: In between Grand Prix races in Mario Kart World, I’ve been playing Tears of the Kingdom in 4K at 60fps. And let me say: It’s like playing an entirely new game. While TotK (and Breath of the Wild before it) was pretty on Switch 1, it had its rough edges. The textures were jagged, the resolution was poor compared to most modern games, and the action often struggled to maintain a consistent 30fps.
All of that has been smoothed over on Switch 2. The textures are crisper, the vistas are bolder, and the game plays like butter, even with tons of enemies on screen. I never finished Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 1, and (bad backlog practices aside) I’m absolutely reaping the benefits now.
Q: What’s been a lowlight?
MB: I haven’t played the Switch 2 in handheld mode a ton, but I did notice the battery drains quickly. Although this was probably inevitable, it’s still disappointing to see.
CM: The battery life is fine. Just fine.
ZG: As mentioned, the game lineup, inconsistent support for certain accessories, and terrible grip options could be better. I also would have liked to see a new spin on the menu and the addition of proper folders! These are all minor grievances, though, and I wouldn’t call any of them true lowlights.
SM: While I understand keeping the user interface largely consistent with the first Switch, I’m missing that “Nintendo magic” when it comes to the home screen. The Switch is super easy to use, but I miss things like StreetPass, Miis, Miiverse, etc. I get why Nintendo moved on from these features, but I wish they still tried them out with new generations.
GW: Not much to say here, but the launch lineup is THIN.
DS: Oh, I’ll share a lowlight in a second. *Chuckles*
Q: Did you get Mario Kart World? How do you feel about it so far, and how would you score it?
MB: Love it! I’d give it a 9/10. Knockout Tour is a fantastic addition, and I like the courses and connectors a lot. I especially like how the suspension bridge turns into the Fury Road any time you race across it. What is holding it back for me is that I still feel like it has so much more to offer. If it’s anything like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe by the end, we’re in for something special.
CM: 9/10. It is so rare that a legacy series releases its definitive version on a new console. MKW is stellar — held back only by its sprawling free-roaming mode.
ZG: Yes, I’m obsessed! Easily a 9 for me. The performance is pristine, and the new modes have me constantly asking, “How did they only just come up with this?!” There could be more to do in Free Roam, but it really is fun to just mess around and explore. Otherwise, my only negative is the character roster. There are some out-of-the-box choices like Penguin and Cow that are home runs, but I don’t really understand swapping out Link for something like Coin Coffer. No one, and I mean NO ONE, was asking for that.
SM: I sure did! So far, I’d give it a 9/10. The new mechanics are super fun and add a ton of depth, the world is absolutely gorgeous, the remixed tracks from decades of classic Mario games are sublime, and the new Knockout Tour mode is so much fun for online play, even if I kind of suck at it right now.
Also, I love Free Roam! The P-Switch challenges are super fun, and I love just the general vibe of racing around an open world in search for little collectibles. I do think the world needs a little more to it, though. Unlike Forza Horizon, you have to go to a separate menu to do actual races (as opposed to driving through the world to the starting line). As much as I enjoy the P-Switches, I wish there were even more of them, or at least more variations on the Grand Prix tracks that you can only access through Free Roam.
Regardless, Mario Kart World is terrific. It’s probably the best in the series, and I imagine I’ll be playing it periodically throughout most of the Switch 2’s lifetime.
GW: I have it, I love it, 8.5 out of 10. The racing is amazing, and Knockout Mode is the best thing added to Mario Kart since Rainbow Road. I’m also really enjoying kicking around the open world and completing challenges. The one underbaked part: The new jump mechanic feels weak.
DS: Yessir! I’m still exploring everything Mario Kart World has to offer, but what’s here so far is great fun. The game looks and plays great, Free Roam is surprisingly robust, and Knockout Tour is an excellent addition (even if the AI can feel a bit overtuned).
Whether MKW holds up long-term (especially given the exorbitant $80 price tag) remains to be seen. I’m sure we’ll see more courses and open-world content added over time, but who knows whether Nintendo will offer them as free updates, include them with NSO, or outright charge for them as paid DLC.
If I had to score it now, I’d give it a 9/10. In my eyes, the content here is already worth the entry fee (especially if you nab a bundle, which essentially cuts the price to $50). Of course, YMMV based on how much you plan to play this game online and/or with friends.
Q: Have you played Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour? If so, what are your thoughts?
SM: I did, and I have mixed feelings. Some of the mini-games are cool (especially ones that use the mouse functionality), and I had a little fun learning more about the tech and taking quizzes related to that. Unfortunately, whatever good time I had was fairly limited, and I just don’t see myself going back to Welcome Tour ever again. Also, it’s still bonkers to me that it wasn’t included with the Switch 2. $10 isn’t much, but it also just doesn’t feel like a full game at all.
Worst of all, though, there’s just no character to it. Nintendo’s tech-demo launch titles in the past weren’t always a success, but they always had that classic Nintendo touch, whether through the incorporation of Miis or the same kind of colorful attention to detail you’d get from a mainline Zelda or Mario. Welcome Tour, meanwhile, is bland and visually unremarkable, which would be less problematic if it were a free pack-in, but forgettable nonetheless.
GW: Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a wonderfully goofy little thing. It’s not as fully featured as a Wii Sports or 1-2-Switch, but I love the tone and designs. I understand why it isn’t a pack-in product, but I do think everyone should try it out!
DS: Yep… There’s really not much to say that hasn’t already been said at other outlets. The mini-games are decent fun, and the little quizzes offer interesting tidbits about the Switch 2 architecture. The game would have been the perfect pack-in game, which makes it baffling that Nintendo decided to charge for it.
At $10, it’s not like there’s a huge barrier to entry… but it’s the principle of the matter. How much did it cost Nintendo to develop this game (I’d wager not much), and how much will it recoup in revenue from it (I’d also wager not much)? For the equivalent of a rounding error on its balance sheet, Nintendo could have garnered some positive press. Instead, it’s left with a rather soulless and transparent piece of marketing.
Q: What game(s) are you most looking forward to playing on Switch 2 in the future?
MB: We haven’t been given a hint at the next 3D Mario. I know it’s going to be amazing. I have no idea what Nintendo is going to do; I just know it’s going to be unbelievable. I can’t wait.
CM: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade are calling my name!
ZG: Donkey Kong Bananza. It looks incredibly interesting with the ability to destroy the world around you to forge new paths and find hidden secrets. Its structure and style do make me think it wouldn’t have performed well on the original Switch, so I’m hoping it really serves as a showcase for the new system. I’ve also yet to purchase a PS5, so I’m hopeful there will be support for titles I haven’t been able to play, like Split Fiction, which I picked up already!
SM: Obviously, I’m looking forward to Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. They both look like they’ll ooze that top-tier Nintendo goodness, and I have the utmost faith that both will at least be quality releases, if not all-time classics (seriously, I NEED Donkey Kong to be good more than anything in the world).
Besides those, I’m excited to play more GameCube games (I never actually played Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance or the first Luigi’s Mansion, so I’m looking forward to those the most), as I must continue my role as The Punished Backlog’s Old Games Guy. Outside of that? I’m not really sure what else is immediately on the horizon for me. Maybe I’ll give Cyberpunk 2077 a shot, since I never played it anywhere else. Maybe Kirby Air Riders will be a hit. I’m still unsure about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but who am I kidding? I’ll probably buy it day one.
GW: Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and a fully featured 3D Mario. I want Nintendo to capitalize on the AMAZING experiment of Bowser’s Fury and give us a proper open-world Mario experience.
DS: The obvious answer here is Donkey Kong Bananza, and for good reason. Normally, I wouldn’t get super jazzed about a DK game (sorry, Sam). But after Nintendo’s recent Bananza Direct, I’m sold on the latest adventure from Nintendo EPD.
Presented as a blend of the company’s best hits, Donkey Kong Bananza truly looks to have something for everyone: the sandbox collectables of Super Mario Odyssey, the multi-biome exploration of Tears of the Kingdom, the fashion of Splatoon, and even classic Donkey Kong levels. Add in an RPG skill tree (which I can confidently say no one expected in this game) and even a dose of melodrama, and DK Bananza looks like the Switch 2 killer app we’ve been looking for.
Q: If somebody you knew was on the fence about buying a Switch 2, would you recommend it? Why or why not?
MB: If I’m being honest, no, I would not recommend it right now (unless you’re like me and have a signature sense of superiority by getting things when they come out). The fact that we only have one big first-party game at launch is massively disappointing. If a friend wants to play it, they can — they just have to ask if I’m home! That could change in a month once we get Donkey Kong Bananza, but I have to go with what’s in hand.
CM: I’d ask how they feel about RPGs and Mario Kart first.
ZG: There seems to be some uncertainty from the gaming community around pricing and inventory, but given my experience, I’m not sure how significant those issues may prove to be. I don’t think it’s necessary to rush out and buy one now since the lineup of exclusive games is so limited, but if you’ve never owned a Switch, it’s certainly the quintessential version and is sure to be a blast once more titles launch in the near future!
SM: I would! Look, I totally get it: $450 is a lot of money for a brand-new console in this economy, and $80 for Mario Kart (assuming you can’t get the bundle) seems a little rich for most people’s blood. But if you can afford it and love yourself some Nintendo, I don’t see why you wouldn’t get one as soon as you can. I wouldn’t blame you for waiting a little longer, at least until more exclusives come out. Still, you tell me: Where else can you (legally) play Soulcalibur II on the go?
GW: I would and wouldn’t in the same breath. In the current economic climate, there is no cheaper time to get one than right now. However, if we’re talking just experiences, one can wait for more games. The hardware is fantastic. Now it’s time for the software to catch up.
DS: If you’re on the fence, I’d recommend waiting until Donkey Kong Bananza in July and seeing where scores settle. In the short term, supply should only improve as the initial rush dies down (even if Trump’s tariffs make the long-term future more precarious). As of today, I’m pleased with the Switch 2, but I don’t find it absolutely mandatory until we see more first-party games begin to drop.
How Do You Feel About the Switch 2 So Far?
What are your initial Nintendo Switch 2 impressions? Let us know in the comments!
A video game outlet that blends quality words with inclusive voices. For business inquiries and review requests, reach us at press [at] punishedbacklog [dot] com.
Mark is a contributor to The Punished Backlog, often promising articles and occasionally delivering when he actually commits to it. Mark games mainly on his PS5 and his Switch, and some of his favorite games include God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and his all time favorite, Red Dead Redemption 2. When not gaming, Mark is an avid fan of all Boston sports teams and his Villanova Wildcats. He also loves hiking, skiing, and traveling across the U.S.
Zack has been hooked on games ever since his older brother taught him where to find the secret warp whistles in Mario Bros. 3. He has never felt more joy than when Yoshi congratulated him on getting 120 stars in Mario 64 or more sadness than when he played Kingdom Hearts 3 after waiting 14 years for it. Zack mails a letter to Nintendo every day asking them to bring back Chibi Robo and will gladly tell you all about why it’s one of the greatest games of all time. He was hoping that writing for the site would help him get through his backlog, but it actually just made it worse now that he’s hearing about so many more great hidden gems. Oops…
Sam has been playing video games since his earliest years and has been writing about them since 2016. He’s a big fan of Nintendo games and complaining about The Last of Us Part II. You either agree wholeheartedly with his opinions or despise them. There is no in between. A lifelong New Yorker, Sam views gaming as far more than a silly little pastime, and hopes though critical analysis and in-depth reviews to better understand the medium's artistic merit. Twitter: @sam_martinelli.
Clint is a writer and educator based out of Columbus, OH. You can often find him writing about Middle English poetry, medieval games, or video games. He just finished a PhD in English at the Ohio State University. You can find his academic and public work at clintmorrisonjr.com.
David is the founder of The Punished Backlog. He has a problem finishing games he starts. Just beat: Nine Sols, UFO 50. Working on: Metaphor: ReFantazio. Can't wait for: Hollow Knight: Silksong. Follow David on Twitter at @David_Silbert to keep up to date with all things The Punished Backlog.
Gary is a jack-of-all-trades video game enthusiast based in Boston, MA. A semi-professional fighting game player, even less professional Apex Legends player, and even less professional adult, he spends most of his time poking at strange indie gems and reading about the need for more diverse voices in gaming criticism. He invites anyone to recommend anything he's missed in the gaming world via Twitter or BlueSky, where he can found under the username @grtnpwrfl. When he isn't spending his time playing games, Gary is an avid New England Patriots fan and frequent hiker.
