Nintendo Switch 2 - Review

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on the Switch 2, praising its impressive performance for a handheld console but also acknowledging the trade-offs in visual fidelity, especially for third-party ports. Despite these compromises, the speaker highlights how the console excels in running Nintendo’s first-party games, such as *Tears of the Kingdom*. The video discusses how incremental the Switch 2 feels but remains optimistic about future Nintendo releases. The speaker also touches on how gaming hardware shapes user expectations, and concludes with a sponsorship for Squarespace, encouraging budding content creators to build their own gaming websites.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant upgrade over the original Switch, but its performance still lags behind more powerful consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, especially for third-party games.
• 😀 While it’s impressive that the Switch 2 can handle games like *Cyberpunk 2077* and *The Witcher 3*, the performance is often subpar compared to other platforms where these games have been playable for longer.
• 😀 The Switch 2 still struggles with visual fidelity, especially when playing non-Nintendo AAA games, which may not provide the best experience compared to their intended performance on more powerful systems.
• 😀 Despite its limitations, the Switch 2 offers an exceptional handheld experience, particularly for Nintendo's own first-party titles like *Tears of the Kingdom*, *Mario Kart*, and *Donkey Kong Bonanza*.
• 😀 *Tears of the Kingdom* on the Switch 2 looks and runs much better than it did on the original Switch, with an enhanced visual experience that makes it feel like playing the game again for the first time.
• 😀 The Switch 2's potential to run older Switch games at higher resolutions and frame rates is a key highlight, particularly for fans of Nintendo’s own titles, such as the *Xenoblade* series.
• 😀 The device feels premium, with improvements in size, profile, and weight, but its screen technology still leaves room for improvement.
• 😀 The Switch 2 is not expected to revolutionize gaming, and the launch has been relatively muted, but the device shows great promise, especially for future first-party game releases.
• 😀 People have different expectations of gaming hardware based on their needs and preferences; for example, some prioritize exclusive games while others seek performance or value.
• 😀 Content creators interested in building their own gaming blogs or websites can use Squarespace, which offers easy-to-use website creation tools, analytics, and integrations to help grow their content and online presence.

Q & A

What is the primary concern with playing third-party games on the Switch 2?

The primary concern is that third-party games often run worse on the Switch 2 compared to other platforms. Despite impressive feats like getting *Cyberpunk 2077* and its DLC onto the Switch 2, the visual fidelity and performance are significantly compromised, especially when compared to playing the game on older, cheaper hardware or more powerful consoles.

How does the reviewer feel about the PS5's role in delivering better visual experiences?

The reviewer agrees with PlayStation's Hiyaki Nosino's comment that PS5-level performance is necessary for a good experience on larger screens. While the Switch 2 can handle some third-party games, the visual sacrifice on a handheld device like the Switch 2 is noticeable when compared to the performance of more powerful consoles.

What is the reviewer's opinion on playing *Tears of the Kingdom* on the Switch 2?

The reviewer expresses a deep appreciation for the improved performance of *Tears of the Kingdom* on the Switch 2. Despite previous performance issues, particularly when using the ultra-hand building tool, the game now runs flawlessly with better visual fidelity, providing an experience that feels like playing it for the first time.

How does the reviewer compare upgrading the Switch 2 experience to upgrading a PC?

The reviewer compares the experience of playing *Tears of the Kingdom* on the Switch 2 to upgrading a PC GPU. Just as upgrading to a more powerful GPU enhances games like *Cyberpunk*, playing *Tears of the Kingdom* on the Switch 2 with better frame rates and resolutions feels like a completely different experience.

What are the reviewer’s thoughts on the incremental nature of the Switch 2's improvements?

The reviewer acknowledges that the Switch 2 feels like an incremental upgrade rather than a groundbreaking innovation. While the device delivers a premium feel and improved hardware, it lacks the element of surprise or radical change that Nintendo is known for. However, the reviewer believes this will be compensated by upcoming game releases.

What upcoming Nintendo games is the reviewer most excited about?

The reviewer is excited about upcoming titles like *Donkey Kong Bonanza*, *Metroid Prime 4*, *Kirby Air Riders*, and new *Pokémon* games. They believe that even though the Switch 2’s launch has been somewhat muted, there is plenty to look forward to in the near future.

What does the reviewer think about the Switch 2's ability to run last-generation Switch games?

The reviewer is pleased that the Switch 2 can run last-generation Switch games at resolutions and frame rates that were previously impossible on the old hardware. This upgrade enhances the overall gaming experience, especially for first-party Nintendo titles.

What is the reviewer's stance on Nintendo's performance with its games on the Switch 2?

The reviewer takes a forgiving stance towards Nintendo's performance in its games on the Switch 2. While they recognize that games like *Tears of the Kingdom* have performance issues, they understand that these issues stem from the limitations of the hardware and are willing to overlook them.

How does the reviewer compare the Switch 2 to other gaming consoles like Xbox and PC?

The reviewer notes that everyone has different expectations and relationships with gaming hardware. Some may value Game Pass on Xbox, while others may dislike the maintenance involved with PCs. For the reviewer, the Switch 2 serves as a solid handheld for first-party Nintendo games, with a focus on the gaming experience rather than raw performance for third-party titles.

What does the sponsor, Squarespace, offer to content creators?

Squarespace offers an easy-to-use platform for content creators to build professional-looking websites quickly. It provides tools for customizing templates, analyzing website traffic, and integrating social media. The platform also includes features like design intelligence to help with writing, tone, and product descriptions, making it a great option for people looking to start their own independent gaming outlet or blog.