Switch 2: First Impressions

It has been a short while since launch and so far the Switch 2 looks like a very worthwhile upgrade to the original Switch. I’ll start this brief overview with Mario Kart World, an excellent sequel to this wonderful franchise. Big, vibrant stages coupled with new modes to try and challenges to find in its free roam make it a compelling experience. July will see the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza. This one looks to be going all out giving DK a new look and the ability to tear through the environment. His goofy expressions give the platformer a renewed charm. He will also carry a strange new rocklike companion around. Looking ahead to the following months, August will have the updated Kirby and the Forgotten Land that includes new content. September does not have a clear big name Nintendo game set for it, but two titles come to mind that have yet to be given a date. Both Metroid Prime 4 and Kirby Air Riders have a “to be determined” release, meaning that either of these could fit, though I would lean toward a Prime 4 release in September and Air Riders later in the year during the holiday season. Meanwhile in October we have Pokémon Legends ZA. Speaking of Pokémon, Scarlet and Violet feel like completely different games running at 60 fps on Switch 2. Third party offerings are also in line to be released on the new system. Big names like Borderlands, Elden Ring, Hades and more will round out the lineup. There is, of course, much more along with upgraded titles from the original Switch. Not to mention that backwards compatibility means that the Switch inherits a vast library of great games.

In terms of news events, Nintendo recently revealed that a Donkey Kong Bananza Direct will take place on June 18. No doubt to hype the upcoming release. Along with next month’s release of DK’s next game there is also a Pokémon Presents scheduled for July 22nd which will no doubt give us our first glimpse of the next generation of the series, or at least I hope so. With the power of Switch 2 the franchise stands to benefit, especially after seeing the improvements to Scarlet and Violet. Other than that there are still release dates that have yet to be set for Metroid Prime 4 and Kirby Air Riders, two fairly big names in Nintendo’s roster. So far the system has sold well in the short time it has been on the market, which bodes well for its longevity. Let’s see what’s in store for Switch 2 and hope it can keep bringing wonderfully awesome experiences.