One major reaction to the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event on Wednesday was the widespread opinion that the new console might be too expensive for many consumers to purchase immediately. The Switch 2 is launching at a starting price of $450, which is quite surprising, especially considering its predecessor was introduced at $300 eight years ago. Factors like tariffs might be influencing this price, yet it remains a fact that the Switch 2 is a costly investment.
Despite this, there is substantial interest in the console, particularly after several hours of gameplay with Switch 2 titles were experienced at a press demonstration on Wednesday. Many believe the device represents a significant advancement over its predecessor. Here are three reasons why the Switch 2 is considered a must-buy.
First, the improvement in performance capabilities is significant. The original Nintendo Switch often fell short in terms of performance, even struggling with first-party games. Although expert evaluations are awaited, preliminary hands-on experiences suggest that the Switch 2 is markedly more powerful. Demonstrations included a version of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” showcasing the game’s ability to run at a high resolution and smooth frame rate. This improvement was noteworthy, considering the original Switch occasionally had trouble handling the game.
Additionally, new titles exclusive to Switch 2 are particularly impressive. For instance, “Mario Kart World” features a beautifully rendered environment with a seamless open world, while “Donkey Kong: Bananza” offers a dynamically destructible game world. Such elements were beyond the capabilities of the original Switch, particularly in maintaining high resolutions and smooth frame rates.
Second, the new display on the Switch 2 significantly enhances handheld gameplay. The original non-OLED Switch featured a 6.2-inch, 720p display, which, while sufficient at launch, now seems outdated. Conversely, the Switch 2 offers a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. During demonstrations, several games, such as “Metroid Prime 4,” appeared to maintain a steady 120 frames per second. The display supports HDR, and the new Joy-Con controllers provide a more comfortable experience, potentially encouraging more use in handheld mode.
Third, the Switch 2 aims to improve internet functionality, although there is skepticism due to Nintendo’s historically problematic online features. The new “C” button on the right Joy-Con introduces GameChat, a live chat option similar to Discord, allowing friends to communicate across different games. While Nintendo acknowledges that the screen-sharing capability might be choppy, it shows a commitment to enhancing online interactions. Notably, the Switch 2 dock comes equipped with a built-in ethernet port, which is seen as a beneficial addition for online connectivity.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to begin preorders on April 9, indicating high anticipation for its release.
