I got the Switch 2 and the hardware is incredible — but Nintendo's launch game lineup leaves me with one glaring problem
I've been gaming for over two decades, and the Nintendo Switch 2 genuinely impressed me from the moment I picked it up.
Those magnetic Joy-Cons are far more secure than the original's flimsy rails. The 1080p screen is gorgeous, and performance improvements eliminate the stuttering that plagued its predecessor.
Having lived through every major console launch since the Sega Dreamcast, the Switch 2 is clearly more than an incremental upgrade — and that's not up for debate. But here's what ultimately let me down: Nintendo has delivered what feels like their most conservative game lineup in years.
It's a frustrating contradiction. Nintendo has built their most capable console yet, but the company has been playing it safe with familiar franchises and games in circulation for years. The Switch 2 is undeniably impressive, but whether that's enough depends on what you're looking for.
Let me start with what Nintendo absolutely nailed. The Switch 2 feels like a premium device in ways the original never did. The larger 1080p screen supports HDR and up to 120fps, while docked mode can output 4K at 60fps. But the real game-changers are the details you don't see in spec sheets.
Those magnetic Joy-Con controllers are genuinely revolutionary. Nintendo originally wanted magnets for the first Switch but couldn't make them work. They've clearly solved that problem — these controllers snap on with satisfying precision and feel rock-solid during gameplay.
Nintendo's banner first-party game, Mario Kart World, looks far and away better than anything the old Switch could offer. The visual improvements are immediately apparent, and seeing games like Cyberpunk 2077 running reasonably well on a Nintendo handheld still feels surreal.
Here's where my enthusiasm starts to wane. For all the hardware prowess, Nintendo's approach to the launch lineup feels conservative to the point of disappointment. Mario Kart World is the next Mario Kart game, touting an open-world racing adventure, but it's essentially the only major new Nintendo exclusive at launch.
Compare this to the original Switch launch, which gave us the perfect game: Breath of the Wild — a genuinely revolutionary game that redefined what Zelda could be. Mario Kart World is good, but it's still fundamentally Mario Kart with some open-world elements tacked on.
The rest of the launch library is dominated by ports and upgraded versions of existing games, like Street Fighter 6, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy. This is great for people who haven't played these games, but if you've played them elsewhere, it's disappointing — and I say this as someone who considers Cyberpunk a masterpiece.
Even more frustrating is the timing of Nintendo's other big games. Donkey Kong Banaza and Metroid Prime 4 feel like games that could have been launch titles but were deliberately held back.
What really gets me is that this hardware could handle so much more. The Switch 2 has significantly more storage (256GB vs 64GB) and support for faster microSD cards. According to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, the Switch 2 chip features the most "advanced graphics ever in a mobile device".
This is a system that could have launched with a new 3D Mario, a fresh Zelda adventure, or something completely unexpected. Instead, we get Mario Kart World and a paid tech demo called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
The backwards compatibility is excellent, the vast majority of the old Switch catalog works seamlessly, but a $450 console shouldn't just run existing games slightly better. This hardware begs for new games that showcase its capabilities.
The Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units in its first four days, making it Nintendo's fastest-selling console to date. Those sales figures suggest consumers recognize the hardware's potential — they're buying into what this system could become, not necessarily what it is right now.
Nintendo had the perfect opportunity to debut games that could only exist on this more powerful hardware. Instead, they delivered the same cautious approach that prioritizes familiar franchises over boundary-pushing experiences.
The Switch 2 represents a significant hardware leap that deserves software to match. Those that purchased at launch are betting on its future potential rather than present reality.
While that bet will likely pay off eventually, the current library feels like a missed opportunity to showcase what this impressive hardware can truly do. On the bright side, my existing game collection has never looked better.
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CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
The Nintendo Switch 2 is hard to find, but our expert restock tips will help
The Nintendo Switch 2 remains hotly in demand well after its launch, which means that you're probably waiting impatiently for the next big Nintendo Switch 2 restock. The good news is that Nintendo's fastest-selling console ever already seems to be popping back up in stores, with at least one big drop coming at Walmart tonight. The better news is that we've been tracking this stuff for years and have no shortage of tips for getting a Switch 2 in your hands sooner than later. The Switch 2 has already cemented its place among the best consoles you can buy, with better Joy-Cons and a bigger screen in handheld mode, and enough power to run gorgeous games like Mario Kart World and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in 4K once you connect to a TV. It takes everything that made the Switch such a special gaming experience and just goes bigger and better. I know you're itching to join in on the fun, which is why I've been trawling top retailers and scouring Reddit threads in order to give you the latest on the restock situation. Here's where to shop — and what to know — to get your hands on a Switch 2 in the near future. And if you're wondering which Nintendo Switch 2 accessories are in stock right now, we've got you covered there too. Nintendo Switch 2 The Nintendo Switch 2 improves on the company's beloved hybrid console with smooth 4K gameplay, better online functionality and some great new games, such as Mario Kart World. Read our review As of this writing, the Nintendo Switch 2 is officially sold at most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and GameStop (curiously, the system has yet to show up on Amazon in the US). If you're feeling impatient, resellers on sites like eBay and StockX are selling the console, though you'll have to shop at your own risk — and pay a pretty significant markup to boot. Below are links to every big store selling the Switch 2 for your bookmarking needs, as well as some specific quirks you should know about each shop. Walmart Walmart has listings for both the $450 Nintendo Switch 2 and $500 Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle, and might be your best shot at getting the console. As of our last check, both versions of the system will go on sale June 25 at 9 p.m. EST, with Walmart+ members getting one hour of early access to the restock. We've seen Walmart do this in the past with PS5 and Xbox Series X console drops. The restocked consoles will likely be gone by the time the Walmart+ early access period is up, so we'd recommend considering a subscription (it starts at $13 a month and includes perks like free shipping and no-fee grocery delivery) if you want the best chance at buying one. Note that you'll need to be a paid Walmart+ member to take advantage of the restock; free trial memberships won't get you in. Target Like other stores, Target has pages for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle. Target's website showed us plenty of stores in New York City that have the console in stock, though it's not available for online pickup, meaning you'll have to simply show up and try to buy one outright. If you're in less of a rush and are signed into your Target account, you can click 'notify me when it's back' to get an email alert when the console is available. GameStop According to GameStop's website, the popular gaming retailer is selling the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle exclusively at its physical stores. You can click the 'Find a Store' button on each respective page to see if it's at your location. As of our last check, the standard Switch 2 store listing reads 'Nintendo Switch 2 restocks are coming! Shop in person to grab yours!' Given that, your best option is popping by your nearest shop regularly. 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If you go to Nintendo's website and sign into your account, you can register your interest in buying a Switch 2 and receive an email invite once a system becomes available. Note that you'll have to have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay on your Switch as of April 2, 2025, to be eligible. I know several folks who just got their availability email well after the system came out, so don't give up hope if you haven't gotten yours yet. Make sure your shopping accounts are set up The last thing you want to do is miss an elusive restock because you were scrambling to create an account and find your credit card. As such, make sure you have an account at your preferred retailers (if not all the ones we've listed above), stay signed in and have a payment method set up in advance. Some retailers, such as Target, allow you to sign up for alerts to be notified once the system is back in stock, which we recommend doing. Follow trusted stock trackers Fortunately for aspiring Switch 2 owners, there are plenty of folks — Wario64, CheapAssGamer, The Shortcut — working tirelessly around the clock to find you a console. These are all resources we've followed and used for years that often provide up-to-the-minute updates on when the next big restock is happening. If you're on the social platform X, we recommend giving them a follow and turning on notifications so you don't miss a big drop. Several users on Reddit have reported that inventory lookup site PopFindr has helped them land a Switch 2 from their local stores as well. Consider a membership for future access Back when the PS5 and Xbox Series X were scarcer, select retailers — including Walmart+, My Best Buy Total and Amazon Prime — would offer exclusive drops for those subscribed to their premium memberships. GameStop PowerUp Pro members have also gotten early dibs on in-store restocks. 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Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector Nintendo's official Carrying Case features a soft outer shell, room for a handful of Game Cards, a cleaning cloth and a screen protector for keeping your display safe from scratches and nicks. Is the Nintendo Switch 2 available for purchase on Amazon? Is the Nintendo Switch 2 available for purchase on Amazon? As of this writing, the Nintendo Switch 2 is conspicuously absent from Amazon in the US, though most third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Sonic X Shadow Generations are available at the retailer. Are Nintendo Switch 2 accessories in stock? Are Nintendo Switch 2 accessories in stock? As of our last check, most Switch 2 accessories — including the Pro Controller, Switch 2 camera and additional Joy-Con 2 controllers — are still in stock at most retailers. See above for a full list of available add-ons. Is it better to shop online or in-store to get a Nintendo Switch 2 faster? Is it better to shop online or in-store to get a Nintendo Switch 2 faster? This really depends on where you live (as well as some plain old luck), but based on the many Reddit threads and Instagram posts we've trawled, anecdotal evidence would suggest it's a bit easier to score a Nintendo Switch 2 by simply heading to your local retailer. That said, it never hurts to have your shopping accounts ready at the big retailers in the event that an online restock pops up. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been covering gaming for more than a decade and been doing tested reviews of Nintendo consoles since the Nintendo 3DS (which is still in his top five consoles). 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Engadget
3 hours ago
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Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2 review: Simple but effective
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