Latest news with #JoyCon2
Forbes
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Grab Your Nintendo Switch 2 Mice, ‘Mario Paint' Is Here
Mario Paint Nothing like a good shadow drop: Mario Paint is now available to play in the Nintendo Switch Online Super Nintendo catalog for both Switch and Switch 2. If you're a subscriber, you're good to go. If you're not, well, I'm so very sorry. Mario Paint features mandatory mouse control (Joy-Con 2 or USB, your choice, unless you're on Switch 1), so you can't use anything else, not even a Pro controller. This isn't at all surprising, given that the original 1992 release shipped with the official SNES mouse and even an accompanying mousepad. Naturally, Nintendo consoles always launch with some sort of gimmick, from R.O.B. on the NES to the N64's trident analog controller, and the Switch 2 continues this tradition with its ability to turn any Joy-Con 2 into a computer-style mouse. In compatible software like Welcome Tour and now Mario Paint—in addition to the system's main menu—you can detach a Joy-Con 2 from the console, slap on one of the handy smooth-footed straps, flip the Joy-Con 2 over and use it as a fully functional mouse. It's funny that Mario Paint is launching on NSO tonight, because I literally published an article earlier today complaining about the lack of a proper Mario Paint sequel on the Switch 2. It's no sequel, but the first Mario Paint is way better than nothing, and honestly, what a nice little retro gift. After booting it up, I did notice some input lag when using a Joy-Con 2 as a mouse, which felt borderline unusable in the fly-swatting minigame. So, I switched to a wired USB mouse instead, and this felt somewhat better, though not perfect. Mario Paint It's difficult to remember what the SNES mouse responsiveness felt like over 30 years ago, but even after adjusting the in-game sensitivity, as well as the Switch 2's native sensitivity option, a touch of lag remained. I'm not sure if this is due to my monitor's settings or Nintendo's hardware quirks. Either way, it's bothersome, but not necessarily game-breaking, at least in the artistic segments. Still, it's been a blast diving back into Mario Paint. I spent so many hours messing around on this cartridge when I was a kid. Other than fly-swatting, the game has no real concrete objective, other than to make cool stuff, which includes music composition, filling out coloring book pages or simply drawing. Creativity in game form. Maybe Mario Paint's arrival on NSO means Mario Paint 2 is in the works somewhere. I won't hold my breath, but at least we've got some 1992 nostalgia to appease our collective sentimentality.
Geek Dad
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Get in the Game With ‘Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV'
When it launched last October, Super Mario Party Jamboree quickly became my family's go-to for competitive multiplayer, not to mention a series favorite for Mario Party 's special brand of digital boardgame tomfoolery. Fast forward nine months, and Jamboree is back with fresh features, new mini-game types, and a much longer name. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV launches this Thursday, both as an exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 release (MSRP $79.99) and as a Switch 2 upgrade pack (priced $19.99) for those who already own the original game. While the Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, it does nicely leverage the Switch 2 hardware capabilities to further enhance an already stellar title. This includes improved visuals (1440p resolution in TV mode and Full HD in handheld/tabletop), sound-based gameplay using the Switch 2's integrated microphone, and a suite of new Joy-Con 2 mini-games that really showcase the precision of its mouse controls. A decent chunk of the Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree experience also relies on the presence of a compatible USB-C camera. New rulesets and camera support in classic Mario Party mode offer a nice little upgrade. image: NOA This is especially true in the new Bowser Live mode, a wonderfully ridiculous send-up of the traditional television game show where the new CameraPlay feature tracks player movement, enabling full-body motion controls. This finally gave me a proper chance to put my Nintendo Switch 2 Camera through its paces, and I was impressed with how well it performed. Even in low light—we prefer to keep the overhead lighting off when we're gaming in the living room—the camera did a solid job of tracking both me and my daughter (who's a good six inches shorter than me) as we hopped and flailed around at the direction of King Koopa. All the jumping aside, though, Bowser Live isn't exactly the kind of activity you should undertake with, say, someone sleeping in the next room, as the game also requires regular hollering to hype up the various Yoshis and Shy Guys in the crowd. Bowser Live is a fun, fast, physical affair. image: NOA As noisy and frenetic as it is, it's an enjoyable experience and something that nicely ties the Switch 2 of today back to Nintendo's proud Wii Remote-waggling legacy. Without a camera, though, you're limited to the new microphone-controlled content, so keep that in mind. That being said, Bowser Live isn't the only new bell and/or whistle available in this updated offering. In fact, as much as we enjoyed punching question blocks, jumping out of green pipes, and screaming at the top of our lungs, that mode actually represents a fairly small slice of our overall playtime. We are much more enamored with Carnival Coaster. Safety first! image: NOA In this mode, players hop aboard one of five themed roller coasters for some co-op carnage as they shoot down flying enemies and participate in Joy-Con 2 mouse-based minigames to put valuable seconds on the clock, doing their best to make it to the end of the line before time runs out. The variety of new mini-games we encountered was impressive—we spray painted Bob-ombs, scooped ice cream, stacked toys, and arranged dominoes, just to name a few—and even the ones we weren't particularly good at (like navigating pull-back racers across dangerous terrain) were still entertaining enough to keep us coming back. Carnival Coaster, too, employs CameraPlay functionality, though to a lesser degree than Bowser Live. Camera tracking puts the players into the game so you can watch everyone's reactions as the coaster weaves and bobs, and you can also bank a few extra seconds by raising your hands above your head when the coaster goes downhill. In addition to some new rulesets (Tag-Team and Frenzy Rules), the updated Mario Party experience can use the USB-C camera to put your mug in the game, which is a fun new addition to an already beloved family pastime. I will admit, though, that readjusting our camera so that we could sit comfortably on the sofa while we made our way around the game board did reveal a little quirk. Specifically, Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV kept confusing me, a tattooed middle-aged man, with a tatty rack of coats about eight or so feet behind me. Which is, y'know, a little hurtful, though it didn't really detract from the actual gameplay. I do wish there were an easier way to fine-tune my Switch 2 Camera for individual participants, but overall, I have nothing but praise for the way in which the camera, microphone, and Joy-Con 2 controllers perform in tandem to make Mario Party an even weirder, wilder, and more wonderful ride. As cool as the other content is, my heart belongs to Carnival Coaster. image: NOA Admittedly, I've spent a lot of time with my Switch 2 in solo pursuits, smashing rocks as Donkey Kong or cruising through the mean streets of Night City in handheld mode. For me, this is where the hardware excels; I'm able to explore beautiful, fully realized game worlds even on the go. But Nintendo's motto—All Together, Anytime, Anywhere—reminds me that there's more to the Switch 2 than just that. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV , with its classic couch co-op and robust online and GameShare support, further serves to make this a perfect example of how my shiny new gaming system can also serve as a family entertainment hub, just like the consoles of old. Albeit with a host of interesting new features that further redefine the modern gameplay experience. Review materials provided by Nintendo of America. This post contains affiliate links. If professional Carnival Coaster ever becomes a thing, I think my youngest kid and I could be real power players in the regional scene. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
CNET
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Nintendo's Mario Party Upgrades for Switch 2 Feel Like Unnecessary Gimmicks
Maybe, some day, Nintendo will make games that are just focused on using the new camera and mouse-control features on the Switch 2. In the meantime, there's the update to Super Mario Party Jamboree that hits this week. Nintendo's already delivered a killer one-two punch with Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2 but the upgrade for Jamboree, while charming at times, doesn't exactly live up to expectations. The $20 upgrade, with the unwieldy title Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, hints at how the new modes are glommed onto the already full-featured Jamboree game. While I generally appreciate the upgrades, it makes the game harder to navigate -- it's almost like a subworld in an already-crowded-with-stuff game. I was originally super-excited about the potential of the plug-in camera support on Switch 2 but the camera features here impressed me less at home than in my April demos. While a lot of the new mini-games seem to aim for the whimsy and weirdness of older Nintendo games like 1-2 Switch, this bonus pack feels like not enough of the new and too much of a half-measure. It's a taste of some ideas but also shows the limits of some of Nintendo's latest Switch 2 features like camera and mouse mode. Buying the upgrade for Switch 2 does get you better-looking higher-res graphics, and the Jamboree TV mode has several new ways to play. An upgraded Mario Party game board and minigame browser have new games that use the Joy-Con 2 mouse mode in some fun ways. Still, it feels like a slim set of extras with a bunch of awkward aspects, too. Mouse mode mods Mouse mode can be rewarding with air hockey where you slam your puck around, or as a way to slide fast and click on parts of the screen. In another new mode, a sort of roller coaster where you use the mouse to aim and shoot at targets like a theme park ride, it almost reminds me of some VR experiences minus a headset. Mouse mode works on tables, sofas, even your own leg -- pretty much any surface you can glide the Joy-Con 2 over. The only thing is, a lot of these new modes in mouse mode feel like they could also have been done with motion controls, which the Joy-Cons are also capable of. An ice cream scooping minigame, as cute as it is, feels like a prime example of something that motion controls could have handled, too. But there are only 14 new mouse-mode games added here. The mouse mode games can be fun but finding the space to play them isn't always. Scott Stein/CNET Camera games (and camera) optional Camera connectivity is optional because, for Switch 2 owners, having a camera is optional, too. Should you have one, there are some fun motion-based games that have you moving your body with camera-based tracking, similar to older camera-connected games from the Xbox Kinect/PlayStation Eye era. The camera makes your face and body seem like they're sometimes beamed right into the Mario Party universe. You pop up from pipes, appearing on stage as Toad MCs guide you through each challenge. It's fun, silly and doesn't actually require you to use yourself. My 12-year-old son, for example, just had the camera focus on a painting on the wall instead of his face … so that was weird. A Bowser showdown mode gives you a couple of camera-based mini-games that you use your body to play. One involves jumping to hit a coin block, something I did for real in Epic Universe at Super Nintendo World. The effect is cute but also can be "cheated" by using your hand instead of your head. Another mini-game makes it look like you're wearing a Mario or Luigi hat as you play Simon Says to stand or crouch. The game lost tracking for my son and me, and our hats vanished midway. You can play Mario Party's new modes without a camera, too. Scott Stein/CNET The camera mode doesn't automatically track your body wherever you go. Instead, you're asked to stand in a particular place to play. The same's true for how the Switch 2 camera focuses on your face. While you can frame your face and then mirror it on your TV, if you move to the left or right (or stand or sit), you'll end up falling out of frame. Adjusting the wide-angle camera can fix the problem but it became a fiddly process in our living room. My son preferred playing regular Mario Party modes where we weren't trying to fit ourselves onscreen. And so, for $20, Mario Party Jamboree's Switch 2 mode doesn't feel like anything essential. Jamboree is a great Mario Party game already, and the improvements -- including being able to Game Share to other local Switches for multi-screen multiplayer -- might be fun to try. Then again, much like the $10 Welcome Tour game released with the Switch 2 in June, this feels like Nintendo forcing old gameplay onto the mouse mode and camera rather than making the most out of the new hardware. I'm looking forward to the truly new ideas for mouse and camera that could come next but I'm also a bit worried that the camera might be more of a gimmick than I first thought.
Geeky Gadgets
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Nintendo Switch 2 Review Everything You NEED to Know
The console's improvements are evident in its performance, design, and user experience, but whether these upgrades justify the investment depends on your gaming preferences and priorities. The video below from Andrew Ethan Zeng gives us a look at the new Nintendo Switch 2 console. Watch this video on YouTube. Performance and Game Library The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces significant performance enhancements, delivering a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. Exclusive launch titles such as Mario Kart World and the Joy-Con 2 showcase mini-game demonstrate the console's capabilities, while enhanced versions of fan favorites like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Metroid Prime 4 now support 4K resolution, 60 FPS, and faster load times. These upgrades provide sharper visuals and more fluid gameplay, appealing to both casual and competitive players. Backward compatibility ensures that your existing Nintendo Switch library remains accessible, with the added benefit of save file transfers for a seamless transition. Upcoming titles, including Donkey Kong Bonanza and Borderlands 4 , promise to expand the console's appeal further. However, the initial game selection may feel limited for some users, particularly those seeking a broader variety of new releases at launch. Joy-Con 2: Redesigned for Comfort The Joy-Con 2 controllers have been redesigned with a focus on comfort and functionality, addressing some of the concerns raised by the original Joy-Cons. A larger, ergonomic design ensures that long gaming sessions are more comfortable, while new features like 'mouse mode' enhance precision in games requiring fine control, such as Metroid Prime 4 . The addition of a 'C button' introduces voice and video chat capabilities for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, making multiplayer interactions more engaging. Enhanced HD Rumble technology provides more immersive tactile feedback, further enriching the gaming experience. Despite these improvements, analog stick drift remains a concern for some users, though recalibration options offer a temporary solution to this issue. Design and Build Quality The Nintendo Switch 2 features a slightly larger and heavier design, incorporating a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with HDR10 support and a 120 Hz refresh rate. These upgrades result in vibrant visuals and smoother gameplay, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The improved kickstand offers better stability, making tabletop gaming more reliable and convenient. Storage capacity has also been addressed, with support for up to 2TB of microSD storage, accommodating even the largest game libraries. The backward-compatible game card slot now supports new 'game key cards,' which require online activation. While this feature adds a layer of security, it may be inconvenient for players without consistent internet access. User Experience and Customization The user interface of the Nintendo Switch 2 benefits from upgraded hardware, allowing faster navigation and a more seamless experience. The eShop now loads more quickly, reducing wait times when browsing or purchasing games. New customization options, such as adjustable display modes and enhanced battery management settings, allow users to tailor the console to their preferences, improving usability and convenience. These updates make the console more user-friendly, catering to a wide range of gaming styles and needs. Whether you prioritize performance, aesthetics, or functionality, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers options to enhance your overall experience. Audio and Battery Life The audio capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 have been significantly upgraded, with new speakers delivering spatial 3D audio for richer soundscapes and improved stereo separation. A built-in noise-canceling microphone enhances the quality of voice chat, making multiplayer communication clearer and more effective. Battery life ranges from 2 to 5 hours depending on usage, which may feel limiting for players who frequently game on the go. The absence of fast charging is another drawback, particularly for those who rely on quick recharges during travel or extended gaming sessions. These limitations may require users to plan their gaming time more carefully. Docked Mode and 4K Gaming Docked mode is a standout feature of the Nintendo Switch 2, using AI upscaling technology to deliver enhanced visuals on 4K TVs. This results in sharper textures, improved lighting, and overall better performance, making it an attractive option for players seeking console-quality gaming on a larger screen. While occasional frame rate drops may occur in graphically demanding games, the docked experience remains a strong selling point. The combination of 4K resolution and smoother gameplay ensures that the Nintendo Switch 2 can compete with other modern consoles in terms of visual fidelity and performance. The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a thoughtful evolution of the original console, offering meaningful upgrades in performance, design, and user experience. Its backward compatibility and exclusive titles make it an appealing choice for gamers seeking enhanced visuals and functionality. However, potential buyers should weigh the benefits against the limitations, such as the limited launch library and recurring hardware concerns, to determine whether the console aligns with their gaming needs. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Nintendo Switch 2. Source & Image Credit: Andrew Ethan Zeng Filed Under: Gaming News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Gaming Accessories, From the Pro Controller to the Joy-Con 2 Wheel
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. If you're lucky enough to pick up the Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, then you might also be looking for a few key add-ons to get the most out of your new gaming console. More from Rolling Stone How to Watch UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2 How to Watch CNN's Live Broadcast of 'Good Night, and Good Luck' Without Cable With 'Wu-Tang: Rise of The Deceiver,' Hip-Hop Gets a Love Letter in Video Game Form We rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 gaming accessories — like wireless controllers, travel cases, cameras, and more — with prices starting at $24.88 at Walmart. Shop Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories At Walmart Although the new console comes with two Joy-Con 2 controllers, Joy-Con 2 grip, a TV dock, you might want to looking into getting a few add-ons to making gaming easier, precise, efficient, and more comfortable to play games. Let's face it, the included detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers are great for playing video games with a friend, but can be a pain to grip in your hands for longer gaming sessions — especially when playing games, like Mario Kart World, where you'll need a comfortable grip to explore its new open-world design. That's when a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller would come in handy. Ahead, you'll find our pick for the best gaming accessories for the new Nintendo Switch 2. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $54 $54 Priced at $54 at Walmart, the new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera allows gamers to interact with each other inside of select games with new video chat features. Think of it as a webcam for the new console. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $59 $59 If the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera looks to basic for your tastes, then the Piranha Plant Camera — which is priced at $59 — might fit in better with your gaming set. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $84 $84 If you're a serious gamer, then the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — priced at $84 at Walmart — is a must-have. It's wireless and more comfortable to grip, while it feels more like a traditional gaming controller than the Joy-Cons 2 — when detached. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $59 $59 While the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of on-board storage, you may need more storage space, if you want to download and play more games. The Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) doubles the capacity of the new console for just $59. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $34.88 $34.88 The Nintendo Switch 2 does come with an AC adaptor out-of-the-box, but if you'd like another one for travel, then Walmart has an official one from Nintendo for just $34.88. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $24.88 $24.88 Everyone know the best way to play Mario Kart, especially with friends, is with a steeling wheel. Walmart has a set of two Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Wheels priced at $24.88. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $39.88 $39.88 After picking up the new gaming console, you might want to safe and keep it looking its best with the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector. It's priced at $39.88 at Walmart. NINTENDO SWITCH 2 Release date: June 5 Buy Now at Walmart for $84 $84 One of the best things about the new console is that it's very portable. In fact, the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case makes it easy to bring the console, the dock, the controllers, power supply, and a few games with you wherever you go. Not bad for just $84. Want more? Now that you've picked up your Nintendo Switch 2 and got a few gaming accessories to go with it, you might want to get new games to play. Check out our list of the best launch day titles here. Shop Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories At Walmart Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
