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Nintendo Switch 2: Is This Really Worth $400???
A Long Wait Ends in Disappointment
I don't even know how many years it's been, from holding the SWITCH every day, playing the 20+ fps Tears of the Kingdom and the glitchy Bayonetta 3, to completely tossing it in the cupboard to gather dust. I've been waiting eagerly, just waiting for NS2 to be released, to make up for the regrets of the past.In the end, during a Nintendo press conference, the original version in my hands suddenly looked so refined and elegant.
In summary, the entire direct meeting revealed that Nintendo will release a machine with 2022 hardware specifications in 2025, featuring 2020's AAA games, and the games will be sold at 2028 prices. So this wave completely exploded on the internet, and overnight, it was all NS2 jokes. Sometimes, I really can't understand the thought process of these Japanese people. You could say that all the reputation built up by the first generation of NS, the foundation laid over nearly ten years, was completely destroyed in just one hour.
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The Hardware: Minor Upgrades, Major Questions
The hardware upgrade point for this NS2 is primarily in the screen department, featuring a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it also supports HDR.
But the quality of the NS2's LCD screen and its HDR performance remain questionable. As for the second generation returning from OLED to LCD, it's hard to say whether this counts as an upgrade.
By the way, just to mention, the screen size of the SteamDeck is 7.4 inches, which means the visual experience of the NS2 might be similar to that of the SD. The weight is still uncertain, but this grip is not ergonomically designed, so holding it for long periods of gameplay probably won't be very comfortable.
Next is the dock. After connecting the dock, the NS2 can support up to 4K resolution output. Due to the increased power, the dock is also equipped with a more powerful fan to provide cooling capabilities. However, one thing to note is that the NS2's dock interface has been somewhat cut down, meaning it does not support HDMI 2.1. This means that the maximum output specification can only reach 4k/60 Hz. Although most games may not even reach this parameter, whether it can consistently output frame rates under VRR variable refresh rates is also one of the key points to pay attention to after the release.
Then comes the main highlight, the new Joycon for NS2.
As the signature of the NS, the controller first added a C key. Before its official announcement, netizens were already debating, with some saying it stood for Copy and others saying it stood for Copyright. Pressing it could quickly summon Nintendo's legal department to prevent infringement.
As a result, this C stands for Chat or Connect .
With just one press, you can connect with friends and enable online multiplayer functionality. Combined with the aforementioned camera, you can set up a face-to-face online meeting with multiple participants.
What has garnered more attention is that the new Joycon can be detached and used as a mouse, making it convenient for FPS games that require precise clicking and control.
But the problem is that using this feature in handheld mode still requires a table, which means it's a bit inconvenient to use in scenarios like high-speed trains or airplanes. In TV mode, apart from squatting in front of the coffee table to use it for a bit, it has no other practical use.
So, this might only be suitable for guys who play games at their computer desk, but the problem is that people are already sitting at the desk, so it's recommended to use a mouse.
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Performance and Compatibility
As for the performance that everyone is concerned about, Nintendo hasn't made it clear.
However, according to long-standing rumors, the NS2 uses the Nvidia 30 series architecture and supports DLSS, so its gaming performance should be comparable to the SteamDeck.
Considering the exclusive optimizations and console mode support from first, second, and third-party developers, it is not impossible for the overall game performance to slightly surpass that of SD.
First-Party Titles: Safe, But Uninspired
For many Nintendo players, hardware performance has never been the main focus; as long as it's sufficient, that's all that matters. So let's talk about the game lineup next. First, let's talk about the first-party games currently announced for NS2. We won't mention titles like Pokémon ZA and Metroid 4, which can also be played on the original NS. Instead, let's discuss the newly announced titles.
There are two games showcasing the new controller features, one called NS2 Welcome Tour, which is essentially similar to 1,2 Switch and Sony's Astro Bot controller guide.
But the problem is that this game is still sold separately and won't be randomly included. Unless something unexpected happens, it's still a full-price game, which seems a bit stingy.
Another one is a game similar to ARMS that utilizes the new controller features, called Drag&Drive.
To be honest, this game really made me laugh; it feels like Nintendo told a dark joke. Using mouse mode to control a wheelchair robot playing basketball, I personally feel it's not as interesting as directly getting a bathhouse back-scrubbing simulator; I'd be more interested in that.
The rest of the first-party content can't be said to meet everyone's expectations either.
One is the new Mario Kart: World, which has been rumored for a while. This time, the world map looks larger and more detailed, and it is expected to have a lengthy single-player mode.
The previous installment sold over 60 million copies on the NS, and how much this one will sell probably just depends on the install base of the NS 2, no need to say more.
Then there's the new Kirby game. There isn't much information available yet, but it looks like it will have racing elements.However, the producer for this installment has changed to Masahiro Sakurai, so I don't think we need to worry about the quality.I know everyone is looking forward to the green hat, and there is indeed a new Zelda game this time, but it's a Musou game.Koei Tecmo has released a Tears of the Kingdom version of Hyrule Warriors, which can be considered a sequel to Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. What can I say, it's somewhat expected, but better than nothing.
The last to take the stage is Sen Qigang's new work.
As an old-school Nintendo character, he is being brought out for business again. From the gameplay trailers, the game looks more like Super Mario Odyssey. It should be fun, as Nintendo's game design foundation is solid.
But none of the highly anticipated major IPs made an appearance, there was no news about 3D Mario, Animal Crossing and Zelda are not worth mentioning, Fire Emblem is nowhere to be found, the folder for the next mainline Pokémon game probably hasn't even been created yet, and Splatoon still only showcased the third installment.
Third-Party Games: Bright Spots Amidst the Gloom
Looking at the first party, it can be said that it is a work that completely fails to engage everyone's emotions.However, there are quite a few third parties coming to the platform, such as FromSoftware, which has created something that looks a bit like a spiritual sequel to Bloodborne—DuskBloods, a NS2 exclusive.But it can't be launched as a first release; it's just a pie-in-the-sky plan for next year.
Silk's Song might finally not be delayed anymore! Including Undertale, there's also a new release here, Deltarune.
Two games are expected to be released on NS2 this year, and this news might be more interesting than NS2 itself.
The rest are some familiar faces that previously didn't make it to NS due to hardware performance, and this time, unsurprisingly, they will also be joining NS2. For example, 2077, Elden Ring, Shadow of Doubt, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, etc., I won't elaborate further.
However, up to this point, it's actually not too bad; at most, it can be considered as not meeting everyone's expectations. But the reason why NS2 has been so heavily criticized this time, with almost the entire internet blasting it, is something I haven't even mentioned yet.
Pricing Strategy: A Global Slap in the Face
So, what I'm about to talk about next is the most incredible part of this face-to-face meeting.
First, there's the issue of the machine's price, which is HKD 3,450 (approximately USD 450). Actually, it's not a big problem; it's a bit high but still acceptable.
However, Nintendo sells it for less than 50,000 yen in Japan, which is equivalent to about USD 340, nearly $110 cheaper.
In other words, global players are paying for the Japanese NS2 national subsidy, and this kind of differential treatment is really off-putting.
Smart as you are, you might think, "Well, I'll just buy the Japanese version then."
If you can think of this problem, your IQ must be no less than 200. Who would have thought that Nintendo is even more clever? Because the Japanese version implements a region lock policy, and everything from the system to the games is locked to Japanese, you can't understand a thing. This move can be said to be an IQ that nearly reaches 250 points.
So, if you want to buy it, you can only watch Japanese players enjoy it, and then obediently fork out an extra $100+ yourself.
But don't think our game consoles are cheap; the games are really expensive too.
Starting from the NS2 generation, the game has increased in price from the previous $59.9 to $79.9, a full $20 increase, with the Hong Kong version of the digital Mario Kart priced at 499 HKD. Actually, this is pretty much the same as the pricing over at PS. You could say that Luren has learned a thing or two from Sony.
But the bad news is that it has all come over. Because NS2 and NS games are interoperable, if you want to play NS games with improved resolution and frame rates on NS2, you need to spend an additional 1000 yen to upgrade or subscribe to the Nintendo membership.
Alright, even though the launch game isn't that impressive, the price varies by region, and the game has increased in price.You said you gritted your teeth and endured these issues, but I just want to support Nintendo and still want to find a scalper to pay extra for the launch.
But you'll soon encounter another problem: the NS2 no longer supports regular Micro SD cards, only the Express version. This means a 256GB card will cost 700 yuan, no longer the bargain storage it used to be. With the built-in 256GB of the NS2, you can fit a COD game without needing to buy an extra card. I really can't think of any reason why Nintendo wouldn't use an SSD.
Due to all the aforementioned reasons, NS2, under the spotlight, pulled off a spectacularly disastrous performance.
Even the opponents couldn't hold back their laughter; perhaps the only benefit of this NS2 direct face-off is that it makes the PS5 and the original NS more valuable.
You could say that apart from the Japanese, the whole world is angry.
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