Hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2 | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Nintendo Switch 2: The successor to the Nintendo Switch.
• Mario Kart World: A visually impressive game for the Switch 2.
• Donkey Kong Bonanza: A destruction simulator game for the Switch 2.
• Metroid Prime 4: A game with mouse-like control options on the Switch 2.
• Civilization 7: Another game with mouse-like control options on the Switch 2.
• Cyberpunk 2077: A game that looks good on the Switch 2, though not as good as on more powerful consoles.
• Drag X Drive: A futuristic wheelchair basketball simulator.
• Pricing Strategy: The various pricing options for games on the Switch 2, including physical, digital, and bundled options.

1. Console Design and Feel:

• The Switch 2 feels similar to the original Switch, but "a bit bigger, a bit more powerful."
• It has a "nice gentle" feel in the hands.
• The main visual difference is a "C button" for chat functionality.
• It features a USB-C port on both the bottom (like the original) and the top. The top port is used for the camera during chat.
• The stand is "much bigger" and sturdier than the original Switch's stand.

2. Game Visuals and Gameplay:

• Mario Kart World is described as "visually beautiful" with "big expansive worlds."
• Metroid Prime 4 offers unique control options, including mouse-like hand movements.
• Civilization 7 also supports mouse-like controls. The presenter questions why one wouldn't just play it on PC.
• Cyberpunk 2077 looks "really good" but not as good as on PS5/PS5 Pro. The portability factor is highlighted.
• Drag X Drive is a "wheelchair basketball simulator" where players can rub the controllers on their knees (though this wasn't shown).
• Donkey Kong Bonanza is a "destruction simulator" where players can destroy almost everything in the environment. It is compared visually to Mario Odyssey. The game features gold as a currency that is lost upon death, similar to coins in Mario.

3. Pricing Concerns and Confusion:

• The Switch 2 is "not cheap."
• The console price itself is "perhaps more reasonable" compared to other consoles.
• Game prices are high, with a physical copy of Mario Kart World costing £75.
• There are different prices for the same game:
  • Mario Kart World physical: £74.99
  • Mario Kart World digital: £66.99
  • Mario Kart World bundled with Switch 2: £34.99
  • Donkey Kong Bonanza physical: £66.99
  • Donkey Kong Bonanza digital: £58.99
• The presenter believes Nintendo needs to "get their heads around" the confusing pricing structure.
• Retailers will likely offer different prices and discounts over time.
• The pricing analysis is based on only two known game prices.

4. Potential Market Impact and Speculation:

• The presenter questions whether the high price will lead to a price drop similar to the 3DS.
• The success of the original Switch (150 million units sold) suggests a strong potential market for the Switch 2.
• There is no suggestion that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be on the Switch 2.

5. Ergonomics and Comfort:

• The console feels "so good" and "comfortable" to hold.
• The ergonomics "felt right."
• The presenter anticipates potential wrist fatigue after extended play, similar to the Switch and Steam Deck.

6. Conclusion:

• The Switch 2 feels like a great console with promising games like Metroid Prime 4 and Mario Kart World.
• The main concern is the price, and whether it will hinder sales or lead to a later price reduction.
• The presenter is unsure whether the Switch 2 will replicate the success of its predecessor.