Switch 2 Impressions
I've had a Switch 2 for a couple of months now and, while it hasn't been the revelation that the original Switch proved to be, it has certainly helped to reinvigorate my interest in the Switch library and has given me plenty of enjoyment.
The cost is definitely a big barrier to entry. I held off at launch largely because of the price and, while we enjoy Mario Kart, it wasn't the system seller that Breath of the Wild was the first time around. I picked up my system in January after getting a voucher from work. Treating myself with that was really the only way I could justify buying a Switch 2 at the moment - otherwise I definitely would have waited until a few more big games had come out to help maximise the value.
The system itself is a bit bigger than my OLED Switch. It's noticeable in that I'm no longer able to comfortably hold it in one hand - I worry slightly that it puts a bit too much pressure on the joycon when I try. I do like the feel of the system, I imagine it is closer to a Steam Deck now than the original Switch. It has that premium feel that I felt when upgrading from a DS Lite to a DSi or from a PSP to a Vita which I appreciate. With a bigger size comes less portability but that doesn't bother me too much as I largely enjoy playing the Switch on the couch at home. If you couple that with the fairly poor battery life, I don't think the Switch 2 will be taking the spot of my DS when I travel - you just can't beat the portability and ridiculous battery life of those systems.
Mario Kart World was the big launch game for Nintendo. I don't think it's been as big a hit with the community as Mario Kart 8 was but the time we've spent with it has been fun. I'm not sure that Mario Kart benefits much from overcomplicating things with grinding, wall-hopping and such but it does give extra dimensions to the play. The player count is much bigger, and the game looks lovely with plenty of visual variety. I'm sure that this is one that will get a lot of play over a longer period of time so I'm happy with it overall. One thing that has surprised me is the lack of updates for the game. Considering the increased price of the game, I expected Nintendo to support it with new characters, tracks and costumes but it's been very quiet since launch. Give my boy Spike some outfits!
One of the bigger draws for the Switch 2 was Power Wash Simulator 2. Sarah got so much enjoyment out of the first game and, still to this day, with load up a new save and 100% the whole game again. I think she finds it very relaxing after a long day and I really value the enjoyment she gets out of it. The sequel didn't release on Switch 1, so it was a big incentive for us to get a Switch 2. Judging from the hours she put into it; I think the sequel gets a big thumbs up from her!
Ironically, a lot of the time I've spent with the system has been playing games that were available on the Switch 1. It's revitalised my interest in them, partially because I want to use the system and also because the Switch 2 gives a lot of these games a much-needed boost. I finished up Arkham City recently and it runs a lot better on the new system. I've also enjoyed Vampire Crawlers and Slay the Spire which both run really smoothly. It is nice to have access to such a big library, and the Switch does benefit a lot from competitive sales. I'd like to see Nintendo do a better job of visibility on the eshop and a move away from all the shovelware you see on it.
Looking to the future I see that we are slowly starting to getting a nice library of exclusives on the system. I am excited to see more of Fire Emblem, I need to pick up Pokopia and the recent announcement of Pokémon Winds and Waves has me ready to get burned again...
Overall, I do really like the system, but the price is a big barrier to entry. It's really frustrating that the narrative has been to pressure the players into buying the system before the price goes up which is such a departure from the selling strategies of the past. At this stage in their life cycles, you should be able to pick up a PS5 or Xbox Series X for €150/€200 less than launch with great bundles but instead those systems cost more than ever. All this talk of tariffs and chip shortages is such a nightmare that makes it really hard to give buying advice. Personally, if not for the gift voucher I had, I wouldn't recommend the Switch 2 just yet at the current price.
Ultimately, I don't think it's a purchase most people would regret but it's just not offering the immediate value I felt when I picked up that original Switch at launch - maybe we'll get a big Zelda announcement for the anniversary that will change the perception.