As of June 5th, 2023, the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched in various parts of the world. Even before the first reviews of this new gaming console surface, the YouTube channel ProModding has provided an intriguing 17-minute teardown video showcasing the handheld. This video features detailed close-ups of its custom Nvidia processor, giving fans and tech enthusiasts a glimpse into what makes this console tick. While Nintendo has cleverly concealed some screws and release latches under stickers on either side of the device, the teardown process appears to be relatively straightforward for those equipped with the right tools and who are willing to risk voiding their warranty.
Before even acquiring a Switch 2, many gamers have likely envisioned how they will engage with the console once it’s in their hands. A common sentiment is the eagerness to dive into Mario Kart World, a beloved franchise that many fans, including myself and my wife, cherish. While I share the excitement of racing through tracks in Mario Kart, my initial action with the new console won't involve gaming right away. Instead, I plan to plug it in for a charge and momentarily set it aside to pick my child up from gym class. Upon my return, I can’t wait to navigate the setup screens and explore how Metroid Prime Remastered performs on the Switch 2.
In other exciting news, No Man’s Sky is set to soar onto a new platform with a free update tailored for the Nintendo Switch 2. Developer Hello Games announced this enhancement coinciding with the console's launch on June 5th. Originally released on the previous Switch in 2022, the developers termed the technical feat of fitting the game onto the older hardware as “a bit of a miracle.” The upgrade for the Switch 2 promises significant improvements in both the quantity and quality of on-screen elements. According to Hello Games, “We’re rendering significantly more than before, at a higher resolution and improved framerate,” ensuring that players enjoy a more immersive experience.
In a unique twist, I recently attended a preview event for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, games that have been available for nearly three years. Having invested around 400 hours into Pokémon Scarlet since its late 2022 release, I felt quite familiar with the game. However, the opportunity to see how these titles perform on the Nintendo Switch 2 was too intriguing to pass up. I was eager to discover the enhancements and improvements that had been made over the years.
The ambitious vision for Mario Kart World was to build upon the success of the franchise, known for being the best-seller on both the Nintendo Switch and Wii U. This new installment aims to double the number of racers while creating a connected, open world for players to explore. The project was so expansive that early development faced significant challenges on the original Nintendo Switch hardware, eventually leading to its conception as a launch title for the more powerful Switch 2. Producer Kosuke Yabuki shared insights on the monumental effort required to achieve these changes, stating, “We knew when we came up with this idea that it really would be a big change for the series, but we had no idea at the time how many people, how much time, and how much effort that would require to actually achieve it.”
