The Nintendo Switch 2 Experience has recently been deployed worldwide, allowing video game enthusiasts to discover the new Nintendo console for the first time. In Canada, the city of Toronto was chosen to host the event, attracting many enthusiasts who reserved their access to this preview. Invited by Nintendo of Canada, we went on site for a first handling of the console and an overview of his future toy library.
Before falling into the games, we were able to explore some of the new features of the console, including the integrated mouse mode and the addition of a camera, which paved the way for new gaming experiences. Among the demonstration titles were notably Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Cyberpunk 2077, as well as a selection of other games illustrating diversity of the offer offered.
Back on our first impressions of this new generation of the hybrid console.
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers premium experience
The demonstration tour started with a close preview of the console, offering a first handling to see its improvements. Like many, the first thing I wanted to try was the new magnetic joy-con. Nintendo’s revised approach is frankly impressive: the magnets make it possible to fix and detach the joy-cones with great ease. No more signs ” +” or ” -” poorly aligned on the Dragons, or the slight game between the screen and the controllers. Everything is now fitted to perfectly, providing clearly increased stability in hand.
Then comes the screen, the size of which is immediately noticed. Since I adopted the PlayStation Portal, I got a taste for more generous screens – a bit like when the PS Vita at the first Nintendo Switch. Compared to the Sony model, my steam deck and my original switch seem almost small. From the first seconds, the increase in format of the Switch 2 skipped me at the eyes. The brightness and the contrasts are excellent, which brilliantly brilliantly colors colors. The screen seems very good and, at first glance, we do not regret so much the absence of OLED technology.
Despite this increased size, the Nintendo Switch 2 does not sacrifice comfort or weight. I did not have the impression of holding a much heavier device than the previous model, which is very encouraging. That said, the consoles were fixed to the kiosk, so it will be necessary to check on the final version. The manufacturing quality seems excellent, and the new flexible support at the rear is a welcome addition.
Nintendo is betting on Mario Kart World
We now know that Nintendo will bet above all on Mario Kart World at launch. Like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildthe Japanese company uses this new iteration to transform players’ experience. We remember that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a reissue of the Wii U version, which was then enriched with many additional tracks. The developers therefore had all the time necessary to reinvent certain conventions of the series.
First, the number of runners has changed. Going from 12 to 24 players on the same track makes a striking difference. It is even more chaotic, but also longer to go up the peloton. Inevitably, this also implies a greater number of objects at stake. Personally, I find that this change brings a new level of difficulty, which is a good thing. I also found it interesting to start the races in motion, because it accelerates the rhythm and immerses us directly in the action. This choice is perfectly linked to the open universe of Mario Kart Worldwhere you can chain races without interruption. Integration is fluid and successful.
I also loved my session in mode Knockout. Although I am not a great online player on Nintendo games, I feel that it will captivate me. In this mode, 24 players compete online in a huge race divided into sections. To continue, you have to reach a minimum classification at each stage. I really like this competitive approach which retains the very essence of Mario map. Besides, I was comfortably in the lead for a large part of the race before being exceeded a few meters from the last stage. Despite the disappointment, I immediately wanted to start again.
Visually, the game is superb. The characters are larger and better defined on the screen, the fluidity is excellent, and the special effects of objects, like lightning, are even more detailed. In addition, there are a beautiful variety of characters and vehicles. In short, it promises, and the game has climbed at the top of my list of the most anticipated titles on the console.
Donkey Kong back in 3D on Nintendo Switch 2
It has been years since I think Nintendo does not exploit its franchises enough to offer 3D games. I understand that the platform games in 2D (or 2.5D) present less risks, but this approach limits the diversity of experiences. With Super Mario Odysseyhowever, the company had demonstrated that it is still possible to reinvent the genre brilliantly. The announcement of Donkey Kong: Bananza So immediately packed me, especially since the parallels with Odyssey are obvious.
During the demo, I had a lot of fun exploring the underground passages, demolishing the environment and solving some single puzzles. It was a bit chaotic at times – there were a lot of objects to collect – but it is precisely the kind of offbeat experience that I hoped for Nintendo. The trips are fluid, and the artistic direction, with its bright colors and its neat finish, is perfectly written in the visual tradition of the brand.
I still felt a certain feeling of repetition, especially in the mechanics of destruction, whose utility did not always seem obvious to me. That said, I think it is normal at this stage: I have not yet seen how these actions are integrated into the overall progress of the game. And frankly, after having reviewed the trailer, my enthusiasm is always very present.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in mouse mode
Some functions must be tried to be fully understood, such as the optical sensors of new Joy-Con, which transform them into real mice. In my opinion, it will be a must in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It is simply much easier to aim and point with precision, and I think it could make the console a credible alternative for the purists of the shooting games, accustomed to the keyboard-source combo.
The only downside that I would anticipate is that this way of playing is simpler and optimal when the console is placed on a table. However, it is not yet current to have a surface at the right height in front of your couch. So I can’t wait to see how the players will adapt. For my part, my extra table will do the trick.
As for the game, that’s exactly what I hoped for a suite. The essence of the franchise is intact, and everything indicates that we will be entitled to a real follow -up worthy of the name. Nintendo put forward the 120 Hz for this title, and we really felt the difference compared to the first Metroid Primerecently relaunched on Switch. The most striking evolution remains visual, however: the sets are richer and detailed, even in the background, and the models of characters and enemies are much more successful. It will be a purchase day one For me – I can’t wait to discover Samus’ next adventure.
A jammeal camera
Then, Nintendo plans to relaunch several of its flagship games with notable visual improvements, in particular the Zelda. After trying Breath of the Wild On the Nintendo Switch 2, I almost wanted to plunge back into the adventure. Another title that will benefit from the power of the new console is Super Mario Jamboree. Thanks to the camera sold separately, it is now possible to play mode Jamboree TV. This mode allowed us to discover some unpublished mini-games, very different from the others, and which fully exploit this new accessory.
We laughed by playing in a group, and I am convinced that it will be just as fun to do some jamboree Online with friends. What we tested was a bit brief, but it is a great addition that brings even more innovation to an already very successful title in the series.
Mature games
I was also delighted to see the presence of several third -party games in the console launch window. One of my favorite series was also there: Yakuza 0from Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. This is the kind of mature game that enables the library of the Switch 2 – even if it is a title dating from two generations. I really hope that this partnership will continue and that other opus in the series will be carried on the console.
I then plunged into Cyberpunk 2077that I had not retouched since its initial launch chaotic to say the least. It is impressive to see this game turn on a portable console, with a completely correct image frequency. Of course, this implies certain compromises, especially in terms of textures, but the tested version was not final. So I am very curious to see the final result. Honestly, I did not expect this game to land on the console at all – and if other developers follow the movement, it could change the situation.
First impressions on the Nintendo Switch 2
With this first handling, the Nintendo Switch 2 suggests an ambitious and refreshing vision of the future of portable video game. Whether it is new hardware features such as magnetic joy-con, improved screen or mouse mode, or the diversity and wealth of the toy library presented-ranging from Mario Kart World has Cyberpunk 2077 – Everything indicates that Nintendo wants to push the limits of its hybrid console.
The proposed experience is both familiar and new, combining Nintendo’s know-how in terms of playing accessible with more refined technology, designed to broaden the possibilities of gameplay. Between large returns, new franchises and promising third -party partnerships, the Switch 2 promises to be a solid console, well rooted in its time.
It only remains to wait until June to see if the promise will hold on the length – but one thing is certain: this new generation begins with good ambitions.
