The Nintendo Switch 2 has been unveiled, and while the excitement is undeniable, there are several aspects of this new console that raise questions and even disappointments. Here’s an overview of the contentious issues.
A Hefty Price Tag
Priced at 470 euros, the Switch 2 finds itself in the higher end of the market for a hybrid console. Adding to this are games now priced at 90 euros, not to mention the traditionally expensive accessories from Nintendo. The costs quickly add up for players wanting the full experience. There’s also the threat of rapid price increases due to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. In short, this console is priced similarly to a PS5, which is quite problematic.
Decreased Battery Life
Despite technological advancements, the Switch 2 apparently offers less battery life than its predecessor. Nintendo reports a battery life ranging from 2 to 6.5 hours depending on the game. This performance falls short of expectations, forcing mobile gamers to carry an external battery to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you plan to play on a TGV trip longer than three hours, you’ll have to hope the power outlet at your seat works.
Why an LCD Screen?
While the screen size has increased to 7.9 inches with a 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, it’s disappointing to see the move away from the OLED technology used in the previous model. At this price point, maintaining OLED would have been preferable for optimal image quality. Especially for those who already own a Switch OLED.
Questionable Ergonomics
The initial handling reveals a very thin console. Not that it’s actually thinner, but because it’s larger, it gives a sense of thinness that might compromise comfort during extended play sessions, and the joy-cons are just as thin. While some users with larger hands may find the Switch 2 more comfortable, others might struggle. Nintendo may not have fully taken into account the diversity of user sizes.
A New MicroSD Card Format
The Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards, making standard microSD cards obsolete. For those who have invested in high-capacity cards, like 1TB models, this incompatibility is a source of frustration and additional expense. But well, we’re not exactly pinching pennies at this point.
Where’s Animal Crossing?
Well, this is a very personal remark, but jeez… no announcement about a new Animal Crossing game was made during the Switch 2 presentation! Not even a small update… Fans of the series, like myself, are left wanting; I’m on the verge of starting a hunger strike.
Performance to Watch
As usual, Nintendo is vague about the technical specifications of the Switch 2. Initial feedback indicates that some games, like Hogwarts Legacy, are already experiencing slowdowns. While final versions might bring improvements, this situation raises concerns about the console’s ability to handle demanding titles.
A Flood of Remakes Expected
The Switch 2’s catalog seems largely made up of reissues of old games, or recycling of old licenses. While a few new entries, such as The Duskbloods from FromSoftware, bring some freshness, the trend towards remakes could tire players who have already purchased these titles in the past. Typically, I think I’ve bought 5 different editions of Diablo III since its first release, and you’ll see that when it’s adapted for Switch 2, I’m going to fall for it all over again.
Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Increasingly Essential
Subscribing to the Nintendo Switch Online service is becoming almost indispensable to fully enjoy the features of the Switch 2. Features such as GameChat and access to upgrades of old Switch 1 games at no extra cost are reserved for subscribers, making it hard for players who want a complete_experience to avoid the service.
Of course, we’re going to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, and we can’t wait to have it under our TV, but that won’t stop us from complaining about all these aspects, which are sometimes a bit frustrating. Do you see any other points that I might have missed, and that we would have liked to see on the Switch 2?
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Michael Turner is a passionate video game analyst at Dixie Sun News. With a background in game development and a lifelong love for gaming, he offers in-depth reviews, previews, and insights into the gaming industry. Michael has been following the evolution of the gaming world for over a decade, specializing in breaking down gameplay mechanics and narrative elements. When he’s not immersed in the latest game release, he’s either building custom PCs or engaging with the online gaming community.
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