Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
Switch 2 Hits the Shelves, Persistence May Be Needed
The Switch 2 officially launched this morning, and inventory seems solid at several stores. We picked up our first unit quite easily at a local Boulanger, where the console was in stock despite some confusion. Some salespeople were clearly not informed about the release, let alone about new accessories like the Pro Controller 2.
One employee even mistakenly directed us to a Switch 1 controller in an annoyed tone, a sign that internal communication at some retailers could be improved. A second unit of the console is on its way via Amazon, confirming fairly smooth availability for this launch. This is somewhat surprising. Were stocks larger than anticipated, or is the demand not as high as expected?
NASA warns China could slow Earth’s rotation with one simple move
This dog endured 27 hours of labor and gave birth to a record-breaking number of puppies
A Familiar and Generous Packaging
Back at home, we quickly opened the box. The package stays true to Nintendo’s DNA, but there are some welcome evolutions. The console itself feels significantly bulkier than the OLED version of the Switch 1, as do the Joy-Con, which have noticeably increased in size.
Inside, you’ll also find two straps, a grip to merge the Joy-Con into a single controller, a USB-C charger with a detachable cable (that’s really good!), a larger and sleeker dock, and finally a code to download Mario Kart World. Nintendo hasn’t reinvented the wheel but has delivered a complete package, ready to go.
Quick Comparison with the Switch OLED
It’s hard not to pull out the old Switch OLED for a side-by-side comparison (especially since I need both for the data transfer, although it is possible to use Nintendo’s servers for those who might want to sell their old Switch before picking up the Switch 2). The size difference is immediately noticeable: the Switch 2 is wider, thicker, and noticeably heavier.
The screen is larger and seems to offer greater brightness and display accuracy, probably due to the LCD screen, which doesn’t have as deep blacks as the previous model but is visibly brighter. The larger Joy-Con also provide a better grip, though it remains to be seen how they perform on the go. In hand, the console feels sturdier and less compact. For mobile gamers, the extra weight doesn’t really affect the balance, as the console is very well balanced.
A Smooth Data Transfer Process
For those upgrading from an older Switch, the data transfer process is quite straightforward, provided you follow the steps carefully. Both consoles must be connected to power (this is crucial, otherwise, it crashes, and you should use the official chargers or at least sufficiently powerful ones), connected to the internet, and placed side by side.
Once the Nintendo account is linked, the transfer starts: saves, profiles, purchase history. Previously purchased games on the eShop automatically appear and begin downloading without asking for your permission, which is unfortunate if you were planning to wait for a microSD Express like we highly recommend from Lexar. As it stands, the internal memory quickly diminishes.
Mario Kart World: Incredible
Once the transfer is complete, it’s hard to resist the urge to launch Mario Kart World, included with the console in some editions. To download it, you must use the code included in the box, printed on rather cheap paper. First impression: it’s really very neat. Visually more refined, the game stays true to the formula, with solid production and gameplay that’s as thrilling as ever.
We tested a few solo races, and the title runs smoothly. There’s still much to explore in multiplayer options, test the Pro Switch 2 controller, and see how online video chat performs. But at this stage, no bugs or notable slowdowns to report!
No Surprises at Start, But It’s a Fine Machine!
This first encounter with the Switch 2 might not change the game, but it sets the foundation for a new generation that’s clearly well-conceived. The launch is going smoothly, the console is available in several stores, even if some are clearly behind on stocking the accessories. It remains to be seen if Nintendo can maintain this level of stock in the coming weeks, especially with the gradual release of exclusive titles. In the meantime, we’re excited to test it further in the coming days, especially regarding the machine’s heating, battery life, and performance on other games! We’re looking forward to it.