Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: More Underwhelming Than Anticipated?
The highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, and while many “fanboys” are undoubtedly excited, we’ve observed a number of issues that suggest this may be one of the most underwhelming console launches in recent memory. Despite the hype, we believe there are several critical points being overlooked.
First and foremost, the game catalog at launch is incredibly thin. The Nintendo Entertainment System, for example, launched with 17 titles back in 1985, offering players a wide array of options. For the Switch 2, the primary new game that truly stands out is Mario Kart World, which is already seeing reports of bugs and glitches. While Mario Kart is undeniably a great game and a console seller for many, it’s often best enjoyed with others, and for us, it’s not the singular title that justifies a console purchase. We’re certainly not impressed with the overall game catalog, much like the PS5’s initial offerings. Many of the top-selling items on the eShop are merely upgrades or remasters of games you may already own, such as a $10 upgrade for Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Beyond the game selection, we’ve uncovered some concerning hardware and software practices:
- Bricked Consoles and Massive Day One Updates: Our own viewer, who secured a Switch 2 for us, confirmed that consoles shipped essentially “bricked,” requiring a massive day one update just to power them on. While day one updates are common, this appears to be an extreme measure, possibly to prevent leaks.
- Poor Display and HDR Support: Initial reviews indicate the Switch 2 comes with a below-average display and disappointing HDR support. We’re truly not impressed with its HDR capabilities.
- The Missing OLED: We firmly believe Nintendo deliberately withheld an OLED version of the Switch 2 to encourage “fanboys” to buy the same console twice. It seems they had the technology to release an OLED model from the start, but opted to delay it, likely for a future release in a couple of years.
- GameStop Staple Damage: In a truly frustrating development, GameStop stores, notably one in Staten Island, have been stapling customer receipts directly to Switch 2 boxes, leading to punctured screens. This points to a significant poor design choice by Nintendo, as the screen is positioned right against the thin outer packaging with minimal protection.
Perhaps the most contentious change, however, is Nintendo’s quiet decision to remove traditional male and female gender options from the avatar creator ahead of the Switch 2 launch. Instead, players are presented with two “styles” without gender labels, even including a “gender trigger warning” on screen for some software. This isn’t Nintendo’s first move in this direction, with Splatoon 3 and Animal Crossing titles also adopting similar “gender-neutral” expressions. We find it puzzling that 99.95% of the world should have to adhere to the demands of a “very small percentage of the population”. Our own audience has voted overwhelmingly, with 88% preferring explicit male/female choices.
Considering these issues, we strongly advise potential buyers to wait. If you already own a Switch OLED, the upgrade to the current Switch 2 is simply not significant enough. We recommend holding out for the inevitable Switch 2 OLED version. Alternatively, if you’re not a die-hard Mario Kart fan, waiting until later in the year, perhaps July, will bring more compelling titles like Donkey Kong Bonanza and Kirby Air Riders. There’s truly no reason to overpay or experience the current launch frustrations.
Finally, we want to remind everyone that Nintendo retains the power to “brick” your Switch 2 at any time if they suspect piracy. This is a wild level of control over our purchased devices.
In conclusion, while the excitement is understandable, the Switch 2’s launch has been marred by a lack of substantial new games, questionable design choices, and controversial philosophical shifts in character creation. For most, the best move is to exercise patience and allow time for Nintendo to refine its offerings.
