Last week, Nintendo Direct started. The games were great! The hardware looked good, which I was impressed with when it first aired on YouTube. I haven't owned a console since the PS5 two years ago, then I shortly sold the console due the the lack of games - I was less impressed with it.
While I was impressed by both the software games and the Nintendo Switch 2 presentation on Nintendo's Direct presentation, however, I had so many thoughts about the games' prices, which are very questionable. I admit when I first saw the presentation, the games were great, and I know it looked fun. To me, I know I can see myself playing Nintendo's new first-party titles.
I am fine with the console itself. While I would prefer the price tag to be around $400 instead of $450 for many, the console will be aimed towards a younger audience; however, what I find egregious is the price for video game software. You have two versions: The Physical and digital versions. The physical version costs $10 more than the digital version. The weird part of the game that features on Nintendo Direct where more than 8 years old, for example. Bravery Default from Square-Enix, which came out around the DS in 2012, which is more than 10 years old, I do not understand why a game like that is expensive for $70!, It doesn't make sense for that game to come out on the Switch 2 - no graphical improvements.
Nintendo didn't blow my mind, nor was the console groundbreaking - itself, the console I will say is an improvement, the software did impress me the most, Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders, that's all great and all that's first-party games. The 3rd party games are impressive too, the line-up for many of the 3rd party games will do excellently, no doubt in mind.
If most of the new games are going to be $80 per title, then I will say I am out; the Switch 2 hardware is an improvement over the Switch 1. There are so many things I can spend $80 on, but in this case, I'm out on putting money for a newer title that will cost me more than the average payment I spend normally on a monthly car payment. I've always named Nintendo a company that was always been very consumer-friendly for many years when most of the Back in the 2000's the games I spent on a GameCube were $50 or $60 through the early part of the early-mid 2000s. Fast-forward to the mid-2020s, and game prices are already far from outrageous! In what universe woulda person like myself will go out and throw away $80 per title? Today, being a console gamer is more than a luxury, which, if I have to be honest. It's very concerning now that, mostly, I hold out on any console purchase once there's any resolution and updates from Nintendo.
CNBC interview with Doug Bowser
After
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings significant upgrades and new features compared to its predecessor, but it also comes with some drawbacks. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons based on current information.
Performance Upgrades: The Switch 2 offers up to ten times the performance of the original Switch, powered by NVIDIA's custom GPU with RT and Tensor Cores for enhanced visuals, real-time ray tracing, and AI-driven features like DLSS for sharper graphics.
Improved Display: It features a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution in handheld mode and 4K support when docked, along with HDR capabilities.
Enhanced Gameplay Features: Supports up to 120 FPS, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and compatibility with 1440p monitors for smoother gaming experiences.
Expanded Storage: Comes with 256 GB of internal storage (8x more than the original Switch) and supports faster microSD Express cards.
Backward Compatibility: Most original Switch games and accessories are compatible, including Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers
Game Sharing: Features like GameShare allow players to share games locally or online, even with users who don’t own the game.
Magnetic Joy-Cons: The redesigned controllers attach magnetically and can be used as a mouse for certain games.
Audio Improvements: Built-in noise-canceling microphones and spatial 3D sound offer clearer audio quality.
Online Features: Includes video chat capabilities via GameChat and virtual game cards for managing digital purchases across systems.
Developer Support: Tools optimized for developers ensure better game engines and faster development cycles.
Price Increase: The base model costs $449.99, which is $150 more than the original Switch at launch. Bundles like the Mario Kart World edition go up to $500, while individual game prices have also risen significantly (e.g., $80 for Mario Kart World)[5].
Battery Life: The improved hardware leads to higher power consumption, resulting in worse battery life compared to the Switch OLED model[5].
Compatibility Issues: Some third-party games, like Fortnite, face start-up or in-game compatibility problems on the new hardware, though developers are working on fixes[4].
Not as Powerful as Competitors: While the Switch 2 closes the gap with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, it still lags in raw power compared to systems like the PS5 or Xbox Series X[6].
Additional Costs for Upgraded Games: Enhanced versions of older Switch games require separate purchases or upgrade fees, which may feel like "nickel-and-diming" to consumers.
For now, that's what I have summarized for anyone that have not subscribed to the podcast. I have posted my podcast on Transistor FM for anyone, my take on the Switch 2. Happy listening!
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Much Thanks!
Leon LaGrey
