Nintendo has recently unveiled its much-anticipated successor to the beloved Switch console, known as the Switch 2. Set for release on June 5, 2025, the console will retail at £395.99 in the UK. However, what has caught everyone’s attention even more than the console’s price is the cost of the new Mario Kart World game, which will be available at a staggering £74.99 for a physical version. There is considerable excitement and speculation about the capabilities of the new console and its games, especially given the high prices.
When I finally had a chance to experience the Switch 2, it became immediately clear that this is indeed a direct descendant of the original Switch. The design feels familiar, complete with button placements reminiscent of its predecessor, but it boasts a significantly larger and sharper screen. This evolution is a conscious choice by Nintendo, steering clear of the confusion seen when transitioning from the Wii to the Wii U, which had left many gamers scratching their heads.
As I dived into Mario Kart World on the new system, the initial impact was nothing short of impressive. It is immediately evident that the Switch 2 has beefed up specifications compared to earlier titles in the series. The graphics showcase a vibrant improvement, although they still maintain a cartoonish aesthetic. It’s fair to note that while the console’s performance is enhanced, it still cannot match the capabilities of more powerful systems like the PlayStation 5.
During my playtime, a highlight was how the game managed to evoke a deep sense of familiarity. I had no difficulty acclimating to the controls or the gameplay, achieving consecutive first-place finishes right off the bat – much to the envy of my competitors. This trend of staying true while innovating seems to be Nintendo’s hallmark, ensuring a smooth transition for players accustomed to the original Switch experience.
Despite the advanced graphics and optimal controls, the financial aspect raises questions. The digital edition of Mario Kart World costs £66.99, which is already steep, while the physical version adds another £8 to that total. In fact, for a version of the Switch 2 that comes pre-loaded with the game, you are looking at a total cost of £429.99. According to industry expert Christopher Dring, this pricing reflects the current landscape of manufacturing costs, particularly influenced by a recent 24% tariff nightmare imposed by the US government on products manufactured in Japan.
While Mario Kart World is an integral part of the Switch 2’s launch, other titles have been waiting in the wings, such as the much-hyped Metroid Prime 4, which fans have awaited for nearly two decades. Gameplay mechanics are familiar, but a new twist allows players to rotate the controller, turning it into a mouse, a novel concept for those acclimated to PC games. This method can be implemented seamlessly without any menu navigation, which could prove advantageous for various genres.
Additionally, the Switch 2 holds promise for strategy games, such as Civilization VII, where mouse controls could give a new strategic depth. However, it remains to be seen how comfortable this playing style is over extended periods compared to using a traditional gaming PC setup.
The dual functionality of the controllers—serving as mice—opens up intriguing possibilities for creativity, notably in futuristic games such as Drag x Drive, where players will mimic wheeling movement. Moreover, another beloved character, Donkey Kong, is making a comeback with Donkey Kong Bananza, expected to deliver a robust platforming experience while offering a destruct-em-up element that allows players to wreak havoc on levels—all for a hefty price of £58.99 digitally or £66.99 physically.
In the presentations I witnessed, traditional titles like Yakuza 0 and Cyberpunk 2077 were updated to be compatible with the Switch 2—showing an ability to handle more complex and demanding games that were excluded from the original due to hardware limitations. The inherent portability of the Switch, allowing gameplay on-the-go, sets it apart in a rapidly evolving market. Notably, a new contender, the Steam Deck, has emerged, focused on delivering a hybrid gaming experience with high-end PC capabilities.
While Nintendo champions its array of exclusive titles, the Switch 2’s approach embraces continuity rather than disruption, evident in its continued branding and the remastering of beloved games. With more time invested in new and established franchises, the Switch 2 actively aims to evoke nostalgia while attracting new gamers.
Through my brief experience with this latest offering, I was struck by how seamlessly Nintendo has balanced innovation with familiar elements. As fans prepare for the launch, the ultimate question remains: will the nostalgia and updated graphics provide enough value for the steep prices as players immerse themselves into gaming for weeks and months? The answer will start to unfold as the gaming community gets their hands on this console from June 5. Overall, Nintendo’s Switch 2 appears poised to engage both newcomers and veterans alike, but only time will tell if it