After an extensive period filled with speculation, fans of Nintendo finally received substantial updates regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 in a detailed hour-long Nintendo Direct presentation held yesterday. This much-anticipated event covered a myriad of topics, including release dates, pricing, and the unveiling of an exclusive title from FromSoftware. Following the Direct, ScreenRant had the exclusive opportunity to engage with the Switch 2 through hands-on gameplay, experiencing several titles highlighted during the event, such as Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4, and Donkey Kong Bananza.
While many specifics, such as technical specifications like the impressive 120 FPS capability and the new ‘C’ button’s functionality, are readily available elsewhere, this hands-on preview provided key insights into the console’s potential success, particularly notable was how much fun I had throughout the experience. Below are my primary takeaways from the day spent exploring Nintendo Switch 2 demos.
Mario Kart World Introduces Exciting Innovations
Smooth Track Transitions & Unconventional Snack Items
My initial hands-on experience with Mario Kart World commenced with a split gameplay format: a classic two-player Grand Prix and an engaging 24-player Knockout mode. A standout feature of this version was its extensive roster, boasting 60 character options. However, it’s worth noting that many characters were simply variations of familiar faces decked out in themed outfits, like Mariachi Waluigi and Gondola Luigi. Furthermore, the character selection was limited to the Mario franchise as it did not include other iconic characters like Link or Isabelle.
The array of 20 distinct vehicles revealed a delightful level of creativity, introducing designs such as a fish-themed bike and a magic carpet-styled kart. New gameplay items also added a layer of strategy; I encountered giant mushrooms that increased my size and feather items for airborne boosts, alongside mysterious new food items.
Prior to the Knockout matches, I enjoyed a session of free driving, which demonstrated the seamless integration of various map segments. Transitioning from wall rides around waterfalls to navigating a picturesque Italian canal and exploring Peach’s Beach Resort was exhilarating. The game world is brimming with hidden details, such as riding waves in the ocean to chain boost jumps and discovering pods of whales or even a sea monster.
Driving dynamics felt more chaotic than ever, especially during the Knockout mode, where players must fend off elimination as they race. As competitors move through different courses, checkpoints eliminate players in lower rankings, pushing everyone to race with fervor. AI opponents also exhibited improved tactics, employing boosts and items more strategically than previously seen.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Delivers an Intuitive Hybrid Experience
Joy-Con and Mouse Fusion: The Samus Experience
In my demo of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, I was introduced to a high-stakes narrative where Samus investigates a Space Pirate incursion led by Sylux. Having little prior experience with the franchise, I was pleased to find that the control setup was incredibly user-friendly. The game attendant suggested wielding the left Joy-Con while using the right one as a mouse, which significantly improved my shooting accuracy.
The combination of this control scheme, lock-on targeting, and automatic weapon switching resulted in an impressive shooting experience. The demo culminated in a boss battle that required targeting specific weak points while skillfully dodging area attacks. While psychic abilities of Samus were not featured at this early stage, I did enjoy engaging with her classic skills, including scanning for puzzles and deploying bombs in her morph ball state.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Highlights Unique System Features
Mouse & Camera Capabilities Enhance Gameplay Engagement
During my experience with Super Mario Party Jamboree on the Nintendo Switch 2, I had the chance to interact with new mouse-centric games and explore enhanced camera features. I started with a selection of five minigames that included a shell-based air hockey, mail sorting, Bob-omb spray painting, crafting the tallest tower, and launching wind-up cars into opponents’ goals. These minigames were expertly designed to utilize both the mouse functionality and the Joy-Con gyroscope, merging physical movement with strategic gameplay.
Additionally, I participated in a Bowser Live round, where both teams performed to meet Bowser’s high expectations. This round featured three simple yet entertaining minigames. Despite occasional calibration issues, particularly in cramped conditions, the excitement was palpable. The culmination of the day presented an engaging team minigame where Bowser challenged us to boost a hype meter through sound and movement, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested — even more so seeing myself on screen encouraged a sense of urgency to perform.
Donkey Kong Bananza: An Entertaining Experience Awaits
Embrace the Destructive Freedom
Donkey Kong’s gameplay allows for unique interactions with the environment. Players can gather and launch explosive chunks of rock to break barriers, effectively utilizing them against enemies. Additionally, DK can throw ground pieces as projectiles or use them to reach elevated areas. This level of destructive capability, combined with DK’s climbing abilities, suggests a vast expanse for players to explore and experiment within.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Exceeds Expectations
Diverse Minigames & Learning Experiences
Initially skeptical, I approached the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour expecting a bland, text-heavy tutorial. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging minigames offered and discovered interesting insights through gameplay, such as the camera-based mouse functionality.
Two minigames that drew my attention involved tuning with a radio-style rumble finder and using maracas to explore the Joy-Con’s innovative rumble features. The sensation of a rubber ball inside a virtual instrument reverberated exquisitely, sparking my excitement for the potential of this precise technology. Another game involving dodging mines brilliantly showcased the speed and accuracy that the mouse feature can achieve. While I left questioning the overall value of Welcome Tour as a purchase, it undeniably succeeded in demonstrating features in an enjoyable manner.
Concluding Impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 & Its Titles
Event Highlights, Unanswered Questions & The Console’s Future
Throughout the event, each moment maintained a level of engagement, though some titles didn’t leave quite the impact of others. For several games, the advancements were primarily visual enhancements, such as the Switch 2 versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Legend of Zelda, or the soon-to-be-released Nintendo Switch Online titles like F-Zero GX and Super Mario Strikers. However, even those offered new insights, such as the advantages of using a mouse for Civilization VII on a console.
The Nintendo Switch 2 clearly stands as much more than a revamped console; it represents an ambitious evolution of what gaming can entail. There are aspects I wished to explore further, including the Joy-Con’s touted mouse capability on various surfaces, which has suggested versatility as a table alternative. Overall, my experiences confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 is not just a cosmetic upgrade but a significant step forward in interactive gaming.