Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle

I’ve been a Nintendo fan for years, and I owned the original Switch since day one — but wow, the Switch 2 genuinely impressed me. The performance boost is noticeable right out of the box. Games load so much faster, and everything just feels smoother — especially older titles I already owned. It’s like they got a second life. The screen is brighter, bigger, and much clearer than before. I’ve been playing in handheld mode a lot more than I thought I would, just because it looks so good. Even though it’s not OLED, it still looks amazing. The new Joy-Cons also feel more solid, and the improved attachment system makes a difference — no more slight wiggle when docked. What I love most is how seamless the upgrade has been. I didn’t have to give up my library, and in fact, a lot of the games play even better on this hardware. It feels like Nintendo finally nailed the balance between fun, portability, and power. Battery life isn’t perfect — I get around 4-6 hours depending on the game — but it’s manageable. That’s honestly my only real complaint, and it’s a small one considering everything else this system gets right. If you’re on the fence, I’d say go for it. Whether you’re upgrading from the original Switch or getting into Nintendo gaming for the first time, this system is more than worth it. Zero regrets.

Lets move past the fact that your last gen games load much faster and play with better performance and get to how great Switch 2 games are. Mario Kart World is addicting and CyberPunk 2077 is fantastic docked and undocked, with undocked making it hard to put away. Indie games get the same uplift across the board also. Im coming from the OLED and havent been back. The Switch 2 screen is amazing and makes it very hard to go back to the OLED due resolution difference. Its lighter than the other handhelds that arent from Nintendo by far. CONS: It will get hot in the dock if tou use ethernet for some reason. Unplug it, or change ethernet settings, and its no longer an issue. This is a work around however and needs a true resolution. People say the battery life is horrible. I find battery performs same as ROG Ally. Ill be getting my AAA games here and forgoing tweaks for gameplay on the go. Mario and team play best here!

Nintendo's successor to the Switch maintains the core design that revolutionized the console and handheld gaming scene (even influencing the PC gaming scene, seen in the advent of the handheld gaming PCs that are becoming more popular across the market), with upgraded hardware that allows for more complex and more demanding games than it's predecessor could handle. Players will easily be able to swap from Docked Mode, playing on TV as a traditional console, to handheld mode (playing like a traditional handheld) by simply pulling the device out of the dock. The new joycon design also makes it easier than ever to attach and detach the device's default controllers, with a magnetic latch and a simple button release that allows users to simply pull the controllers off the device instead of needing to align the rails that were the alignment mechanism for the original switch. This allows for more secure attachment of the controllers while also reducing risk of damage when removing the controllers (or through rough handling of the device). Nintendo has added more quality of life features to the system's operating system; users will now find they cna more easily share their screen recordings and screen caps than on the original switch, able to send them to a Switch App on their phone when they can't readily connect the device to a computer or remove the SD Card to get their clips. The new game share feature as well allows compatible multiplayer games to be shared locally with other players without owning the game, streaming the game off the host Switch 2 to other client Switch 2s or even the original Switch, which is perfect for households who still own the original and have multiple players in the home who enjoy co-op and competitive gaming together. Nintendo also ads a discord-esque GameChat service, allowing the user to chat with friends on their friends list (it is, notably, limited to just those people you have friended, so no randos will intrude into your chat-enabled multiplayer sessions). As well, the advancement in processing now allows the Switch 2 to emulate Nintendo GameCube games, delivered as a part of the Nintendo Switch Online+Expansion Pack subscription service, with new games being added regularly, which at time of review includes beloved classics like Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX and Chibi Robo. This SKU of the Switch presently includes Mario Kart World as a pack in game, delivered as a digital edition from the Nintendo eShop, effectively discounted $30 than it would cost buying the game separately. If that's appealing, you should buy this sooner than later, as it will be phased out this November in favor of an SKU that packs in the upcoming Pokemon Legends Z-A for the same price point (albeit Z-A being cheaper stand alone than Mario Kart). In addition, through a mix of hardware and software solutions, Nintendo has maintained backwards compatibility with games found on the Switch, allowing users to port their games over to the new console. Some games already see a performance boost by default thanks to the improved hardware, while others have additional upgrades to take better advantage of the improved specs of the Switch 2. All in all, the Switch 2 is a worthy successor to the Switch, iterating on its industry revolutionizing design and form factor, while carrying the company and its offerings forward into the future. Already having sold gangbusters, expect companies, including Capcom with next year's Resident Evil Requiem, to happily support this console throughout this generation. Note that some games may require you to pair original switch joycons for full feature compliance due to changes between the controllers (primarily the removal of the Joycon's IR Port from the Joycon 2s). [included photos are from Switch 2 exclusive and Backwards compatible titles: Donkey Kong Bananza and Xenoblade Chronicles X]

After much anticipation, I finally have my hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, and my initial impressions after purchasing it from Best Buy are overwhelmingly positive. The entire experience, from the seamless online ordering process to the exhilarating first few weeks of gameplay, has solidified my belief that Nintendo has delivered a truly worthy successor to its beloved hybrid console. ​The upgrade is immediately noticeable right out of the box. The larger, more vibrant screen is the first thing that catches the eye. While not an OLED, the quality of the LCD is impressive, offering a significant step up in visual fidelity for both new titles and existing Switch games that benefit from the enhanced hardware. Games I've revisited, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, feel refreshed with smoother frame rates and improved load times. ​The redesigned Joy-Cons are another highlight. They feel more robust and comfortable in hand, a welcome improvement for longer play sessions. The satisfying click of the new shoulder buttons and the improved ergonomics make a tangible difference in gameplay. ​In terms of performance, the Switch 2 is a powerhouse. I've been diving into some of the launch titles, and the graphical leap is evident. The ability to play games in a stable, higher resolution, especially when docked to my 4K TV, is a game-changer. The performance boost isn't just about looks; it translates to a more immersive and seamless gaming experience. ​Of course, no console is without its trade-offs. The most notable is the battery life, which, while not a deal-breaker for my typical usage, is something to be mindful of for extended on-the-go gaming sessions. This is a small price to pay for the significant performance gains, but prospective buyers who primarily play in handheld mode should consider investing in a portable power bank. ​My purchasing experience at Best Buy was straightforward and efficient. The console was well-stocked, and the in-store pickup was quick and hassle-free. The staff were knowledgeable and shared in the excitement of the new console launch. ​Overall, my recent purchase of the Nintendo Switch 2 from Best Buy has been a fantastic experience. It's a thoughtfully designed and powerful console that successfully builds upon the foundation of its predecessor. While the battery life could be better, the significant improvements in performance, screen quality, and controller comfort make it a must-have for any serious Nintendo fan and a compelling entry point for newcomers to the ecosystem. If you've been on the fence, I can confidently say that the Nintendo Switch 2 is a worthwhile investment that will provide countless hours of gaming enjoyment.

The Switch 2 is Nintendo's latest entry into the console market and is priced decently for its performance and features. This console is larger than the original Switch, with a screen built to match. While the LCD is brighter, more vibrant, and has a much higher refresh rate than the original, I do wish they had released it with an OLED screen. Once you get used to the deep blacks produced by an OLED, it's hard to go back to other panel types. The Switch 2 is also slightly heavier than the original Switch. The upgraded processor allows games to run faster and with better quality compared to the original Switch. It does feature VRR (variable refresh rate) support. Additionally, it supports 1440p (up to 120hz) and 4K (60hz) displays in docked mode. Games that are Switch 2-specific or have Switch 2 upgrades run noticeably better. The magnetic Joy-Cons are a welcome change from the rail-based Joy-Cons of the original Switch. A simple button at the top acts as a lever, pushing the Joy-Con out slightly and allowing you to easily detach it by pulling it away from the console. The new Joy-Cons also have sensors that allow them to function as a mouse. However, I would not recommend using either of them as a mouse. They are awkward and incredibly unergonomic when not used as a controller. The console comes with 256GB of built-in storage, which is enough to comfortably hold a dozen or so Nintendo titles and smaller games. However, if you use this console to play third-party games, you will likely need to buy a microSD Express card to expand storage. Overall, I think this console will age better than the original Switch. Both the console and its Joy-Cons feel sturdier than the original Switch, and its performance should keep up with newer titles fairly well. However, access to the latest games from Nintendo-specific franchises was the main driver for my purchase.