Nintendo Switch 2 Review

Last week, we were lucky enough to get an invite from Nintendo to the launch of the brand new Nintendo Switch 2, and we’re still recovering (emotionally and from the caffeine). From the moment we walked into the event space, DJ tearing it up, Mario, Princess Peach, and Yoshi dancing, we knew something special was happening.

And then they handed us controllers. 24-player Knockout Mario Kart World. Yes, TWENTY. FOUR. Humans. Racing. At once. Chaos? Absolutely. Beautiful, glorious chaos? 100%.

But more on that in a second. Let’s fast forward.

We got a giant box of goodies from Nintendo in the mail! 

After the event (and maybe a small emotional tear after finishing 7th in the Knockout Finals), the next morning, we had a giant box waiting for us on our doorstep. Inside? The Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, a pro controller, a camera, and more! We’ve spent the last week putting everything to the test. And spoiler: we’re obsessed.

So… What’s New with the Switch 2?

We could bore you with spec talk, but here’s the real stuff you need to know:

• It’s fast. Like, “blink and Link already climbed the mountain” fast.
• The graphics are better. Zelda’s hair moves in the wind now. And it made us emotional.
• The screen is bigger and better! Like holding a small TV except lighter.
• The haptic feedback? You feel the banana peel hit.

But what really stood out was that Nintendo didn’t try to reinvent itself. The Switch 2 still feels like Nintendo. It’s still a console that your 6-year-old kid and your 60-year-old parent could both love.

And now, for a very important perspective…

Review from Our 12-Year-Old: “This Is My Life Now.”

Hi. I’m the 12-year-old in this family (Ethan). You might know me as the one who beat Mom in Knockout Mario Kart at the midnight release in front of Nintendo devs and the President of Nintendo America, Doug Bowser himself! And will never let her forget it.

Here’s why the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World is awesome:

• Knockout Mario Kart is my favorite game now. It’s like normal Mario Kart but better. Everyone starts at once, and every lap, the slowest players get eliminated. 
• The haptic feedback on the new joycons is mind-blowing. During the Welcome Tour game, you play maracas, and you can feel every single bean!  
• Zelda looks like a movie now. I climbed a mountain and jumped off it just to see what would happen. (It was epic.

Final rating: 10/10. Would blue shell my mom again. I can’t wait for the new Pokemon to release later this year, and I love that Nintendo didn’t leave anyone behind, which is nice and not something most video games do. Although the graphics and speed on the Switch 2 is next level for Nintendo, if you haven’t been able to grab one before the release, you can still play! Nintendo’s family-first branding still holds true.

Should You Get It?

If your house is already Team Nintendo, this feels like the natural next level. It’s a bit pricier, yeah, but you’re getting something that finally feels like a true next-gen upgrade, without needing to give up all the things you love about the original Switch.

And if your family isn’t gaming yet? This is a pretty amazing place to start. The games are friendly. The console is easy to figure out. And watching your kid scream “not the blue shell, Dad!” at full volume during a Knockout Kart final is a parenting memory we didn’t know we needed.

Thanks to Nintendo for the invite, the goodies, and the chaos. This console has officially taken over our living room, our conversations, and at least one of our dreams. Can’t wait for what comes next.