Weighing In on the Full Picture — Blue’s Honest Take on the Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal

A few months back, on January 16, 2025, Nintendo finally did it — they announced the successor to the Nintendo Switch. And for me, it felt like a moment that had been building for years. Ever since the original Switch launched back in 2017, I knew this day would eventually come — the day Nintendo would move on to its next big idea. But like so many others, I spent the time in between wondering what that idea would be. Would they stick with the hybrid design that made the Switch such a hit? Or pull off one of their classic left turns and deliver something completely unexpected? And of course: what would they call it?

Ever since I was a kid, Nintendo has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. From the NES to the SNES, to nights spent with friends huddled around a GameCube, to the motion-controlled excitement of the Wii, and the quieter days of the Wii U — every system marked a chapter in my story. So when I heard the news, it felt like time slowed down for just a second. It was one of those moments where you know — this is the start of something new.

And yet, that excitement came with something else, too: relief. Because after years of speculation, of endless fan-made mockups, rumor reports, fake leaks, and wild “insider” claims — the internet had become exhausting. Especially in the final stretch before the reveal, it felt like every day brought another “leak” or “confirmation.” It was noise. Fun at first, but eventually, overwhelming. So when Nintendo finally stepped forward with real answers — real hardware, real games, a real name — I felt excited again. But more than that, I felt a sense of peace. Finally, we knew what it was.

The next system would be bigger, it would come with magnetic Joy-Con connections, and feature a much better kickstand — finally solving one of the Switch's little annoyances. It would also be fully backward compatible with existing Switch games, both physical and digital — which, for someone who’s built up a pretty decent library over the years, was a huge relief. And, breaking from tradition, Nintendo went with the name Nintendo Switch 2, the first time they’ve ever given a mainline console a simple numbered sequel.

At first, I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. The reveal showed upgrades, sure — but they were practical, logical. It kind of just looked like... a bigger, better Switch. Not bad by any means, but after growing up with Nintendo constantly surprising me, I guess I hoped for that same spark again. Still, I knew better than to write it off. If there’s one thing I’ve learned after all these years, it’s that Nintendo likes to hold back its best cards for just the right moment.

And on April 2, 2025? That moment finally arrived. The full reveal, with games, features, and everything that makes a Nintendo system special, hit me like it always used to. The excitement, the wonder — all of it came rushing back. So now, I want to share my thoughts, talk about what stood out, and dream a little about what the future of Nintendo gaming might hold.

Specs, Hardware, and Numbers

What really surprised me — and I mean genuinely surprised me — was how Nintendo approached the full reveal. I can't remember the last time Nintendo actually pulled back the curtain like this. Instead of hinting at specs or offering vague promises, they laid out the nuts and bolts right there in the presentation. Growing up, Nintendo always focused more on the feeling of play than the numbers behind it. It was never about resolutions or frame rates — it was about that first time I rode Epona across Hyrule Field in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, or pulled off a blue shell comeback in Mario Kart. Specs never mattered much when the magic was right there on the screen. But this time? They gave us both. And seeing those numbers felt like Nintendo saying, “Hey, we know you've grown up — we have too.”

As Nintendo went through the details, I couldn't help but compare everything to the original Switch — the system that, like many, carried me through some of the best gaming memories of the past several years. Right away, the new screen stood out. The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch HDR display, running at 1080p with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate — a massive leap from the original's 6.2-inch, non-HDR display locked at 720p and 60Hz. I still remember how blown away I was when I first played Breath of the Wild on the Switch in handheld mode — it genuinely felt like magic. Having a world that big, that vibrant, and that open, playable anywhere, was unlike anything I'd experienced before. But looking back now, that screen shows its age. Compared to modern handhelds like the Steam Deck or the ROG Ally, it just couldn’t keep up.

But what really stood out to me wasn’t just the new screen — it was the fact that the Switch 2 can now output up to 4K when docked. For Nintendo, this is huge. For years, fans — myself included — have watched as the gaming community essentially solved this problem on their own. Modders and tech-savvy players were jailbreaking their Switches, dumping their games, and running them through emulators like Yuzu and Ryujinx on PC, allowing beloved titles like Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey, and others to run in glorious 4K — sometimes even with enhanced textures, improved frame rates, and other quality-of-life mods that made these games shine brighter than they ever could on original hardware.

It always impressed me — the dedication, creativity, and technical know-how of the Nintendo fanbase is something special. For many of us, these weren’t just tweaks — they were ways to experience these games as we knew they could be. And I’ll admit, over the years, I found myself watching from the sidelines, fascinated. I’d scroll through screenshots and videos online — fans showing off Breath of the Wild running at a flawless 4K and even 8K, with vibrant colors, sharper details, and buttery-smooth frame rates — and I’d think, “That’s the game I always saw in my head while playing on my Switch.” Even if I never personally modded my system, seeing what was possible always made me wish Nintendo would just embrace it.

I mean, seriously, look at what modders can do. This is just absolutely beautiful.

And now, with the Switch 2 finally supporting native 4K output, it feels like they’re finally catching up — like they’re saying, “We saw what you did, and you were right.” It’s not just a technical upgrade, it’s the fulfillment of years of wishful thinking. And for me, it’s exciting not just because of what it means for visuals, but because it shows Nintendo is listening — even if it took them a little longer than the fans.

Then there’s the storage. The Switch 2 comes with a whopping 256GB of internal storage, which honestly feels like Nintendo finally acknowledging modern reality. I can’t tell you how many times I had to play “storage Tetris” on my original Switch — scrolling through my library, debating whether I really needed that old indie game installed or if it was time to make space.

Yes, we had the option to expand storage with a microSD card, and I absolutely did. But even back in 2017, the original model’s 32GB of internal storage felt tight. By the time you installed a few major titles and downloaded a patch or two, that space disappeared fast. So seeing Nintendo step things up with a more generous base storage size this time around? It’s not just nice — it’s necessary. And it’s one of those small-but-crucial upgrades that makes the Switch 2 feel more in tune with what modern gaming demands.

The Joy-Con controllers also got a meaningful upgrade. Not only do they now attach magnetically, but they come with mouse functionality. The second they showed this off, I immediately thought back to the Wii Remote. I can still picture myself waving it around wildly in Wii Sports or navigating menus like I was pointing a laser pointer. Only this time, it’s not a motion gimmick — it’s a proper mouse-style input baked into the Joy-Cons themselves. It opens the door to new gameplay possibilities in a way that actually got me excited again.

Another welcome surprise was the new full-width kickstand. It’s funny, I didn’t think much about it at first, but then I remembered how many times the tiny little plastic flap on my original Switch buckled under the weight of trying to stand upright during tabletop mode. More than once, I had to prop it up with a book or random object just to keep playing. Now, with a sturdy, adjustable stand, it looks like Nintendo finally fixed one of the system’s most obvious weak points.

And maybe the most welcome surprise — built-in voice chat. Honestly, this was one of those features I had quietly given up on ever seeing. The original Switch's lack of a proper voice chat system, or any kind of communication features as simple as a text chat, was always frustrating. Having to rely on a separate phone app, just to talk to friends during online play, felt clunky and out of step, especially when every other modern console had long since solved this. It became one of those Nintendo quirks you just learned to live with, even if it never stopped bothering me. So, when they revealed that the Switch 2 has integrated voice chat — complete with a dedicated “C” button right on the Joy-Con — I felt genuinely relieved. It finally feels like Nintendo is taking online play and chatting with your friends seriously, and after all these years, it’s just nice to see.

And maybe the part that made me feel the most relieved — even more than the screen or the controllers — was the confirmation of full backward compatibility, both physical and digital. This hit especially close to home because, as someone who lived through the Wii U era, I know just how bad things used to be. Back then, digital purchases weren’t tied to your Nintendo account — they were tied to the console itself. If your Wii U died, got damaged, or just stopped working, your entire digital library went with it. You could buy a new Wii U, but those Virtual Console games, indie downloads, or even full retail digital titles you paid for? Gone. There wasn’t a reliable recovery option — unless you were lucky enough to still have the old system working long enough to do a system transfer. I remember how uncomfortable that always felt, knowing that my collection could disappear with a single hardware failure. So, hearing Nintendo outright say that the Switch 2 would carry forward both physical cartridges and digital downloads tied to my Nintendo Account felt like a massive weight lifted.

Finally, I don’t have to start over. Finally, my library — and the memories tied to it — are safe. It might not be flashy or headline-worthy, but for me, this is one of the most important things Nintendo could have gotten right.

The Games

I've said it before, and I'll say it again — many consoles have come and gone over the decades. Some have triumphed, some have flopped, but every single one, no matter how powerful or innovative, shared one simple truth: it’s all about the games. No games? No sale. Not enough games? Still no sale. Missing that one IP that gets everyone buzzing? Sorry, I’m holding onto my wallet. You can cram all the latest and greatest tech into a box, but if you can't show me what I could play on it, then what's the point? Fancy specs are great. Innovation is great. But without the games to bring it to life, it’s just potential sitting idle. Thankfully, Nintendo seemed to understand this from the very start. Before they even showed us the nuts and bolts of the Switch 2, the very first thing they presented was a trailer for a brand-new entry in the Mario Kart series — Mario Kart World. They put the game front and center and let it do all the talking. And I have to say, I was genuinely impressed.

This wasn’t just a rehash or another remix of old tracks (as much as I love racing through Moo Moo Meadows for the hundredth time). What we saw was something fresh — a true evolution. Mario Kart World introduces a full-fledged open-world racing simulator, where players aren't just locked into circuits but can freely explore massive environments. There’s even a dedicated Free Roam mode, letting you and your friends drive anywhere, discover hidden paths, take in the scenery, and snap photos — something that honestly feels like a perfect match for the playful spirit of the series.

Nintendo also added features that make the world feel alive, like a dynamic weather system and time-of-day cycles that actively affect races. Imagine racing through a sun-soaked track only for a sudden rainstorm to change the course conditions on the fly. It adds a new layer of variety and excitement that I didn’t realize I wanted until I saw it.

Seriously, it's the cow from Moo Moo Meadows!

And the roster? It’s bigger than ever, now supporting up to 24 racers per race. Alongside familiar faces like Mario, Luigi, and Peach, we even saw some surprise additions like Moo Moo — yes, the actual cow from Moo Moo Meadows is a playable character now — as well as an expanded set of vehicles including karts, motorcycles, planes, boats, and even snowmobiles. Throw in new mechanics like rail grinding and wall jumping, and suddenly it felt like Nintendo was blending the best parts of Mario Kart with the creativity of the Tony Hawk or Sonic Riders era. As someone who's been playing this series since the Super Mario Kart days, this genuinely excited me. Not just because it looked good, but because it looked like something that could surprise me again. This wasn't just another entry — it felt like Nintendo aiming to make Mario Kart feel new, without losing what makes it so beloved.

One thing that really stood out to me — and honestly made me smile — was Nintendo’s approach to the Switch 2’s backward compatibility and how they’re handling older games moving forward. Yes, backward compatibility is great on its own, but Nintendo is going a step further with what they’re calling “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games”.

What this means is that familiar titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and even the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, aren’t just going to run on the new system — they’re going to shine on it. These games are getting proper enhancements: HDR, 4K resolution, higher frame rates, and even faster load times. Some are even getting exclusive content as a bonus! Hearing that immediately took me back to older generations when Nintendo would release two versions of a game across systems.

I still remember picking up Twilight Princess on the GameCube, even though the shiny new Wii version was sitting right next to it on store shelves. The Wii version came with motion controls — something brand new and revolutionary at the time — but I stuck with the GameCube version, mainly because the Wii was so popular that it was very hard for many to get their hands on a console — including me. Then, years later, when Breath of the Wild launched, technically still supporting the Wii U, it felt like déjà vu. Sure, you could play it on the Wii U, but let’s be honest — we all knew the Switch version was the one we wanted. Nintendo has always had a way of softly nudging players toward the newer system if you wanted the “best” version of a game, without outright saying it.

So naturally, I half-expected them to do it again with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. I figured they’d announce it as a Switch 2 exclusive and maybe toss a downgraded version on the original Switch as a consolation prize. It wouldn’t have surprised me — it’s kind of been Nintendo’s style in the past. But instead, they did something I didn't expect. With this Switch 2 Enhanced approach, if you already own certain games digitally, you can simply pay a small upgrade fee to get the enhanced version instead of having to re-buy the game at full price.

Even better — if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber, some of these upgrades (like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom) are completely free. This might seem like a small thing on paper, but it really stuck with me. As someone who has purchased more than a few games twice just to get the “new console version,” it’s genuinely nice to see them offer a way to carry these games forward without forcing us to start from scratch. It feels respectful — and honestly, it made me happy.

While I will admit, there didn't seem to be a lot for first-party titles on this new console, one of the things that really stood out to me during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was just how much third-party love Nintendo is getting this time around — and not just through highlight reels, but with actual developers showing up to talk about their games directly. I thought that was such a nice touch. It gave the whole thing a personal, welcoming vibe, like these developers actually wanted to bring their games to Nintendo this time. And honestly, watching it all unfold took me back to some mixed feelings I’ve carried over the years. Growing up, I was always a Nintendo kid first. Those were my consoles, those were my games. But as time went on — especially during the GameCube and Wii U eras — I couldn’t help but notice all these amazing third-party games I wanted to play just weren’t showing up on Nintendo systems. And yeah, I did what a lot of us did: I went to PlayStation and Xbox for those games. And to be clear, I love those systems. They’ve given me countless memories too. But deep down, I always wanted it to be Nintendo. I wanted Nintendo to be the one growing alongside me, bringing those big, exciting third-party titles home alongside their incredible first-party games. And this time around, over 46 third-party games have been confirmed for Switch 2, with 17 coming on launch day. That's incredible!

The Switch helped, slowly but surely pulling Nintendo back into that conversation. But now? The Switch 2 feels like they’re truly in the conversation right from day one. Seeing Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition running on a Nintendo system, complete with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, actually made me do a double-take. I never thought I’d see the day. Then came Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, optimized for the Switch 2, and I just shook my head — not in disbelief, but in genuine surprise. Borderlands 4 made me smile too. I still remember watching my friends dive deep into the first Borderlands on the Xbox 360 while I sat there hoping the Wii U might get something remotely comparable (spoiler: it didn’t). Now, here it is, showing up for Nintendo right out of the gate. Throw in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Hades II on top of all that, and suddenly it feels like Nintendo isn’t just scraping together a handful of ports — they’re getting the real deal, side by side with the other platforms.

And I can’t help but feel happy about it. I’ve spent years splitting my attention between Nintendo for the first-party magic and other consoles for everything else. Now, for the first time in a long time, it feels like I might not have to. Nintendo finally feels like it’s growing up with me — and that means more than I expected it would.

The Biggest Surprise

I never thought I'd ever see the light of day

There was one moment during the presentation that completely caught me off guard — in the best way possible. Something I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see happen, even after years of hoping. Nintendo finally confirmed that GameCube games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online. And for me, that wasn’t just a cool feature — it was a full-circle moment.

Ever since the days of the Wii Shop Channel, fans like me have been begging Nintendo to bring back GameCube games. I remember scrolling through that original Virtual Console lineup as it steadily grew — NES, SNES, N64 — and all the while, I kept wondering: “When is GameCube coming?” But it never did. Then came the Wii U, and while we saw support for GBA and even DS games — not to mention a surprise return of the GameCube controller (thanks to Smash Bros. for Wii U and that now-iconic adapter), the GameCube’s library remained noticeably — and painfully — absent. No storefront presence. No downloads. Nothing. And that stung — especially for a system that gave us The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, Luigi’s Mansion, and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door — some of Nintendo’s most ambitious and unique games. This is something I’ve written about before in past reflections: how frustrating it was to watch Nintendo sit on this incredible legacy while fans waited, begged, and speculated. Sure, the original Wii could play GameCube discs natively, but every console after it dropped that support completely. If you didn’t already own a GameCube or a launch-model Wii, your only option was to hunt down expensive hardware — and then buy additional adapters and converters just to get those games working on modern TVs. It felt like GameCube was being left behind.

And just to twist the knife a little deeper, back in July 2011, a month after the Wii U was announced, Amber McCollum — Nintendo of America’s Director of Entertainment & Trend Marketing — mentioned that GameCube games would be made available on the Wii U’s eShop. That quote has floated around the internet for over a decade now. But it never happened. No GameCube games were released. No follow-up was given. And from that point on, every new console came with the same rumors: “They’ve filed patents for GameCube emulation!” “Retailers have listings for GameCube controllers!” “This has to be the time!” It became a kind of running joke — a white whale that always stayed just out of reach.

During the Switch era, Nintendo threw us a few bones in the form of remasters — Metroid Prime Remastered, Pikmin 1+2, Baten Kaitos, Tales of Symphonia. And while I appreciated those, it also felt like a quiet signal: that the only way we’d see GameCube games again was if they were rebuilt from the ground up and sold to us at full price. I had started to accept that maybe GameCube would be the one era Nintendo never truly revisited — and that was heartbreaking. Because for me, the GameCube wasn’t just another console. It was the system that carried me through some of my most formative years as a gamer. With unforgettable experiences like Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, the haunting Resident Evil Remake, the groundbreaking Metroid Prime games, and Resident Evil 4, which redefined the action-horror genre — the GameCube wasn’t just where I played great games. It was where I fell in love with Nintendo on a deeper level. It showed me that Nintendo could be more than just bright colors and family-friendly mascots. It could be bold. Atmospheric. Intense. The GameCube had range, and it left a lasting impression on me because of it.

So when Nintendo announced — casually, as if it weren’t a massive deal — that GameCube games are finally coming to Nintendo Switch Online, I nearly fell out of my seat. It was real. Finally. And they’re not starting small, either. Right out the gate we’re getting The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur II, with more classics on the way like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. And to top it off, they’re releasing a new wireless GameCube-style controller to complete the experience — a detail that feels like a direct love letter to longtime fans. For fans like me — who’ve been waiting, hoping, and holding onto this dream for decades — this is more than just another perk for the Expansion Pack. This is Nintendo finally looking back at a generation that mattered deeply to so many of us, and saying, "We remember too."

There's Pros and There's Cons to Everything

Now, as much as I’m genuinely excited about the Switch 2 and everything Nintendo showed us, I’d be lying if I said it was all sunshine and rainbows. Every console comes with its ups and downs, and I think it’s only fair to be upfront about both. One thing that really stood out to me — or maybe more accurately, didn’t — was the fact that Nintendo didn’t show anything about the Switch 2’s UI or the eShop. While the Direct was packed with games and impressive hardware details, there wasn’t even a mention of what the system looks and feels like when you’re not in a game. For me, this wasn’t just a small omission — it was something I was genuinely hoping they’d finally address.

See, growing up with Nintendo, the user interface was always more than just a menu. It was an experience. I still remember the first time I booted up my Wii and was greeted by the soft, cheerful music and the little TV-shaped channels bouncing playfully on the screen. It made the system feel alive. It made just scrolling through your games and apps fun. Or how about the 3DS? Being able to set themes, hear new background music, and organize games into tidy little folders? It wasn’t just useful — it felt personal. Even the GameCube, with its quirky purple memory card cubes and swirling startup sounds, felt like it had a personality of its own. The Switch, for all its strengths, never really gave me that. It’s always been very... functional. Just a plain row of game icons, no themes, no folders, no music — just silence and minimalism. And don’t even get me started on the eShop. Compared to the Wii Shop Channel — which still lives rent-free in my head thanks to that catchy tune — the modern eShop has always felt dull, slow, and kind of lifeless.

So when the Switch 2 Direct came and went without even a hint of UI or eShop improvements, I couldn’t help but feel a little let down. And when I visited Nintendo’s website afterward, the screenshots made it pretty clear: the home screen looks nearly identical to the original Switch. It made me genuinely sad. Not angry, not frustrated — just disappointed. Because I know what Nintendo is capable of when it comes to making even the menu feel like magic. Now, sure, the system isn’t out yet. There’s still time for them to surprise us. Maybe they’re saving it for a future Direct or a quiet update before launch. And I really hope they are. Because I don’t just want my games to be fun — I want the whole experience of turning on the Switch 2 to feel fun. I want that Nintendo charm back, the little details that made their past consoles so special. And right now, that part still feels missing.

Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room

Right after the presentation ended, the first thing I noticed — and I’m sure plenty of you did too — was the lack of a price reveal. Instead, Nintendo directed viewers to check their website after the Direct for more details. And honestly? In the moment, I kind of respected the move. It felt intentional. I think they wanted the focus to stay on the wonder — the games, the magic, the sense of possibility — rather than risk souring the mood with a price tag midway through the presentation. But of course, the second the stream ended, the scramble for answers began — and sure enough, the details came pouring in. And once I saw the numbers, I understood why they held it back. When the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, the base model will cost $449.99. Mario Kart World will cost $79.99 by itself, however, there’s also a $499.99 bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World.

I’m not going to lie — that price tag was a pretty big case of sticker shock, and I know I’m not alone in feeling that. The moment the news started rolling in, the online community lit up. Social media feeds, comment sections, forums — they were all flooded with reactions. And most of them? Not exactly thrilled.

From Reddit threads to Twitter/X posts, people were quick to voice their concerns. Some questioned whether the price made sense for the hardware. Others compared it directly to the PS5, the Steam Deck, or even gaming PCs in the same price range. And more than a few people were just outright frustrated, especially with the added cost of $79.99 first-party games and the now-familiar trend of drip-fed features and subscription tiers. It wasn’t just about the numbers — it was about the expectation. Nintendo has long had a reputation for being the “affordable alternative” — the fun, family-friendly option that didn’t chase high specs or high prices. So seeing them enter what feels like premium pricing territory was jarring for a lot of people.

And honestly? I get it. I felt it too.

The internet never ceases to amaze me with its barrage of memes

Now yes, I understand — we’re living in a very different world than we were when the Wii launched at $249.99. Development costs are higher than ever, especially with modern games aiming for 4K resolution, HDR, and higher frame rates. And while Nintendo has often sidestepped the “power race” in favor of creativity and accessibility, they’re clearly stepping things up this time — and that comes at a cost. And sure, when you account for inflation, the Wii’s $249.99 price tag in 2006 adjusts to around $375 today. The original Nintendo Switch, which launched at $299.99 in 2017, would land somewhere near $390 in today’s money. Yet despite inflation, you can still walk into a store right now and pick up a standard Switch for $299.99, a Switch OLED for $349.99, or a Switch Lite for $199.99 — and in my opinion, those are still really solid values, especially when you consider that each model offers a different way to play, depending on your budget and lifestyle.

So seeing the Switch 2 launch at $449.99 does hit differently. It’s a $60 jump above the inflation-adjusted cost of the original model — and that’s before you add in $80 first-party games, accessories, or a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. All told, the cost of entry for this new system starts to look and feel like a premium console experience — something Nintendo has traditionally avoided. That context matters. It helps explain why we’re seeing these numbers. But it only tells part of the story. We’re also living in a time where everything feels more expensive. Groceries, rent, gas, utilities, movie tickets — the basics have all gone up. Disposable income doesn’t stretch the way it used to. So when the average person sees a $450–$500 console with $80 games and extra costs stacked on top, it doesn’t really matter how clean the graphs are or how reasonable the breakdown sounds — it feels like a lot. Because it is a lot.

And when you start comparing what the Switch 2 offers to what’s already out there, the conversation gets even more complicated. For instance, at around $399.99, you can pick up a PlayStation 5 Slim. For $499 you can get an Xbox Series X. Both are powerhouses of consoles offering true 4K native gaming, ray tracing, and a massive library of third-party and exclusive titles. Or you can grab a Steam Deck, which gives you handheld PC-level performance, a huge open ecosystem, emulation capabilities, and access to a digital storefront where games are often significantly cheaper — especially during Steam’s legendary seasonal sales (I’ve seen titles like Hades, Horizon Zero Dawn, and The Witcher 3 go for under $15). You can install mods, change launchers, tweak settings — things Nintendo’s walled garden just won’t let you do.

So while I’m genuinely happy to see Nintendo finally giving fans long-requested features — like GameCube support, 4K output, and stronger third-party performance — it’s all coming at a premium. And for many people, that means stepping back and asking the big question: Is it worth it compared to what else is out there? And that’s not a small question — especially when you look at the bigger picture.

The original Nintendo Switch has sold over 139 million units worldwide, making it the best-selling Nintendo console of all time. That’s a massive install base. Tens of millions of people already own a Switch — many of them still actively using and enjoying it. So now, Nintendo isn’t just launching a new system — they have to convince a global audience to upgrade. To pay more for a system that, on the surface, still largely looks like a Switch… just more powerful. And you know what? That challenge feels familiar. It reminds me a lot of the Nintendo 3DS launch — a time when Nintendo was riding the massive success of another record-breaking system, the Nintendo DS, and found themselves in a similar position: trying to follow up on a beloved, bestselling platform with something new, more powerful… and more expensive.

The 3DS launched at $249.99, which also felt steep — especially when the DS Lite was still on shelves for $99.99, and had one of the richest libraries I’d ever seen. That thing was a monster. The 3DS, on the other hand, came out with a pretty lackluster lineup. I remember thinking, is this really it? Steel Diver was more of a tech demo than a game, Pilotwings Resort was fine but forgettable, and Super Street Fighter IV — while solid — was a port of a game I already owned elsewhere. For a brand-new handheld, it just didn’t feel like a “must-have” moment. And because of that — the high price and the underwhelming launch — I chose to wait. And I wasn’t the only one. Sales were disappointing enough that Nintendo made a bold move: just five months after launch, they announced a significant price cut. By August 12, 2011, the 3DS dropped from $249.99 to $169.99 — one of the fastest and sharpest hardware price reductions in Nintendo’s history. I remember that moment clearly. It was rare to see Nintendo pivot that quickly, and it spoke volumes about how off the launch had felt.

But what really stood out to me was how they handled it. To make things right with early adopters who had paid full price, Nintendo rolled out the Ambassador Program — a genuine goodwill gesture. Anyone who purchased the system before the price cut received 20 free downloadable games, including ten NES titles and ten Game Boy Advance classics. I didn’t qualify for the program since I hadn’t bought the system yet, but I remember thinking: That’s how you acknowledge your early fans. It wasn’t perfect, but it was honest. And that moment always stuck with me — because it showed that Nintendo was listening, and willing to own their missteps. And now, as I look at the Switch 2, I find myself wondering if we’re headed toward a similar crossroads. The launch price is high, the upgrade pitch feels a little soft, and I can't help but feel that uneasy sense of déjà vu. But this time, the stakes are a bit different — and a big part of that has to do with the world we’re living in right now.

Back in 2011, Nintendo was mostly dealing with market perception and lukewarm enthusiasm when it came to the 3DS. But today? The landscape is far more complicated. The Switch 2 isn’t just launching into a competitive gaming market — it’s arriving in the middle of global inflation, rising production costs, and something that’s now front and center for many U.S. consumers: tariffs on imported electronics. These tariffs directly impact the cost of manufacturing, importing, and selling consoles like the Switch 2 — especially since Nintendo doesn’t produce its hardware domestically. And once again, it’s the consumer who’s left to shoulder the burden. But just as we were starting to digest that reality, things got even more complicated.

Nintendo had originally announced that pre-orders for the Switch 2 would begin on April 9, 2025 — just days after their big system reveal. But almost immediately, that changed. Nintendo officially delayed pre-orders in the U.S., citing the need to “assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” The announcement came just two days after President Donald Trump announced a 24% tariff on Japanese imports, which includes consumer electronics and gaming consoles like the Switch 2. And suddenly, that $449.99 price point? It’s not just steep — it’s unstable. While Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed whether prices will go up, many analysts believe this delay was a strategic move to buy time — to either negotiate supply chain changes, adjust pricing, or find ways to offset the new costs. It’s not unrealistic to think that console and accessory prices could climb even higher depending on how things play out. For fans and everyday consumers, that’s a tough pill to swallow — especially when many are already debating if the price is justified in the first place.

It’s honestly wild to watch this unfold in real time. We’re not just witnessing a console launch — we’re watching a perfect storm of global economics, trade policy, and consumer expectations all collide. It adds yet another layer of uncertainty to a system that already had plenty of people asking tough questions about cost, value, and timing. Still, as a longtime fan — and someone who’s always been a little protective of Nintendo’s reputation for being the “approachable” console maker — I find myself conflicted. On one hand, I understand the landscape. I understand the costs. I see the improvements. But on the other hand, I can’t help but ask, with this pricing model and this level of hardware, does the value proposition truly land? That’s the question I find myself sitting with. And I think a lot of others are asking that too.

That said, I do appreciate that Nintendo is at least trying to balance things — even if it’s not perfect. They’ve introduced bundle options for launch, giving players a bit more value out of the box. They’re also offering enhanced upgrade paths for select existing Switch games, like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, allowing those of us who already own them to experience the upgraded Switch 2 versions at a lower cost — or in some cases, for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. That’s a welcome change from the days when we had to repurchase full games just to play the “better version” on the new system. And then there’s backward compatibility — both physical and digital — which, honestly, might be one of the most important features the Switch 2 offers. For those of us who’ve spent the past seven years building a collection of games, the ability to carry that entire library forward on day one is a big deal. It means we’re not starting over. It means the time, money, and memories we’ve poured into the original Switch aren’t being left behind. That wasn’t always the case. With past consoles — especially the Wii U — digital purchases were tied directly to the hardware. If your console failed or was lost, your entire library could disappear with it. It was a frustrating limitation, and one that left a lasting mark on longtime Nintendo fans. So seeing the Switch 2 embrace a more modern, account-based approach feels like progress. In a world where starting from scratch is often the norm, there’s something quietly powerful about a system that chooses to honor the past.

And again, I’ll admit — it’s still not a perfect rollout. But I’m genuinely glad to see that Nintendo is at least acknowledging the needs of longtime players, and trying to ease the transition as best they can.

The Launch Lineup

That said, one area where I’m still wrestling with mixed feelings is the launch lineup. Don’t get me wrong — launching with Mario Kart World is a big deal. Considering the wild success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch — and how that version essentially rescued Mario Kart 8 from the underappreciated Wii U library — it makes total sense. The Mario Kart name alone moves systems. It’s accessible, competitive, and instantly recognizable to players of all ages. So on paper, it’s a strong anchor. It’s a series that sells consoles, brings people together, and is one of Nintendo’s most universally loved franchises. I have no doubt it’ll be a massive hit. But if I’m being honest with myself, it still feels... a little underwhelming. When I think back to Nintendo’s past system launches, there was always that one game. The one that didn’t just look good — it made you want the console, right then and there.

The N64 had Super Mario 64, a game that was unlike anything we had ever seen. The Wii launched with Twilight Princess, giving us one of the most anticipated Zelda titles of all time.

Even the Switch itself? It didn’t just launch — it arrived with Breath of the Wild, a game that defined not only the system, but a generation. So standing here now, looking at the Switch 2, I can’t help but feel like something’s missing. It’s not that Mario Kart World isn’t exciting — it’s fresh, it’s ambitious, and it’s doing new things for the series. But for me, a racing game, no matter how good, doesn’t quite hit that same emotional beat as a new Zelda or a new mainline Mario at launch. Pair that with the fact that a big part of the pitch is playing your existing Switch library with enhancements, and it feels like the Switch 2 is launching not with a bang, but with a very confident, but measured, step forward. And maybe that’s okay. Maybe Nintendo is pacing themselves this time. But as someone who grew up with Nintendo, who remembers the feeling of popping in Mario 64 for the first time, or stepping into Hyrule in Breath of the Wild, I can’t help but feel like I’m still waiting for that moment — the one that makes me jump out of my seat and go, I need this system, right now.

Holding Excitement and Uncertainty in the Same Hand

What makes this moment so challenging for me is that I’ve watched Nintendo finally give longtime fans — myself included — what we’ve been asking for, sometimes for decades. GameCube games on a modern system. Magnetic, redesigned Joy-Con. Built-in voice chat. An upgraded screen. More power under the hood. Backward compatibility that actually respects our libraries. It felt like a full-circle moment on so many levels, and seeing those long-requested dreams finally realized?

It was incredible.

However, that being said, after everything — the excitement, the reveals, the price tags, the policy shake-ups — I’m left with a feeling I didn’t quite expect: a mix of hope and heaviness. Bittersweet, really. I’ve loved Nintendo for as long as I can remember. Their consoles have never just been machines to me — they’ve been milestones. The NES was the start. The SNES, a golden age. The N64 was wide-eyed wonder. And the GameCube? That one felt like mine — a little offbeat, a little underappreciated, but unforgettable. Then came the Wii, the DS, the Wii U, and finally the Switch, which reminded me — just when I thought I’d seen it all — that Nintendo still had the power to surprise and inspire.

So when the Switch 2 was finally revealed, I expected that familiar magic to wash over me. And in some ways, it did. Seeing Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Path of Radiance return? That hit home. The upgraded specs. The sleek new design. The potential. It was all there. But alongside that excitement came something more complicated: hesitation.

The price is high — especially in today’s world. The launch lineup feels careful when it needed to feel bold. The delay of U.S. pre-orders, prompted by newly imposed tariffs on Japanese imports, added a layer of real-world weight to what should’ve been a purely celebratory moment. And as more details surfaced in the days following the presentation, that weight only grew. The news that Nintendo would be charging for the Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour — a glorified interactive tutorial that many felt should have been included for free — rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way. Battery life estimates, sitting between 2 to 6.5 hours, raised eyebrows, especially considering that it’s worse than later models of the original Switch. And then came the reports that some physical cartridges wouldn’t contain the full game, instead functioning more like keys that still require large downloads — all while still needing the cartridge inserted to play.

As someone who grew up treasuring physical media, that was hard to stomach. Each of these things on their own might not be dealbreakers. But together, they painted a picture that felt... unfamiliar. Like Nintendo was reaching for the future, but maybe forgetting some of what made us fall in love with them in the first place.

And yet, even with all of that — I can’t help but hold on to something.

Hope

The possibilities. The joy. The wonder. Still out there, waiting.

Because no matter how much has changed, Nintendo still has this uncanny ability to make me feel like a kid again. To make me believe that wonder isn’t something you grow out of. That joy can still come in the form of a boot-up chime, a clever game mechanic, a moment of silence while standing on a digital cliff and watching the wind blow. Maybe I’m not diving in right away. Maybe I’m taking it slow this time. But that doesn’t mean I’ve given up. I’ve grown older, yes — but I’m still here. Still watching. Still believing that the magic might be just around the corner.

Maybe I’ll rediscover it in the Switch 2.

Or maybe I’ll find it in a game I didn’t see coming.

Or in a quiet moment I wasn’t expecting.

I don’t know yet.

But I’m open.

And I’m hopeful.

And for now, that’s enough.

Thanks for reading.

Sincerely,

BlueNile101

the paradigm society