Nintendo Switch 2 launch day LIVE: games, updates, accessories and more
The Switch 2 is finally available, and we're covering all the latest on its full launch right here on T3
We're gonna need a bigger boat
I wrote yesterday that the Nintendo Switch 2 is incompatible with standard microSD cards, with the console needing the more expensive microSD Express cards instead.
We've also explained a bit more about it in our handy guide on the format.
However, having now downloaded and installed plenty of new games, it's apparent that this could present a few problems. Considering the only readily available Express cards max out at 256GB and, it seems, that Switch 2 games could be considerably larger than their Switch equivalents (for obvious reasons), you might find your storage space already feeling the strain.
For example, I've discovered that the all-new Switch 2 version of Split Fiction weighs in at a whopping 69.2GB – more than a 10th of the entire storage available to me, including the internal 256GB as well as the 256GB card. If other games follow, it's clear that the days of uninstalling games and redownloading them again are returning.
It's worth noting though that Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 enhanced version of Tears of the Kingdom are just 21.9GB and 20.1GB respectively, so maybe this won't be as widespread as feared.
Don't look back in anger
One of the huge selling points of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its backward compatibility. If you're upgrading from a Switch, Switch OLED or Switch Lite, the fact that you get to play all (well, almost all) your existing games is a massive bonus.
Some even have enhancements from the off, with many games having completely free Switch 2 updates.
if you already own any of the following games, you'll find there's a Switch 2 update waiting for them. Some will get graphical boosts and even HDR support, others gain GameChat compatibility.
- ARMS
- Big Brain Academy
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Game Builder Garage
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
- Super Mario Odyssey
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
In addition, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom each have an even larger, more game-changing update available. You will need to either pay for each (£7.99 apiece if you own the original games) or if you are a Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber you can download them for free.
It's also worth checking the Switch eShop for some amazing deals that are on right now. Even though the vast majority are non-updated Switch games, you can get some real bargains to play on the bigger Switch 2 display. They also load quicker, thanks to the faster storage.
Taking control
As well as the Switch 2 itself, I pre-order the new Pro and GameCube wireless controllers (this time from Nintendo itself). Both have just arrived and my instant reaction is both "wow" and "erm..." in equal measure.
The latter is because, having held the GameCube controller in my hand for the first time since I used an original one in the early 2000s, it has brought back memories of just how weird it is.
The buttons don't seem to be in the correct places, while the D-pad is such a tiny, odd afterthought. I thought it was strange even back then, especially up against the PlayStation DualShock, it's even more peculiar against today's controllers.
Still, I'm a retro gaming purist so I'll be giving it a whirl on The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker later.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller is an entirely different matter. Even though I've yet to play anything with it, just the feel alone elevates it amongst the best controllers out there for me. It is far more sturdy and expensive feeling in comparison with the Switch Pro Controller.
And while the thumbsticks are not Hall Effect (nor TMR, I understand), they do feel good when waggled. Better even than an Xbox Wireless Controller, I feel.
Will have to now see how it plays.
Already a must-buy?
Although I've not had a lot of time to play games on my Switch 2 yet (although I've tried one track in Mario Kart World), tech ed Mike has had his console for a bit longer.
And he clearly loves it already!
Again, it's Mario Kart World that has instantly won him over. He's played it for around five hours now and is besotted.
On my own part, it looks stunning on the new 7.9-inch Switch 2 display, especially in HDR. However, I can't wait to try it in TV mode too.
All the accessories
Once you have your Nintendo Switch 2 in your hands you'll undoubtedly realise that one thing's missing. It's probably best to budget for a sturdy case, many even a screen protector.
There are a few on the market already, from the likes of gaming accessory and controller maker Snakebyte. I'm currently trying out its carry case and Twin Charge S2 charger for the new Joy-Cons.
Tech brand Belkin also has an interesting accessory available – a Switch 2 Charging Case. As well as protect your console, the case contains a 10,000mAh battery pack to keep your Switch 2 charged and ready to roll.
There are approximately one-and-a-half charges in the battery, so it could become a travel essential. It'll retail for £49.99 in the UK.
Where's Donkey Kong gone?
Announced when the Switch 2 was fully unveiled, Donkey Kong Bananza is the second of the big "launch" titles from Nintendo itself. However, contrary to some retailers' listings, it's not actually available yet.
Until very recently, it had been listed on some retail sites for delivery by this coming weekend. However, the all-new 3D platformer won't be available until 17 July.
Still, that gives you time to enjoy the likes of Mario Kart World, Split Fiction and Survival Kids for a month before it arrives.
Setting up fun!
As I've just discovered myself, setting up the Nintendo Switch 2 can take a fair few minutes. And there are a couple of things I've found out about the system transfer process.
First, if you want to transfer your system and menu setup from an old Switch (in my case the Switch OLED) you will need to plug BOTH consoles into separate AC power sources. A normal USB-C power source might not do.
In fact, I couldn't even use a Fire TV power adapter!
Also, once the system transfer is done, you should be aware that the Switch 2 will need to re-download all your games again. They will not be transferred over – although save files will. Bear in mind that some save files will be removed from your original console in the process.
It's all worth it though as you can just get up and running as soon as the transfer is complete, rather than having to set up your account(s) and game library again.
You can buy one TODAY!
Remarkably, even though some customers in the UK had their pre-orders cancelled (some in the US too), several retailers have listed stock as being available this morning.
We found that EE, Amazon, Argos and Currys were listing the Nintendo Switch 2 as available around 8:30 BST. That might not last long though, so double check here to find the links.
Having very quickly checked myself, EE is definitely still offering stock in the UK and on an interest-free payment plan at that.
It's arrived!!!
Hi, news editor Rik back again for another day of Switch 2 shenanigans and just as I started to write this my pre-order arrived!
I haven't had a chance to set it up yet (although I have put it on charge). We also finally received a review unit late yesterday, so tech editor Mike Lowe will be posting extra content through today and over the coming days/weeks.
That will include both of our first impressions. We'll keep you informed.
Let's talk about THAT display
When the Switch 2 was finally unveiled many were bemused by the new screen. While considerably larger previous Switch displays and supporting HDR for the first, it was baffling why Nintendo has opted for LCD over OLED.
After all, the Switch OLED model is so-called because it uses a 7-inch OLED panel, capable of presenting deep, involving black levels and rich colour saturation. In comparison, the LCD Switch models seemed washed out.
So why switch (pun intended) back to LCD for the Switch 2? Well, that's still largely up in the air, but according to my colleague at T3 – our tech editor Mike Lowe – the new display is nothing like the one used on the original Switch. During his hands-on session, he claims its extreme brightness is a sight to behold: "Based on my experience with using the console, it appears to be much brighter, which for hyper-colour game palettes helps the visuals to pop," he wrote at the time.
And, because it is considerably larger – at 7.9-inches with very slim bezels – that's a worthwhile tradeoff for OLED-standard black levels.
Day one games to consider
While Mario Kart World will undoubtedly be the first game on most new Switch 2 owner's wishlist (and in many a bundle to begin with), there are several other games to consider on launch day.
Here are a few of my picks (ie. I'm eyeing them up myself).
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Even though I've played through Cyberpunk 2077 already (on an Xbox Series X when the Xbox One version originally came out), I'm keen to see how the Switch 2 version stands up. And I'll happily retread the streets of Night City on a portable device.
It'll also come with the Phantom Liberty expansion built in, so that's an added bonus.
I'm a big fan of the Yakuza games and am looking to going back to the very beginning with this Director's Cut version of Yakuza 0. Not only does it introduce new cut scenes, but the game finally gets an English language track for the first time.
Superbly crafted by Hazelight Studio, this follow-up to It Takes Two is another co-op adventure that's played in split screen and requires both players to work together to progress. It's actually one of the games of the year so far on other platforms, so seems like a no-brainer for the Switch – especially as you get two Joy-Con controllers as standard.
Survival Kids
While the other games here have already been available on other platforms, Survival Kids is a Switch 2 exclusive. Also a co-op title you can enjoy with a friend or family member, you must solve puzzles together and, well, survive on a deserted island. It's also playable in single-player too.
I've always found Switch to be a great console for collaborative play, it it seems the successor will be too.
All aboard the Express train
One key difference between the Nintendo Switch 2 and its predecessors is that to expand the storage beyond the 256GB that comes built in, you cannot use the same kind of microSD cards.
Standard storage solutions do not offer data speeds fast enough to cope with Switch 2 versions of games.
You will instead need a microSD Express card, such as the 256GB version recently released by PNY. There are also similar cards from SanDisk and Samsung, even adorned with Nintendo branding.
These cards are capable of read speeds of up to 890MB/s and write speeds of 750MB/s. Even pro microSD cards max out at around 200MB/s.
Of course, those extra speeds mean extra cost and even a 256GB Express card will set you back around three to four times an equivalent standard microSD. Sizes over 256GB are also as rare as hen's teeth.
Still time to order?
Sadly, while some retailers have found some stock over the last few days, they've been snapped up almost instantly. That includes the EE Nintendo Switch 2 bundles it listed yesterday, which were available on monthly payment plans.
However, we have heard that the likes of Smyths Toys in the UK might have some stock put aside to sell on the day if you visit one of its select stores up and down the country. There are no guarantees but doors will be opening at 11am BST tonight as part of its midnight celebrations. You can find out more here.
Other than that, you are best advised to check out our stock trackers for the UK and US to see if we've found other retailers with units.
Addressing the elephant in the room...
Hi, T3's news editor Rik Henderson here to kick off our live Switch 2 launch blog. And as with many around the globe, I'm eagerly-awaiting my own pre-order, which is expected to be delivered tomorrow.
However, before I crack on with exciting Switch 2 details and news, I thought I'd update you on why we'll not be reviewing the console in time for release day. It's actually quite simple – along with just about the rest of the media, Nintendo has not supplied us with a review unit ahead of launch.
That's unusual for any major product, let alone a new games console – which we normally have weeks before it is made available publicly. But them's the breaks.
It's unlikely to signify anything – after all, we have managed to get some hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch 2 in recent weeks and it looks to be every much the Switch successor we'd hoped – but it does make it tricky to bring you reviews of any launch games, too. Even third-party ones.
Still, we're not complaining, just pointing it out in case you were wondering where and when our test will be available.
We'll keep you informed on that score (both figuratively and literally) in the coming days.