Nintendo's bigger console is almost here, get a sneak peek with us if you didn't score a ticket in the ballot.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Experience was a fantastic chance to get hands on the new console and, let me tell you, it was a delight!
First up, Mario Kart World is racing in ith some fantastic new additions, including new characters, themed outfits, new powerups and epic new maps. I obviously played as the cow and drove a delightful moped - I have never smiled adoringly at a game that much before. If you press the powerup button while not holding a powerup, she does a little boogie, and it's adorable. The new knockout mode was super stressful, starting with 24 competitors and working through maps losing 4 players a round. I came 5th overall, but Chris came 1st as Donkey Kong, dressed in matching Donkey Kong shirt and jacket. I believe a prophecy was fulfilled.
Donkey Kong Bananza rocked. The Switch 2's new HD Rumble paired fantastically with the gameplay, giving different feedback from punching dirt and stone. The 4K graphics looked incredible on the top of the line TVs that Nintendo brought in for the event, with super high contrast and insane environmental work. The crystal bananas looked so good, I wanted to simultaneously eat and create jewellery with them.
The HD Rumble is built into the backs of the JoyCons, giving consistent feedback whether in docked or handheld mode. The rumble and gorgeous designs continue in Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World...total mouthful mode! The expansion on the Switch game brings in a fun new mode for Kirby, spring mode!
Fellow SIFTER team member Chris Button wrote for GadgetGuy about the new mouse feature, "Of all the new features coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, I expected its PC-like mouse controls to be something of a gimmick...After trying the Switch 2’s mouse controls at the recent Melbourne preview event, I’m confident that it’s no mere gimmick. In fact, I think it will open up more ways to play console games that competitors will be side-eyeing with envy."
For more on Chris' impressions, check them out here.
All this, and so much more, from the Nintendo Switch 2! I don't know about you, but this genuinely made me super excited about the new console. Maybe I'll be in the market for a new console come 5th June.
Check out the big gallery of pictures below and let us know if you managed to head along this weekend!
