Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Review: A Solid Iteration with Room for Improvement

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a decent upgrade, packing in features like enhanced graphics and new game experiences. As someone who's been a fan of Nintendo for years, the idea of a new console was exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking. Would it live up to the hype or just be another incremental update?

Having tested the Switch 2 for a couple of weeks, I can say it hits some nice notes but isn't without its flaws. The inclusion of Mario Kart World is a nice touch, especially for those who have loved the franchise from the start. However, the compatibility issues with some older games were a bit of a letdown.

Overall, the console offers decent performance with some noticeable improvements. The 4K capability is a nice addition, but it's not a massive leap from the original Switch. So if you're expecting a revolutionary change, you might be a bit disappointed.

Stick around if you want to know how this console measures up in terms of design, performance, and more.

The big question with any new console is whether it's worth the money. At first glance, the Switch 2 might seem like a pricey proposition, especially with all the additional accessories and memberships you might need. But when you break it down, it offers pretty good value for what you're getting.

Bundling Mario Kart World with the console is a nice touch. It provides a ready-to-go gaming experience right out of the box, which is great for newcomers or those looking to dive straight into gaming. However, you will need to shell out extra if you want to explore multiplayer modes or take advantage of online features. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is a necessity for some of these features, and that's an added cost to consider.

Compared to other gaming consoles in its price range, the Switch 2 holds its own. The portability factor remains a huge selling point, and the enhancements in graphics and performance make it a viable choice for those looking to upgrade. Still, if you already own the original Switch and are happy with it, the upgrade might not feel entirely justified.

In short, the Switch 2 offers decent value, but be prepared for some additional expenses if you want the full experience.

When it comes to design, the Nintendo Switch 2 is pretty solid. It retains that iconic Switch look but with some modern tweaks. The console itself is still portable, which is a big selling point for the Switch series. However, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers are what caught my attention. They're magnetic, which makes snapping them on and off a breeze. It's a small change, but it makes using the console a bit more enjoyable.

The device boasts a larger 1080p screen, which is a marked improvement over its predecessor. It's brighter and more vibrant, which makes playing games like Mario Kart World a more immersive experience. However, the screen size increase isn't as dramatic as I had hoped. It's an improvement, but not a game-changer.

One design element that I found a bit lacking was the overall build quality. The console feels sturdy enough, but it's not something that screams 'premium'. The materials used are decent but not exceptional. It's the kind of thing that works but doesn't wow you.

In terms of overall aesthetic, it's a nice piece of kit but doesn't break any new ground. If you're a fan of the original Switch design, you'll probably appreciate the subtle improvements here.

The Switch 2's performance is nothing to scoff at. It managed to handle everything I threw at it, from intense racing in Mario Kart World to some older titles from the original Switch library. The promise of 4K resolution is delivered when hooked up to a compatible TV, and the 60 fps cap ensures smooth gameplay.

However, don't expect to see a night-and-day difference if you're upgrading from the original Switch. The performance gains are there, but they're not mind-blowing. The console handles HDR and VRR, which is nice for those who are particular about image quality, but these features might not be a priority for everyone.

Loading times are noticeably faster than the original Switch, which is a plus. However, the frame rates still cap at 60 fps for most games, despite the console being capable of 120 fps. This is mainly due to the limitations of the games themselves, so don't expect a drastic difference there.

Overall, the performance is solid for what it is. It's an improvement over the original, but not a groundbreaking leap forward. If you're someone who values slightly better graphics and faster load times, then this might be worth considering.