Upped game — Switch 2 is an iPhone moment for Nintendo
With the Switch 2, the Japanese video game company achieved what few gadgets can – it created a hype cycle out of a specification bump.
History will remember the Nintendo Switch 2 as the fastest-selling gaming system of all time. In the first four days following its 5 June launch, more than 3.5 million devices found owners around the globe.
I'm not one of them, though, because my test unit will return to the local distributor and I will be left with only fond memories of my son red-shelling me on the last corner to continue his unprecedented win streak on Mario Kart World, but at least I have a digital copy of the game on my Nintendo account.
But that launch sales record isn't to be sniffed at, especially in this constrained supply chain economy, and with the steep R13,500 launch price.
Just shipping enough of the devices to meet the demand was a phenomenal achievement.
Hardware is hard
In the eight years since the original Switch, Nintendo has launched an OLED screen as a midlife refresh, but I held firm to the idea that the next version would be 'next year'.
And Mario Kart World – a new, free-roaming instalment of the beloved franchise that also brings back the feather boost item – was definitely worth the wait.
You see, in my world a Nintendo Entertainment System is a Mario Kart machine. Each new version has expressed the key hardware upgrade of the new, plug-into-your-TV gaming system.
Super Mario Kart was enough to keep the company in the 1990s console wars. Mario Kart 64 flexed every pixel of the N64's 64-bit processing muscle in glorious 3D and four-player split-screen racing; and haptic feedback through the Rumble Pack controller add-on.
Magic in the water
Mario Kart Wii added better graphics and harnessed the wireless motion controller capabilities, which was the unique selling point of the Wii.
Mario Kart World is actually the first new version available with a new Nintendo system since Mario Kart 8 on the ill-fated Wii U, and the key selling point of the Switch 2 is improved graphics – 1080p handheld, and up to 4K when docked to a display.
What does this mean? A lot of water. Game designers are approaching the point of excess with sudden water sections on racetracks, with dazzling sunlight or glimmering reflections showcasing the ray-tracing capabilities of the new Nvidia processor.
Specification bump, not a full upgrade
Switch 2 is not quite a generational jump. It's a specification bump, but it is bigger in almost every dimension and the display output is noticeably nicer.
The place where you'll notice the difference is in loading times, frame rates (not a single stutter, even in an intense four-player Mario Kart battle with chaos and explosions everywhere), and connecting and detaching the Joy-Con controllers that flank the display in handheld mode.
I have a legion of third-party wireless controllers, though, so I have rarely touched the device since unboxing it – except speedrunning Mario Kart in bed last night, for science.
The hardware still retains the original charm of portable play and instant co-op with the Joy-Cons acting as standalone mini controllers and, crucially, backwards compatibility with off-brand accessories. That portability is limited to about two hours, though.
Old tricks still work
Nintendo almost eclipsed the PlayStation 2 as the bestselling gaming system of all time with the Switch. I don't see the Switch 2 cracking the elusive 160 million devices, but it's another win for the company philosophy articulated by Gunpei Yokoi as 'lateral thinking with withered technology'.
'Nintendo Switch 2 represents the next evolution of Nintendo Switch, and we're very happy and grateful to see it already being embraced by so many players,' said Luciano Pereña, CEO of Nintendo of Europe, in a statement accompanying the sales record.
'We look forward to seeing players connecting through games like Mario Kart World, sharing the experience with friends and family whether near or far.'
Just like when Apple had iPhone fans queuing for an iterative annual update, Nintendo held midnight launch events across the world this month, and not one person who wanted one was turned away empty-handed. DM
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
16 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Mitsubishi aims to increase European sales with new Renault models
Mitsubishi aims to increase its European sales by up to 30% with the help of two new Renault-based models, the regional CEO for the Japanese carmaker, Frank Krol, told Automotive News Europe. The aim is to sell 75,000 to 80,000 vehicles annually in Europe, a gain of 20 to 30% compared to 2024, Krol said in an interview published on Monday, without giving a timeframe. To save money and time on development, Mitsubishi based its latest Colt and ASX cars on the Renault Clio and Captur models. The company will add two new models derived from its French partner's line-up this year. On Tuesday it will unveil the Grandis, based on the Renault Symbioz SUV made in Spain. In September it hopes to unveil the new Eclipse Cross car, based on the Renault Scenic built in France and turned into a pure electric vehicle.
IOL News
35 minutes ago
- IOL News
Africa's struggle in the global AI race: Addressing the digital divide
Recently, Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa's Cassava Technologies announced a partnership with Nvidia to build Africa's first artificial intelligence factory. Image: Reuters Africa is lagging far behind in the global AI race. This does not come as a surprise, however, it has now been confirmed and revealed in an Oxford University report titled, AI Compute Sovereignty Infrastructure Control Across Territories, Cloud Providers, and Accelerators'. The report mapped where AI data centres are located. It claims that artificial intelligence has fractured the world between nations with the computing power for building cutting edge AI systems and those without. The report indicates that only 32 countries, or about 16% of nations, have large facilities filled with microchips and computers, which gives them 'computer power'. This revelation should serve as a wake up call to those who care about the sovereignty of different nations. It seems those who should act are more concerned about the appearance of advancement in the AI race. In Africa what we've seen so far is the continuation of what has happened in the past. Africa has just served as a shop front of tech giants and local leaders have been excited about selling global tech to locals. We are witnessing the entry of AI solutions in the form of products for consumption instead of AI development initiatives. The only promising initiative is brought to the continent by Strive Masiyiwa. Recently, Zimbabwean billionaire Masiyiwa's Cassava Technologies announced a partnership with Nvidia to build Africa's first artificial intelligence factory. This isn't just another data centre it's a specialised powerhouse designed specifically for AI computing. It's reported that Cassava plans to use Nvidia's cutting-edge AI technology in South Africa, with expansion planned across Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. The facility will be powered by Nvidia supercomputers that use GPUs, or graphics processing units. It is envisaged that it will provide what Cassava calls 'AI as a service' across the continent, leveraging an extensive fiber-optic network and energy-efficient data centers. An AI factory is designed to power others to get the benefits that comes with AI. Coined by Nvidia's visionary CEO, Jensen Huang, an AI factory is a specialised environment equipped with the infrastructure needed to manage a complete AI life cycle. It's where raw data enters and trained AI emerges. These facilities streamline the development of AI systems by bringing together data pipelines, algorithm development, and model experimentation into one optimized ecosystem. The beauty with such a concept is that it enables local data to be put into good use for homegrown AI solutions. There's a need for more such AI factories. Clearly, not enough is being done to ensure that the African continent is on an equal footing with nations in the AI race. The current situation calls for an urgent intervention by leaders across the continent. Lack of action in this regard could lead to a situation where the continent will always beg others for just about everything. The first step in this regard could focus on the establishment of an AI Fund sourced from leading African countries for the creation of more local AI factories. Some academics in South Africa have been thinking about this issue, however, little is known about their recommendations. It's about time that all stakeholders begin open discussions about required action to address the new digital divide. Wesley Diphoko is a Technology Analyst and Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company (South Africa) magazine. Image: Supplied
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
REVIEW: New Volvo EX90 packs impressive tech, but takes minimalism a bit too far
Volvo is of course synonymous with advanced safety features, and the new EX90 takes all that to the next level - it's nothing short of a super-computer on wheels. That distinctive lump on its roof houses a Lidar system that can spot small objects hundreds of metres ahead. It pairs with eight cameras, five radars and 16 ultrasonic sensors to provide all the eyes and years you might require to keep you safe if your own senses are out of order. Although superseding the XC90 as the Swedish brand's new flagship SUV, the all-electric EX90 doesn't directly replace its internal combustion sibling, which soldiers on in facelifted form. The EX90 is really expensive, though. It's only available in flagship 'Twin Motor' guise, with all the trimmings, but an eye-watering price tag of R2.65 million. Yet if you can stomach the price tag it is a relatively unique proposition for those seeking a large family-sized seven-seat electric vehicle. Design and packaging The EX90 follows a familiar design path, appearing like a logical evolution of the XC90, with smoother lines and a grill-less front end. It manages to be easy on the eye, but still suitably imposing on the road, which is a win in our book. A shade over five metres long and almost two metres wide, the EX90 certainly is big and imposing, and as a result it's impressively spacious inside. The big Volvo accommodates seven occupants in reasonable comfort. The third row seats will accommodate adults and teens at a push, but might not be ideal for longer trips. Impressively, the boot still swallows 324 litres of luggage with all seven seats in place, swelling to 697 litres if the third row is folded. Interior and functionality With Nvidia computing power and a Google operating system, the EX90 is a highly digitised vehicle. A small digital cluster and head-up display system provide information in the driver's line of sight, but most of the vehicle's functions are operated via the large 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen, to the point of being annoying.
