Nintendo has got as arrogant as Sony and it's hurting the Switch 2
I've been a gamer for the best part of 30 years now and for all that time Nintendo has been one of the few constants. Not in terms of success, as anyone who owned a GameCube or a Wii U can tell you, but in terms of quality, ambition, and a general sense that they're trying to do their best and move the industry and artform forwards.
During the Wii U era is the only time where I've felt this attitude has wavered, although I don't really understand anything about what they were doing with that console. My best guess is they realised it was a dud from the start and were just treading water till they could get the Switch ready to replace it. One of their darkest hours but they got through it.
Looking at the sales figures for the Switch 2 it is clearly the opposite of dead and arrival and yet that's kind of how it feels to me. Neither of its big games have blown me away, the upcoming line-up is weak, and the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase this week was flat out pathetic.
Like many people, I started to have doubts as soon as the Switch 2 was revealed in April, when it had a bare minimum of reveals and really nothing in terms of surprises. Well, Kirby Air Riders was a surprise, but not in a good way. That Direct wasn't a disaster like this week, but it was nowhere near as slick or exciting as I expected.
At first I thought it was just me being negative, but I saw lots of people saying the same thing online, that it seemed like Nintendo was caught unprepared and this was just the best they could do with short notice. Except that doesn't make sense because they were under no rush at all. They'd had more than eight years to prepare, the PlayStation 6 and next gen Xbox were not imminent, and there was no reason for them to have to release the console in June if they weren't ready.
I know one theory is that they were trying to avoid GTA 6, but they would've known, like all of us, that there was no guarantee of when it was coming out (I'm also not sure Rockstar wouldn't simply have told them, if they asked) and in any case, better to delay to next year then get caught with your pants down.
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After all, they already had Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Switch 1. Add in a few more remasters and they could've easily scrapped through till next March (and ironically still missed GTA 6).
We could go in circles forever trying to make sense of it but both Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza feel like they were missing six months or so of polish. Everything to do with Mario Kart's open world is super weird, and they still haven't talked about any DLC plans, while Donkey Kong is good, but that camera is rough and there are few minor bugs, which I do not expect from a Nintendo game.
As you can gather, I did buy a Switch 2 at launch and while I don't necessarily regret it (I have issues with most things Nintendo has done this year but I have no complaints about the hardware itself) I am disappointed and confused.
I basically have no Switch 2-only games to look forward to this year, just Metroid Prime 4, and nothing at all for next year. And now I know that third party companies will not be picking up the slack. Even if I had been interested in anything shown during the Partner Showcase, which I definitely was not, hardly any of it is coming out this year anyway.
I worry that this is all the Nintendo version of what's been going on at Sony this gen. It's not as bad, because Nintendo isn't interested in live service games, but it seems to be the result of games taking longer to make and being more expensive to produce.
It also, and I hate to say this, smacks of Nintendo getting a touch of the old Sony arrogance. This is definitely not the Nintendo of the Wii and Switch eras, where they were on the back foot and pushing themselves to put out their best stuff, because their very survival depended on it. This is a Nintendo that is feeling pretty comfortable with itself and no longer feels it has to go all out or work to win over fans. More Trending
Luckily for them, Nintendo's bare minimum is well above most other company's very best, but it's still worrying to me. My first thought was to wonder when they'll get over these launch butterflies but I then look at Sony and think maybe they never will. Maybe this is just how Nintendo is going to be now. And that's not an encouraging thought.
By reader Granola
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MORE: The Nintendo Partner Direct left me wondering: where's the ambition? – Reader's Feature
MORE: Why is Sony trying to kill the concept of the video game console? - Reader's Feature
MORE: The Nintendo Switch 2 is the closest thing to a modern day Commodore Amiga – Reader's Feature
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Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New Mario game kept me up until 1am – it's a perfect multiplayer title for kids this summer or late nights with pals
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GREAT measure for a game is when it's so fun, you completely lose track of time. Ticking that box is Nintendo's revamped Super Mario Party Jamboree, which kept not only me but six pals awake until 1am. If you've got kids, this is an absolute dream family title. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Super Mario Party Jamboree is a favourite at home Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 11 It's a brilliant Mario-themed party game Credit: Nintendo 11 The game has been upgraded for the new Nintendo Switch 2 Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun The game actually came out in October 2024, but it's just been upgraded for the new Nintendo Switch 2. WHAT IS SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE? This new version has some extra modes and mini-games, but it's largely the same game. Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo Switch 2), £66.99 And it really is a good game. If you're new to the Mario Party franchise, it's basically a giant collection of mini-games with very low barriers to entry. You can just pick it up and play. It's fine to play solo, although it's way better if you've got someone else with you. We had friends visit recently, and it kept us up late into the night. It's moreish, like spicy crisps. Or most other Mario games. If you've ever played Jackbox Games, Mario Party serves a similar purpose. It's packed with loads of Mario-themed mini-games. Some of them demand speedy reactions, while others will challenge your memory. And some even involve physical movement – like flapping your arms in the air while holding the Joy-Con controllers to fly. If you're alone then you'll play against the computer. The Sun tries new Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart before it's out But with friends, you can take on each other – or even team up – in a bid to win. SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE GAMEPLAY The good thing is that all of the games are very simple. There are dozens on offer, and you'll easily pick any of them up in seconds. And they're all bright, colourful challenges where you'll play as (and alongside) iconic Mario characters. 11 You'll explore Mario's world and enjoy loads of mini-games Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 11 Playing with friends makes it even more fun – especially if you have the camera accessory Credit: Nintendo One fun game saw me collecting coins on shifting sands. Spiky bars rolled right at me, so I had to quickly sidestep or leap in the air to dodge them. Another had me yanking bread out of an oven – but only once it had baked to perfection. Too soon? No coins! You can enjoy a sort of 'Grand Prix' of mini-game series, so you'll earn points after a few rounds – and then see who came out on top. If you've got four people playing at once, it's very high energy. This is great for a child's party, or an adult's party for that matter. 11 It's bright and colourful, and extremely easy to pick up Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game has some clever upgrades. They're mostly tucked into a new section of the game called Jamboree TV. One of the main differences here is a set of games built for mouse-style controls. That's made possible by the Switch 2's upgraded Joy-Cons, which can be placed on a surface to work just like a computer mouse. Picture Credit: 11 It's fun for players of all ages – even if you've never really played video games before Credit: Nintendo But it's worth noting that mouse control games require a single Joy-Con per person and a surface. Oh, and you can't use the Pro Controller for those games either, as it doesn't have mouse functionality. If you have the Nintendo camera accessory (keep in mind, this is £50!), you can play three games that make use of it. It's a bit like the old Xbox Kinect camera system. One involves following physical commands, which is fun if you like moving around. Probably the best is Goombalancing Act, where you try not to drop Goombas balancing on top of your head. 11 There are dozens of mini-games to play Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun So what's bad? Well, there are a few downsides. It took me quite a while to actually get playing. I'd say there's a good five minutes of unskippable content before you can start. It's not the end of the world, but I'd rather have just been able to get going right away. As well as that, the game has a £66.99 price tag attached. So you'll want to make sure you're going to get enough use out of it. IS SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE WORTH BUYING? It's always tempting to just stick on Mario Kart. And the new Mario Kart World is very good. 11 Some of the games make use of the Joy-Con mouse feature Credit: Nintendo In fact, it's probably enough reason to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 alone. But Super Mario Party Jamboree is a great alternative with loads of variety, and sparks a bit more chat than a regular Mario Kart game. You're also far less likely to see major skill differences on this versus Mario Kart. Rather than one person always winning, you might be good at one mini-game and rubbish at the next. 11 You'll recognise loads of classic Mario characters Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun There's loads of variety so you won't get bored. And it's simple enough for basically anyone to play – even people who aren't used to holding game controllers. This really is as close as it gets to "fun for the whole family". It's not exactly cheap at £67, but if you snap it up now, you'll probably get loads of play-time in over summer. And then again at Christmas. The Sun says: One of the best "family" games out there – but it's perfect for a night with friends too. A mini-game treasure trove that will hook Mario fans, and convert everyone else. 4.5/5 Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo Switch 2), £66.99 11 Nintendo fans will get hours of fun from Super Mario Party Jamboree Credit: Nintendo All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
New Mario game kept me up until 1am – it's a perfect multiplayer title for kids this summer or late nights with pals
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, A GREAT measure for a game is when it's so fun, you completely lose track of time. Ticking that box is Nintendo's revamped Super Mario Party Jamboree, which kept not only me but six pals awake until 1am. If you've got kids, this is an absolute dream family title. 11 11 The game actually came out in October 2024, but it's just been upgraded for the new Nintendo Switch 2. WHAT IS SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE? This new version has some extra modes and mini-games, but it's largely the same game. Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo Switch 2), £66.99 Buy at John Lewis And it really is a good game. If you're new to the Mario Party franchise, it's basically a giant collection of mini-games with very low barriers to entry. You can just pick it up and play. It's fine to play solo, although it's way better if you've got someone else with you. We had friends visit recently, and it kept us up late into the night. It's moreish, like spicy crisps. Or most other Mario games. If you've ever played Jackbox Games, Mario Party serves a similar purpose. It's packed with loads of Mario-themed mini-games. Some of them demand speedy reactions, while others will challenge your memory. And some even involve physical movement – like flapping your arms in the air while holding the Joy-Con controllers to fly. If you're alone then you'll play against the computer. The Sun tries new Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart before it's out But with friends, you can take on each other – or even team up – in a bid to win. SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE GAMEPLAY The good thing is that all of the games are very simple. There are dozens on offer, and you'll easily pick any of them up in seconds. And they're all bright, colourful challenges where you'll play as (and alongside) iconic Mario characters. 11 11 One fun game saw me collecting coins on shifting sands. Spiky bars rolled right at me, so I had to quickly sidestep or leap in the air to dodge them. Another had me yanking bread out of an oven – but only once it had baked to perfection. Too soon? No coins! You can enjoy a sort of 'Grand Prix' of mini-game series, so you'll earn points after a few rounds – and then see who came out on top. If you've got four people playing at once, it's very high energy. This is great for a child's party, or an adult's party for that matter. 11 The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game has some clever upgrades. They're mostly tucked into a new section of the game called Jamboree TV. One of the main differences here is a set of games built for mouse-style controls. That's made possible by the Switch 2's upgraded Joy-Cons, which can be placed on a surface to work just like a computer mouse. 11 But it's worth noting that mouse control games require a single Joy-Con per person and a surface. Oh, and you can't use the Pro Controller for those games either, as it doesn't have mouse functionality. If you have the Nintendo camera accessory (keep in mind, this is £50!), you can play three games that make use of it. It's a bit like the old Xbox Kinect camera system. One involves following physical commands, which is fun if you like moving around. Probably the best is Goombalancing Act, where you try not to drop Goombas balancing on top of your head. So what's bad? Well, there are a few downsides. It took me quite a while to actually get playing. I'd say there's a good five minutes of unskippable content before you can start. It's not the end of the world, but I'd rather have just been able to get going right away. As well as that, the game has a £66.99 price tag attached. So you'll want to make sure you're going to get enough use out of it. IS SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE WORTH BUYING? It's always tempting to just stick on Mario Kart. And the new Mario Kart World is very good. 11 In fact, it's probably enough reason to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 alone. But Super Mario Party Jamboree is a great alternative with loads of variety, and sparks a bit more chat than a regular Mario Kart game. You're also far less likely to see major skill differences on this versus Mario Kart. Rather than one person always winning, you might be good at one mini-game and rubbish at the next. There's loads of variety so you won't get bored. And it's simple enough for basically anyone to play – even people who aren't used to holding game controllers. This really is as close as it gets to "fun for the whole family". It's not exactly cheap at £67, but if you snap it up now, you'll probably get loads of play-time in over summer. And then again at Christmas. The Sun says: One of the best "family" games out there – but it's perfect for a night with friends too. A mini-game treasure trove that will hook Mario fans, and convert everyone else. 4.5/5 Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo Switch 2), £66.99 Buy at John Lewis 11 All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
WWE 2K25 proves that the future of sports games on Nintendo Switch 2 is bright
Against all odds, a Nintendo system has finally been graced with a perfectly solid version of a WWE game. If you're looking for an ideal and comfortable way to play WWE 2K25 on the go, look no further than the recently released Nintendo Switch 2 version. Me and handheld wrestling games go way back. Whenever I had a long car journey to kill over the summer holidays; whenever I got bored visiting my nan and grandad's house and skimped off to the spare room; whenever I commuted to my first retail job on the bus. All I needed to keep myself entertained as a kid and young adult was a PSP and a copy of WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2006 on UMD (that's Universal Media Disc, by the way). Sure, this portable adaptation of the world's biggest sports entertainment brand wasn't the most feature-filled way to play, but as a kid I didn't know any better. I was just more than happy to have a way to repeatedly perform Rey Mysterio's 619 on whatever ill-fated opponent I'd selected to face next, all perfectly playable within the palm of my hands. Fast forward a few decades later, and despite the release of the original Nintendo Switch and countless PC handheld devices, I'd almost given up hope that there'd be a fulfilling way to play the latest WWE wrestling game on-the-go ever again. That finally changed at the end of last month with the launch of WWE 2K25 on Nintendo Switch 2. As someone still curious about the exact horsepower and technical capabilities of Nintendo 's new hybrid console, prior to this version's announcement I wasn't sure how such a beefy, graphically demanding game would look. But just like Jey Uso at this year's WrestleMania 41 – it overcame the odds, defied my expectations, and performs well. The era of worthy portable wrestling games is finally upon us once again, and I can't help but feel like this is just the start. Much like the initial version of WWE 2K25 that I reviewed last year, the iteration playable on Nintendo Switch 2 similarly feels like 'the ultimate wrestling celebration' for any fan. Following years of tension between previous developer Yuke's and 2K, a rocky start for new studio Visual Concepts, and a missed release in 2020, the WWE 2K games are at the point where it's tough to imagine them getting much better. From the responsive and fair control scheme to the litany of modes, match types, and playable wrestlers on offer, 2K25 very much represents the best in this already great series. I am my kingdom Thankfully, most of these learnings successfully translate to the Nintendo Switch 2. Though taking up a whopping 70GB of storage space when purchased digitally, WWE 2K25 runs at a slick 60fps in all the modes I was able to test. Of course, this does make the moments when real-life segments are played in the Showcase mode a little jarring. But it isn't long until you're back in the swing of grappling, Irish whipping, and suplexing as part of the Bloodline's historic family tree. 2K25's Showcase mode is one of the highlights, and it remains so in this newly anointed Nintendo version. The same goes for other tentpole modes such as MyRise, MyGM, and yes, even the incredibly misjudged The Island mode – it's honestly the only poor part of this package. Really, the only area in which WWE 2K25 on Nintendo Switch 2 pales in comparison to its console peers in terms of the value proposition is when it comes to the Community Creations feature. The ability to create your own wrestlers and upload them to be enjoyed by the wider WWE 2K fanbase has become such a staple of the series in recent years, it really is a shame not to see it present here. I can only assume Nintendo's policies on this online-centric element are far more stringent than other platforms. Small niggles aside, however, WWE 2K25 on Nintendo Switch 2 gives me faith that, in future, publishers will join 2K in treating the hybrid console as a series platform. Because if this wasn't already proof enough, even EA looks to be pulling out all the stops this year with an entirely revamped version of EA Sports FC purely dedicated to Switch 2. This is a far cry from just a few years ago when major AAA publishers simply spat out rushed or indistinguishable iterations of Nintendo Switch sports games year over year. With the current excitement and commercial success of the new console, this no longer need be the case. Playing WWE 2K25 on Nintendo Switch 2 I'm reminded of the ungodly number of hours I put into WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2006 on PSP as a kid. Sadly, it doesn't look like the current 2K era of wrestling games will ever be willing to go quite as rough-and-ready as that initial run of WWE games, but with 2K25 seeing the return of much more experimental match types like Special Referee and Casket, there's still plenty of joy I can now glean from performing a 619 on a dedicated handheld console platform, just like I used to. Here's hoping that the inevitable Switch 2 version of WWE 2K26 isn't so late to the party.
