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Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: How Long Is It?
Game Reviews

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: How Long Is It?

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Nintendo has a history of packing in tutorial games with some of their hardware, so players were reasonably frustrated to find that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour would run them $10. But while this tutorial-focused title should’ve probably just been included with the Nintendo Switch 2, it may still be worth buying for certain folks who will benefit from learning more about their new system.

Nintendo Switch 2 Could Launch With Almost No Reviews

Whether you’re a long-time gamer or new to the hobby, you’re probably curious about how long Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will take to beat and whether it’s even worth that price tag. Let’s take a look.

How long is Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and is it worth buying?

Alright, let’s get real for a second. Much of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is just reading and following prompts or engaging in simplistic mini-games, so it’s more of an interactive exhibit than a game you “beat.” But if your goal is to check off plenty of tutorial segments and get some of the medals in the mini-games, you’ll be able to squeeze a few hours of fun out of this strange little game.

For the $10 price tag, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour provides a pretty solid look at all of the Nintendo Switch 2’s unique features. There’s a whole lot of useful stuff you can learn here, and it’s delivered in a bright and colorful package that certainly feels very “Nintendo” in design. But at the end of the day, it’s a glorified tutorial, meaning that its worth will be largely determined by whether you feel like you need help learning how everything works.

With this in mind, gaming enthusiasts who likely knew how every feature works on the Switch 2 before they even got their hands on one aren’t likely to benefit greatly from the information in Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour—though it’s worth noting that some of the mini-games can be fun. Younger or less experienced players may enjoy learning how to make the most of their new hardware, especially things like Joy-Con functionality and attachment, or even general safety.

We don’t want kids trying to eat the Joy-Cons, after all. They taste terrible anyway. Or so I hear. I wouldn’t know, of course. Can we move on?

Anyway, the bottom line is that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour would have made a great pack-in title, but it still may be worth the $10 for particular demographics. So, just make your decision based on your gaming experience and whether you enjoy quirky mini-games. As for me, I think I’ll be ripping some Mario Kart World instead.

If Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour sounds like a worthwhile purchase for you, it’s available now exclusively for, well, Nintendo Switch 2. It’s literally in the name. Don’t be weird.

.



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Limited Run Games requests Nintendo temporarily pull Gex Trilogy from Switch 2 eShop following compatibility issues
Game Reviews

Limited Run Games requests Nintendo temporarily pull Gex Trilogy from Switch 2 eShop following compatibility issues

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Limited Run Games has requested Nintendo temporarily remove its Gex Trilogy from the Switch 2 eShop.

The Gex Trilogy, which bundles together the cult-classic 90s platformer Gex and its two sequels, launched earlier this week across PC, PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and both Switch consoles.

Gex Trilogy | New Features! Watch on YouTube

But while things appear to have gone swimmingly across most platforms, the trilogy wasn’t working as intended on Switch 2. A number of Limited Run Games titles which run on its Carbon Engine had compatibility issues with the new console, however a recent firmware update released by Nintendo last night resolved the majority of these. But, alas, the Gex Trilogy was not one of them.

Sharing an update on social media, Limited Run Games said: “Since we do not have clarity on when Gex Trilogy on Switch 2 will be fixed in firmware, we submitted our own patch last week to correct the issue.”

However, due to the Juneteenth holiday across the pond, this patch is still awaiting approval. While Limited Run Games hopes to issue the patch early next week, it has requested Nintendo for the time being removes the game from the Switch 2 eShop.

“Thank you for your patience as we work with Nintendo to resolve these issues,” Limited Run Games wrote, before sharing a list of its games that are now Switch 2 compatible following that aforementioned firmware update.

This list is as follows:

  • Clock Tower: Rewind
  • Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection
  • Tomba! Special Edition
  • River City Girls Zero
  • A Boy and his Blob Collection
  • Rocket Knight Adventures
  • Shantae
  • Bill & Ted’s Excellent Retro Collection
  • Xtreme Sports
  • Trip World DX
  • Felix the Cat
  • Rendering Ranger R-2: Rewind

Image credit: Limited Run Games

The Gex Trilogy has otherwise been a successful launch for the team at Limited Run Games. Soon after its more modern debut, the publisher announced the PAL versions of Gex 2 and Gex 3 – which feature the vocal stylings of Leslie Philips and Danny John-Jules respectively – will be added in an update.

“We’re excited for European Gex fans to relive these games the way they remember and for others to hear them for the first time,” Limited Run Games said at the time.



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Where are the Switch 2 indie games?
Esports

Where are the Switch 2 indie games?

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“I would like Citizen Sleeper 2 to have been on Switch 2 at launch, but that wasn’t possible,” says Gareth Damian Martin.

They’re not the only indie developer that wasn’t invited to the Switch 2 party. Looking at the current list of titles for Nintendo’s latest console, there are very few games from indie devs. Deltarune and No Man’s Sky are among the lucky ones that managed to get past the velvet rope.

Tony Gowland from the Edinburgh-based indie studio Ant Workshop says this slow cadence of releases is typical for any console launch: a time when development kits for the new machine are usually in short supply.

“In terms of dev kit availability, there has been a similar situation to the OG Switch, which was also like hen’s teeth for a good 6-7 months after launch,” he says. Ant Workshop released its first Switch game – Binaries – in September 2017, many months after the console’s March 2017 debut.

Backwards compatibility

Gowland thinks that in terms of sending out Switch 2 dev kits, Nintendo is prioritising titles that wouldn’t be doable on the previous console. “The indie folks I know who have been successful in getting kits are working on games that are in need of the Switch 2’s extra oomph,” he says.

Into the Restless Ruins | Image credit: Ant Workshop

“I believe due to the comprehensive backwards compatibility,” he continues, “their [Nintendo’s] current priority is to provide kits for titles that don’t have an OG Switch version in the works – at least that was the impression I got when we reached out about Into the Restless Ruins.”

(We have contacted Nintendo for comment and will update this article if we hear back.)

The vast majority of Switch titles work just fine on Switch 2. But, of course, those developers and publishers without access to a Switch 2 dev kit haven’t had a way to test compatibility before the console’s launch.

Damian Martin was relieved when they booted up Citizen Sleeper 2 on the new console. “Thankfully the game runs great in 4k on Switch 2,” they say, “but this was news to me on launch day!”

The waiting game

Chris Wright, founder and managing director of Fellow Traveller – the publisher of Citizen Sleeper 2, along with titles like 1000xResist and Afterlove EP – says that they don’t currently have access to Switch 2 development kits.

“It’s understandable that dev kits are heavily restricted before a console launch and they usually remain restricted for a while afterwards,” he says. “The Switch 2 has been very normal in this regard and we didn’t expect to have access to kits ahead of launch.”

Gareth Damian Martin would have liked to bring Citizen Sleeper 2 to Switch 2

Naturally, he would have liked to bring Fellow Traveller’s games to Switch 2 on day one. “We’re really keen to use things like the mouse controls in particular,” he says. “Games like Citizen Sleeper […] will benefit from having mouse controls on the console.”

But he also acknowledges that it’s “not very practical” for Nintendo to send out thousands of dev kits ahead of launch for a highly secretive new platform. Like most indie developers and publishers, he found out the details of Switch 2 at the same time as the general public.

That’s par for the course for a new console, he says: “It’s pretty normal for things to be kept on a need-to-know basis.”

“What we would like to see in the short-term is communication and clarity to indies on what we can expect”

Chris Wright, Fellow Traveller

But now the Switch 2 has been out in the wild for weeks, he still doesn’t have an idea of when Fellow Traveller might receive some dev kits. “We have, basically, very little information on when they’ll be available.”

“What we would like to see in the short-term is communication and clarity to indies on what we can expect in terms of when and how access to kits will open up,” he says. “We’re very keen to support the platform and knowing a timeline would allow us to plan for that.”

Engine support

The good news for indies is that support for Switch 2 is already in place for the two leading game engines, Unity and Unreal. In fact, Unity developed its first game in 20 years as a Switch 2 exclusive.

Andrew Dennison, the head of Unity Studio Productions, said the development of Survival Kids gave Unity a chance to “emulate what our customers go through” and verify how the engine worked during the production of an actual Switch 2 title.

Survival Kids was developed by Unity

Switch 2 support is available through a Unity plug-in for those with access to a Switch 2 development kit.

Unreal is also ready to go. “Switch 2 provides a real opportunity for Unreal Engine developers as it has UE5 support in place from the start,” says Terence Burns, co-founder and CTO of the Unreal Engine external development studio Tanglewood Games in Hartlepool.

Unlike on the original Switch, Unreal Engine 5’s tech stack is fully supported on Switch 2, he says, “which means that there’s plenty of scope for new titles to be developed, and it’s also easier for developers to consider porting Xbox Series X or PS5 titles to the platform.”

“There will likely be a few active decisions needed about scaling down in some areas, given the still slightly handheld-limited spec of the Switch 2,” he continues, “but it will mean fewer major content changes which would compromise core game elements.”

It’s notable, however, that Tanglewood still doesn’t have access to its own Switch 2 dev kit.

A peek behind the curtain

Another game engine that has Switch 2 compatibility is the 2D-centric GameMaker, developed by Dundee-based YoYo Games. The engine is used for the Switch 2 launch title Deltarune.

GameMaker’s senior product manager, Russell Kay, says they’ve been working on Switch 2 support for about a year. “There was a lot of security around it,” he says. “We had to have a locked room, things like that, and only certain people had access to the kit.”

Deltarune on Switch 2 | Image credit: Toby Fox

“Because there was a limited number of developers granted access to this, I actually ended up doing most of the work myself.”

He says that Nintendo had a “very mature hardware product” at the time GameMaker got involved. The main changes he’s seen with Switch 2 during the time he’s been working with Nintendo have been around the “process and admin side of things”, in terms of things like submission guidelines.

“They hadn’t quite finished some of those guidelines at certain points. We had to wait until they decided, ‘Oh, no, this is how we’re going to do it’.”

In order for a developer to use the Switch 2 development tools in GameMaker, he says the Dundee company has to confirm with Nintendo that the developer has access to a Switch 2 dev kit. “We can’t just take somebody’s word for it,” he says.

“They have not opened the floodgates yet”

Russell Kay, GameMaker

If Nintendo provides confirmation, GameMaker can then unlock access to the Switch 2 menu. Naturally, this means Kay knows exactly how many developers are working on Switch 2 games in GameMaker – although he can’t reveal that number.

But when asked whether Switch 2 dev kits are in short supply, he has this to say: “Nintendo have been keeping cards close to their chest. We now know of a few other developers who have Switch 2 access, and we are working with them just now.”

“But they have not opened the floodgates yet. So we’re really just waiting for that in terms of how Nintendo are planning on opening the gates to all the other developers.”

“We don’t know what their plans are in terms of access,” he adds. “We’re not party to what Nintendo are actually planning.”

The year ahead

At launch, the original Switch became something of a haven for indie developers. Its relative lack of graphical oomph actually worked in indie devs’ favour, meaning that they could avoid competing against big-budget, graphically spectacular titles on the platform.

But the Switch’s success also saw its eShop become gradually swamped with shovelware, leading to a discoverability crisis. This has been addressed somewhat by the new eShop on Switch 2, which offers improvements like better navigation and personalised recommendations.

Cyberpunk 2077 proved to be a big seller on Switch 2

However, the Switch 2’s improved specs also mean indies will see competition from games like Cyberpunk 2077, which took the lion’s share of third-party game sales at the console’s launch.

In addition, the games industry landscape is markedly different in 2025 compared with eight years ago. Whereas once Nintendo had the handheld market almost all to itself, now consumers have various PC handhelds to choose from, like the Steam Deck and the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally. It’s possible that these will become the preferred target for indie titles.

Meanwhile, many indie developers and publishers are still waiting for their Switch 2 dev kits to arrive. “Our hope is that they get to it, basically, and roll this stuff out quickly,” says Wright.

Otherwise, he worries about the games pipeline for Nintendo’s console. “What does next year look like?” he asks. “Are we going to see a dearth of new content?”

“We’d love them to maybe speed things up a little bit”

Chris Wright, Fellow Traveller

“Is it going to take a couple of years before there’s that wider access leading to releases? We’d love them to maybe speed things up a little bit now that launch is done, and get some comms out there, and some paths for more indies to start getting kits.”

We ask Kay whether he shares developers’ concerns about a potentially slow rollout of Switch 2 dev kits. “I wouldn’t be too worried, because all Switch games effectively work on [Switch 2],” he says. “There’s a large catalogue of games already coming to Switch 1. Nintendo have done probably the best thing that they can.”

“This time next year, it won’t be a worry at all for anybody,” he adds. “This time next year there’ll be full Switch 2 games coming out.”



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Nintendo Switch 2 Controller Charging Docks Are Cheap, But There's A Catch
Game Updates

Nintendo Switch 2 Controller Charging Docks Are Cheap, But There’s A Catch

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Nintendo Switch 2 users have two official methods for charging the new Joy-Con 2 Controllers for wireless play. Out of the box, you can dock the console with the controllers attached before removing them for TV mode, either connected to the grip or turned to the side for single Joy-Con controls. For $40, you can replace the standard grip with the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, which lets you charge the right and left controllers while playing. But if you have an extra set of Joy-Con 2 Controllers for local multiplayer, you’ll either need to purchase two Charging Grips or take turns charging each pair.

Nintendo and its third-party partners have released plenty of notable Switch 2 accessories already, but we have yet to see officially licensed charging docks for Joy-Con 2 Controllers. We imagine those will start popping up before long, but what about right now? Unofficial controller charging docks for Switch 2 exist already–in fact, there are tons of Joy-Con 2 charging stations at Amazon, including models that charge four or more controllers at once. Some of the manufacturers currently producing Joy-Con 2 charging stations have made popular, well-received controller chargers for original Joy-Con Controllers as well as the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controllers.

Quick look: Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Charging Stations

Disclaimer: None of the controller chargers listed above or shown below are officially licensed. While many of them are known brands with solid track records, there’s always the small possibility they won’t work as intended or will damage to your controllers. Unofficial controller chargers for other platforms, including the original Switch, generally work perfectly fine, and it’s very rare for an accessory like this to damage your controller. But since they don’t have the official Nintendo seal of approval, this is a “buy at your own risk” situation. If you want to play it as safe as possible, the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip is the way to go. The official grip has built-in back buttons and lets you play while charging via the detachable USB-C cable.

Switch 2 Joy-Con Charging Docks – third-party, not licensed by Nintendo

Of the unofficial products, the Mumba Charging Dock has been the most popular on Amazon since the Switch 2’s launch earlier this month. It has sold over 1,000 units in the past month and has earned great reviews from buyers so far. Offering a compact design that holds and charges up to four Joy-Con 2, it’s a frugal choice at just $20. It even manages to pack in some cool RGB lights and overcharge protection.

Two different options from Fastsnail have great reviews and are among the top sellers, too. There’s a $15 standard docking station for four Joy-Con 2 Controllers as well as a versatile 8-in-1 model with slots that support Switch 2 and original Switch Joy-Con Controllers. Instead of an upright position, the controllers are placed on their sides like mouse mode.

NexiGo has manufactured a number of popular console controller chargers over the past few years, and the brand’s two newest models are for Switch 2. NexiGo’s traditional Switch 2 docking station is getting a limited-time discount at Amazon that drops it to $22 (was $25). Magnetic connections hold your Joy-Con 2 in place as they charge, LED indicators let you know when they’re ready for action, and various protections like overvoltage and overcurrent protection should help keep your controllers safe even though this is an unofficial product. NexiGo also has a model for four controllers that’s similar to Fastsnail’s 8-in-1 edition.

Take a look at some of the Joy-Con 2 charging stations below. We’ve included lists of key specs and features for each product.



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A screenshot of the protagonists from Split Fiction
Product Reviews

Split Fiction Switch 2 review: an absurd co-op adventure that just needs some refinement on Nintendo’s new handheld

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Releasing a follow-up to 2021’s critically acclaimed It Takes Two was never going to be easy. But Swedish Hazelight Studios proved it was more than up to the challenge when it released co-op action adventure Split Fiction for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC in March 2025.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 (and PS5)
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: June 5, 2025 for Switch 2 (March 6, 2025, on other platforms)

Split Fiction took the lauded co-op experience of It Takes Two to a new level, offering more varied environments and gameplay and a lot more explosive (literally, at times) action. Now, the hit co-op adventure has been ported to the Nintendo Switch 2, releasing as part of the new console’s launch lineup alongside titles such as Deltarune, Mario Kart World, and Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. But does this Switch 2 port of the co-op game manage to maintain the magic?

Mostly, yes. Split Fiction on Switch 2’s brilliantly fun, character-driven story and overall gameplay mechanics remain the same, but there’s a distinctive drop in visual and performance quality compared to the PS5. Pair this with a multitude of confusing local and online co-op play options and a less-than-optimal Tabletop mode experience and there’s some frustrating niggles to this Switch 2 port.


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However, overall, this is a solid port that’s, for the most part, well-suited to the Switch 2’s versatility. Just don’t expect the same level of polish as the other platforms.

Worlds collide

(Image credit: Hazelight Studios)

Split Fiction begins at Rader Publishing, where fantasy writer Zoe and sci-fi writer Mio are summoned, along with others, under the premise that their stories are finally going to be published. What CEO J.D. Rader has up his sleeve, though, is far from a sit-down chat and contract signing. Instead, he introduces “The Machine,” which can create a complete simulation of a writer’s world. While everyone is excited at the prospect of jumping into their stories, with each becoming encased in their individual bubble simulation, Mio is (rightfully) suspicious of the technology and gets in a fight with the staff, only to fall into Zoe’s bubble.

Mio spawns in Zoe’s magical, fantasy world, much to both’s chagrin, alongside a suspicious-looking glitch. When the writers approach the glitch, they’re pulled into Mio’s story, a chaotic sci-fi thriller full of explosives, dogfights, and lasers.

It’s the perfect setup for what you should expect in Split Fiction. With each level, you jump from Zoe’s enchanting fantasy world to Mio’s explosive, sci-fi world – one minute you’re flying dragons and the next you’re lobbing bombs in a cyber game show.

As you’d expect, Mio and Zoe are, on the surface, polar opposites. From the start, Zoe is painted as an optimistic, bubbly daydreamer, while Mio is surly, suspicious, and sarcastic. But, once they realize Rader’s intentions are (as Mio predicted) sinister, they must work together to find all the glitches and escape the simulation.

(Image credit: Electronic Arts)

We put a little bit of ourselves into everything we write. Through their adventure, Zoe and Mio discover this is more true than they thought. Their friendship grows as they come face-to-face with the surreal, funny, magical, and darker aspects of their lives that have made their way into their work – allowing them to see they have more in common than originally thought.

This character growth is well-paced, with some emotional twists that you’ll likely see coming a mile off, as the writing isn’t amazing. But it’s the visual interpretations, the worlds, and how they portray the story’s emotional beats that hit hardest. The metaphors may be on the nose at times, but they do help you to understand both writers without the need for words.

But don’t worry, this isn’t a heavy adventure. Instead, Split Fiction carefully walks the line between thrilling action and laugh-out-loud silliness. Its gameplay, too, keeps you guessing. As with It Takes Two, Hazelight isn’t afraid to experiment with different genres and gameplay mechanics here, throwing in platforming, shooting, puzzles, and more, resulting in the perfect formula for co-op partners who struggle to agree on what to play.

A clear split

(Image credit: Hazelight Studios)

While Split Fiction, at its core, is a great game, its Switch 2 port is a noticeable downgrade from its PS5 counterpart – and this is clear from its opening splash screen showing the title. In TV (docked) mode, the splash screen’s blacks are blocky, and the frame rates on the animation are noticeably lower than on PS5. Even sitting on the main menu, I spotted issues before playing, with the shadow renders on the Rader Publishing sign flickering. In-game, the visual drawbacks are apparent, too.

While the cutscenes look alright, the visuals are considerably less polished than on PS5, with character hair textures a bit frazzled at the ends and the graphics overall looking less refined and detailed. It’s not a huge surprise, given Split Fiction on Switch 2 runs at 1080p/30fps, a drastic drop from the 4K/60fps of the PS5. If you’ve not played Split Fiction on another platform, you may not notice these issues, but you’ll likely still clock a few.

During actual gameplay, there’s occasionally a clear blur when characters move quickly, and the shadow rendering is less than optimal, resulting in dark, poorly lit areas and flicking shadows. While the worlds and characters still look good, again, they’re nowhere near as impressive as on PS5. The visual refinement isn’t quite there, which can result in Mio looking a bit like a cartoon character at times. For the most part, this isn’t a huge issue, but the blur and darker areas can make it slightly harder to navigate certain areas where careful footing is critical.

(Image credit: Hazelight)

This is particularly frustrating in Tabletop mode. While the general visual and performance aren’t so obvious when playing in Handheld and Tabletop mode, the shadows are a killer. This is mainly because playing Split Fiction in Tabletop mode is a less-than-optimal experience. Firstly, this is because it’s really hard to see what’s going on on your side of the screen anyway when there are two of you gathered around the screen. In TV mode, I can struggle at times to keep track of my character and their footing, but on a smaller screen, it’s a much bigger challenge, especially when you hit those darker areas.

My partner and I struggled to play Tabletop in our living room, pondering if our 30+-year-old eyes were to blame while also questioning how anyone could play optimally on the go. If we struggled in our living room, huddled up on our sofa to try and see the screen, how feasible is it to play in an airport or on a train? This is exacerbated by the fact that you cannot play Split Fiction with just one set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, like you can with other Nintendo co-op games. Instead, you need to own two sets of controllers to play. This is great if you have another set, but less than ideal if you find yourself needing to shell out $95 / £75 on top of the game price to play with a friend locally.

The audio, however, in TV mode and Tabletop mode is impressively loud and detailed, especially for the latter. So, at least that’s something.

Play nice with others

(Image credit: Hazelight Studios)

Where Split Fiction confused the heck out of me was its numerous co-op play options. Trying to work out who I could play with locally and online and on what platform seriously hurt my head (even with the information boxes beside some). So, here’s what I eventually worked out.

Playing couch co-op with a friend is easy; just select the ‘Play Local’ option. The ‘Play Local Wireless’ option has three choices: ‘Host through Local Wireless,’ ‘Find and join through Local Wireless,’ and ‘Host a game using GameShare.’ Hosting and joining local wireless only lets you play Split Fiction with a friend on Nintendo Switch 2 who is in your vicinity, and doesn’t seem to require an internet connection. It does, however, seem to require your friend to own Split Fiction.

If you want to play Split Fiction with a friend on the original Nintendo Switch, you can’t do this online. Instead, you need to use the GameShare option to stream it to them (the quality will drop a bit more), but they must be in your vicinity. You can also use this option to play with a friend on Switch 2, where you can utilize the console’s GameChat feature, allowing you to see and speak to your friends while you play. Local GameShare doesn’t seem to require an internet connection, nor does the other person need the game, so it’s probably the better option over local wireless.

Playing online, you can make use of Split Fiction‘s Friend’s Pass to play the full game online with a friend who doesn’t own it. All you need to do is select ‘Play Online’, and you can invite your Switch 2 friend. You can also crossplay with those on other platforms (PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) by entering their EA account name. If you are using the Friend’s Pass, your pal will need to download the Friend’s Pass to their console before you can play.

The number of co-op play options can be a bit overwhelming, and playing with a Switch 2 or current-gen platform player is pretty straightforward, but I was disappointed to not be able to play online with an original Switch friend.

A solid but less-than-optimal experience

(Image credit: Hazelight Studios)

Split Fiction offers the same thrilling fun on Switch 2 as on other platforms, but don’t expect the same level of polish here. While Tabletop mode, in theory, offers the opportunity to take your co-op playthrough on the go, it’s not the most optimal experience, and you’ll likely find playing in TV mode more enjoyable.

Overall, this is a pretty solid Switch 2 port, with some annoying niggles, but I advise picking up this co-adventure on another platform for the best experience all-round.

Should you play Split Fiction Switch 2?

Play it if…

Don’t play it if…

Accessibility features

Split Fiction offers a solid selection of accessibility features. In the Options menu, there is an Accessibility tab that allows you to reconfigure the controls for Mio and Zoe. The options include the ability to change button-bashing prompts and toggle spinning/wiggling prompts, so you just need to hold the button, or they complete automatically, the option to turn on subtitles and closed captioning, the ability to skip gameplay areas, and to reduce enemy damage.

You can also remap controls and make adjustments to the camera and controller rumble under other tabs in this section.

How I reviewed Split Fiction on Switch 2

I played Split Fiction for roughly 18 hours across PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2. During my playtime, I completed the main story as well as all the side quests I could find. Having played the game on both platforms, I was able to compare and contrast the experience on PS5 and Switch 2, primarily focusing on the Switch 2 version’s performance, visuals, audio, and overall experience.

I reviewed Split Fiction on Nintendo Switch 2, playing local co-op with my fiancé using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller and a set of Joy-Con 2 controllers. We primarily played in the console’s TV mode with my Samsung Q80T QLED TV, but also played in Tabletop mode to test what effect this mode had on the experience. I tested the GameShare function by sharing my Switch 2 game with my Nintendo Switch Lite and the crossplay functionality by beginning a game between my Switch 2 and PS5.

I also tested whether I could play Split Fiction online with someone with an original Nintendo Switch by trying to GameShare and online play with a friend (this didn’t work).

Split Fiction on Switch 2, first reviewed June 2025

Split Fiction Switch 2: Price Comparison



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Switch 2 console
Esports

Super Smash Bros Ultimate & more finally fixed for Nintendo Switch 2

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When the Nintendo Switch 2 dropped, millions of fans were quick to grab the console and install their favorite games, whether it was the new Mario Kart World, or one of the backwards compatible adventures… well, unless they didn’t work as promised.

It wasn’t exactly a secret when the console released, but roughly 2% of the first Switch’s games weren’t compatible with the second console. Since then, Nintendo has promised that almost 100% of their games will eventually work on the Switch 2, but that hasn’t stopped a plethora of titles from failing to run, save, or just work with the new Joy-Cons.

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Thankfully, despite a few broken games, Nintendo has been hard at work to fix them and ensure they’re playable. Now, in a brand new update, six epic games have just been fixed.

Six games fixed for the Nintendo Switch 2

As part of the June 19 firmware update, the following games are now fully backwards compatible and can be played on the Nintendo Switch 2 without fault:

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  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
  • Capcom Fighting Collection 2
  • Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
  • Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
  • Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo

Previously, when playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online, when a Switch 2 and a Switch player were matched and someone was using the Mii Fighter, it was possible that the match would end immediately. This has now been fixed.

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The rest of the titles will now also work without fault on both the Switch 2 and the original Switch, including the multiplayer systems, thanks to the recent firmware update.

Naturally, Nintendo is aware of all currently broken backwards compatible games and is working on providing a fix for them as soon as they can, so if your favorite game isn’t available or working properly yet, the chances are it’ll be fixed pretty soon.

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Nintendo Switch 2
Product Reviews

Nintendo Switch 2 review: an evolution in almost every way

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Nintendo Switch 2: two-minute review

After what felt like an eternity of waiting after all the leaks and eventual official announcement back in January 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here. To say the console’s had a rough start is an understatement, though, with retail stock difficulty to come by at this early stage. This, plus the console’s relatively lofty price tag (as well as those of its games), means there are some folks seeking handheld gaming console alternatives.

At the time of writing, I’ve had my Nintendo Switch 2 a couple of weeks, and I’ve been spending each and every day playing its games and testing the hardware to rate its performance and assess any improvements over the original 2017 console. Despite the lack of ambition and innovation (at least compared to prior consoles like the Wii and Nintendo DS), I think Nintendo has produced an exceptional system here that finally realizes the full potential of the Switch concept.

The obvious upgrades, such as support for 4K and 1440p resolutions in docked mode and 120Hz capabilities (both in portable mode and docked on compatible displays) are extremely welcome, and grant the Switch 2 a step closer to parity with its more powerful peers in the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. Of course, the Switch 2 doesn’t quite have the raw graphical prowess of those Sony and Microsoft-built machines, but it’s not a million miles away, as we see with certain Nintendo Switch 2 ports like Street Fighter 6 or Cyberpunk 2077.


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(Image credit: Future)

Other display-oriented modernities are present here, too, such as HDR10 and VRR support (though, confusingly, variable refresh rate is currently only available in handheld play). The former provides juicier contrast and richer colors on compatible displays, while the latter smooths out framerates for more stable performance.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 at Staples for $449.99

Unfortunately, it’s fair to say that the Switch 2’s launch game line-up is on the slighter side. Mario Kart World is great and an ideal title to have from day one, but a good chunk of launch day games have been ports of original Switch games or ones carried over from other platforms. While it is great to see big hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom rock an extremely solid 4K/60fps on Switch 2, it hasn’t been the most fulsome launch if you’re coming at it from a strictly first-party point of view.

Thankfully, the Switch 2 breathes life into original Switch titles via impressive backwards compatibility. I’ll delve more into this in its own section, but I’ve seen monumental results playing some of my own Switch favorites on the new console – some of which Nintendo itself hasn’t even officially mentioned.

There are some downsides worth talking about, of course. For one, battery life is sorely lacking in handheld mode and feels like an abject downgrade compared to the original Switch models. I also clocked some very noticeable audio delay with multiple gaming headsets and earbuds via Bluetooth connection. Furthermore, the skeleton of the original Switch is still present in many ways, with an almost identical Home dashboard, a lack of customization, and the ongoing threat of drift prevailing in the new Joy-Con 2 controllers.

Still, the Switch 2 is an accomplished bit of kit, and one that provides a night and day upgrade over its eight-year-old predecessor. I’m definitely looking forward to its game library expanding, as well as the system itself receiving various quality-of-life upgrades via future firmware updates.

Nintendo Switch 2: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

The Nintendo Switch 2 went on sale on June 5, 2025. The console by itself costs $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95. There is also an official bundle that packs in a digital copy of Mario Kart World alongside the console for $499.99 / £429.99 / AU$769.95. Some US and UK retailers have also stocked their own bundles, often throwing in an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers or Nintendo Switch Online subscription time, but you can expect to pay a premium for these.

Price-wise, though, the Nintendo Switch 2 (while certainly more expensive than its predecessor) falls about in line with similar contemporary handheld gaming devices, including the original Steam Deck ($399 / £349 / AU$649) and the Asus ROG Ally ($549.99 / £449 / AU$999). Premium devices like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally X are even more expensive, positioning the Switch 2 at a relatively mid-range price point among gaming handhelds, but certainly on the more affordable side within the space.

In terms of home consoles, the Switch 2 does come in cheaper than the PS5 ($499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95) and lands in the same ballpark as the PS5 Digital Edition ($399.99 / £389.99 / AU$649.95). It’s also comparable in price to the Xbox Series X Digital Edition ($449.99 / £429.99 / AU$699).

It’s also worth noting that Nintendo Switch 2 stock has been an ongoing issue since the pre-order phase. At launch, it’s been incredibly difficult to purchase a Switch 2 at retail, and flashes of stock in all major regions come and go in an instant. However, this was also the case with the original Switch and competing systems like the PS5. In both cases, stock became much more plentiful in the months after launch, so I’m hoping the same is true for Nintendo’s latest.

Nintendo Switch 2: specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Price

$429.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95

Weight

1.18lbs / 535g (with Joy-Con 2 attached)

Dimensions

10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm

Storage capacity

256GB internal

Storage expansion

microSD Express

Connectivity

WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth

Display

Vivid LCD

Resolution (docked)

Up to 4K

Resolution (handheld)

Up to 1080p

GPU

Custom Nvidia processor

CPU

Custom Nvidia processor

Battery life

2-5 hours

Ports

2 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

Nintendo Switch 2: design and build quality

(Image credit: Future)

What’s most striking about the Nintendo Switch 2 out of the box is its look and build quality improvements over its predecessor. The console looks distinctly less toy-like, largely helped by an overall sleeker design and the ditching of the original Joy-Con’s neon red/blue aesthetic.

Some may lament the loss of whimsy, and that’s fair enough. But it nonetheless stands out amongst the busy gaming handheld crowd. The Switch 2, despite its increased size, remains impressively slim. In fact, it’s just as thin as the original Switch, and importantly, lacks the bulk of the likes of the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally X. This means that even though it is bigger thanks to the larger display size, it remains an eminently portable console.

Though I would recommend investing in a carry case if you’re planning on taking your Switch 2 out and about. While it’s undoubtedly sturdier than the Switch, it’s still prone to the same environmental wear and tear of any handheld system.

The Switch 2 dock has also seen a size increase, but for good reason. This time, the dock houses an internal fan to help keep the unit cool during lengthy play sessions. Thankfully, the dock is still small enough to fit into even the most compact gaming spaces. Whether that be on a TV stand or your computer desk, or elsewhere, you should have little issue incorporating your Switch 2 into a docked setup. The dock also houses two USB ports, one ethernet port, and a HDMI slot for use on TVs or gaming monitors.

(Image credit: Future)

As for the handheld itself, there’s a lot to go over in terms of design. The unit now houses two USB-C ports – one on the top and the other at the bottom. Next to each port are sets of speakers. At the top, you’ll also find the power and volume buttons, as well as the game card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a built-in microphone.

The Switch 2’s kickstand is a huge improvement. The 2017 model had a simple stub kickstand on one side, which felt extremely rigid. The Switch OLED did widen this design idea, but it wasn’t much better overall. On Switch 2, the kickstand has been entirely redesigned. It spans almost the entire length of the handheld and can be rotated to a much greater degree. This allows for greater freedom with how you place your Switch 2 on a surface for tabletop play.

Another massive improvement comes in how the Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the handheld. Instead of the original Switch’s rigid rail system, the Switch 2 opts for a magnetic connection. As such, the Joy-Con 2 click into place seamlessly and instantaneously. You can also easily pop them back out by pushing in a button housed just underneath the ZL/ZR trigger buttons.

One last thing to note is that the Switch 2 is impressively lightweight. At just 1.18lbs (535g), it’s only marginally heavier than the original Switch, which was 0.88lbs (399g), and the Switch OLED’s 0.93lbs (422g). Admittedly, I was expecting something much heavier before my hands-on preview some months ago, but I remain pleasantly surprised by the Switch 2’s slimness. And when compared to the bulkier Steam Deck OLED’s 1.41lbs (640g), playing with Switch 2 in bed or on the go is less strenuous overall.

Nintendo Switch 2: display

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike the namesake screen of the Switch OLED, Nintendo has opted for an LCD display for the Switch 2. This may come across as a downgrade on paper, but in reality, the move back to LCD has its own advantages. For one, LCD is less prone to screen burn-in than OLED, allowing for a panel that should last longer.

I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2’s display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original’s 720p LCD screen.

Furthermore, Nintendo has still managed to ensure that your games still look crisp and vividly colorful during portable play. Nintendo describes its display as ‘Vivid LCD,’ and it’s an accurate description to say the least. The display supports HDR10, meaning games that support this screen tech (like Super Mario Odyssey and the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond) can be just as eye-poppingly colorful on the handheld as they would be on a larger OLED panel.

This 1080p screen also supports VRR (variable refresh rate), helping demanding games maintain a smooth framerate and helping 120Hz-compatible titles meet that target. At launch, there aren’t many games that benefit from the Switch 2 screen’s 120Hz capability, though Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed to have a 1080p performance mode that targets this high refresh rate. It’s bound to look stunning on the handheld that already has a native 1080p resolution.

Of course, there will be times when you won’t want to make use of HDR10, perhaps in order to save battery or to have a play experience that’s less demanding on the eyes. Nintendo has thankfully thought of this, and there are options in the settings menu to disable HDR entirely or to only enable it for true HDR-compatible games.

In my testing, I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2’s display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original’s 720p LCD screen. The jump to 1080p helps both Switch 2 and OG Switch games look incredibly sharp. Even titles that utilize a dynamic resolution in handheld mode – like Bayonetta 3 and Astral Chain – are better able to meet this target thanks to the increased power of the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2: user interface and settings

(Image credit: Future)

The Switch 2’s Home dashboard is a disappointment at first glance. In fact, you might not be able to tell it apart from the original console’s menu if it weren’t for the rounded edges applied to game icons on the Switch 2. It’s still aggressively bland, then, and you’ve still only got the choice between two basic white and black themes, but there have been some key improvements worth talking about.

The big thing to make note of is performance. Issues with the glacial input delay are practically nonexistent now, and nowhere is this more apparent than the revamped Nintendo eShop. There’s a completely new user interface here, and items are organized much more cleanly and smartly than before. And while, yes, you still won’t be escaping the mountains of genAI shovelware when looking through the deals section, I’d still argue that the eShop now is a good deal more responsive than even the PlayStation and Microsoft Stores.

Over to System Settings, then, and you’ll find much of what was available on the original Switch. On Switch 2, there are plenty more options to take advantage of the hardware’s new features. These include setting TV output to 1440p or 4K, fine-tuning HDR, as well as preventing your system from topping up its battery all the way to full in order to help the battery last longer in the years to come. A similar option is common with best iPhones and best Android smartphones, so it’s nice to see it here on a portable gaming device.

Nintendo Switch 2: audio

(Image credit: Future)

One important addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 is the implementation of a bespoke surround sound system, supported by the speakers on both the top and bottom of the handheld.

What impressed me the most here was the surprising level of audio quality when not using a pair of headphones in handheld mode. The speakers are significantly less tinny than the original Switch (though that did also see an improvement with the OLED model), and they provide surprisingly clear audio for such a compact device.

The speakers work great for a wide range of games, whether that’s the vast immersive soundscape of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or the infectiously catchy tunes of Splatoon 3. Even older NES and SNES games that are playable via Nintendo Switch Online benefit, with their simpler melodies coming through with great clarity.

Bluetooth support is where the Switch 2 falters in the audio department. Don’t get me wrong, you’re still getting strong surround sound support here. But with the gaming headsets and earbuds I tested – including the RIG 900 Max HS and the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds – there was a very noticeable audio delay of around half a second. This was the case in both docked and handheld modes, though it was certainly more pronounced with the latter.

On that note, I’d recommend hooking up a pair of wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack. In this case, I tested my Razer BlackShark V2 headphones, and audio came through crystal clear without a hint of delay.

Nintendo Switch 2: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

Now, overall gaming performance is where the Nintendo Switch 2 really impresses. At least at this early stage in the console’s life, the notion of poor framerates and heavily compromised Nintendo Switch ports seems to be a thing of the past.

Nintendo’s own output has thus far been stellar on this front. Mario Kart World runs at a clean 1440p while docked (1080p on the handheld) at a solid 60 frames per second (fps) at all times. That’s especially impressive given the series’ shift to a vibrant open world.

However, I was even more surprised by some of the console’s ports. Street Fighter 6, for example (while slightly worse off in terms of image quality with some noticeable graining), runs superbly at 60fps both online and offline. The marquee single-player World Tour mode does take some hits with battles being locked to 30fps, but that’s the only real blemish on this otherwise exceptional port.

The one major downside to all this is the Switch 2’s shockingly poor battery life. In handheld mode, Nintendo itself estimates that you can get anywhere between two to six and a half hours. However, in all my testing, I simply didn’t find this to be the case. Of course, more demanding titles will drain the battery a good deal more, but even with original Switch games, I struggled to get more than three hours at full charge. And yes, that’s even after bypassing the bug where the console thinks it’s got around 10% less battery life than what it actually has.

Even when playing less demanding titles, such as side-scrollers or Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) retro games, battery life struggles. You can, of course, mitigate things by turning down the console’s brightness and disabling HDR for certain games, but this does come at the cost of overall image clarity.

I’d say, at a push, you can get around five hours tops with less visually demanding games, after testing titles like Hollow Knight, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, and numerous Switch Online classic titles. Heck, even idling on the Home dashboard seems to drain the battery at an alarming clip, so do make sure to keep your console in standby when you’re out and about and it’s not in use.

Nintendo Switch 2: Backwards compatibility

(Image credit: Future)

Nintendo Switch 2’s backwards compatibility is – in a word – excellent. Particularly when it comes to running and playing original Switch games. Firstly, most Switch games at a baseline level benefit from Switch 2’s faster internal storage. That means you can expect games to boot and load scenes much faster on average.

For example, booting Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition took me from the Home dashboard to the in-game menu in around 4 seconds. Then, from the menu to in-game was roughly 10 seconds. It’s a similar story with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which loads into a match in literally less than 3 seconds. Another standout example is Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, which I’ve already written about as being one of my favorite Switch 2 experiences so far, despite being an original Switch title. In the main story mode, the game transitioned from level selection to loading to gameplay in, again, around 3 or 4 seconds.

Many Switch games also benefit from an increase in image quality and overall performance, not just games that have received paid Nintendo Switch 2 Editions. The standout example here is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Most would agree that the original Switch release was a mess, with horrific image quality and choppy animations. On Switch 2, the game has been transformed, rocking a solid 60fps and targeting 4K while docked and 1080p on the handheld. Now, the game’s overall art style still does feel a bit flat, but with its key performance issues solved on Switch 2, it’s now well worth playing, as it’s still a fine Pokémon adventure.

Another game that benefits is, again, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. That game originally had an uncapped framerate, meaning the Switch 2 is able to brute force a 60fps performance at all times. Image quality in handheld mode is also sublime, with the game sporting a 1080p output and no longer needing to downsample to 720p to fit the original Switch display. If you know of any other OG Switch titles with uncapped framerates, definitely give them a try on Switch 2, as the results may surprise you.

Nintendo Switch 2: Joy-Con 2

(Image credit: Future)

Now onto the Switch 2’s pack-in controllers – the Joy-Con 2. And again, we find a pretty sizable improvement over the previous model in some ways. Their overall design is much sleeker, and they’re slightly rounder than the original Joy-Con controllers. Their larger size also makes them much more comfortable to play with for longer sessions – even when sharing an individual Joy-Con 2 with a pal for co-op play.

The big addition here is mouse controls, which are supported by certain titles, including Civilization 7 and Cyberpunk 2077. Mouse controls can also be used to navigate the Switch 2’s Home dashboard and Nintendo eShop (though the lack of a scroll wheel does hurt things a little here). It’s a very smart implementation, and performance is extremely smooth with no unnecessary acceleration. You can even adjust mouse sensitivity in the System Settings menu and in supported games.

It is worth mentioning that there have already been reports of Joy-Con 2 controllers suffering from stick drift, and the sticks themselves appear to have the same design as the originals.

This is a huge shame and a big disappointment, as one of my biggest concerns before launch was the lack of improvements in this regard. Nintendo does offer a free repair and replacement service for Joy-Con 2 controllers suffering from stick drift, but I’d obviously prefer a Hall effect solution in order to avoid this issue entirely.

Nintendo Switch 2: GameChat

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, Nintendo has a true party voice chat solution built into one of its consoles. While numerous titles on the original Switch supported voice chat via the official Nintendo Switch Online app, chatting with friends this way was nothing short of awful – often thanks to forced disconnections between matches and low-quality audio.

So, is GameChat a decent alternative to the likes of Discord? Well, yes and no. GameChat obviously takes great inspiration from the world’s leading group chat software. Audio quality via the Switch 2’s built-in mic is surprisingly clear, and headset microphones are also supported. It is objectively a big improvement over Nintendo’s prior efforts.

The problems come with its implementation. Namely, shrinking the game screen down in order to display your friends’ Switch 2 profile icons. This seems needless, especially when not using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory, not to mention the fact that GameChat adds massive black borders around your game screen. Discord already solved this with its simple and effective overlay that maintains image resolution while displaying profile icons off to the side in a semi-transparent manner.

GameChat isn’t lacking ambition, though, and there are some neat ideas here. For example, being able to see your friends’ game screens is a novel idea, and a neat way of translating split-screen play in an online space. The problem, again, is the execution of it. Your friends’ displays are rendered at an uncomfortably low framerate, to the point where it can actually be quite distracting.

I hope Nintendo continues to improve the GameChat service going forward and flesh it out with more customizable options, because it is a handy thing to have for party chat with friends online, and it does have some neat ideas of its own. But for now, I would still recommend setting up a chat with friends via Discord.

Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider…

If the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t quite for you, or if you simply can’t find stock for the currently hard-to-get console, here are a couple of alternatives that might better suit your preferences.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0

Nintendo Switch 2

Steam Deck OLED

Asus ROG Ally X

Price

$429.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95

$549 / £479 (around AU$849)

$799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599

Weight

1.18lbs / 535g

1.41lbs / 640g

1.49lbs / 678g

Dimensions

10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm

11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9in / 298 x 117 x 49mm

11 x 4.5 x 1.5in / 280.2 x 114 x 37mm

Storage capacity

256GB internal

512GB NVMe SSD

1TB M.2 2280 SSD

Storage expansion

microSD Express

microSD

microSD

Connectivity

WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth

Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Display

7.9in Vivid LCD

7.4in OLED

7-inch FHD

Resolution

4K docked, 1080p handheld

1080p

1080p

CPU

Custom Nvidia processor

AMD Zen 2 four core 2.4-3.5GHz

AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

GPU

Custom Nvidia processor

AMD RDNA 2

AMD Radeon Graphics

Battery life

2-5 hours

2-3 hours

Around 8 hours

Ports

2 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

1 x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD

2x USB-C, 1 x combo jack, 1 x SD card reader slot

How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2

I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 for just over two weeks for this review. In docked mode, I played on a 4K-capable LG CX OLED TV, but I also split my time evenly between docked and handheld play. My picks for controllers during my testing were the Joy-Con 2, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the wireless Nintendo GameCube Controller for use with the new GameCube classics library via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

My testing also involved playing a whole bunch of Switch 2 and original Switch games. These include Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Deltarune, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition.

I also compared the Switch 2’s gaming performance to that of the base PS5 and the Switch OLED. While it does lack the sheer power of the former, it’s not too far off the mark as we see with some of the Switch 2’s excellent ports. And in the case of the latter, it’s no contest, and I found it exceptionally hard to revisit my older Switch especially when the new system is almost fully backwards compatible.

For audio, I mostly relied on the Switch 2 handheld’s in-built speakers, but tested headset audio with the RIG 900 Max HS, Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, and the Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset.

Today’s best Nintendo Switch 2 deals

Nintendo Switch 2: Price Comparison



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Nintendo Switch 2 Third-Party Developer Claims That Sales Were "Below Our Lowest Estimates"
Game Updates

Nintendo Switch 2 Third-Party Developer Claims That Sales Were “Below Our Lowest Estimates”

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One third-party Nintendo Switch 2 game developer told The Game Business that sales numbers were “below our lowest estimates,” highlighting the lukewarm performance of third-party launch titles in the first two weeks of the Switch 2’s lifespan.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup consisted of a healthy number of third-party titles, including Konami’s Survival Kids, Square Enix’s Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077, and more. According to data from Circana, cited by The Game Business, 81% of physical Nintendo Switch 2 game sales were for first-party titles, such as Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. NielsenIQ reports Cyberpunk 2077 has been the best-selling third-party game on Switch 2 so far, while Circana’s data reveals Sega is the third-biggest Switch 2 game publisher.

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Now Playing: Every Switch 2 Launch Game

Circana executive director Mat Piscatella posted on Bluesky that “Third party unit share of Switch 2 physical software during week 1 reached just shy of 40%,” which is almost double what third-party games did at the launch of the Switch 1. The Game Business did point out that improvement over the performance of third-party games on the original Switch, but also explains that “it’s hard to describe these statistics as positive.” That’s understandable, considering the Switch 2 has had one of the most successful console launches of all time, yet an anonymous publisher is claiming that even its lowest estimates overestimated how well third-party games would do on Switch 2.

The release of this information has caused discussions over the negative impact of Game-Key Cards, which are physical game cartridges that don’t contain a game’s full data and still require a download. Kelsey Lewin, owner of Seattle game retailer Pink Gorilla Games, said on Bluesky that Game-Key Card sales have flagged. “We had very low expectations carrying these in-store but can anecdotally confirm: no one is buying these,” Lewin wrote

Niko Partners director of research and insights Daniel Ahmad is less bullish on the idea that Game-Key Cards had a negative impact on third-party Switch 2 sales. “I hate to break it to people, but the ‘I refuse to buy a game for my Nintendo Switch 2 if the physical version is not on the cart’ crowd are both a minority today and will be an even smaller minority in five years,” he posted on X.

While the third-party numbers on Switch 2 aren’t very promising thus far, we’ll see how these games perform in the coming months and years as more brand-new games come to the platform.



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Switch 2 third-party sales reportedly mostly "very low" despite record-breaking console launch
Game Reviews

Switch 2 third-party sales reportedly mostly “very low” despite record-breaking console launch

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Switch 2 has got off to a flying start, with Nintendo proudly trumpeting the console as its “fastest-selling hardware ever” just days after launch. But while things are looking rosy for Nintendo, a new report suggests third-party titles have so far struggled, with one third-party publisher saying sales have been “below our lowest estimates”.


That’s according to TheGameBusiness’ Chris Dring, who collated some pertinent sales figures surrounding Switch 2’s launch in his latest newsletter. The key numbers are that 48 percent of physical game sales in the UK (and 62 percent of physical game sales in the US) were first-party titles, if Switch 2’s Mario Kart World bundle is excluded; but if it’s not, 86 percent of Switch 2 physical game sales in the UK were for first-party titles. Nintendo, for context, had three titles available physically at launch: Mario Kart World, plus Switch 2 editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom; third-parties released a total of 13 physical games.


Dring notes Switch 2’s figures are an improvement compared to the original Switch’s launch, where 89 percent of UK physical sales were from first-party games, but adds that “most third-party Switch 2 games posted very low numbers”, despite the availability of some big names, including Civilization 7, Split Fiction, Street Fighter, and Hogwarts Legacy (the report’s source, NielsenIQ, does not publicly release video game sales data).

Cyberpunk 2077 did “reasonable numbers” on Switch 2.Watch on YouTube


Speaking to TheGameBusiness, one unnamed third-party publisher painted a bleak picture of its Switch 2 launch sales, saying they’d been “below our lowest estimates”. However, not every third-party release has struggled. Dring says CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 was the “best-selling third-party game during the launch of Switch 2”, and did “reasonable numbers”.


Dring highlights the fact CD Projekt was one of the few publishers not to opt for Nintendo’s controversial Game Key Cards, which require full downloads to play, and quotes CD Projekt’s Jan Rosner as having previously said, “Do not underestimate the physical edition. It’s not going anywhere and Nintendo players are very appreciative of physical editions that are done right.”


As to why most third-parties have got off to a slow start on Switch 2, Dring suggests a number of reasons in his analysis; there’s the console’s enhanced backward compatibility, for starters, meaning many players (we’ve got some of them here) are likely also delving into the original Switch’s impressive back catalogue right now. That’s alongside a lack of reviews covering third-party games given Nintendo’s decision not to provide early consoles to press, and it’s hard to ignore the fact almost all third-party Switch 2 titles are ports of older games, which many core players have likely already experienced elsewhere.


Despite all this, Dring says many major publishers have told him Nintendo is “actively trying to push third-party games this time around”, so the hope will obviously be that sales pick up once players have had their fill of Mario Kart World. Notable confirmed third-party titles still to release include EA Sports Madden 26 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, while Nintendo’s big hitters include Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, plus Switch 2 editions of Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.



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Major US retailers cancel Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders
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New report suggests third-party Switch 2 game sales are “below estimates”

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Though sales of Nintendo’s new Switch 2 hardware had become one of the fastest-selling consoles ever, sales of third-party games have reportedly been sluggish and “below estimates.”

That’s according to a new report by The Game Business, which intimates that despite attracting strong buy-in from partners like EA, Take-Two, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Sega, Capcom, Bandai Namco, Square Enix, CD Projekt, and Konami – and although third-party publishers have fared better with the Switch 2’s launch than its predecessor – “most third-party Switch 2 games posted very low numbers.”

According to NielsenIQ, CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 is currently the best-selling third-party game of Switch 2’s launch. However, although third-party publishers “appear to have done slightly better during the launch of Switch 2 compared with Switch 1,” report author Christopher Dring added: “It’s hard to describe these statistics as positive.”

“Most third-party Switch 2 games posted very low numbers. One third-party publisher characterised the numbers as ‘below our lowest estimates’, despite strong hardware sales,” Dring writes. “The improvement over the Switch 1 launch is also slightly misleading. For starters, there were more consoles sold this time. Plus, the Switch 1 only launched with five physical games: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, 1-2-Switch, Just Dance 2017, Skylanders Imaginators, and Super Bomberman R. By comparison, the Switch 2 had a wider selection, with 13 physical games available at launch.”

Dring also posited that the lack of early review units for press – which has, in turned, hampered timely reviews – may also have adversely impacted sales as “there were no critical reviews available for them to base their purchasing decisions on.”

Earlier this week, we reported Nintendo Switch 2 has sold more than 1.1 million units in the United States, breaking launch week records for gaming hardware. Hardware sales for the Nintendo Switch 2 have reached almost one million units in Japan, too, making it the country’s biggest console launch to date.


The Game Business newsletter was created and written by GamesIndustry.biz’s former head of games, B2B, Christopher Dring.



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