Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - 4.2.2025 thoughts?

[marvelvscapcom2]

Just read you guys comments. Almost 100 dollars for a game? Oh god. I guess Nintendo would be the catalyst for the next game crash not Rockstar.

Negate all what I posted below. Its not a day EVER. Their way too many good indie games for 5 bucks on psn. Gamepass on xbox. And cheap retro for me to ever pay 100 dollars for a digital key to a game. I gotta draw the line somewhere. When a stack of 20 games at gamestop become the price of a used Mercury. Thats the line.

original reply

's a 4K Nintendo Switch basically.  Which doesnt feel next gen. It feels this gen. And Nintendo yet again will be a generation behind in tech, I am confused on how half of the presentation was spent saying things like "play handheld, tabletop, or tv. 3 ways to play!!   As if that isnt the entire point of the original Nintendo switch released almost a decade ago. I mean how is any of this new?   Even the stand looks far worst than the Oled. Why make a thin stand that can be snapped? Versus a thick rectangle.

I don't hate it. I'm happy it's 4k. But it didnt do nearly enough to make me put my PS5 controller down and invest in it.  It's launching 100 dollars overpriced and with like 1 game worth interest.  I'm kinda over it.  It was more of the same.  Seems Nintendo has gone the Playstation route.  Just keep slightly boost graphics and call it a day. 


I can see why folks will love it. Its not a day 1 for me.  Might not even be a year 1.  The big selling drive for the original switch was BOTW.  One of the greatest video games ever made. A 150+ hour masterpiece.  This has a mario kart. Which as fun and cool as it is. Its a party racer.


I think my opinion will grow. I was skeptical about PS5 and now its one of my favorite consoles all time. I am happy its 4k though. Sadly not in handheld mode.

[marvelvscapcom2]

mario kart world is confirmed $80

Let's see how many others games now follow suit. Another new industry standard for AAA games?

gta 6 is for sure $100 now

Yep...and most other AAA games most likely.


That $90 physical game pricetag really took a lot of the wind out of my sails.

I won't be surprised when many up-to-date gamers retire from modern gaming as prices continue to rise. It's not just collecting now that's pricing people out of the hobby, but playing games altogether.

I was certain that I was going to pre-order a Switch 2 at launch, but now I'm not so sure. As much as I loved Mario Kart 8, Mario Odyssey, and BotW, I don't know that I want to pay nearly $500 after tax for a system and then have to shell out nearly $100 every time I want to buy a new game. I could always wait for the games to drop in price or get a used copy down the road for cheaper, but I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking about doing this. I don't know what I'll do yet. It seems like the more info about the system and games that come out, the more I'm thinking about not getting one for a while and possibly not at all. Same goes for the PS6 and Series X successor, even if they do surprise us with keeping physical games alive.

Sadly Nintendo games seem to stay close to retail too   and imagine waiting 3 years for a sale just to still pay 60 bucks. Damn... I cant imagine a world where games will be 60 dollars ON SALE! lol.  And I bet 3rd party will follow Nintendos lead.  Gamers collectively should simply take a stand.  But resellers alone will probably make that unlikely. 


Between this and having to take out a 2nd mortgage to finance eggs.  I am kinda saddened by the state of things. The days of going to a game store with a crisp 100 dollar bill and leaving with 3 new games and a pepsi are gone.  If regular games are 100. What will the collectors editions be? 200? 


Donkey Kong Bananza however is so sick

[kamikazekeeg]

Some huge highs and lows with this for sure.

Mario Kart World looks sick, happy to see another Hyrule Warriors, Donkey Kong Bonanaza has me excited for Donkey Kong for the first time since probably Donkey Kong 64, getting "Not-Bloodborne" is crazy, and I like they are pushing for better framerates.  Deltarune Chapter 3 and 4 getting surprised announced was wild lol

Something funny about the Hyrule Warriors reveal, I got myself all hyped up with the idea that they were doing Tears of the Kingdom DLC, and it was going to be all about Zelda from the past and I was so excited, just to have the gameplay kick and remember that I saw Koei Tecmo at the start of this, realizing it was Hyrule Warriors.  I'm still very into it, I enjoyed the last one, so to get a new one that will actually run decent is dope lol

Honestly surprised at the power behind the system as it puts it way more on part with the current state of gaming than the Switch 1 was, and doing it for 450 bucks? Not bad at all. 

The lows are the bat shit costs for games.  Charging for upgrades? 20 dollar game price hike? Charging for your tech demo tutorial? The hell Nintendo? This is a new level of greed, even for them.  It does hamper my excitement a bit for sure, like I was excited to play both Breath of the Wild and TOTK again, but am I gonna have to now pay 10 to 20 bucks simply for a performance update per those games? Are they gonna do a Pokemon Scarlet/Violet update that actually fixes the game they abandoned? It's such a shitty move from them.  If what they were adding was actual content, like Super Mario Party seems to have like all new minigames, it's not so out there, but nothing is coming to BOTW/TOTK other than app support.

So yeah, while some things aren't great, I am still quite interested in the Switch 2 and there are definitely enough stuff coming right away to get to likely buy one, but I just wish they didn't pull so much nonsense.

*EDIT*
Oh, The Duskbloods hype is completely dead, it's not a Bloodborne spiritual successor, it's a PvPvE multiplayer game.  No wonder I thought the presentation was a tad off.  It could be fine, but I have no interest in this or the Elden Ring multiplayer game at all.  Real bummer as I thought Nintendo pulled out something impressive here.

[bikingjahuty]

In their support section, Nintendo features an overview page for Game-Key Cards.

So, this is similar to the Switch's packaging which states how a physical product may not contain the game's full data and instead require an internet download. Except, the wording actually states how these types of cartridges are actually "keys," which seems to suggest that they allow for the full data to be downloaded via an online connection. At the same time, this page also mentions that "like regular physical software, the game-key card must be inserted into the system in order to play the game" even in spite of data being downloaded to the console's storage.

So, it seems like Nintendo is paving the way for trading digital games. And that idea is with the hopes that these Game-Key Cards can be used more than once.

If first party titles use this, i'm definitely out. I'm not paying $80+ for a key card and not an actual game with the game's data on it. If enough third party titles use this I still might not get one.


I've gone from being properly hyped after the direct to now not even knowing if I want the console. I'm already 90% sure I won't be preordering one or getting one at launch, but my desire to get one at all is hinging on a few details that I hope get clarified soon.

[dhaabi]

Oh, The Duskbloods hype is completely dead, it's not a Bloodborne spiritual successor, it's a PvPvE multiplayer game.  No wonder I thought the presentation was a tad off.  It could be fine, but I have no interest in this or the Elden Ring multiplayer game at all.  Real bummer as I thought Nintendo pulled out something impressive here.

I forgot to mention The Duskbloods in my original post, but it certainly looked good. Nowhere in the actual trailer did the game mention it being multiplayer, though, so that's a huge disappointment.

Also, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Hollow Knight: Silksong being revealed to have a 2025 release at any point in this topic.

[kamikazekeeg]

I forgot to mention The Duskbloods in my original post, but it certainly looked good. Nowhere in the actual trailer did the game mention it being multiplayer, though, so that's a huge disappointment.

Also, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Hollow Knight: Silksong being revealed to have a 2025 release at any point in this topic.

I think it's kinda funny that a game that has has had years of hype building for it, like Silksong, was just randomly tossed out there in a highlight reel lol The heads that would've blown up had they done the Deltrarune reveal, and then gone right into a Silksong trailer lol I personally have no interest, I thought Hollow Knight was fine, I forgot I did beat it, but I didn't really get super into it.

[marvelvscapcom2]

And doing it for 450 bucks? Not bad at all. 

Doing what an Xbox One X could do 6 years ago at 50 dollars more than a PS5 slim is not bad?  I'd beg to differ.

Switch 2 is just as far behind PS5 as Switch 1 was from PS4.  LCD in 2025 is a downgrade from OLED. Toting HDR and VRR like its new is funny. It's very underpowered tech again. 

And you got publications saying "omg its getting cyberpunk 2077"  The game released during pandemic. Its old.  Its cutting edge by Nintendos own isolated standards that they can run it lol. It is not competitive in power with any of its competitors.  But that would be fine. If it were priced accordingly.

If it were 350. And the games were 70. Id be a happy camper. Thats all thats wrong with it. Is the greed. Man they're hungry

[kamikazekeeg]

Doing what an Xbox One X could do 6 years ago at 50 dollars more than a PS5 slim is not bad?  I'd beg to differ.

It's only 50 bucks more than the Steam Deck equivalent and that thing is like a brick in comparison to the Switch.  I'm not saying it's great, I was just expecting the worst, but the worst came in other areas of the systems pricing and push away from physical releases lol

[marvelvscapcom2]

Doing what an Xbox One X could do 6 years ago at 50 dollars more than a PS5 slim is not bad?  I'd beg to differ.

It's only 50 bucks more than the Steam Deck equivalent and that thing is like a brick in comparison to the Switch.  I'm not saying it's great, I was just expecting the worst, but the worst came in other areas of the systems pricing and push away from physical releases lol

That's true. Switch 2 is also supposidpy 0.9 pounds
and 1 pound with joycons attatched. Pretty damn light and thin considering the specs. Steamdeck feels like a sega game gear thick to me lol.  Man I wish it was just 100 less.

Maybe im being a pessimist. I said all this about the PS5. Now I love it. I was just not expecting the costs.  I really want Donkey Kong Bananza and will most likely have to watch from the sidelines.  Esp because I still wanna wait out the steambox hybrid thing Xbox hinted at.

[kamikazekeeg]

I could see the Switch's price not being the best if you maybe bought an OLED in the past couple years or even a Lite, but for me, I still own my launch Switch, it's been 8 years since then, so this upgrade is fine to me. I also personally don't see the gap to be as bad compared to Playstation/Xbox now as it was with Switch 1, like they are putting brand new games on Switch 2 and while Elden Ring and Cyberpunk don't look amazing, that's kind of an achievement to get those games on there and not have them look like complete ass, which I could not say the same for most of those Switch ports.  It's still a difference, games will not look nearly as good compared to even a base PS5, but the leap from PS4 to PS5 was never that crazy huge to me, it's an update for sure, but to me, each console generation gets less and less of this huge, noticeable jump.

Also to throw this in, don't try and trade your Switch right now, the base version at Gamestop only goes for 30 bucks, it's not good lol

*EDIT* Oh and it turns out my battery is just toast on my Switch, didn't realize that till right now as I never played it handheld, so no trade in for me anymore even if they do a deal lol

[marvelvscapcom2]

I could see the Switch's price not being the best if you maybe bought an OLED in the past couple years or even a Lite, but for me, I still own my launch Switch, it's been 8 years since then, so this upgrade is fine to me. I also personally don't see the gap to be as bad compared to Playstation/Xbox now as it was with Switch 1, like they are putting brand new games on Switch 2 and while Elden Ring and Cyberpunk don't look amazing, that's kind of an achievement to get those games on there and not have them look like complete ass, which I could not say the same for most of those Switch ports.  It's still a difference, games will not look nearly as good compared to even a base PS5, but the leap from PS4 to PS5 was never that crazy huge to me, it's an update for sure, but to me, each console generation gets less and less of this huge, noticeable jump.

Also to throw this in, don't try and trade your Switch right now, the base version at Gamestop only goes for 30 bucks, it's not good lol

*EDIT* Oh and it turns out my battery is just toast on my Switch, didn't realize that till right now as I never played it handheld, so no trade in for me anymore even if they do a deal lol

You called it. That's the boat im in lol.  I bought an OLED last year. While i'm not blown away by it's graphics. It's a pretty little handheld for what it is. And I probably soaked entirely too much money into the games. That console is near and dear to me. Same with PS5. I really hope a PS6 doesnt get a 2025 announcement. They dont even tap PS5 OGs full graphical potential half of the time. 

For Switch OG users. The jump will feel pretty massive.


But I agree. Each gen becomes less and less wow factor at these reveals. I might be in the minority. But I feel the jump from PS2 to PS3 was bigger than any before.  PS3 to PS2 was basically like the first time some games looked real.  It knocked my socks. Some odd exceptions like need for speed shift still look good today. Even to my spoiled 4k 60fps eyes.  HD 1080i really shook the world up.  I miss when these tech demos felt like new alien hardware.  Now it feels like upgrading an iphone.

[telekill]

The price hikes are a bit shocking to be honest. The $450 for the hardware, I could get over rather easily, but $80 for digital and $90 for physical where the game may not even be on the cartridge... is steep.

Stand out titles for me are Mario Kart World, Hyrule Warriors 2 and the Gamecube games for online.

That said, I have Mario Kart and the first Hyrule Warriors on Switch. I'm leaning towards just buying a Gamecube instead because I can't justify Nintendo's path forward with Switch 2. Perhaps when more games are announced that I'm interested in, but what was shown (given that I have PS5 already) was not worth the price of admission.

[dhaabi]

I'm sure my wife will do a backflip when she hears they are porting over Bravely Default and also a new From Software game getting released,

In their support section, Nintendo features an overview page for Game-Key Cards.

So, this is similar to the Switch's packaging which states how a physical product may not contain the game's full data and instead require an internet download. Except, the wording actually states how these types of cartridges are actually "keys," which seems to suggest that they allow for the full data to be downloaded via an online connection. At the same time, this page also mentions that "like regular physical software, the game-key card must be inserted into the system in order to play the game" even in spite of data being downloaded to the console's storage.

So, it seems like Nintendo is paving the way for trading digital games. And that idea is with the hopes that these Game-Key Cards can be used more than once.

If first party titles use this, i'm definitely out. I'm not paying $80+ for a key card and not an actual game with the game's data on it. If enough third party titles use this I still might not get one.

This Australian stock art of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, unfortunately, is one example which seems to confirm that the Game-Key Cards will, like was hinted at, not include any game data. The text "11 GB full game download via the internet is required" is totally transparent about the matter.

More than likely, third-party publishers who are wanting to save a little money on manufacturing costs will choose to use Game-Key Cards for their physical products. I doubt many first-party items will do this, but I certainly won't say it'll never happen. Another example of a publisher confirming their game on Game-Key Cards is CD Project Red with Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, as confirmed directly from their website.

Edit: Actually, here is stock art for the US regional release of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy which features the same disclaimer text.

[Cartagia]

While I'm also not immune to the sticker shock, the truth of the matter is that most game prices have utterly failed to keep up with inflation.  We had a very stable and samey market for almost 25 years.  The prices were going to go up eventually.  The big problem I see is that Nintendo games rarely get discounted.  That means even trying to wait it out isn't really going to work.

And something that these companies count on, that isn't exactly for us, is that most people don't buy a lot of games.  They are doing one or two luxury purchases per year that sustain them for a long time.  They are what is going to prop this up.

[telekill]

More than likely, third-party publishers who are wanting to save a little money on manufacturing costs will choose to use Game-Key Cards for their physical products. I doubt many first-party items will do this, but I certainly won't say it'll never happen. Another example of a publisher confirming their game on Game-Key Cards is CD Project Red with Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, as confirmed directly from their website.[/font]

That right there.... this is why the price increase is hard to take. Publishers already got rid of printed manuals. They also charge the same amount if not more for the digital versions. Some have gone so far as to not include the games in collector's editions dating back to the mid-PS4 days. It's ridiculous and it saddens me that the general population is willing to put up with this crap instead of having some restraint and holding off on purchasing to provide a show of force.