By Mary Balsanos
Nintendo has released the latest version of its hybrid video game console Switch.
The Japanese multinational video game company rolled out its next-generation and upgraded version across the globe on Thursday.
The upgrades focus on making the device more sociable for online games, as well as providing better hardware accessibility and improved graphics.
What’s new?
With a 7.9-inch full and high-definition LCD screen, the console now supports 4K resolution and 120fps when docked. It also provides a dynamic refresh rate with its VRR tech for handheld mode.
Switch 2 also showed off GameChat – allowing up to 12 players to do voice and video chats with the use of a USB-C camera.
The upgrades also covered Joy-Con 2 controllers with magnetic attachment and mouse-style control; crisp 3D sound for both tabletop and portable modes; and a much-larger 256GB storage.
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More games!
One of the main courses of the first-party releases is Mario Kart World – a turbulent, fast-paced race with up to 24 players.
The Nintendo classics Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, now have their Switch 2 versions.
The rest of the first-party game release included Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Star-Crossed World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and Fast Fusion.
Meanwhile, players will also get to enjoy popular third party games, among them are Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Street Fighter 6, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Hogwarts Legacy, and Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition.
New console in demand
Some fans in the United States were disappointed by a hectic pre-order method in April after the consoles immediately sold out, while some people waited in line at retailers to purchase one.
Nintendo said it received over 2.2 million applications for the competitive lottery mechanism used to sell the new systems in Japan.
Some businesses offered their own lotteries to pre-order the devices outside of the official lottery.
Switch fans delighted
But despite the long wait and high retail price, fans were delighted to finally get their hands on the new console.
Speaking at the launch event in New York City, one gamer told AFP: “After playing it, I think it’s worth the price.
“I loved the original Switch, but I had to admit the Switch 2 really tops it.”
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