Nintendo Switch 2 Review: A Family Gaming Upgrade

I wouldn’t have preordered a Nintendo Switch 2 just for myself. The price is high, there’s no new Smash Bros. or Metroid Prime (yet), and I’ve got a perfectly good original Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck that keep me plenty busy. At first, I could only justify the $450 because I write about gaming tech for The Verge.

However, two weeks in, I can almost justify the cost in another way: the Switch 2 is turning out to be an upgrade for my whole family.

I’m not primarily talking about hand-me-downs, although yes, you could absolutely hand your original Switch down to a child while enjoying the benefits of the Switch 2’s larger, faster screen. Parents often get the best seats in the house, right?

But no, I’m referring to how Nintendo’s new features are helping me share the joy of gaming with my 8-year-old child like never before.

Last Christmas, we bought my daughter a Switch Lite, along with Animal Crossing and Let’s Go Pikachu, and that’s pretty much all she played. Other gaming monopolized the living room TV, where she and her younger sister often clashed over what to watch next.

However, two weeks ago, my eldest suddenly realized that we could now magically beam any of my old purchases to her Switch Lite. This feature has transformed our gaming experience, allowing us to play together without the usual conflicts over screen time.

The Switch 2’s ability to seamlessly integrate with existing Nintendo accounts means that my daughter can access a wider library of games, including titles that I had previously purchased. This has opened up new opportunities for us to bond over gaming, as we can now enjoy multiplayer experiences together.

One of the standout features of the Switch 2 is its enhanced graphics and performance. The upgraded hardware allows for smoother gameplay and more vibrant visuals, making games more engaging for both kids and adults. This improvement is particularly noticeable in family-friendly titles that we can all enjoy together.

Additionally, the new console’s portability means that we can take our gaming sessions on the go. Whether we’re traveling or simply moving from room to room, the Switch 2 allows us to maintain our gaming experience without interruption. This flexibility has been a game-changer for our family, as it accommodates our busy schedules and varying interests.

Moreover, the Switch 2’s online capabilities have also enhanced our gaming experience. With access to Nintendo’s online services, we can play with friends and family who may not be physically present. This feature has allowed us to connect with relatives and friends, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences, even from a distance.

In conclusion, while I initially hesitated to invest in the Switch 2, it has proven to be a worthwhile addition to our family gaming setup. The ability to share games, enjoy enhanced graphics, and play together without screen time conflicts has made it a valuable tool for family bonding. As we continue to explore the features and games available on the Switch 2, I look forward to many more memorable gaming moments with my children.

For more information on the Nintendo Switch 2 and its features, visit Read the full story at The Verge..