I haven’t had a proper game console since the PS3.

I would like to get one, mostly to play with my family (wife, 7yo kid). I had been waiting for the Switch 2 for a while now (I really resisted the urge to get a Switch OLED back when it was released…).

On the plus side:

  • it’s really geared towards family/party gaming
  • it’s Nintendo, so you get the whole usual games (Mario Kart, Zelda, etc.)
  • like most consoles, it’s plug and play and can be enjoyed in the living room (I kind of gave up trying to set up a proper gaming experience with my Linux PCs, given that I don’t have the hardware for it)

On the minus side:

  • the battery life is not great to say the least (2.5 hours takes me back of the Game Gear in early 90s!)
  • the screen seems to be pretty bad too (at least it’s a step back from the OLED one of the Switch)
  • the joycons are still not using a Hall effect sensor, meaning they might still be prone to drifting
  • most of the games will not be sold as proper cartridges but as download codes
  • the whole thing (console, additional gamepads, games) is quite pricey
  • it’s Nintendo, famous for their anti-everything (anti-homebrew, anti-emulation, anti-piracy)

Should I still go with it, or is there a better option? (I hope the better option is not to wait 4 more years for Nintendo to release a newer Switch 2 that would fix the shitty hardware).

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

  • Graphy@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    5 days ago

    Personally, I’m skipping the Switch 2 because I used my Switch 1 like four times since its launch.

    The Switch 2 will likely have games similar to ones that came before it, so if you haven’t been tempted into trying those, you probably won’t be into the new ones.

    Like, I’d want the Switch 2 for Mario Kart World but then realized that I played Kart 8 like twice. Online play didn’t scratch the itch, my wife sucked at it, and it was hard to get a group IRL together to play often.

    Maybe try emulating some of the older versions of games you’re interested in. It’ll at least give you an idea of how much fun you’d have on the newer versions.

    Also ask yourself if you’re a handheld gamer. I don’t think I am which is why I also don’t use my steam deck ever.