As April 25, 2025, dawns, Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 has officially launched in Canada, igniting excitement among gamers and industry watchers alike. After months of speculation, leaks, and fervent anticipation, the new hybrid console is finally available for pre-order, promising a wealth of new features that aim to redefine the gaming experience.
The launch of the Switch 2 comes with a significant shift in how games will be distributed. In Japan, pre-orders have already begun, revealing that most third-party games will now be available in a new format known as the "Carte clé de jeu". This format involves a cartridge that contains only an activation key, necessitating players to download the entire game once the cartridge is inserted into the console. Regardless of whether a game is 10 GB or 40 GB, a solid internet connection is a must for players. This change is largely economic, allowing publishers to avoid the high manufacturing costs associated with traditional cartridges that contain the full game.
However, Nintendo is sticking to its roots, at least for now. First-party titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will still be offered in complete physical versions, ensuring that players can enjoy the full experience right out of the box. This move signals a potential redefinition of the relationship between physical and digital gaming, as Nintendo appears to be the last major player holding onto the traditional format.
The new Switch 2 is loaded with features designed to enhance gameplay. The updated Joy-Con 2 controllers now feature larger buttons, magnetic attachments, and can even function as a mouse in compatible games. A new button on the Joy-Con provides quick access to a feature called GameChat, which facilitates communication between players during gaming sessions.
Performance-wise, the Switch 2 boasts a powerful processor developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, supporting enhanced graphics capabilities such as ray tracing and AI upscaling. When docked, the console can achieve a resolution of up to 4K with HDR, while the integrated 7.9-inch LCD screen supports 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), making for a smoother gaming experience.
Audio has also received an upgrade, with improved sound quality that includes 3D spatial audio, providing a more immersive gaming atmosphere. Connectivity features are expanded, including the new GameChat, which allows for voice and video calls as well as screen sharing between players even if they are playing different games. Additionally, a GameShare feature enables players to lend games to friends, enhancing the social aspect of gaming.
The Switch 2 comes with 256 GB of internal storage—eight times that of the original Switch—along with compatibility for microSD Express cards, allowing for storage expansion up to 2 TB. Importantly, the new console remains compatible with games from the original Switch, although some features may vary based on the title.
As excitement builds, pre-orders for the Switch 2 have been flying off the shelves. GameStop has even launched a tool that allows customers to check which stores still have available pre-orders. As of now, six GameStop locations in Montreal still have stock, but online retailers are completely sold out. A deposit of $300 is required for the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle, while a $250 deposit is needed for the console alone.
However, the excitement has also attracted scalpers, with many Switch 2 consoles already appearing on eBay at exorbitant prices ranging from $650 to as high as $2000. In response, some gamers have taken matters into their own hands, flooding eBay with fake listings priced at or below the recommended retail price. These listings serve to push the scalpers' offers further down the search results, making them less visible to potential buyers.
In Japan, interest in the Switch 2 is also soaring, with 2.2 million people having already expressed a desire to pre-order the console. This level of demand highlights the significant impact Nintendo's latest offering is expected to have in the gaming market.
In addition to the launch of the Switch 2, SQUARE ENIX has announced that BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster is available for pre-order, coinciding with the console's release on June 5, 2025. This remaster of a classic RPG promises enhanced visuals, new mini-games, and numerous improvements, taking players back to the world of Luxendarc where they will embark on an epic adventure to restore peace.
As the gaming community eagerly embraces the Switch 2, questions remain about the future of gaming distribution and the balance between physical and digital formats. With the new features and a growing library of games, including titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and STREET FIGHTER 6 Year 1-2 Fighters Edition, Nintendo seems poised to make a significant impact in the gaming landscape.
In summary, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 marks a pivotal moment in the gaming industry. While it may not be a complete revolution, it represents a solid evolution that reflects Nintendo's responsiveness to fan feedback and market trends. As gamers gear up for the console's release, it’s clear that the Switch 2 is set to change the way players interact with their favorite games.
