The Switch 2 thread

I was already pretty hyped for DK Bananza, but after that Direct my interest has skyrocketed. It looks incredible.

I didn't expect my resolve around the Switch 2 to be wavering so much already. Bananza looks great - the Mario Odyssey sequel we never expected to get. All the reports of Switch 1 games actually running decently on the new hardware are very tempting too (I saw a video of Three Hopes running at a locked 60fps which honestly looked amazing). And - one of my most requested features - they've added CRT scanlines to the N64 emulator! (Switch 2 exclusive feature, I kid you not, fuck you Nintendo).

I suspect the Switch 1 didn't have a high enough resolution to make the CRT scanlines look good.

It uses them on the NES and SNES emulators and they look fine. I honestly think it's just Nintendo being Nintendo.

Donkey Kong Country's a bit hard innit? Really fun game regardless though, I'm just a bit surprised.

DK Bananza does indeed look excellent. It seems oddly rough around the edges for a first-party title (crap shadows, muddy textures, clear slowdown) but that's one for Digital Foundry to stress over. The game itself looks like a treat.

As is F Zero GX, another game that I can't remember playing first time round. It's almost too fast, but if you get in a zen state with the air brakes then you're in for a very good time. Except the 'campaign'. That's impossible and can sod off.

I've ordered a 'Mint' Pro Controller from CEX. Same price as new, annoyingly, but I had some credit sat on an old receipt. I've heard very good things, so I'm excited for that to arrive.

I want both the N64 and Gamecube controllers, the lattershould probably wait because we have barely anything to play rn but I'm really enjoying N64 right now. Realised I don't remember shit about Goldeneye after the second level lol, that level where you blunder about the snow for a bit looking for keycards and fighting off endless spawns was a bit like Doom but not good.

I reckon I could still do most of Goldeneye blindfolded I played it so much back in the day. I remember how mad it was trying to kill Trevelyan, he was a normal human that somehow took about 500 bullets.

I'm not sure I could play most N64 stuff now, I reckon it's aged worse than pretty much any other console. The 16-bit era is timeless, and the Gamecube/PS2 era is modern enough that the 3D still feels good. But playing Ocarina of Time at 20fps with that vaseline filter is an eye-opener.

Also if we're talking DF, the internet is currently going super in on the Switch 2 screen and ghosting. I never felt the screen was an issue but apparently if you look close enough and slow the footage down you see a bit of ghosting or something. I don't wanna' downplay objective evidence or anything but it all seems a bit nuts to me.

That said…wish it was OLED, saw comparisons of this with Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch OLED and yeah, it's noticable. (No doubt would have made the price insanely premium though)

It’s surprising how much difference the original N64 controller makes. Just the stick stiffness alone is wildly different to modern controllers. I’d say it’s an essential purchase if you’re contemplating dipping into that library again.

I played the first couple of hours of Ocarina of Time a few weeks ago and had a great time with it. It holds up much better than I expected.

Just the stick stiffness alone is wildly different to modern controllers.

Wait, is this why I'm having a hard time getting headshots in Goldeneye? I don't mind it being a single analog game and having aim being the same stick I use to walk but I end up spraying full auto around their head or just firing a lot with the sniper to get the shot because of how sensitive it is. I just assumed it wasn't supposed to be THAT precise and I was supposed to just spray into their chest.

I haven't played it in ages but I think I'll be fine, I do see where MPH is coming from with regards to N64 games aging though, I've been playing Mario Kart 64 (or was before MKW at least) and even though that was on an OLED emulator screen and upscaled that game is still probably the ugliest game in the series. I think there's a few tracks set on dirt and it's like……………………………….endless poo. (still a good game)

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Awkward wanting to play OOT again a bit since I think I like the 3DS version being portable over anything the N64 version probably offers, but if I do get that pad then yeah that's a game changer. Majora's Mask I also have but I hear the 3DS version changes quite a few mechanics, like how boss fights work so in that case I think I will try it on N64.

Gar, I've just tried Hyrule Warriors and it's a locked 60fps. Looks prettier too - no jaggies - so maybe there's dynamic resolution or something.

I almost want to start again because I've forgotten everything, but I have SO much progress already.

Yeah I tried it too, and I have like 5 characters left to get still and like 6 of those huge adventure maps, most content of all time

I've also just realised that, because they messed up the original release, the handheld mode now runs at a native 1080p and looks perfect on the Switch 2 screen. A mistake that took 7 years to pay off.

This whole game is now accidentally a brilliant showcase for Switch 2.

I do not like the back plate of the Switch 2, there I said it. Just this tiny gap at the bottom for your wires, whyyyyyy

I crumbled and am now the proud owner of a new Switch 2. Nice easy setup process and the system transfer was smooth; the whole thing gives me strong "Xbox Series X" vibes when you first turn it on and it looks just like your old machine, but I'm cool with that.

Inevitably I've mostly been playing Mario Kart World so far - which I really like, actually. It takes a while to get your head around its structure but I like that it's doing something different with the template for once. It feels a bit sparse on actual tracks compared to MK8 of course (I'm sure a few years of updates will resolve that) but the open world kind of makes up for that and there's loads of stuff to unlock and find. And seeing a Nintendo game in 4K/HDR is a real treat for the eyeballs.

Booted up Tears of the Kingdom, thought "that's a bit disappointing" then realised there was a specific patch I had to download and now it looks amazing.

Mine went straight into the dock when I got it and is unlikely to come out again, so all the complaints about the poor quality screen aren't going to bother me at all. I'm unreasonably annoyed that you can't turn the machine on with the Switch 1 Pro Controller any more though, that's just Nintendo trying to strongarm you into buying their expensive new controller isn't it?

Downloaded the GameCube emulator this morning and wow, F-Zero GX really holds up, doesn't it?

The new Pro Controller is great, but yes it's bloody annoying that you're basically forced into buying it. Makes the whole thing a £500 affair.

It's got a lovely matte texture, and the sticks are the best I've ever used. They don't quite touch the sides when you push them all the way, which feels super smooth.

I suspect the Switch 1 didn't have a high enough resolution to make the CRT scanlines look good.

Having played around with this a bit more, I think you might actually be right. The CRT filter for the N64 and GameCube emulators is different to the one they've used on the NES and SNES apps and it looks absolutely superb. Really makes a massive difference when playing the N64 games (haven't decided yet on the GameCube because they run at a higher resolution natively anyway). A killer Switch 2 feature!

MPH - you must be delighted to hear you might actually be right.

It was me, not MPH, so it's more of an event that I might actually be right.