Nintendo Switch 2 review-in-progress live: my thoughts, reactions, and experience with the console as I test it and play the games on launch day

If you're considering an upgrade from the original Nintendo Switch and are curious about how the 7.9-inch screen of the Nintendo Switch 2 compares, here's a quick comparison of the two consoles.

Make no mistake, the Switch 2 is noticeably larger and heavier in the hand. Plus, we also compare it to the Switch Lite and the Switch OLED.

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♬ Boy - ODESZA

We put a Switch 2 Game Card to the test, a taste test

If you've been wondering how a Nintendo Switch 2 Game Card tastes, well, TechRadar is the place to be. Our very own Rhys Wood put the Mario Kart World game card to the test, and you can watch the results right here.

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♬ Scary - Satarabasna

After visiting the NYC Nintendo Store yesterday to check out the layout and the hundreds of people lined up to play Mario Kart World with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, TechRadar's Editor At Large has gone hands-on with the Switch 2 itself.

He shared in a follow-up post on X (formerly Twitter) that the magnetic snapping on and off of the Joy-Cons is excellent and that the Switch 2 itself is pretty ergonomic.

Hello again! Nintendo Switch 2 launch day is here, and there's a good chance that if you pre-ordered a console, you've hopefully received and are already playing a favorite title or maybe the new Mario Kart World.

TechRadar has already unboxed our Switch 2, and Rhys is already underway with the review process, testing out all facets and likely diving into many, many games. In fact, we're already giving you a peek at how a long-standing Switch title looks on the new Switch 2 alongside the original Switch and the Switch OLED.

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♬ original sound - TechRadar

Goodbye for now, see you tomorrow!

And that's me done for Nintendo Switch 2 launch day! I hope you've enjoyed our coverage so far, and I'll now be passing you over once again to the awesome Jacob on the TechRadar team who'll be carrying you through the rest of the day. I'll be back tomorrow for even more information, news and general thoughts for this Switch 2 review in progress!

How to adjust your TV settings on Nintendo Switch 2

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Need to adjust your display settings on Nintendo Switch 2? It couldn't be simpler. Just head to the System Settings menu from your home page and navigate down to Display.

In here, you can adjust everything to do with your Switch 2 display settings. That includes toggling HDR output, 120Hz output, TV resolution and ALLM (auto low latency mode) on compatible TVs.

You should also check the Adjust Screen Size option to make sure the display output is lined up with the corner of your TV or monitor. When I checked on mine, the display was slightly too big, which would have made the overall image quality a little blurrier.

The TechRadar team unboxes a Switch 2!

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♬ Relaxed (Sped Up) - MC Mablo Dos Paredões

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rules on Switch 2

I've just redownloaded Pokémon Violet to my Switch 2, and yes, I can confirm it's a much, much better experience on the new console. It's a rock solid 60fps now and supports higher resolution displays. Image quality is also impressively sharp, and perhaps best of all, there's no animation frame cutting on distant background objects or even close up NPCs! Definitely check this one out again if you bounced off it back in 2022.

The minigames are simple, but fun. This one involved using the Joy-Con 2's mouse mode (which works just fine on your leg by the way!) to identify where on the screen the HD Rumble 2 vibration is strongest. I nailed this one on my second try, hehe, but then a harder difficulty version of the mode popped up. You earn medals for success, too, which seem to unlock more content in the game.

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Okay, this is actually quite charming. Information about the Switch 2 console is presented in an entertaining and easily digestible manner. This genuinely feels like a cool experience for those of you who really want to understand what kind of tech makes the Switch 2 tick.

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I'm going in

Exploring Nintendo Switch 2's most controversial release so you don't have to. Will report back.

Street Fighter 6 is very solid

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Here's a few screenshots of Street Fighter 6 on Nintendo Switch 2! Image quality does take a bit of a hit (it's a little blurrier than on other systems, and there appears to be a subtle film grain filter applied), but it runs at a smooth 60fps and load times are wicked fast.

I captured F-Zero GX on Nintendo Switch 2 via the new GameCube Classics. How is it? Well, the game runs at a buttery smooth 60fps and has native widescreen support like the original. Image quality is also crystal clear; very impressive for a game that's being streamed online!

Where's Free Roam in Mario Kart World?

If you're wondering how to access the Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World, it's right there at the bottom right of the main menu screen. What's especially awesome is that the game will transition directly into free roaming with zero load times. Impressively seamless!

Stick to it!

You can apply a sticker to your kart or bike in Mario Kart World! You'll start with a bunch of these, but can unlock more by completing challenges out in the open world, milestone goals or by clearing Grand Prix and Knockout Tour events! Check out Monty Mole there, what a guy. Obviously I picked the sticker that looks most like a Dragon Quest slime.

Wahoo! Mario time!

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Mario Kart World is an extremely pretty game.

Here's the Joy-Con 2 inside the included grip. Just wanted to note that the grip also has magnetic connectors built-in, so like on the display itself, sliding them in is a thing of the past here!

Yes, the Nintendo eShop is much, MUCH better now

I've just done a quick browse of the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop and I can confirm the experience is a heck of a lot smoother now. Individual store listings can cycle trailers and screenshots very smoothly, and everything just seems to be organized a lot better.

Additionally, I've noticed that download speeds appear to be much faster than they were on the base Switch model. I'm using the same Wi-Fi setup and internet service provider as I did back then, and Switch 2 seems to make a world of difference.

System transfer success!

I can confirm that after the system transfer, all my software, saves and screenshots are present and accounted for! Software will begin downloading after the transfer, too.

Oh, and if you're curious, you can take screenshots with the Capture button and directly upload them to the Nintendo Switch 2 app on your phone! Simply select your screenshot from your album and select Upload to Smart Device. You can then head to your phone and save your screenshot for use elsewhere.

How to transfer your data on Switch 2

After the setup process, you'll be prompted to perform a system transfer. If you're planning on carrying your original Switch data, games, screenshots and more over to your Switch 2, this is where you'll do it.

First, you'll need to make sure both your source Switch and the Switch 2 are close together, and plugged in via AC adapter.

Next, you'll be prompted to go to System Settings on the source Switch. Then, go to System followed by System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. You may need to perform a system update on your source Switch first, but you'll be prompted to do so at this point.

Once that's out of the way, you can continue with the setup process by selecting System Transfer from the popup message. Follow the remaining prompts, then a new menu should appear on your Switch 2. Select Start Receiving Data on your Switch 2 in order to begin the process. The time it takes will vary depending on how much data you're carrying over, so just be patient and wait for the process to complete. Maybe make a cup of tea while you wait!

How's the Switch 2 setup process?

The Switch 2 setup process is extremely easy and straightforward. You'll first be asked to set your language, then to connect to your preferred Wi-Fi connection. Then, while an update downloads in the background, you'll run through a quick tutorial on how to detach the Joy-Con 2 and various play styles you can do with Switch 2.

Finally, you'll enter the details for your Nintendo Account if you already have one. If not, you'll be able to set one up here.

Here's the Switch console itself in the dock, as well as in handheld mode at first boot-up!

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A quick look in the Switch 2 box

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Here's a quick glance inside the Nintendo Switch 2 packaging. It contains the Switch 2 handheld, Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Joy-Con 2 grip, wrist straps, an AC adapter and cable, and of course the all-important dock.

The time has come!

My Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived! The box is much smaller than you might think! I'll begin unboxing and testing the console in earnest now that I finally have it at home.

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What carries over in a Switch 2 system transfer?

A Nintendo Switch 2 system transfer is the easiest way of carrying over your data from your original Switch console to your brand new Switch 2.

When initiating a system transfer on Switch 2, make sure you have your OG Switch to hand and switched on. The transfer will carry over users with Nintendo accounts, digital games, save data, screenshots, videos, system settings and any parental controls. Your Nintendo Switch Online subscription will still be usable on the new system as well!

A quick shoutout to my DPD driver who is absolutely caning through deliveries today. It's looking like I'll be getting my Switch 2 a little earlier than expected.

Wait, the eShop is good now?

It sure does seem to be! Users on X / Twitter are posting videos of themselves browsing the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, and it looks to be incredibly smooth.

That shouldn't even be newsworthy, really, but the eShop on the original Nintendo Switch was so infamously sluggish - often registering seconds worth of input lag - that it clearly needed something of a revamp on fresher hardware. It seems we now have that, and browsing should be much less stressful on Switch 2.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection konfirmed for Switch 2!

It may have been announced at yesterday's PlayStation State of Play event, but Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is also arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 later this year as confirmed by publisher Atari.

This anticiapted compilation packs in the original quadrilogy: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and Mortal Kombat 4. Arcade, console, and handheld versions will also be featured here.

I can see these games absolutely being a great fit for the Switch 2 handheld, and with rollback netcode supported for online play, I'm super excited to hop online with my boy Kung Lao for some bloody 16-bit goodness.

Kuze voice: KIRYUUUUUU!

I don't think I've ever been more sold on a re-release than this right here.

I'll be testing more Switch games than I thought

Now that we know Switch 2 performance boosts are applying to more games than what Nintendo revealed, I'll be sure to dive into my collection of original Switch games looking for any and all improvements.

Top of my list will certainly be games like Astral Chain, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Pokémon Sword and others that had less than savory image quality or frame rates. I'll keep you all updated with findings throughout today and next week!

Yes, Hyrule Warriors runs great on Switch 2

Many original Switch 2 games shipped with uncapped framerates, which certainly led to rather choppy performance at the time. However, it seems to have been the right call in hindsight as we're now seeing titles like Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition running at a clean 60fps. This was already one of my favorite Switch games, and I can't wait to dive back in with this performance boost.

A GameCube controller surprise!

Oh, neat! It looks like the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller not only support gyro aiming, it's also compatible with titles like Splatoon 3! Shoutout to the adorable kitty cat in the video too 😸

Monolith Soft does it again

Are we on the verge of Monolith Soft absolutely carrying Nintendo's first party output on Switch 2 again? The Xenoblade Chronicles developer has confirmed via its website that it provided support on Mario Kart World.

While best known for its series of RPGs, Monolith Soft actually had a hand in a ton of your favorite Nintendo Switch games - including, Splatoon 3, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Switch 2 fever has officially hit the US. It looks like people were lining up for miles at this Best Buy event! 😱

It looks like load times on Nintendo Switch 2 are vastly improved from the original 2017 console. Here's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate transitioning from the character select screen to a match in around five seconds!

Honestly? Pro move.

3-2-1... launch!

Nintendo has released its official Nintendo Switch 2 launch trailer. Now there's a sentence that's been a long time coming! It's essentially a bit of a sizzle reel, rolling through various Nintendo Switch 2 games - both launch and upcoming ones. We also get another look at hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, the Joy-Con 2 and the all-new Game Chat feature. You can watch it here below.

Nintendo Switch 2 – Launch Trailer - YouTube

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A very special US launch

Nintendo Switch 2 launch day in the US was quite the event, too. Nintendo itself held a pretty special launch event at its own stores in New York and San Francisco. There, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser was on hand to sell the very first Nintendo Switch 2 unit in the US. See that guy in yellow? That's gonna be me in a few hours' time.

Good morning UK folks!

Happy Nintendo Switch 2 launch day! It's finally June 5, meaning the new console is out in the wild, and those who attended midnight launches at various retailers likely burned the midnight oil with the system and a copy of Mario Kart World.

As you can see above, stores like Currys had folks lining up way down the high street to be among the first in the UK to own a Nintendo Switch 2. As for me, mine should be arriving a bit later today; fingers crossed there are no issues with delivery!

30 minutes warning!

There's now only 30 minutes to go!

We're getting close to the midnight hour – well, about two hours out – and that means the Switch 2 launch is nearly here in the United States. However, countries around the world are already celebrating the launch of the console.

Now, if you're keen to potentially score one on launch day, you can check out our live blog covering all things availability for the console itself, games, and accessories here. My colleagues in the UK – where it is already Switch 2 launch day – will pick this back up in just a few hours.

But until then, I'll leave you with some videos of folks celebrating the launch and even picking up consoles.

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♬ original sound - NintendoHistory

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♬ MKW Title Theme - MARIO MUSIC!

Game Stop is getting ready

Game Stop has been along for the Nintendo Switch 2 journey since the console was first announced, and now at least one store in NYC is getting ready.

In a short timelapse shared on GameStop's X (formerly Twitter) account, we see a store being decked out with Mario Kart World-themed wallpaper – presumably representing the sponsors of the race – and colored tiles covering lights to create a party atmosphere.

Lance also took the time to go inside, and while there are cases ready to showcase and display the Nintendo Switch 2 and its various accessories like the Switch 2 Camera, they're all still empty.

That should all change, though, when the clock strikes midnight and it officially becomes June 5, 2025 – the launch day of the Nintendo Switch 2.

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♬ original sound - LanceUlanoff

A look at the launch celebration at the NYC Nintendo Store

It's safe to say we're not the only ones excited for the Nintendo Switch 2! TechRadar's Editor At Large, Lance Ulanoff, visited the NYC Nintendo Store to check out the space ahead of the console's launch in a few hours.

While the Switch 2 consoles themselves are hidden, there are plenty of folks lined up waiting to play some of the most anticipated titles, including Mario Kart World. Folks are playing on custom red stands with Nintendo Switch 2 branding and a TV, as well as what appears to be a Switch 2 Pro Controller.

Lance estimates there are over 100 people at the NYC store for the festivities, and the setup to play titles is out in the plaza. And maybe best of all, you can meet Princess Peach and Yoshi.

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While the Nintendo Switch 2 does have backwards compatibility for some Nintendo Switch games, the team at Game Informer has tested what happens if you put a Switch 2 game cartridge into the original console.

The results aren't super surprising, but it's good to know nonetheless.

Nintendo shares what the Switch 2's day one update will bring

If you're curious about what the day-one update entails and brings to the Nintendo Switch 2, we have good news. Courtesy of Nintendo's Australia website, we have the release notes for the update, titled "20.1.1."

It looks to be a substantial update as it adds a long list of features, including GameChat, GameShare, system transfer capabilities, and support for Nintendo Switch Online, among many others.

Nintendo also notes that you'll be prompted to install the 20.1.1. Update as soon as you power on your Switch 2. You can see the release notes here.

Hello there from NYC as TechRadar continues our road to Switch 2 launch day coverage. We're nearly there, and according to some social media posts, it seems that some pre-orders are starting to move – always a good sign.

I wasn't able to secure a preorder in advance, but I'm keeping an eye out and crossing my fingers for ample launch-day availability. However, I'm not expecting a ton on the latter. Coming from a Switch OLED myself, I'm curious to see how the difference in displays will make a difference, especially alongside the other upgrades that come with the Switch 2 itself.

Signing off for today!

That's tools down for me today, but our launch day build-up coverage isn't going anywhere. I'll now hand you over to Jacob on our US team, who's looking forward to Switch 2 launch day as much as I am. I'll be back tomorrow for even more launch day coverage, and I'll (hopefully) have my own Switch 2 unit by then as well!

Will you be buying Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour?

It's fair to say Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour hasn't had, well, the best welcome to the general Nintendo fan base. It was announced at the initial Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and certainly looked interesting, filled with minigames and technical tidbits about the system itself.

However, when it was revealed to not be included with the Switch 2 console - instead costing $9.99 / £7.99 - fans weren't exactly happy. While it's not the priciest point of entry, it certainly would've sat better as a freebie in the same vein as Wii Sports.

I'm remaining cautiously optimistic for this bite-sized experience, though, especially as someone who covers gaming hardware for a living. Mainly because I'm wondering if Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will reveal anything about the system - be that quality-of-life features or nifty secret settings - that we don't already know.

Naturally, you can also expect a Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour review from the TechRadar Gaming team in the near future, so be sure to keep an eye out for that as we'll judge whether it's worth your time or not.

What Switch 2 games are coming throughout 2025?

While there's plenty to dive into on launch day, Nintendo still has plenty of first and third-party titles scheduled to launch on Switch 2 throughout the rest of the year. And that's before we've had any more Nintendo Direct presentations outside of the one that happened on April 2.

Here's a quick rundown of the games you should be keeping your eye on this year.

• Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17)
• Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV (July 24)
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World (August 28)
• Star Wars Outlaws (September 4)
• Pokémon Legends Z-A (October 16)
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025)
• Drag x Drive (2025)
• Hades 2 (2025)
• Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025)
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 (2025)
• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (2025)
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (2025)
• Kirby Air Riders (2025)
• Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade (2025)
• Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (2025)

PSA: Don’t remove your Switch 2’s protective screen layer

Sure, it may seem obvious to those of us who like to keep our new consoles in tip top condition, but the Nintendo Switch 2’s safety manual is adamant that you leave the handheld screen’s protective film layer firmly stuck to the display.

“The screen is covered with a film layer designed to prevent fragments scattering in the event of damage. Do not peel it off,” the safety manual reads. Now, it isn’t a traditional screen protector (those can be bought separately). Rather, it’s to make sure any unpredictable bits of wear and tear - such as rogue debris or pet scratches - don’t damage the screen directly.

• Read more: No, you shouldn't peel off the Nintendo Switch 2 screen's protective layer

When is Hollow Knight: Silksong coming to Nintendo Switch 2?

I wish I knew! Truthfully, we’re as much in the dark as you are on the eventual release of Hollow Knight: Silksong. Though in case you’ve forgotten, there was a bit of a Silksong jumpscare at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, where the game appeared for all of five seconds, with a vague ‘2025’ release date attached.

So what’s my best guess? Well, given it’s Summer Game Fest week, with the gaming event as well as PlayStation and Xbox hosting their own showcases, there is once again a chance that a Silksong trailer sheds more light on the hotly anticipated upcoming title. I won’t hold my breath of course, but is there a better time all year than now? Probably not.

• Read more: Hollow Knight: Silksong was just shown at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct with a 2025 launch window

Our Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived!

I still have to wait a day for my own, of course, but a Nintendo Switch 2 unit as well as several Switch 2 accessories have just landed over at TechRadar Gaming HQ! We'll be thoroughly testing and reviewing the console and accessories including the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, Switch 2 Camera, microSD Express cards, plenty of Switch 2 games and more throughout this month and beyond. So be sure to stay tuned!

Be sure to download the Nintendo Today app!

We all had a good chuckle about the Nintendo Today app when it was revealed at the last Nintendo Direct presentation. But it turns out to have been a pretty valuable resource when it comes to Switch 2 news, as well as catching glimpses of upcoming releases that may not get posted to Nintendo’s official social channels.

The Nintendo Today app has already given us sneak peeks at Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and plenty of other upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games. We’ve also seen further looks at systems like GameShare and GameChat. It’s a great way to tide you over a little until tomorrow’s big launch day, so be sure to check it out! You can download the app for free for iOS and Android devices. Simply plug in your Nintendo account details once the app is downloaded and you’re good to go.

Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility

How does backwards compatibility work on Nintendo Switch 2? It’s actually really quite simple, especially as the vast majority of original Nintendo Switch cartridges (and digital downloads) are immediately compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.

That said, there may be some caveats here or there. Nintendo has published a Switch 2 game compatibility guide on its website. The breakdown shows that over 100 titles are expected to have “start up issues” on Switch 2, but in most cases, fixes are being applied for on or around the launch window.

Lastly, there is just one game that Nintendo states outright won’t work on Switch 2, and that’s Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. That’s owing to the fact that the game requires a very distinct peripheral in order to play, which seemingly isn’t compatible with the new console.

• Read more: Nintendo has updated its Switch 2 game compatibility page, identifying over 100 titles with 'start up issues' on the upcoming console

Which Nintendo Switch 2 game am I most excited about?

The weekend really can’t come soon enough, as I’m planning to really get stuck in with Mario Kart World with a few friends. And while I’m very excited about the kart racer (and had glowing impressions of it during my Mario Kart World hands-on preview session), there is one game that I simply cannot wait to get my hands on.

That would be Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which will be getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition capable of running at 4K 60fps, or 1080p up to 120fps. I’ve been a huge Metroid fan for most of my life, and I consider the Prime series, especially, to be among my all-time favorite games.

Prime 4 will be the first new entry in the subseries in well over a decade, the last one being the rather underwhelming Metroid Prime Federation Force for Nintendo 3DS. This latest game will also tie back to the excellent DS title Metroid Prime Hunters, as one of the antagonists from that game, Sylux, will be a major focus in this Switch 2 release.

With Retro Studios back at the helm of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, I’m expecting a highly polished game that will hopefully live up to the standards set by the original Prime trilogy as well as 2021’s superb Metroid Dread.

TRG’s Switch 2 launch day stock hub is live!

Our managing editor Rob Dwiar is now live with TechRadar Gaming’s Nintendo Switch 2 launch day stock live hub. Throughout today and the actual launch period itself, Rob (alongside some of our brilliant TechRadar colleagues) will be keeping an eye on stock drops in the US and the UK.

If you wanted to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, but weren’t able to do so, our stock hub could be the thing you need to help locate launch day stock at your preferred retailer - whether that be online or in-store. So, for expert tips on how to bag yourself a Nintendo Switch 2 on or around launch day, be sure to pay Rob a visit! Rob's been covering console launch events for years, so I'm confident in his ability to point you in the right direction here.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch 2 launch day stock live build-up: where to buy info and all the latest updates on stock ahead of release day

No Man’s Sky Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is official!

Hello Games founder Sean Murray has just announced that No Man’s Sky is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. This will be a free update for those who already own the game on Nintendo Switch.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of No Man’s Sky will boast improved framerates, support for 4K textures, touch controls and gyro support, as well as the myriad changes and updates that have come to the game over the past decade. Oh, and this version will also support Nvidia DLSS for smoother performance.

The update is coming on Switch 2 launch day, and will also have the game’s latest major update; Beacon.

Want more F-Zero? Check out Fast Fusion

This is just a friendly reminder that if you’re a fan of Nintendo’s anti-gravity racing series, you may also want to check out Fast Fusion which arrives on launch day. The game costs an impressively low $14.99 / £13.49, and could absolutely be one to check out if you’re not opting for a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play F-Zero GX.

Fast Fusion is being developed by Shin’en Multimedia. This impressive team has developed incredible titles like Fast RMX and The Touryst, so I’m always excited to see it bring a new game out - especially at the launch of one of the most anticipated consoles in recent years.

Hoover up these Kirby games, too!

It seems like even more Nintendo Switch games are getting Switch 2 compatibility patches. In addition to Xenoblade Chronicles 3, it looks like Kirby Star Allies and Kirby’s Dream Buffet are also getting Switch 2 updates.

Like with Xenoblade, these updates simply say that “several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” Again, that could mean anything, like simply minimizing compatibility issues. Still, the more performance upgrades we get for original Switch games, the better.

Xenobros, we're so back

Nintendo certainly kept quiet about this one, but it appears that beloved RPG Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has received an update prior to Switch 2 launch day. Users on X / Twitter have spotted some patch notes for the game.

In fairness, the patch notes aren’t substantial, simply saying that “several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” Now, to temper expectations, there’s every chance this is just a very simple patch to stop the game from crashing or registering visual oddities on Switch 2.

But if this game does get the 4K 60fps treatment similar to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, then I’ll certainly be planning a replay of this incredible game. Now if we could also get an update patch for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, I’ll be one very happy gamer.

Hit the streets

As a lover of the best fighting games, I’m really excited to check out Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition on Switch 2 launch day. This version of the game includes all DLC characters from Season 1 (Rashid, AKI, Ed, and Akuma) and Season 2 (M. Bison, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Elena), as well as all DLC stages.

I got to check out the game at my Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on preview session a couple of months ago, and it plays fantastically on the console with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I did note image quality was a touch fuzzier than on other systems, but performance wise, the game doesn’t miss a beat. At least outside of the demanding World Tour mode, which I haven’t been able to see on Switch 2 yet.

Don't forget about those GameCube games!

While I’m sure most of you will be diving into Mario Kart World or a hotly anticipated third-party release like Street Fighter 6 or Cyberpunk 2077 on day one, it’s worth noting that Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube classics library will also be available from launch day.

Three games will be playable off the bat: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, fighting game royalty Soul Calibur 2, and the legendary anti-gravity racer F-Zero GX. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription in order to enjoy these titles.

I’ve also pre-ordered the Switch Online exclusive wireless GameCube controller from Nintendo’s website, because what better way is there to experience these games than with the iconic purple gamepad? It’s available for pre-order now at Nintendo’s store for $64.99 / £58.99. Admittedly, that is fairly steep given Nintendo has confirmed that while it will work with standard Switch 2 games, there may be compatibility issues so certainly consider that before you make a purchase.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube classics are off to a good start on Switch 2, though I did spot one slight issue in my hands-on

Has Pokémon Scarlet & Violet been fixed?

One game I’m really excited to check out on day one is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, which will be receiving a free performance update on Switch 2 launch day. A brief snippet of gameplay was revealed via the Nintendo Today mobile app a couple of days ago, but it seems like more has been fixed than just the improved resolution and framerates.

Serebii’s Joe Merrick points out on X / Twitter that animations for background objects appear to have been improved. Case in point, the infamous Artazon Windmill, which now animates smoothly in the distance. If there’s one thing I remember not so fondly about these games, it’s the incredibly choppy animations of objects and characters even close to the player. Hopefully, then, these have been smoothed out with this Nintendo Switch 2 update.

• Read more: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's 60fps upgrade on Nintendo Switch 2 genuinely makes it look a hundred times better

Nvidia’s CEO is as excited for Switch 2 as you are

Creator’s Voice Special Edition – Nintendo Switch 2’s Custom Processor - YouTube

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is the subject of Nintendo’s latest Creator’s Voice video. The tech company developed the original Switch’s custom Tegra X1 system-on-a-chip, and it also created the Switch 2’s custom processor, too.

In the video, Huang claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 has the “most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device.” And that could well be true; the Switch 2 handheld supports 1080p resolution at framerates up to 120fps. The device also has support for HDR for brighter, more accurate colors.

• Read more: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang claims Nintendo Switch 2 has the 'most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device'

Welcome to our Nintendo Switch 2 live coverage!

Good morning, US friends, and good afternoon to those of you in the UK! The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is almost upon us, happening tomorrow, June 5. It’s felt like a pretty long wait from its official announcement at the start of the year, but given how fast the year’s gone by, also not too much!

If you’ve managed to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, you’ll probably be receiving a tracking email from your retailer of choice soon, if you haven’t already. So to start things off, a friendly reminder to keep an eye on your email inbox!

I’ll be receiving my pre-ordered Switch 2 console tomorrow, and I’m excited to get stuck in with Mario Kart World, and experiencing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at what I hope is a buttery smooth 4K 60fps.

Starting with this live blog, there’s going to be plenty of Nintendo Switch 2 coverage in the coming weeks at TechRadar Gaming. And if you’ve struggled to secure a unit for yourself, you can also check out our launch day stock live hub, manned by our managing editor Rob Dwiar, who will be doing his best to spot stock at retailers across the US and UK.