NINTENDO'S SWITCH 2 ELEVATES GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE

Nintendo launched the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, boasting a significant graphics upgrade over its predecessor, powered by a custom Nvidia processor with 10 times the performance.

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MARIO KART WORLD LEADS LAUNCH, BUT LINEUP QUESTIONS REMAIN

While the console’s enhanced visuals and new features like 4K output and GameChat have drawn praise, its launch game lineup, headlined by Mario Kart World, has sparked debate about whether it delivers enough to justify the $450 price tag.

POWERFUL VISUAL UPGRADES UNVEILED

The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display with HDR and variable refresh rate support up to 120 fps in handheld mode, a leap from the original Switch’s 720p screen. When docked, it outputs up to 4K at 60 fps for compatible games, with 1080p or 1440p options reaching 120 fps. Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) enhances resolution for sharper visuals, while ray-tracing via dedicated RT Cores delivers lifelike lighting and shadows. The console’s Tensor Cores enable AI-driven features like face tracking for video chats. These upgrades, detailed by Nvidia, provide smoother frame rates, faster load times, and immersive three-dimensional audio, optimized for games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which runs at 1080p 120 fps in performance mode when docked.

MARIO KART WORLD STEALS THE SHOW

The Switch 2's flagship launch title, Mario Kart World, introduces an open-world racing experience with interconnected courses, earning strong reviews for its vibrant visuals and engaging multiplayer modes.

Priced at $79.99, it showcases the console’s graphical prowess with 4K output, HDR, and 60 fps in TV mode. IGN praised its “blast” of a gameplay experience, though noted the open world isn’t the sole draw, emphasizing refined mechanics and Joy-Con 2 controls.