Happy launch day for the Nintendo Switch 2! .If you’ve been around the block with Nintendo before, it’s easy to forget that for many people, this is their very first step into the world of Mario, Zelda, and everything in between.
Whether you’re buying it for yourself or gifting it to a child who’s never touched a Nintendo console, here’s what I’d recommend to get the most out of this shiny new system right from the start.
The console comes in two versions. You can either get just the console or you can opt for a pack that includes the brand-new Mario Kart World digitally. If you’re asking me, the combo is the smarter pick.
You’re essentially getting one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history at a better value, and the entertainment it offers especially for competitive or family friendly fun is immense.
Let’s not forget: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe carried the original Switch on its back for years. While we don’t know yet if Mario Kart World will repeat that success, a Nintendo console without Mario Kart is like toast without butter. You need it.
Accessories matter more than you think. The Switch 2 launches with a full ecosystem of compatible gear: controllers, racing wheels, USB-C cameras, microSD cards, and protective cases. You’ll want to gear up depending on the kind of games you plan to play.
Switch 2 is fully compatible with most physical and digital titles from the original Nintendo Switch. That means if you’re new to the Nintendo universe, you now have access to one of the richest game libraries of the last decade.
Start with essentials like Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Metroid Dread, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Splatoon 3, and Pikmin 4.
Every single one is worth your time. You might be tempted to wait for the new exclusives designed for Switch 2, but I’d urge you not to skip out on these gems. They’re genre defining and still hold up brilliantly on the upgraded hardware.
Before you shout at me in the comments: no, I haven’t forgotten about The Legend of Zelda. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom deserve their own category.
These games now run at 60FPS on Switch 2 and have new content like Zelda Notes. If you’ve got the physical version from Switch, you can “level it up” with a small additional fee a price well worth it for the enhancements you get. It’s the best way to experience Hyrule, hands down.
Nintendo has opened its doors to third party titles in a big way. At launch, Switch 2 includes games like Hogwarts Legacy a perfect pick if you’re a Harry Potter fan or just starting out in gaming.
And if you want to dive in without spending more money, Fortnite runs better than ever on the new system with full 60FPS support and Joy Con mouse mode compatibility.
If you’ve got a nostalgic streak, grab a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Not only does it let you play online games like Mario Kart World with friends, but it also unlocks access to a massive back catalog from past Nintendo systems up to and including the GameCube. That’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves classic games.
All in all, the Switch 2 is a strong start to a new chapter for Nintendo. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned fan, there’s never been a better time to dive in. Enjoy every second this ride is just beginning.