Nintendo's latest console, the Switch 2, has swiftly sold 3.5 million units, marking it as the quickest-selling Nintendo system to date. However, I find myself struggling to muster much excitement for this hardware unveiling.
Let me cut through the crap, y'all: Last week, Nintendo dropped the Switch 2, its long-anticipated follow-up to the original best-seller. To be clear, it ain't rocket science to spot the similarities between the two—it's just taller and showing off its 'grown-up' hardware. But the new kid in town packs a punch, courtesy of a bespoke chip from Nvidia that makes the Switch 2 the surprise Cyberpunk 2077 host.
Despite the factory-refurbished vibes, the Switch 2's blazing sales will make you do a triple take. A whopping 3.5 million units were sold within days of its release, eclipsing the original Switch's pace. So, is it here to snatch the crown as Nintendo's top-selling console? Given the numbers, it's certainly given a good run for its money, chillin' at position #2 for now.
But hey, journo here, working for PC Gamer, so I ain't exactly poppin' champagne for another Nintendo console. After setting things up on the Switch 2, I couldn't help but ask myself, "Have I just forked over $500 for the same damn thing I copped in '17?"
The sheer power driving under its hood might convince you otherwise, but let's not pretend the Switch 2 revolutionized tech. Intrigued? Check out this thorough teardown, where our James breaks down exactly what's ticking that box. But let's not forget our old mate, the Steam Deck, which levels the playing field quite nicely when it comes to comparing the Switch 2's capabilities.
Thing is, despite the beefier engine, this launch feels awfully...safe. Call it the "If it ain't broke...swap batteries" approach. Curious about how truly 'safe' the Switch 2 is? iFixit's teardown reveals Nintendo ain't exactly in a rush to embrace the repair revolution. And if you thought it couldn't get worse, the Joy-Cons are still susceptible to stick drift.
Worried about mountains of e-waste? Fear not, because the EU's stepping up to the plate with efforts to strengthen consumer's "right to repair." Even giant tech behemoths, like Apple, are hopping on board, easing up repair access for the future iPhone 16. So much so that Big A is placating consumers that its older models will be much easier to dismantle and repair.
Unfortunately, Nintendo seems to be more interested in maintaining control than adapting with the times. From cracking down on emulator devs to dispute settlements that would make Scrooge blush, the Switch 2's repairability is about as user-friendly as musty mold in your cereal box.
In the ever-changing tech landscape, it's hard not to feel like Nintendo's gotta be afraid... very afraid. Keep updated on the industry's latest news and game releases with us—y'know, just in case you can't tear yourself away from your Switch 2.
Written by Jess KinghornJess is a 10-year games journalism vet, with the last 7 spent crafting content for PLAY and Official PlayStation Magazine. When she's not breaking down hardware, she's diving into horror classics, ranting about indie gems, or engaging in passionate love affairs with tabletop nonsense.
- Engaging in a disagreement, one might argue that the Switch 2's sales numbers make it a formidable contender for being Nintendo's top-selling console.
- Even though the Switch 2 has a more powerful chip, its conservative approach to innovation could evoke concern, as if it's reluctant to embrace the trends within the technology sector.
- The recent announcement by the EU to strengthen the right to repair consumer electronics, including initiatives from tech giants like Apple, could signal a shift in the industry, potentially positioning smart-home devices and gadgets as more repair-friendly.
- In contrast to these advancements, the Switch 2's repairability remains a concern due to its resistance to adapting to the repair revolution, making it somewhat challenging to maintain or fix.
