Nintendo Switch 2 Hands-On: First Public Experience in LA

Hands-On with the Nintendo Switch 2

• 📍 The CNET team attended the public Nintendo Switch 2 experience event in Los Angeles, offering a hands-on opportunity with the new console.
• 🎮 Attendees could try the system in various form factors, including tabletop mode, using Joy-Cons, the new Pro Controller, and even a Gamecube setup.
• 🤝 The event involved interacting with other attendees, playing games, and collecting exclusive merchandise through a scavenger hunt.

Game Demos and Impressions

• 🏎️ Mario Kart World was a major highlight, featuring one-on-one races and a thrilling 24-player knockout mode.
• 🌳 Donkey Kong Bonanza stood out as a favorite, with its open areas and objectives reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey.
• 🥳 Super Mario Party Jamberee showcased new TV mode and mouse controls, which were also demonstrated with Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Dragon Drive.
• ⚔️ Metroid Prime 4 Beyond was described as shaping up extremely nicely, with impressive visuals.
• 🗺️ Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were available to check the new 120 frame rate smoothness.

Console Features and User Experience

• 🖱️ Mouse controls were a recurring feature, noted for feeling great and having a lot of promise, usable on various surfaces.
• 🖼️ The Switch 2 screen was compared directly to the original Switch OLED, appearing very nice, though viewing in sunlight remains a question.
• 🖐️ The console's ergonomics were praised, feeling comfortable, sleek, and smaller than Steam Deck for handheld gaming.
• 🧲 The magnetic Joy-Cons were noted as feeling secure and well-attached.

Attendee Reactions and Future Outlook

• 🤩 Attendees expressed excitement for games like Metroid Prime 4, Mario Kart World, and Donkey Kong.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The system was seen as accessible for both casual and dedicated players, allowing for enjoyable shared experiences.
• 📅 The console is anticipated to launch on June 5th, with the public event generating significant excitement.