During my recent visit to the Nintendo Switch 2 experience in London, I was met with a delightful atmosphere. Children of all ages were filled with excitement as they eagerly tried out the Switch 2 for the first time. There were cheers and laughter as groups of friends played the oddly named Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. The highlight was watching a middle-aged man triumph over a group of disappointed kids in Mario Kart World.
My main objective for attending the event was to test the hardware of the Switch 2. While improved games, faster loading times, and enhanced performance are all great, the real standout of the Switch 2 for the average consumer lies in the hardware itself. The larger screen, updated JoyCons, and new custom CPU/GPU units truly bring the device to life. But what intrigued me the most was ‘the mouse’.
The price tag of $449.99 for entry may seem steep, but if Nintendo packs the Switch 2 with unique features and exciting gadgets, it might just justify the cost. The innovative ‘Welcome Tour’ of the Switch 2 gives us a glimpse of the hidden gems within the device, but how will other games utilize this functionality? Will it be as essential as the touchscreen in the DS family, or as forgettable as the touchscreen in the Vita family?
One game I played stood out in its incorporation of the new functionality. In Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, there are two new mini-games that make clever use of the JoyCons and their mouse capabilities. These mini-games, a rhythm game and an airship challenge, not only showcase the potential of the hardware but also provide a fun and engaging experience for players.
The rhythm game, Luxencheer Rhythm Catch, was a personal favorite and seemed to be popular among attendees. It reminded me of games like Persona Dancing, with a touch of elegance from Theatrhythm. The precise control offered by the JoyCon’s mouse functionality added a new layer of enjoyment to the gameplay.
On the other hand, Ringabel’s Panic Cruise! offered a quirky and entertaining experience, albeit with less focus on hardware capabilities. The game required players to navigate an airship through rings while completing various tasks shouted by crew members. It was chaotic and absurd in the best way possible.
Overall, these mini-games not only demonstrate the potential of the Switch 2’s hardware but also hint at the creativity and fun that developers can bring to their games. With each game priced at $80, consumers can expect added features and surprises that enhance the overall gaming experience.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster has transformed from a niche title to a standout example of what the Switch 2 is capable of. It not only justifies its purchase but also serves as a showcase for the unique features of the device. This kind of innovative gameplay is essential for the success of the Switch 2 and I applaud Square Enix for delivering such a compelling experience.
