The Nintendo Switch 2 is Finally Here! + Mario Kart World Review

It cannot be emphasised enough how much the original Switch changed the gaming industry. Before the Switch, the idea of playing games like Skyrim on the go was unthinkable. Its hybrid nature was truly a revolution, far beyond Nintendo's gimmicks of the past, such as the 3DS. (A feature most users would always keep switched off) Sliding the Joy-Cons on and off with a click was endlessly satisfying, maintaining the Nintendo charm throughout its life. However, it didn't come without its downfalls. The system was woefully underpowered when compared to its competitors. Becoming more and more noticeable in its later years. Enter the Switch 2, a console that does everything the Switch does, but better!

The Nintendo charm remains present. Joy-Cons are just as satisfying to switch between, now snapping into place with the help of a magnet. In handheld mode, the screen is considerably larger and while docked, it can display up to 4k resolution on your TV. Plus, frame rates of up to 120 frames per second.

Could there be a more perfect launch title than Mario Kart? The iconic series hasn't had a new entry since 2014! Mario Kart World delivers on everything you'd expect. It's an absolute joy to play and looks fantastic. Knockout Tour is a standout. This new battle royale style mode has you racing to stay in the game. The placement criteria get stricter with each completed lap. Until only the final 4 remain in a race for victory. I'd recommend only playing this online; the fun relies on the desperate scramble to qualify for the next lap. The offline mode is far too easy and won't be able to provide that experience.

Unfortunately, the "World" aspect was a bit of a letdown. The interconnectivity between the tracks is barely noticeable when playing Grand Prix, and Free Roam is bare bones, giving little to no incentive to explore. Far from justifying its £75 price point. In an Interview with IGN the Vice President, Player & Product Experience of Nintendo of America, Bill Trinen addressed the price hike saying "what I would say is that we just look at each individual game and we look at the content and the value of that game, and then we say, 'what is the right price for the value of this entertainment?" Although I suspect this increase has less to do with the scale of the content and more to do with the brand's reputation.

The Switch 2 is a powerhouse portable system with a premium feel, a worthy successor to the original model. While Mario Kart World isn't able to justify its increased price, it remains a fantastic game that will no doubt provide countless hours of fun for years to come.