# Nintendo Switch 2 at First Blush It has been awhile since we have gotten a new console.[^1] Therefore it has been awhile since I have written a "First Blush" post. I [[Google Stadia at First Blush|forgot]] I [[Xbox Series X at First Blush|wrote]] [[PS5 at First Blush|these]].[^2] Time for a new entry into this inherently infrequent series. # The Console The tablet is a big boy, but still thin and manageable. I've held a Steam Deck a few times now and the Switch 2 is far more wieldy to handle. I do have a dbrand Killswitch case on the way, which is going to add some ergonomics and slight weight. I rarely play portably, but I think this will help when traveling. The cartridge flap is *so much* easier to open. There is a slot on the back edge to slide a fingernail under and it pops right up. It is more secure. Gone is the dreadful feeling that I am going to break plastic when opening the slot on my Switch OLED. The rear of the Dock pops all the way off, which is nice, but the slot for all the cables is narrow. You have to push them all down to make sure the back can be reinserted. My biggest grievance is the consoles wonky HDR implementation. This is purely in regards to my capture set up. I am still [[Elgato has a Switch 2 Problem|having issues]], even a week later. Based off my troubleshooting efforts, the Switch 2 seems to be sending out a RGB 10b 4L6 signal when 4K and HDR are in use. That signal change to RGB 10b TM when dropping to 1080p. My capture cards do not like the HDR implementation at all. For the record, my PS5 Pro sends out a YCBCR422 8b TM signal when in 4K and HDR. My cards handle that no problem. Also, it seems that the Switch 2 is [not allowing](https://famiboards.com/threads/looks-like-switch-2-docked-mode-output-may-be-soft-limited-to-24gbps-also-lg-c1-tv-not-allowing-1440p-output.13970/) 1440p on [LG televisions](https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitchHelp/comments/1l3mczf/just_got_switch_2_1440p_option_greyed_out/)? The Dock is in need of a serious patch to address these issues. I hope it happens soon. # The Controller The Joy-Con 2 controllers are the proper size now. Thank goodness. They feel good in the hand. By far though, the best feature about them is the magnetic connection to the console/grip. It's stupendous. The release mechanism is simple and genius in its implementation. Bravo. Mouse mode is also slick as all get out. It sort of breaks my brain to have built-in native mouse controls on console. I cannot wait to try it in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and to see what devs come up with. I'm downloading *Fortnite* as I type this to give it a shot. So curious how it will feel with the joystick in my left hand to move and a mouse to aim. On the Pro Controller front, the sticks are unbelievably smooth. This is the controller iFixIt needs to teardown. I must understand this witchcraft. The GL/GR buttons are out of the way enough to avoid accidental presses. They blend right into the handles. Top tier design. But we all know the best controller at Switch 2's launch is the Nintendo Switch Online GameCube controller. It is more dense than a WaveBird, but the size of a standard GC controller. I would love to see the inside. They added gyro support too! Nintendo further establishes the GameCube controller as the greatest of all time. # Speed The console is slick and fast. Load times are not PS5 speeds, but I didn't expect that per se. They are snappy and acceptable. *Breath of the Wild* loaded in a flash. *Mario Kart World* takes a few seconds up front and then the load times are smooth. The real speed champion is the new eShop. Instantly loads. Great work Nintendo. # Set-Up After some waffling, I did go with a system transfer. I will forever have regrets from the Wii to Wii U transfer. I did learn that the *Pokémon* titles are tied to the console, not just a save data. So *Sword, Violet*, and *Legends: Arceus* now all live on my Switch 2. I did leave my *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* island on my Switch OLED. The transfer moves, saves, profile, and settings. Then the Switch 2 downloads the games. This makes getting into the console much faster. # Games *Mario Kart World* is the [Mount Wario](https://www.mariowiki.com/Mount_Wario)-ification of *Mario Kart*. The first time I played was in a party setting with friends. We ripped through the Gran Prix and dove into Knockout Tour. That is the mode to play. It is invigorating, heart pumping manic kart racing in the best way. Lots of new mechanics to get used to, tracks and routes to memorize, reflexes to build, but this is a solid new entry to the franchise. Despite the flack, *Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour* is a charming title. I think its value as a pack-in would have exceeded its value at $10. I have enjoyed my time with it. The writing is laugh-out-loud funny at times with an undeniable charm. The mingames give me hope for the next *Wario Ware*, but we did *just* get one not too long ago. So much potential here with control schemes and tech. i haven't tried backward compatibility yet, but all of the [reports](https://youtube.com/watch?v=NoE41LJyXh0) so [far](https://youtube.com/watch?v=jiZCwkKnmlQ) are extremely [promising](https://www.youtube.com/live/rQTiFDX01NA). I can't wait to play *Echoes of Wisdom* on Switch 2. *Breath of the Wild* at 4K60 feel both so wrong and so right. --- The Switch 2 feels like a solid console. The build has a premium feel; the right kind of heft. The design refinements from Switch 1 cannot be under appreciated. The wonky video signal can hopefully be sorted out with patches. The games are here. The performance seems to be spot on. Here's to this next Nintendo generation! 🥂 [^1]: Does the PS5 Pro really count? [^2]: Yes, I linked the Stadia post on the word "forgot" on purpose.