Nintendo’s launch of the Switch 2 has been a real ride, due, at least in part, to these unprecedented times in which we live. (Oh, dear reader, how I long to return to precedented times!)
There was a trade war and related shipping concerns. There was a rush for pre-orders… and then a number of retailers canceled said pre-orders… and then, almost magically, stock was available for some at local gaming and big-box stores on launch day.
At any rate, I hope you and your family were able to secure this hot new console, and I look forward to seeing you in Mario Kart World in the coming days.
My Switch 2 review unit arrived Wednesday afternoon, and, with launch titles not yet available on the eShop, I had little to do but set my system up and play a number of my OG Switch favorites on that giant new touchscreen.
I also took pictures and made notes, both in the hopes that I could shed a little light on the process for the extended GeekFamily.
We’ll start with information regarding the system transfer process, as I’m assuming the bulk of Switch 2 early adopters already own one or more Nintendo Switch systems.
1. Everybody Switch
As compared to moving from one Switch to another, the Switch-to-Switch 2 process is nicely streamlined. Rather than migrate user accounts one at a time, all Switch user data is transferred at once.
I have a pair of alt users on my OLED Switch that I use to manage DLC for my import titles, and both the associated addresses received emails informing them that their data had been transferred to my new Switch 2 moments after the process started.
2. Playing With Power
You only need a few things to successfully migrate from your Switch to Switch 2. These include login data for your wireless network and your primary Switch user account (Nintendo has fully embraced the “sign in with QR code” prompt this time around, so if you don’t want to have to type in a complex password via the Switch 2 on-screen keyboard, you can easily use your mobile device) as well as each systems’ power adaptors and a little bit of patience.
Technically, the consoles only ask that you plug them in to begin the process, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep those suckers connected the entire time.
3. Don’t Put Away That Old Switch Just Yet
This initial transfer will take care of all your system, user, and save data (including any for demo software or specialty titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons that required dedicated save file migration in the original Switch ecosystem), and then your Switch 2 will begin downloading all the games, apps, and DLC from your old Switch via the eShop.
An important thing to remember is that your digital titles are now virtual game cards, which must be “ejected” from your old system and “loaded” to your Switch 2. The first time you do this, you’ll be required to link the two systems (via local wireless and internet connection) to successfully load that initial virtual game card.
4. Confident Commerce
Speaking of virtual game cards, the Nintendo Switch eShop interface on the Switch 2 is noticeably snappier. Gone are the laggy, sluggishly loading pages of the original Switch.
At first, I just assumed it was because I had received my hardware a day early and there just weren’t many other users hitting the shop at the same time, but even this morning, when there were definitely more Switch 2 units active, there was still a real difference in load time.
5. Fresh New Cords
In addition to the Switch 2, new Switch 2 Joy-Cons, Joy-Con Grip and straps, and the Switch 2 Dock, you’ll also receive brand new cables in the box. These include a black USB-C to USB-C cable with a matching Switch 2 power adapter and an Ultra Certified HDMI cable.
The original Switch AC Adaptor can be used to charge your Switch 2 directly, but it does not have sufficient output to power the Switch 2 Dock. The OG Switch HDMI cable also needs to be swapped out for the new Switch 2 version to take full advantage of its 4K HDR capabilities.
6. Better But Also Bigger
While the Switch Dock (and even its more robust OLED equivalent) always struck me as a little dinky, the Switch 2 Dock is a nice-looking piece of kit. The removable back panel is now rounded, and the whole thing just looks and feels more substantial.
Note, though, that due to the overall size increase of the hardware, the docked Switch 2 is about a half-inch taller than a docked Switch OLED Model. Those with tight entertainment center space—or folks like me who place their docks on top of a forward-facing soundbar located directly below the television—may need to get creative to avoid visual obstructions.
7. A Real Handful
Though I initially remarked that the extra few ounces of heft of the Switch 2 was no big deal, now that I’ve had a full day with the hardware, I’d like to amend this statement. For adult players and those with medium to large hands, the weight of the new beefier Switch 2 should make little difference.
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For children and the more petite among us, it could prove hard to handle over long play sessions and will likely take some getting used to. Apart from the obvious increase in size, the Switch 2 feels just a tad more top-heavy. Even I, a man who plays nearly everything in handheld mode, have noticed that I seem to be holding my Switch 2 at a more horizontal angle than all my previous Switch systems.
8. Got Your Number
Outside of the Switch 2 itself, one of the accessories that I was anxious to check out in my own home was the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. While no one on my friends list had the required hardware yesterday evening (for obvious reasons), I still made it a point to set mine up in anticipation of this weekend’s Mario Kart madness.
Camera setup was quick and painless, but there were two small things I wanted to address.
First, Nintendo requires a phone number (for text message verification purposes) to activate GameChat functionality. Second, unlike the Switch 2 Pro Controller, which ships with a USB-C to USB-A charge cable that can be plugged into the Switch 2 Dock, the Camera arrives with a USB-C to USB-C connector, as it is intended to be plugged directly into the Switch 2 console. My issue, of course, is that the only available port for a docked Switch 2 is on top of the system, which exacerbates the previously mentioned obstruction of my television.
9. No Memory Card Shenanigans
Few things annoy me like proprietary memory card formats. Thankfully, the Switch 2’s reliance solely on microSD Express media for supplementary storage appears to be perfectly plug-and-play.
I always install memory cards and screen covers on new electronics before I begin the setup process, so I slotted in a 256GB SanDisk card before I even powered up the Switch 2, expecting to have to format or mount or in some other way initialize it after I finished my system transfer.
Nope, it just worked with no fuss.
10. Accessorize Accordingly
Nintendo has an exhaustive list of Switch accessories and their compatibility with the Switch 2. The long and short of it is that your previous Joy-Con and Pro Controllers can be paired wirelessly but lack the new Switch 2 features (like the GameChat button and Joy-Con 2 mouse interactivity). Most of your other stuff, though, likely lacks proper compatibility.
While everything you need to get the Switch 2 up and running is included in the box, I would recommend at least two additional purchases. The first is the aforementioned microSD Express memory card and, if you plan on traveling with your system, a protective case. While there is a first-party offering, I picked up this budget case that does the job nicely.
Review and promotional materials provided by Nintendo of America. This post contains affiliate links. Hello Kitty Island Adventure was the first thing I played on my new Switch 2 system.
Fonte: GeekDad - Leia mais