After months of anticipation, Nintendo has officially announced that its next-generation console, the Switch 2, will hit UK stores on June 5th, with a starting price of £395.99. But while the console’s price tag has generated buzz, it’s the accompanying title, the newly launched Mario Kart World, priced at £74.99 for a physical copy, that is truly making waves.

With weeks left until fans can fully experience the Switch 2 and its games, I had the opportunity to test them out firsthand—and here's what I discovered.

Unmistakably Familiar Yet Refreshingly New

Upon first encounter with the Switch 2, it became instantly clear that Nintendo aims for a seamless transition from its predecessor. This isn’t another confusing leap like the Wii to Wii U transition. Instead, the Switch 2 maintains the familiar layout of buttons and controls but boasts a significantly larger and more vibrant screen.

Gameplay Experience Like Never Before!

Mario Kart World left a stunning impression, leveraging the Switch 2's enhanced hardware. The game looks more dazzling than previous entries in the series, maintaining its signature cartoonish charm while offering an engaging visual experience. However, even with this advancement, it still doesn’t compare to high-end systems like the PlayStation 5 or the upcoming PS5 Pro.

During my three races with Mario Kart World, I quickly found myself mastering the game. Its ease of play allowed for consecutive first-place finishes—much to the disbelief of fellow players.

Cost Considerations that Make You Think Twice

While amped-up graphics and familiar gameplay are enticing, the cost of admission is a factor for many gamers. The digital edition of Mario Kart World is hitting shelves for £66.99, with the physical version costing an additional £8. For those considering a bundle, a Switch 2 with this game pre-loaded will run you £429.99—definitely a not-so-tiny investment.

Industry insiders, like expert analyst Christopher Dring, attribute these steep prices to manufacturing expenses, exacerbated by tariffs impacting production. The United States has recently imposed a 24% tariff on cartridges made in Japan, likely influencing Nintendo’s pricing decisions worldwide. For our American gamers, expect to pay $79.99 for the game and $449.99 for the console—or a whopping $499.99 if you want Mario Kart bundled.

Not Just for Kart Racing: New Features Await!

Mario Kart is not the only exciting offering from the Switch 2. For fans of action-adventure, Metroid Prime 4 has finally made its return after 18 years of anticipation. While retaining traditional controls, the game introduces a unique feature allowing you to rotate the controller and use it like a mouse, blending familiar console gameplay with the flexibility of PC gaming. This offers new possibilities for future titles making their way to home consoles from PC.

Exciting New Titles and Nostalgic Favorites

Additionally, I tried out new iterations of fan favorites like Donkey Kong Bananza, which promises exhilarating destructible environments and 3D platforming after a 25-year hiatus. However, again, the pricing won’t be easy for fans, with digital copies set at £58.99 and physical versions at £66.99.

Beyond reinventing classic franchises, Switch 2 includes updated versions of triple-A titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Yakuza 0. Notably, this hybrid console continues to push the envelope by providing gamers with on-the-go capabilities, setting itself apart from competitors like the Steam Deck.

Nostalgia Meets Innovation: What’s Next?

Nintendo seems to have struck a balance between nostalgia and innovation, sticking with the Switch name while offering new titles and remasters of classic hits. As we inch closer to the release, players are left wondering—will this slick fusion of familiarity outweigh its hefty price tag? Come June, they will be racing to find out!

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the world of Switch 2 and its offerings in the upcoming months!