The Switch 2 console was released on June 5. It is backwards compatible with nearly all Switch 2 games as well as the original Joy-Cons and Switch Pro controller, although the new Switch 2 controllers offer more functionality. In his Nintendo Switch 2 review, Tom Marks sums up the Switch 2 as "a vital but unexciting upgrade to a console I already love."
Three major Switch 2 video games have been released: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Logan Plant reviewed Mario Kart World and wrote that "Mario Kart World may not make the most convincing case that going open-world was the boost the series needed, but excellent multiplayer racing, incredible polish, and the thrilling new Knockout Tour mode still more than live up to its legacy." Mario Kart World currently sells for $79 if purchased separately.
Not only did we rate Donkey Kong a 10/10, it's the only game we've given a Masterpiece rating so far this year. In his Donkey Kong Bananza review, Logan Plant writes that "The leader of the bunch is finally back to kick some tail in Donkey Kong Bananza, a brilliant successor to Super Mario Odyssey and a smashing return for a classic Nintendo character."
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is the latest first party release and although it's also available for the original Switch, it's clearly Switch 2 optimized. In her Pokemon Legends: Z-A review, Rebekah Valentine wrote that "Pokemon Legends: Z-A finally feels like Game Freak hitting its stride in Pokemon’s 3D era, with a fun setting to explore, a well-written story, and a total battle system overhaul that works surprisingly well."
Kirby Air Riders Is Out on November 20
Following the Nintendo Direct on August 19, Kirby Air Riders for the Switch 2 went up for preorder on the Nintendo eShop for $69.99, or $10 less than the Mario racing sim. Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco, the same team behind Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, as well as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, has teamed up to make this game, setting expectations high. Besides the obvious graphical improvements, gameplay changes, and track additions compared to the original Kirby Air Ride way back in 2003 for the Gamecube, other updates include an expanded roster that includes Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, Chef Kawasaki, and Bandana Waddle Dee, more abilities, and more copy moves.
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Sora is now available on Android in the US, Canada, and other regions