HexagonSun

I'm working this weekend, but I'm still finding time to play some great games. Metroid Prime 4 on my Switch 2 and several N64 games on my new Analouge 3D. I'm really enjoying both the old and new from Nintendo.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

I'm playing Metroid Prime 4 on Switch 2 and a variety of N64 games on my new Analouge 3D. It's weird just how long I've been waiting for both MP4 and an FPGA N64 clone. I can finally play my entire retro Nintendo collection on my 4K TV. It's been a long time coming.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

I only missed one. That was Tecmo Super Bowl. I never did like football, so I really didn't pay attention to the difference in box art between football videogames.

I play NES games mostly on my RetroUSB AVS. It's a fantastic way to play NES games on a modern 4k TV. I still get a lot of use out of my cartridges and controllers.

I am planning on picking up another CRT for light gun games.

I ordered imported English language copies on Play Asia years ago. It's nice to see the physical versions more accessible.

I don't like Game Key Cards, but it looks like Nintendo made them to simply entice third parties to publish their games on Switch 2. Nintendo themselves aren't even using them. They're releasing all of their games complete on cartridge. It's obviously not some evil plan to screw over the consumer. It just ensures that more third parties release their games without resorting to a code in a box.

We were already seeing publishers on Switch buy the smallest cartridge and require the consumer to download most of the game. I didn't like that either, but it didn't stop me from buying the games I wanted.

I'm a physical media collector. I try to get physical media for all my favorite music, movies, games and books.

Game Key Cards will keep me from making impulse purchases, like I did on Switch. When it comes down to it though, I buy Nintendo systems for Nintendo games, and all of Nintendo's games are going to have complete physical versions. That's enough to make me happy with Switch 2. Third party content is just icing on the cake.

The industry is moving toward all digital. At best, you'll have to buy a disc drive separately for PS6 (just like PS5 pro). I wouldn't be surprised though if it's all digital.

Nintendo is not the bad guy here. They're making the best out of a difficult transition. If physical media is that important to you, collect retro games. I do and I have a collection that I'll be able to enjoy offline for the rest of my life.

Congratulations on finally beating it!

Super Mario Bros is still a fantastic game. My preferred way to play it these days is with the original cartridge on my RetroUSB AVS with an NES Advantage controller on my 4K TV.

SMB was my first console game as a kid. I was five and it basically taught me how to play videogames. I spent hours searching out every little secret, bonus level and warp zone. There was really nothing like it at the time. It still holds up very well and is worth a playthrough no matter how you choose to play it.

I love this. It's completely out of left field, which is so Nintendo. It's obviously meant for diehard fans. It's not for everyone and that's okay.

The Virtual Boy is the only Nintendo system I don't own both original hardware and and an hd workaround for. I'll definitely be picking up the replica.

I think the Switch 2 has been great so far. Three months is barely any time for a new console to get off the ground. There's not a Nintendo system in memory that had more to play on it in such a short time (without backwards compatibility). There's a lot of impatience with the fanbase nowadays.

Square Enix is really baffling when it comes to how they're treating it's Nintendo fanbase. I just upgraded DQIII for free, but I can't do that with DQ1+2? It makes no sense. I have Final Fantasy Tactics preordered for Switch, because I know I'll be able to both own the game on cartridge and get the benefit of a Switch 2 upgrade. I would have done the same for DQ1+2 if they hadn't arbitrarily decided against an upgrade path.

It's really too bad. Dragon Quest is best played on a handheld. I own every DQ game released on Nintendo handheld. As much as I want to just get the Switch 1 version, I don't want to support this anti-consumer practice. I hope they reverse this decision. Even if I have to pay for an upgrade, I would rather that than no option at all.

I've tried a few grip cases for Switch 2 and they add too much bulk and weight for my taste. I like how sleek the Switch 2 is without a case.There's no metal sliders to bend this time, so it doesn't feel necessary like it did with Switch 1. I'm just sticking with a screen protector this go around.

As for an external battery, I've already bought a couple of great batteries for much less than the one being advertised. I haven't owned a new external battery since the original launch Switch. I was surprised at how much better they are now. I would never want to bolt one of these to the back of my Switch 2.

Switch 2 isn't a PS5. Some people seem to forget that Switch 2 is a handheld console. Just because it has a convenient TV out doesn't change that. It's a Gameboy that plays modern games at an acceptable performance. It's not for everyone, but it's more convenient than any other console, including a PS4. That's the appeal of getting third party games for it.

I'm a Nintendo only gamer, so I've never played FFVIIR. I'm very much looking forward to it and I'm glad it has a steady frame rate.

Chibi Robo is one of my favorite GameCube games. It's so odd and quirky, while also just a joy to explore. If you've never played it, you're in for a treat.

@Alex79uk I don't know. Nintendo did just add controller remapping for NSO. From my perspective, the service has only continued to improve since it released. This is coming from someone who owns a sizable retro collection from every Nintendo console (except Virtual Boy). I'm holding out hope that they'll at least have an optional way to replicate pointer controls. Zapper games are starting to gain popularity again, so that may be reason enough to release some sort of solution. That could just be using the new camera accessory to track joycon instead of faces. I don't know. Perhaps unlikely, but not out of the realm of possibility.

@Alex79uk No, but theoretically, they could make infrared sensors that clip onto each joycon. At least, that's how I explain it to myself. 😊

Nintendo will have to figure out how to bring us pointer controls if they ever want to add Wii to NSO.

Mosty DK Bananza right now. Also playing Yakuza 0, Mario Kart World, Zelda Totk NS2, Wario Land 4, Wind Wake, Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time.

Good time to be a Nintendo fan!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊

I played the original when it released. I really liked it, but I never finished it for whatever reason. I'll upgrade and play the whole thing over again. It'll be nice in between MKW, DK Bananza and Yakuza 0. Maybe I'll actually finish it this time.

I'm still holding out hope that Nintendo will release a sensor bar for Switch 2. The inferred sensors could easily attach to the joycon.

Maybe if the switch 2 camera can replicate pointer controls, I'll have a reason to buy it.

Perhaps when Wii comes to NSO...

Until then, my Wii U will still serve as my go-to for light gun games.

Although it's easy to compare the two, DK Bananza is clearly doing it's own thing in a way that just wouldn't work for a Mario game.

Nintendo has a way of reinventing the platformer over and over with new and wacky ideas. I love platformers and Nintendo has managed to keep them fresh for over forty years. Bananza is no exception.

I just got my physical copy of Kiwami 1 for Switch through LRG. I'm really glad they're allowing upgrades. I just started the series with 0 on Switch 2 and I'm really enjoying it so far.

I just wish Sega would have allowed upgrades for Sonic Generations. I'm not buying a game twice.

I'm very excited about this. PAC Man World 2 is a favorite on GameCube. I would have settled for it showing up on NSO, but this is even better. I hope they tone down the cheap deaths of the original.

This was one of my favorite surprises with Switch 2. N64 and now SNES games look fantastic with the CRT filter. I'll be delighted when the NES gets this update

The game is easily a 10/10 for me. This is the sort of creativity that I love Nintendo for. It's really awesome to see Donkey Kong in a 3D platformer again after such a long time.

I'm hoping we'll get DK64 on NSO+ soon.

I'm playing Donkey Kong Bonanza and having an absolute blast. With DK released, it feels like the Switch 2 generation has finally begun. It really should have been a launch title. Nothing against Mario Kart World. I do really like it and I've had a lot of fun playing it with my wife. It's just not the big single player experience I've been waiting for.

It's good not to forget that Switch 2, just like the original Switch, is the modern day equivalent of a Gameboy. Everyone who buys one should realize that you're sacrificing fidelity for the convenience of being able to play anywhere. Like it or not, Nintendo only makes handhelds now. A frame dip here and there during demanding gameplay isn't a deal breaker if you just want to have fun.

This is the game I've been looking forward to since the Switch 2 launched. To make me feel fine about not getting a 3D Mario isn't a small feat. This is why I love Nintendo. They don't give me what I want. They make me want something I never asked for.

@Michael0916 Well, there's the aesthetic quality first. It has a very similar look to Odyssey. The worlds look fairly large, like Odyssey. Pauline is in the game, like Odyssey. Then there's changing the clothes the characters wear, similar fast travel, small challenge levels hidden throughout the main areas, and transformations.

No doubt, this is a different game. It's not Odyssey 2, but it seems to have a lot of it's DNA built into it.

I can easily say that one of my favorite game series is 3D Mario. Ever since Super Mario 64, Nintendo has managed to do something special and new, while also retaining what makes Mario unique. However, how many times has Nintendo's developers said that gameplay ideas come first?

This game could have easily started out as intended for Mario, only to become a Donkey Kong game. Tearing up the levels to use as weapons, platforms, extra jumps and making alternative routes definitely seems more suited to a giant ape than Mario.

There's no denying, however, how much Bananza looks like an evolution on the ideas in Odyssey. It's going to be an amazing game even without Mario. I also wouldn't be surprised if they had another team start on 3D Mario as soon as they realized that Bonanza was not going to be a Mario game. Nintendo knows how important Mario is to their continued success.

I would be very surprised if the next 3D Mario game is more than a few years away. Perhaps, this created the perfect storm for Mario Galaxy 3. Or, perhaps, the ideas employed in Bowser's Fury have matured into a more comprehensive experience. Only time will tell, but I haven't been disappointed by 3D Mario in almost 30 years. I don't think this should be a cause for concern. We're definitely going to get another 3D Mario. I can wait. In the meantime, Nintendo might give us Galaxy 2 and 3D Land to tide us over.

I immediately put a screen protector on mine. It's only prudent to protect your investment.

I leave my adaptive brightness on and put it in airplane mode when playing in handheld. I'm able to get decent playtime with those settings. GameCube games are great for handheld.

It's very much a Gameboy to Gameboy Color sort of upgrade. Significant but understated.

That said, I'm very happy with my Switch 2. It feels very sleek. I love how solid it feels in handheld. No need for a grip case this go around.

I'm definitely interested in picking this one up. If it had been released on a physical cartridge, I would have bought it at launch. As it stands, I think I'll pick up a used key card later on.

I had a feeling this is the way it would go down. I'm happy to get the Switch 1 version, so I can own a physical copy. It's nice they let us upgrade for free.

@Olmectron This is true, but a lot of Square Enix switch games are complete on cartridge. One can hope.

I'll probably pick up the Switch 1 version, so I can have the game complete on cartridge. I don't see much benefit the extra power of the Switch 2 would do for a game like this, beyond faster loading.

I'm really looking forward to just getting off the beaten path and exploring the world. I hope there's lots of collectables and missions along the way. I'm glad they're taking Mario Kart in a new direction. It makes me wonder where they're going to take Smash Bros next.

Most of the updated games are ones I haven't touched in quite a while. I feel pretty spoiled for choices when it comes to Switch 2. It's a very unique launch for a Nintendo system. I'm glad I took the day off of work.

I never got my invite from Nintendo, but I kept checking the store for a GameCube controller and got lucky. Hopefully, it arrives soon after I get my Switch 2.

I love the GameCube. I still have my original GameCube hooked up to my 4K TV with a fantastic HD adapter that allows for scan lines.

It'll be nice to play some of my favorite games anywhere on Switch 2. I'm hoping we get some of the better 3rd party games.

I'm getting the Switch 2, physical copies of Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk, the wireless GameCube controller, slim grip case and a hard shell case with screen protector.

With the Zelda upgrades, Wind Waker, Soul Calibur II and F Zero GX on NSO+, I'll have a lot to keep me busy until Donkey Kong Bonanza comes out.

Considering Fantasy Life, Rune Factory and Yakuza 0 down the road.

I'm taking the day off of work so I can really dig in and enjoy my new system. I've got physical editions of Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk arriving on the same day. I was lucky enough to get a GameCube controller, as well. With the new games and my NSO+ subscription I'll have a lot to play.

Even though I have a GameCube hooked up at home, I can't wait to play these games again on a portable. I love Soul Caliber II. I'm not even much of a fighting game fan.

@Manguy888A My thoughts exactly. Send a clear message that key cards aren't worth as much as a game complete on the cartridge.

I understand why key cards are a thing. Third party games are huge compared with Nintendo first party games. Cartridges are expensive. It makes sense for luring more third party games to Switch 2.

I'm glad that at least Nintendo themselves are keeping their games physical. If I'm honest, Nintendo's exclusive games are why I buy Nintendo systems. Third party has always been icing on the cake with Nintendo consoles.

I do hope that Nintendo picks up publishing for some of the bigger third party releases. Final Fantasy VII Remake comes to mind. I'll get it either way, but key cards are definitely going to affect my purchasing habits for Switch 2. I won't be so ready to gamble on a third party game as I was on Switch 1.

Definitely still playing Switch while trying to wait patiently for the Switch 2 to release. I just did a handheld playthrough of Earthbound. Now I'm replaying Paper Mario TTYD. I'm also playing Majors Mask on 3DS and Mother 3 on my Analogue Pocket.

I can't wait to get my hands on a new Nintendo system. Eight years is a really long time for Nintendo. The Switch has been a great console, but I'm ready for an upgrade.

I can't say I really understand the technical specs at all, but Switch 2 seems like a huge leap in power from the OG Switch. As a mostly Nintendo only gamer, I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far.

Nintendo opted to go with fast loading physical media so you don't have to install every cartridge to the SSD. It's too bad that it's expensive enough to push 3rd party developers towards key cards and codes in a box. If they only knew that collectors, like myself, are willing to pay extra for complete cartridges.

At least it looks like Nintendo 1st party software will be available complete on cartridge. Hopefully, boutique shops like Limited Run will offer third party software complete on cartridge.

As of now, I just have cartridges for Mario Kart World and Cyber Punk preordered. I want to pick up Yakuza, but I'll wait and see if it comes to cartridge later on. That seems like something Limited Run would do.

I've had NSO+ since it started, too. No invite email yet. I really just want it for the GameCube controller, at this point.

Thankfully, I've got my Switch 2 preorder secured from Walmart.

Good luck to everyone who wants a preorder!

I'm glad to see that at least Nintendo is releasing it's games on cartridge still. As it stands I've got the standard Switch 2, and physical copies of Mario Kart World and Cyber Punk preordered for launch.

I'm sure I'll buy key cards, but it's sad to see most third parties skipping a full cartridge release of their games.

I'm a collector and I hate dealing with limited storage for downloads. This means I won't be making as many third party purchases for Switch 2. I'm not going to miss the games I really want, but I doubt I'll be buying nearly as many games on Switch 2 as I did for Switch.

I'm hopeful that Limited Run will do full physical cartridges of the games I really want. I'll also be checking Play Asia for regions that get full physical cartridges. I'm willing to pay more for a complete game on a cartridge.

I still have my launch day Switch and launch Switch OLED. They're both in excellent condition. I wouldn't trade in either. They'll be worth far more than what GameStop is offering in years to come. I have over 200 physical switch games. Keeping them is an investment in my gaming future. I keep all my systems and games. I have every Nintendo system, sans the virtual boy. I like owning my games. It seems like it won't be long before that's a thing of the past.

I was luckily able to get a preorder on Walmart.com. I also preordered Mario Kart World on cartridge. I'll be getting all my fist party software on cartridge when possible. I plan on getting CP 2077 and Donkey Kong soon after.