To all those getting excited about gyro, I’ve just seen a review on YT which says the gyro is completely broken and unusable. The video showed the aiming was all over the place and behaved erratically. And for some darn reason Capcom, despite their wonderful streak at the moment, can’t seem to fix gyro in handheld at all! For those who have tried playing RE 7-9 in handheld mode, you will know that it uses the “roll” version of gyro requiring you to roll the whole console. I basically had to play all 3 games in docked mode because of this - please Capcom, make the gyro aiming work like it does in BOTW and TOTK when aiming Link’s bow - it controls exactly the same in handheld and docked and allows you to pinpoint headshots to perfection. Why can’t they implement this for RE games on Switch 2?

Thanks to everyone who has pointed out the size of the demo - it may well be free, but I can’t “afford” 29gbs of data on my Switch 2/Micro SD Express card to try out a demo. That is absolutely monstrous for a mere demo 😱

I absolutely loved this game, such a great fresh IP the way it was. But I certainly wouldn’t have objected to more horror elements.

My physical copy arrived yesterday, got a right deal only £37.85 and free delivery. Looking forward to starting it - was a toss up between this and Elden Ring for my first real foray into the Soulslike genre.

Downloaded the demo and also the demo for Well Dweller…. I haven’t started Castlevania yet because oh my, that Well Dweller demo is soooo good! Did its job and made me want to purchase. Hope this Castlevania demo impresses, because it will take a lot to top that Well Dweller and sway the purchase…

Had it preloaded on my Switch 2 from the preorder so was about to jump right in…. But there’s another 6.2gb day one download/update, so just waiting on that to give it a try.

@WhoderMan haha, no problem 🤣

@WhoderMan I have actually used both. I got the Nitro Deck 2 first because I did enjoy the original one for handheld play on the Switch 1, but without any reviews (which is exactly why I would have appreciated one by NLife) I was unaware of how awful the ND2 actually is. Firstly, it uses Switch 1 protocol (so is only recognised as a Switch 1 pro controller - so no native C button, no Switch 2 wake-up, and no GL/GR back button remapping etc) and is made with a strange extendable tension system (similar to how a backbone controller fits around mobile phones). This is because they wanted it to be compatible with the Switch 1 and 2, but the downside is it not actually a deck like the Nitro Deck 1 which allowed the console to slot in and connect seemlessly as a wired controller. It’s very ergonomic but very cumbersome to set up every single time you want to switch between handheld and docked.

I had to get rid of it but I still needed a deck-style controller for handheld play, and that’s exactly what the Abxylute N6 is - it basically does everything the original Nitro Deck did for Switch 1, but it is actually recognised as a Switch 2 Pro Controller and therefore allows native use of the GL/GR back buttons found on the official Pro Controller 2.

I mean, thanks for the review as I would never have known that this product existed, but I do wonder why the site has reviewed this monstrosity and not produced a single review for deck-style controllers for the Switch 2, like the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 or the Abxylute N6, which I imagine would be of more interest to Switch 2 owners…

@Athropos Thank you so much for pointing out the fact that you cannot suspend the game without being kicked out of the server - this should have been massively highlighted and underlined in this review!!! At the very least included in Cons. Such an egregious omission because the suspension feature of the Switch is one I utilise all the time for the vast majority of games, and however else it reviews this matters most to a lot of people, I would wager.

@JohnnyMind Very well put, Johnny. Your general sentiment in comments sections is uplifting.

This actually looks great but I am going to echo a lot of other people in the comments in saying I just can’t purchase a Switch 1 version. Needs to be a native Switch 2 game for me at this stage, aside from the fact that I made that mistake with Shinobi, this would feel like such a backwards step given we are well over a year into the Switch 2 ecosystem now.

Just tried the demo and I really want to like this game but… is the character meant to feel so floaty to control and in combat? Something feels really off in the way she controls, not sure if this is just how it plays in Switch 2?

@JohnnyMind Johnny, you keep on hinting at getting that Pro Controller 🤣. Honestly, you should just go for it, it’s a game-changer when playing docked and I absolutely love mine.

Great article btw, very informative and interesting read on what remains a sore point/hot topic for us Switch gamers.

Ever since this update adding VRR, whenever I turn my Switch 2 on my TV now says 3840 x 2160 @ 59,99 HZ, instead of 60 HZ. To anyone who knows - Is that normal?

Good review, I am considering this one after enjoying my time with the demo, but never played the first game. I assume that doesn’t really matter?

@Ooccoo_Jr Your initial comment captures my fears about getting this. I don’t want the exploration to be confusing and punishing and have to refer to a guide… I am so torn on whether to pull the trigger on this or Lies of P (never played either, but am getting one or the other by the weekend).

This is fantastic news, one of my favourite games and to be able to get all those upgrades for free is just mwah. The upgrade to the combat is most exciting for me - the brief view we got in that trailer makes it look so much slicker and modern.

@Dpullam Although I do enjoy an open world game when it’s done really well, I also agree with you that they have become a bit too prevalent and I like the sound of a more condensed and focused experience. You’re not making the choice easy 🤣

@Dpullam Lies of P does look more my vibe, but you saying Elden Ring is the gold standard in terms of souls gameplay has me torn… Elden is out in a week, which gives me 7 days to decide. Will definitely be picking up one of them next Friday…

@Lumnethia Thank you for that considered response. Appreciate what you are saying about being able to just go straight into this game without having played any of the Souls games, but watching the game in action actually made me want to play one first 🤣.

I’ve seen some of the gameplay now, and it looks absolutely cracking to be honest. Having never really been into Souls games before, should I get Elden Ring or Lies of P to help me prepare, to those who are more educated in this field?

That Pro Controller does look very nice, especially compared to the completely underwhelming Resident Evil one.

@JohnnyMind Have you got yourself a Pro Controller 2 yet? (I seem to remember you saying you were going that way).

In terms of controllers, I really wish the regular joy cons used the same slick gliding stick that Nintendo implemented in the Pro 2. I find it really hard going from docked to handheld mainly due to how stiff and stubby the joy con sticks feel after using the Pro 2.

@Arkay That’s exactly what I wanted to be able to do. But the last time I played it the exploration was significantly inhibited by the constant, non-stop attacks by pirates. It made just chilling and exploring impossible - has that changed now?

@NicolausCamp Exactly my thoughts. I absolutely love Star Fox on Switch 2…. It looks and feels amazing to play. But if only it was a brand new game with fresh levels. It could look and play exactly the same, just not be a rehash of the same levels many people have played through umpteen times. Playing through Star Fox has made me more interested in this game simply because it’s a fresh, different experience.

@CotUZZZ I was wondering about the difficulty options, because I always play games on ‘normal’ (at least at first), which is invariably the middle option between easy and hard, so thanks for that clarification that the hardest difficulty was in fact intended as standard.

Patiently waiting for the Nitro Deck 2 myself, which has seen several delays. Really hoping it improves the handheld experience…

Never played a DMC game but I am seriously tempted to start with this one. My only hesitation being how accessible to newcomers the fifth entry in the series is…

No thank you - too busy enjoying efootball Kick off. What a great football game, no nonsense micro transactions, it seems to just capture the joy of the game….. and that 60 fps - mwah.

@RainbowGazelle Didn’t see your post before posting mine - I definitely got both these boxes as a preorder bonus in Europe.

Interestingly, I got some preorder deal in a game shop which included both these boxes! The game was actually in the European one, and there was maps, booklets etc in the gold box.

Another voice for efootball kickoff, I am enjoying this game so much!

@molkom Wow, I concur with both your points there! Staying well clear of Ocarina until the new version comes out, feel like it will have more impact. And playing efootball kick off to get in the World Cup mood. It’s so good to play; the most fun I’ve had playing a football game in years!

I’m still feeling a bit numb about that last Direct. I was extremely excited for it, and it wasn’t especially disappointing… it’s just, I don’t know, there’s usually at least something in every Direct I watch that quickens the pulse, but this one felt flat. The only thing that should have been incredible was the Ocarina reveal, but aside from the fact that it was spoiled by leaks, they showed precious little (emphasis on little). The void of excitement following the Direct is palpable.

The rail connection for the joy-cons on my OLED drove me insane (constantly disconnecting the left one during play - maddening) and so was forced to use third party handheld solutions (Nitro Deck etc), but gone are those issues with a year of Switch 2. Also, Pro Controller for TV mode is the most comfortable gaming I’ve ever had.

@NerdyPaul PES was always better for gameplay than FIFA!

Oh, this sounds perfect for me. A new Pro Evo with focus on single player content is exactly what I want - and £15.99 plus 60 fps to boot! Not played PES since 7, I am so in.

@Nalverus I played the whole game in gryo too, but only in docked mode. In handheld for some reason you could only aim up or down, not left or right using motion controls. @Res462 Very, very good point! I simply could not play RE9 in handheld mode because of this, but was able to play fine in both modes in Pragmata, and it is very strange that no review mentioned this.

I saw this pop up on the eshop a couple of hours ago and looked for a Switch 2 review, perfect timing, glad it reviewed as good as it looks.

@Oyaji_Music Thanks for that considered response, and I do broadly agree with you about game-key cards. Like I said, it was my first time buying one, and I won’t be making a habit of it. In answer to your question about how it was downloaded, I didn’t have to open the eshop at all, I just pressed the + button on the software on the home menu and downloaded it straight away from there. However, you’re right, it required a full 13.1 gb download so there was no data included on that card itself.

@Oyaji_Music It’s funny you should say that, because I recently bought my first game-key card game, largely for two reasons: I bought Pragmata, as it was actually cheaper than the eshop (£39.99 for the “empty box” as opposed to £49.99 for the digital download), and after I finished the game I then traded said “empty box” in for £33, which meant playing through the whole of Pragmata this way effectively only cost me £7 rather than the £50 it would have to download it. I realise this would not be acceptable for a lot of people (collectors, those who want to own the game permanently on their Switch 2 etc), but it definitely worked for me in this instance. So game-key cards do have some uses and are certainly not an “empty box” like those codes.

I finished the main story just yesterday (and yes, I did 🥲), about to finish the postgame content imminently and I have loved every second. What a satisfying blend of shooter/puzzle combat, a compelling upgrade system for gear/stats, and a beautiful little story to boot. Wonder - full, wonderful game.

I have been caught off guard by how much I am enjoying this game. I realised today that I have not even closed the game on my Switch 2 since starting it over a week ago, which is extremely rare for me to not even dip into another game as a palette cleanse. This and Requiem this year have been my most played and enjoyed games…. Capcom are really spoiling us.

@JohnnyMind @datamonkey I am 100% with you there, the Pro Controller 2 is the most comfortable I’ve ever used too. As a few other people have said in the comments, it’s not just how good it feels to hold, but those smooth as heck sticks and larger, satisfying face buttons are far superior to using the joy-cons. Johnny, I tagged you in because I have noticed that you have intimated that you are going to go for the Pro Controller quite a few times. I am surprised you still haven’t! Go for it, honestly you will not regret it.

@Satans_Therapist Yes, the motion controls in Pragmata and Deadzone are fantastic, and I would have expected similar in this game. (I haven’t played Splatoon since 1 so didn’t realise they disabled use of the right stick - I use both to fine tune too so that would put me right off getting back into that franchise)

Pragmata deserves it so much, I am absolutely loving it on Switch 2. A new IP too, great to see.

After deciding to download this to give it a go, I went to jump in today to see how it plays… only to have to go through the rigmarole of signing up to something called battle.net. Sigh, I’d forgotten how live service games are annoying this way, still decided to soldier on, finished all the sign up process… only to be told that the process on said battle.net had been “cancelled” and I had to start all over again. Nope, too much messing around, deleted the game and went back to playing a proper game without any of that signing up nonsense just to get started. Oh well.

@FancyJehuty @Smithicus You both make excellent points regarding multiverse shenanigans! That is the main reason I had to stop watching the MCU, it became obsessed with it, and it often means nothing that ever happens to any character matters when there are ‘infinite universes’ containing infinite versions of the same characters etc. They just pluck a character who they had previously killed off from a different universe and start again. The whole different dimension/many worlds theory stuff that seems to have gotten so prevalent is just boring, groan-inducing trough by now to me.

@OnlyManWhoCan Yes to those first two points you made! Great example of Metroid Dread illustrating what could make it great. I just take issue with the final point: please no multiplayer. And that’s just personal preference. As a solo gamer these days I unfortunately have to tap out of most multiplayer games/co-op.