kalosn

kalosn

Switch 2 - The Future is Here

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Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Will Launch On Switch 2 In 2026

kalosn

The first Microsoft published game for the Switch 2.
Of all the announcements during ONL, this was the biggest and probably the best one for Switch 2 players. What's more surprising though, is that between all the Xbox Studios games rumoured since months ago for the console, this actually wasn't one of them.
Gosh it'll be so fascinating to see how closely it compares to the Series S version at least, and right now I hope they plan more games for the console

Re: Official Box Art For Kirby Air Riders Revealed, Price And File Size Confirmed

kalosn

The box-art isn't anything marvelous, in fact seeing Kirby with a normal happy expression shows how the need to make Kirby "hardcore" in the west has faded in recent years. To be honest though, I think that would've helped sell this game as an action racer.
25GB by the way, I won't be surprised if that number is reduced in the coming months, and it's certainly bigger than even Mario Kart World. If this will be a $69.99 game, then it better be worth that amount. It has potential certainly.

Re: Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Switch And Switch 2 Performance & Resolution Detailed

kalosn

So, the game won't make use of the docked power? I know this game can't run on a stable 60fps on any current PC Handheld if I'm not wrong, but come on, you're never going to strain the console with those numbers! Graphically it looks similar at least, but it's not really a surprise... Series S was 1080p60fps mostly, and what makes absolutely no sense is seeing a lower texture resolution.
Also, the Switch 1 version is interesting, who knew it would be possible? That must be Unreal 4 though, and that explains why it looks very, very different.

Re: Tekken 8 On Switch 2 Would Be "A Lot Of Work", But Director Isn't Ruling It Out

kalosn

Well this is strange, since Tekken 8 was one of the most rumoured games for the hardware back before even the April Direct, and it was even apparently listed!
Now comes this interview months after the game is still unannounced for the hardware, where the producer at least does hint this release could happen. But it's very ambiguous after that. It's either "yeah it's coming, but it definitely took a lot of work" or "not coming right now, but we're interested".

Still, it's interesting because on Series S, it could run and look decent to say the least. How faithful it would be on Switch 2 depends if it targets 30 or 60fps

Re: Pokémon Champions Confirmed For Switch 2, Includes "Free-To-Start" And "Paid" Digital Version

kalosn

That's something a bit confusing. Are they meaning there will also be a paid version also for Nintendo consoles, or that it will be the paid version? Because hopefully not, ideally this should be free-to-start on any platform, but the paid version includes extra benefits, while if you don't pay, you'll likely have to rely on any Pokémon you have on HOME.
I mean, that's kinda how it worked back in the Stadium days, the amazing 3D visuals couldn't compare to being able to bring your Pokémon from the separate handheld mainline games and seeing them on action rather than just relying on rental Pokémon.

Re: Kirby Air Riders Direct Revealed for Tomorrow, 19th August 2025

kalosn

Woo, they just keep surprising us, huh? Presentations are coming right around, and this one is focused on the next big Kirby game, that isn't even mainline
I guess I'm too late to comment something about Sakurai being there... joke about anything Smash... 45 minutes... Let's hope that means this one will be more authentically 'direct' to the viewers, as Sakurai tends to be very focused and honest during his presentations.
What would that mean for a prospective general Direct soon? I don't know, but Riders will definitely be the next big game if this seems like it. I'm interested
But also, this is airing just almost hours before Opening Night Live, as if Nintendo would even present something there... well at least they will, technically...

Re: Review: EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 (Switch 2) - EA's Gridiron Series Finally Plays Ball On A Switch Console

kalosn

Interesting, as the first Madden game on a Nintendo console since the Wii U launch game, as well as the first handheld Madden since the previous PS Vita one, there was so much to expect from this port... yet it makes some questionable decisions there. No cross-play parity is strange, I mean, even with half the frame-rate it's a huge blow for this version.

And then there's the fact it doesn't run at 60fps even when docked, even though previous entires ran at 60fps even on last-gen. What's holding it back, the fact it has the current-gen lighting engine? is it a CPU limitation? Are there bigger differences than previously though on current and last-gen?

It's strange, and right now there aren't many comparisons between platforms to see what's going on, and that's a worrying fact because it's speaking how many are actually buying this version... The moment they realize all these changes, it could affect sales...

Re: Surprise! Nintendo Announces Indie World Showcase For Thursday 7th August 2025

kalosn

Too soon? Definitely not. More like "finally!"
Right before the Nintendo Switch arrived, Nintendo made a Nindies Showcase that defined how the first indie games on Switch 1 would be, and after that it became a bigger tradition to make indie-focused presentations. It's about time the first Indie World of the Switch 2 era came by.

What I loved about these presentations is how Nintendo focused on highlighting a wide artistic diversity of games, with different tones and concepts, rather than just saying "hey, an indie dev made this AAA-looking game?! Let everybody know!"
With the Switch 2 though, there is a bigger landscape of indie games that could arrive to the console, many could benefit from mouse controls too, so it's promising certainly.

That said, it'll only be 15 minutes, once again a short runtime for what should be a time of announcements, update roadmaps and big reveals for the console... with the chance of also including Switch 1 games. I just don't feel it's going to be as big as it should be. I guess I'll just wait and see, but expecting Silksong? Well, it's gonna be playable at Gamescom, but does that guarantee an appearance?

Re: Square Enix Is Bringing A Brand New HD-2D RPG To Switch 2 Next Year

kalosn

It actually looks pretty cool, feels like an evolution of the HD-2D style of the Switch 1 era mixed with the more tri-dimensional look of Triangle Strategy.
Speaking about strategy, it's seems that's established for the studio too. Release a demo, review player feedback, take them into account during development and then release it successfully.
Along with the beefier power avaliable, it also looks like a bigger-budget game for the studio too, I hope it can reach sales expectations.

Re: Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot Is Hopeful That Upcoming Switch 2 Port Can Revive Star Wars Outlaws

kalosn

"Choppy waters"? Yeah, right, that doesn't change the fact this is a multi-million franchise with constant public interaction we're talking about, there were many other factors about this. And as for the TV shows, well that doesn't mean all of them are unsatisfying...

Let's see if the tremendous popularity of the Switch name will give current-gen AAA games like this the boost they need. If Hogwarts Legacy even on the Switch 1 was an indication of that, there is a factual chance.

Re: Reaction: Switch 2 Needed A Partner Showcase With Pep; This Wasn't It

kalosn

So, when will the next full-fat Nintendo Direct will arrive? What was really needed was a presentation that not only focused on what games will be coming, but also what is coming for the console itself. They could do things like increasing the value of Switch Online, giving players more options to do with the console, etc.... not to mention updates for current titles like Mario Kart World, which really deserves more content to justify its price tag.

This Direct... to be honest I'm not used to games looking so good and big on a Nintendo console, so I'm not particularly disappointed (heck, I really liked Hela), but if what you were expecting were the big names that to this date are still rumoured (like Tekken 8, Red Dead Redemption, Metal Gear Solid Delta for example), then that is no doubt an even bigger disappointment.

I'm not sure what was Nintendo's strategy here, but what this presentation told us is basically "look forward to more information in the future", well, when will we getting new release dates, when will Metroid Prime 4 and Kirby Air Riders arrive? Is Sparking Zero on Switch 2 really 30fps?
It's once again frustrating to not see them talking more, but at least Gamescom is coming... Silksong will be playable, hooray for that...!

Re: Plants Vs Zombies: Replanted Coming To Switch 1 & 2 This October

kalosn

I don't know, this is free on mobile, and even without the paid bonus features it's probably the most popular version of the first game currently.
There better be more content than usual or otherwise the price tag would be a bit unjustified by.. 10$ more.

Oh well, at least it will be best played on Switch 2, and a good way to use its mouse feature :/

Re: Review: Wild Hearts S (Switch 2) - Monster Hunting That's Satisfying, If Unspectacular

kalosn

Probably the first case of a Switch 2 port that changes fundamental visual aspects in order to not compromise image quality. In some cases the higher contrast makes it look better than the Series S, but sometimes the lack of volumetric lighting .
What I'm sure is that it is definitely the best portable version of the game. Sometimes the game could crash after the intro on Steam Deck...

Re: New Pokémon Legends: Z-A Trailer Finally Gives Dragonite The Love He Deserves

kalosn

Maybe it's not the Gen 10 game that has the chance of using the Switch 2 at maximum, but it truly looks slick on the new hardware! Image quality and that sweet 60fps response is revealing for the franchise, elegant indeed. It will take some time for the next-gen Pokémon game, but this game is looking more like a sweet pleasure and a good way of welcoming the franchise to a new generation of hardware.
And Mega Dragonite looks cool too. It keeps most of its usual features but it has Dragonair feels on it, which aligns with what fans wanted I suppose. Judging from some trainers, seems Staryu and Scraggy have going on with them too.

Re: New Pokémon Champions Gameplay Trailer Reveals 2026 Launch Window

kalosn

"Ranked, Casual, or Private Battles" If this isn't the definitive replacement for competitive in the mainline games, then nothing will ever be. Can Pokémon hold items here? They'll need to modify HOME for that to be included.

I just wonder why it'll come out too late, maybe it's because they want to give traditional competitive a last hurrah for the next months? Still, I'm genuinelly excited, especially if it's free (maybe except anything related to those "V" coins)

But the visuals (once again) could be much better, where's the cinematism that the Stadium-like games had?

Re: Drag X Drive Switch 2 eShop Price Revealed

kalosn

That's actually the same price Rocket League had before becoming free-to-play! Wonderful I guess.
But we still have to see if its content will live up to what made Rocket League special when it first arrived, free updates or not.

Re: "Somewhat Mixed" - Digital Foundry Delivers Its Technical Analysis Of Donkey Kong Bananza

kalosn

But they were clearly impressed. "Somewhat mixed" is kind of misleading.
If it wasn't locked to Double-Buffer V-Sync the juddering wouldn't be so noticeable, especially that boss fight that somehow drops that hard. It makes for an interesting benchmark for potential overclocking though.
But fundamentally, it's an admirable game that really looks current-gen in terms of how much it is achieving. It definitely needed a beefy CPU and RAM for that to happen. In some ways it looks like a PS5 game downscaled to Series S settings, which is frankly enough for me.

If this is just the beginning of what Nintendo can do with the hardware, then the future looks really exciting for its exclusive titles

Re: Nintendo Announces First Cast Members For The Legend Of Zelda Movie

kalosn

I guess the reason many people (including me) wanted Hunter Schafer to play Zelda was because she looked perfect in case Zelda was based off her Twilight Princess incarnation. But the actual actress looks pretty well fitting too, more closely aligned with BoTW Zelda. Link looks fine too, but the plot is still a mystery.

Re: Rumour: A Nintendo Direct Is Set To Take Place Later This Month, It's Claimed

kalosn

If that's true, it would shift the paradigm of Nintendo Direct airtimes for a long time. No more September hype?
But in general I'm really looking forward for the next Nintendo Direct (the first one of the Switch 2 era), it has huge potential of anything really. What I really hope is for one to focus more than just games, like increasing the value of what the Switch 2 can offer terms of content. How to make the most of their currently avaliable content.
From upgrading the Switch 2 UI to increasing the value of Switch Online (again). They have so much Switch 1 games they could upgrade already, of all kinds... maybe it's time for a Game Pass-like service?

Re: Donkey Kong Might Be Getting His Own Movie

kalosn

From the same guys who once sued them for the Kong character, how ironic!
It'd be nice to see a Donkey Kong movie actually, the latest game is becoming very different enough from the main Mario franchise to simply look like yet another IP spin-off.
But for the sake of balance, I'd also love to see them adapt another Nintendo franchise to the big screen. Ever thought about Star Fox?

Re: Koei Tecmo Releases New Switch 2 Demo For Wild Hearts S

kalosn

It'll be the perfect portable version of the game, but it'll also serve as a proof-of-concept of how feasible Monster Hunter Wilds will be on the hardware.
Taking things into perspective, both MHW and Wild Hearts run at 1080p max on Series S with a frame-rate target that usually plunges below 30fps (more usually on Wilds). The difference is, Wild Hearts was heavily compromised on Series S, which explains Koei Tecmo's effort to make this version more customized for the Switch 2 to the point of halving the original 70GB file size.
Both run on very different engines though. While both Kunitsu-Gami and Street Fighter 6 prove RE Engine can run and look pretty well on the hardware, Wilds is a different beast. Hopefully, if it does arrive, won't look very different from Series S at least.

Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Gets An Eight-Minute Overview Trailer

kalosn

This game is looking very incredible and promising, and there's a huge Rare landmark here. Somehow as if it was from an alternate timeline where Rare's game formula evolved alongside Nintendo's, delivering similar but different (and in some ways improved) results.

Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Developer Has Been Revealed

kalosn

@Rooty Have you completed the game yet? Wouldn't you want to do more with the concept of capturing enemies and jumping anything open like a mad jumpman?

999 Power Moons may seem like a lot of content, many of them are obtained as a reward for exploring the most out of each kingdom. And some of them, well... let's just say they could've been bigger. They're similar to what previous 3D Mario games introduced (except Tostarena and The Moon, these are definitely more open-worldish), but with SMO's fluid gameplay style, it felt there could have been a bigger scope for every place, and that's not to mention the story itself, which many agreed felt a bit on the short-side, primparily due to the game's fast-paced nature.
That same fast-paced nature asked for bigger words, if TLDR.

I've seen some thinking about the next 3D Mario game being an open-world, though personally I'd just wish they do something like TOKT and well, you can introduce the same Kingdoms but with different places, bigger scopes, longer things to do... heck, maybe a sequel to those stories themselves! DK Bananza is technically open with verticality, and the physics element has a lot of potential for BoTW-like longevity.

Re: Preview: Donkey Kong Bananza - DK's Getting His Own Odyssey, And It's A Helluva Trip

kalosn

Just like Tears of the Kingdom, verticality is key to the game's structure. It's nice to see Nintendo embracing it more, it feels like a new kind of gameplay focus.
The game is looking really promising. I feel the destruction element is key to differentiating DK from Mario, as with Mario you're simply keen to go through whatever obstacles are present while using different elements of gameplay. And visually, it wouldn't look out of place even on a PS5. It's going to be a interesting game to follow, but I wonder if it will be able to surpass expectations. Super Mario Odyssey was almost perfect, it only needed that longetivity element the two Zelda games did have...

Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Developer Has Been Revealed

kalosn

Ah yes, Super Mario Odyssey, one of the most refined, polished and aesthetically pleasing games of all time, and a visual splendor even on Switch 1. Only held back by its short lenght... something I hope Bananza can help push much, much further. That's what its price tag suggest, right?
And what this means for a potential Mario Odyssey sequel, well they're either not making it, or according to a rumour, a part of its team was also developing a new Mario game simultaneosuly. Nintendo themselves have teased a Mario platformer for the console, so it's a matter of time to see if it will eventually appear soon.