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With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch this June, fans in Japan just got the ultimate early access: a hands-on experience with the console before it officially hits shelves. And if early impressions mean anything, this thing is going to be a big deal.
So what’s new? For starters, the screen. Nintendo leveled up the display with a 7.9-inch LCD that looks brighter, sharper, and just overall more fun to play on. Whether you’re racing in Mario Kart World or jumping through levels in a new Kirby title, the visuals pop way more than the original Switch.
Performance-wise, everything feels faster. Load times are snappy, gameplay is smoother, and switching between screens or games doesn’t feel laggy. You can tell the internal hardware has been upgraded—and it makes a difference.
But let’s talk about the real fun—Mario Kart World. Yes, it’s back, but this time it’s bringing an open-world format and allows up to 24 racers in a single race. You can unlock costumes, discover hidden areas, and compete in new game modes that give the whole thing a fresh twist. It still feels like classic Mario Kart, but with a little more freedom and chaos.
Nintendo’s also doing something cool to make sure real fans get their hands on the console. They’ve partnered with Japanese online platforms like Mercari and Rakuten to crack down on scalpers and fake listings. Plus, they’re prioritizing preorders for people with active Nintendo Switch Online memberships and serious playtime logged. Basically, if you’ve been a loyal player, you’ve got a better shot at getting one.
The vibe from the hands-on events has been mostly excitement. People are hyped about the new features, and it looks like Nintendo’s really trying to make this launch smoother and more player-friendly than before.
With just a few weeks to go before launch, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a serious upgrade—visually, technically, and in how Nintendo is handling its release. If you’re thinking about jumping in, this might be one of those consoles that’s actually worth the preorder.
