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Using the Nintendo Switch 2: Few Games Available, but It’s Hard to Go Back

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The Nintendo Switch 2 is an interesting device. For such a highly anticipated release, it didn’t feel particularly original. Its familiar design and concept, along with a lack of real surprises, made it seem more like the “Pro version” many expected rather than a completely new generation. Still, the launch was incredibly successful, breaking numerous records. Now, it’s August, and many early buyers are beginning to wonder if they rushed their purchase. I don’t count myself among them – despite sharing many of the same concerns and criticisms, I continue to completely ignore all other consoles. How that happened? Keep reading.

Read also: Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Move Over, Steam Deck

Nintendo Switch 2

Reason for purchase

I remember when I lined up to pre-order the much-anticipated console, I started a conversation with a friend about “why bother at all.” I waited in line for over two hours, and during that time, I couldn’t convince him of anything – nor did I really try. My reason was simple: I wasn’t buying the console, I was buying a game. A lifelong fan of Mario Kart since my childhood playing on the N64 back in the ’90s, I had been following every new release closely. After 11 years with the somewhat tiresome Mario Kart 8, I was ready for something new. That’s what I bought – and the console came along for the ride, so I could play it.

Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch 2

You might call it a silly reason, and maybe it is. But I had saved up for a long time and was financially ready. Was I a bit disappointed that the new console wasn’t very original? Yes, a little. But I wasn’t surprised – not for a second did I believe Nintendo would let go of their golden goose that created an entirely new market. It’s much the same story as with the Game Boy era.

What about games?

Many friends share my view and also bought the console primarily for the game. But now, more than two months later, this record-breaking console is starting to disappoint with a lack of new releases. The exclusive content is great – just two weeks ago, Donkey Kong Bananza was released and quickly became a favorite at the Game Awards. But what about everything else? The fact is, even after two game presentations, there hasn’t been much new on the horizon.

Read also: Lost Records Bloom & Rage Review: An Ambitious but Uneven Successor to Life is Strange

Donkey Kong Bananza

The Switch 2 finds itself in a peculiar position. On one hand, it’s currently the best portable console available. On the other, support from third-party developers leaves much to be desired. Browsing the store reveals hundreds of games, but once you filter for releases specifically designed for the Switch 2, the list shrinks to a surprisingly small number. Meanwhile, new games are being released almost daily – just all targeted at the older console. For example, I decided to try Islanders: New Shores, a visually simple game that the Switch 2 should easily run at 60, if not 120 frames per second. Instead, the result was a blurry image and poor performance. When I contacted the publisher, they confirmed there won’t be a patch for the new console.

What is the reason?

That response was disappointing, of course, though soon after, the developers appeared on Reddit assuring that a patch is planned for the future. Similar promises came from dozens of others. The common complaint is the lack of development kits. Without a special developer version of the console, creating new titles for the Switch 2 is impossible, and for some reason, most developers didn’t receive these kits this time around. This is quite strange, especially considering that with the original Switch, the eShop was already overflowing with a wide variety of games within a month.

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It’s hard to say why only a select few received access to development kits. Even more uncertain is when the situation will improve and a steady stream of quality ports will begin. For now, the selection remains limited, forcing players to either buy older games or stick to the few new releases that have actually arrived. It’s not catastrophic, but it does create an unusual situation that, if resolved, likely won’t be anytime soon.

Conclusions

Like many others, I’m not thrilled with the current situation, but I’m not rushing to return the console either. I regularly race friends in Mario Kart and take my time enjoying the polished Donkey Kong Bananza. Quality ports like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky fill the gaps when I want something different. While other platforms are releasing great new games, I’m not in a hurry to go back to playing on the TV just yet. That said, this is my personal take. If you think it’s better to wait until more developers come onboard, I totally understand that position as well.

Read also: Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV review: Ambitious, Flawed, and a Ton of Fun

Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2

Review ratings
Design, materials
9
Comfort of use
8
Compatibility
7
Performance
9
Price
8
It’s hard to say why only a select few received access to development kits. Even more uncertain is when the situation will improve and a steady stream of quality ports will begin. For now, the selection remains limited, forcing players to either buy older games or stick to the few new releases that have actually arrived. It’s not catastrophic, but it does create an unusual situation that, if resolved, likely won’t be anytime soon.
Denis Koshelev
Denis Koshelev
Tech reviewer, game journalist, Web 1.0 enthusiast. For more than ten years, I've been writing about tech.
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jon
jon
12/08/2025 19:43

You know all I hear about the Nintendo switch is all you cocksuckers whining and fucking crying it just came out you dumb fuck it’s not going to have games that fucking fast there’s called development time they have to have time to develop new games and who gives a shit about third party companies nobody does cuz half those games are trash so quit being a whiny piece of shit and try to justify why you bought the system and just fucking deal with it if not sell it cuz I have no problem with the Nintendo switch to I love everything about it I have no problems with the games cuz I have all the games I want

Infernal bitch
Infernal bitch
13/08/2025 20:35
Reply to  jon

You don’t have a problem with your Nintendo Switch, but it seems like you have a problem with your head. Take a sedative, or better yet, see a psychiatrist.

It’s hard to say why only a select few received access to development kits. Even more uncertain is when the situation will improve and a steady stream of quality ports will begin. For now, the selection remains limited, forcing players to either buy older games or stick to the few new releases that have actually arrived. It’s not catastrophic, but it does create an unusual situation that, if resolved, likely won’t be anytime soon. Using the Nintendo Switch 2: Few Games Available, but It’s Hard to Go Back