Detailed Summary of "Our FIRST HANDS ON With The Nintendo Switch 2!" – Kinda Funny Gamescast
Podcast Information:
- Title: Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
- Episode: Our FIRST HANDS ON With The Nintendo Switch 2!
- Release Date: April 3, 2025
- Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and Andy Cortez.
Introduction
In this April 3, 2025 episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast, the hosts dive deep into their initial experiences with the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Hosted by Tim Geddes and Blessing Adeoye Jr. in New York City, alongside Roger and Nick, the episode centers around first impressions, hardware evaluations, and gameplay insights of the new console.
First Impressions and Hardware Overview
Initial Feel and Design
The hosts began by sharing their first-hand experiences holding the Nintendo Switch 2. Roger expressed a sentiment of the hardware being more of an iteration than an innovation, stating:
"Honestly, this is where I think it might get the most uninteresting, because holding the Switch 2 hardware for the first time, it feels like the Switch one, but slightly better and bigger and sleeker... it feels like an iteration, not necessarily an innovation."
— Roger ([01:26])
Tim agreed but highlighted improvements, particularly in display quality:
"Hey, it's the Switch again, but just better and pretty much every way... the HDR is really good. Really, really good."
— Tim Geddes ([02:17])
Display Quality
A significant discussion point was the Switch 2’s display. While the absence of an OLED screen was a disappointment for Tim, he praised the enhanced HDR capabilities:
"I was very worried about this LCD screen. It's great... the HDR is really good. Really, really good."
— Tim Geddes ([02:17])
Roger echoed the sentiment, noting the visual upgrades in specific games:
"Playing Zelda Tears of the Kingdom and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can see the upgrade. It feels like a more premium switch."
— Roger ([03:09])
Despite missing an OLED display, both hosts felt the screen improvements were substantial and anticipated future iterations might address this shortfall.
Controller Enhancements
Joy Con 2s and Pro Controller
The Switch 2 introduced redesigned Joy Con 2s and an updated Pro Controller. Roger and Tim discussed the tactile improvements and new features:
"I think the analog sticks specifically way bigger... outside of the handheld mode... it felt way better."
— Tim Geddes ([05:20])
"I love how the back ones are. The back paddles... they work perfectly."
— Roger ([19:09])
Tim praised the sturdier feel and enhanced rumble features:
"The Joy Con 2 feels substantially better than the Joy Con 1 in terms of the Rumble."
— Tim Geddes ([06:52])
Roger appreciated the seamless integration of back paddles on the Pro Controller:
"They felt so good. I can't wait to actually, like program this and have it on my own."
— Roger ([19:15])
Magnet System
A noteworthy improvement was the enhanced magnet system for attaching Joy Cons, addressing previous issues of looseness:
"Incredibly impressed with how much they stick. One of my least favorite things about the switch is how loose the Joy Cons feel on it... These aren't loose, man."
— Tim Geddes ([22:33])
"When you take it off... it claps on there. You don't even press a button to clap it on."
— Roger ([22:56])
The hosts lauded the feeling of sturdiness and ease of attachment, marking it as a significant upgrade over the original Switch.
New Features
Mouse Mode
A standout feature of the Switch 2 is the introduction of mouse mode using the Joy Con 2s. The hosts experimented with this in games like Dragon Drive and Metroid Prime 4.
Roger shared his experience:
"Drag and Drive focuses specifically on the mouse mode... the motion felt fun."
— Roger ([05:52])
Tim highlighted the precision in Metroid Prime 4:
"Metroid Prime 4 is very seamless... moving the mouse around. It was awesome."
— Tim Geddes ([11:02])
However, transitioning between analog and mouse modes posed challenges:
"It sucked using it as a mouse. Give me a mouse."
— Tim Geddes ([12:05])
"Using the Joy Con makes me want to just plug in an actual mouse to my dock and just play that way."
— Roger ([13:37])
While innovative, the hosts felt mouse mode didn't fully replicate the feel of a traditional mouse, suggesting room for further refinement.
HD Rumble and Haptics
Tim emphasized the enhanced HD Rumble capabilities in Joy Con 2s, drawing parallels to innovations seen in other controllers:
"I am a big believer in HD Rumble... this Joy Con 2 feels substantially better than the Joy Con 1 in terms of the Rumble."
— Tim Geddes ([06:52])
Roger added that haptics effectively enhanced specific game experiences:
"HD Rumble... really does make a difference in experiences like this."
— Roger ([05:47])
Camera Integration
The Switch 2 includes a new camera feature, which received mixed feedback during the hands-on session.
Roger noted technical difficulties due to poor lighting:
"There was a giant red light shining down on us... it's chaotic."
— Roger ([19:36])
Despite the setup issues, Tim was impressed with the camera's capabilities:
"I was very impressed with how well it worked... it's not opportune situation, but it was good."
— Tim Geddes ([20:18])
They concluded that while the camera holds potential for game integration and social features, its practical application may depend on game-specific implementations.
Game Performance and Third-Party Titles
Cyberpunk 2077
Roger was particularly impressed with how Cyberpunk 2077 ran on the Switch 2:
"Cyberpunk 2077... it looks like Cyberpunk 2077. It is perfectly recommendable... it looks good enough."
— Roger ([14:46])
He appreciated that the game maintained its visual integrity, despite not reaching the high-fidelity seen on PlayStation 5 or high-end PCs.
Yakuza 0 Director's Edition
In contrast, the Yakuza 0 Director's Edition received criticism for its graphical performance:
"It looked very like low quality, like maybe like a 1080p, 720p... that just kind of sucks."
— Nick ([16:55])
The hosts expressed disappointment, especially given the game's age and high expectations for performance on the Switch 2.
Metroid Prime 4
Conversely, Metroid Prime 4 was highlighted as a standout title optimized for the Switch 2:
"Metroid Prime 4 is an example of like, if you make a game for the Switch 2, that shit's gonna shine."
— Roger ([17:40])
Tim praised its seamless integration and high frame rate:
"Very impressed with the accuracy and how seamless it is. Impressed with the fact that it's not a thing you need to just go turn on. You just turn the Joy Con and is there."
— Tim Geddes ([11:02])
Overall Third-Party Support
The hosts acknowledged that third-party game performance varies, but overall, many titles run admirably, enhancing the Switch 2's appeal as a versatile console.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $450, a figure the hosts largely found reasonable given the console's enhancements and new features.
Tim reflected on the pricing:
"Not shocked by that. Price higher than I expected, but still in the realm of where I thought we might end up."
— Tim Geddes ([21:04])
Roger concurred, noting that the price aligns with the added value:
"I think the trade-off... having the portable experience and the on-screen experience... it's in the realm of where I thought we might end up."
— Roger ([21:10])
Both hosts felt that the Switch 2 offers a compelling mix of portability, third-party support, and exclusive titles justifying its price point.
Additional Accessories and Features
Wireless GameCube Controller
A nostalgic yet practical addition is the wireless GameCube controller, now featuring rumble capabilities.
Tim expressed excitement:
"After all these years, we're finally going to get a real Nintendo GameCube controller that is wireless... triggers... have that nice little, like, springy bounce to them."
— Tim Geddes ([24:07])
Roger shared minor usability issues but overall appreciated the controller:
"Like, there was a point where I was like... press the L... that's not right."
— Roger ([24:45])
Amiibo Support and Aesthetic Design
The Switch 2 continues to support Amiibo, much to Tim's relief:
"Any final hardware thoughts?... Amiibo support still. New Amiibo are coming out, so that'll still be supported."
— Tim Geddes ([21:52])
However, Tim expressed dissatisfaction with the new box art and logo placement, though the hosts felt it didn't significantly impact functionality.
Conclusion and Future Insights
Wrapping up, the hosts expressed overall satisfaction with the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting its robust hardware, improved controllers, and solid third-party game support as key strengths. They acknowledged minor shortcomings, such as the absence of an OLED screen and mixed performance in some third-party titles, but felt the console stands as a worthy successor to the original Switch.
Tim promised more in-depth reviews and previews of upcoming titles like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, Mario Kart World, and new Donkey Kong games in future episodes:
"Stay tuned because we're going to be doing a whole bunch more previews of stuff. We're going to Talk Metroid Prime 4 Beyond... it is going to be great."
— Tim Geddes ([25:25])
The episode concluded with anticipation for ongoing content, inviting listeners to follow along on YouTube and other streaming platforms for comprehensive coverage of Nintendo Switch 2’s expanding ecosystem.
Notable Quotes:
- Roger ([01:26]): "It feels like an iteration, not necessarily an innovation."
- Tim Geddes ([02:17]): "The HDR is really good. Really, really good."
- Roger ([03:09]): "It feels like a more premium switch."
- Tim Geddes ([06:52]): "This Joy Con 2 feels substantially better than the Joy Con 1 in terms of the Rumble."
- Roger ([11:02]): "Metroid Prime 4 is very seamless... it was awesome."
- Tim Geddes ([12:05]): "It sucked using it as a mouse. Give me a mouse."
- Roger ([14:46]): "Cyberpunk 2077... it is perfectly recommendable."
- Nick ([16:55]): "It looked very like low quality... that just kind of sucks."
- Tim Geddes ([21:04]): "Price higher than I expected, but still in the realm of where I thought we might end up."
- Tim Geddes ([24:07]): "We’re finally going to get a real Nintendo GameCube controller that is wireless."
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by the Kinda Funny hosts during their first hands-on experience with the Nintendo Switch 2. From hardware evaluations to gameplay experiences, the episode provides a comprehensive overview for both seasoned gamers and those new to the console.