TechLinked - Episode Summary: Switch 2 Specs, Price, Mouse Controls, GameChat, Exclusive Games + More!
Podcast Information:
- Title: TechLinked
- Host/Author: Linus Media Group
- Description: A thrice-weekly news show about tech + gaming culture
- Episode: Switch 2 specs, price, mouse controls, GameChat, exclusive games + more!
- Release Date: April 3, 2025
In this episode of TechLinked, the host delves deep into the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, unpacking its specifications, new features, exclusive games, pricing, and broader implications in the gaming industry. Here's a detailed breakdown of the discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.
1. Introduction to Nintendo Switch 2
The episode kicks off with the excitement surrounding Nintendo's revelation of the Switch 2's most significant features. The host highlights the varied reactions from the gaming community, ranging from enthusiasm to skepticism.
“Nintendo finally revealed many of the Switch 2's meatiest details this morning, and so far, gamers don't really know what to think, with reactions ranging from whoa, cool. To wait. What?”
— [00:00]
2. Display and Performance Enhancements
One of the standout features of the Switch 2 is its upgraded display and performance capabilities. The device boasts a 7.9-inch 1080p, 120Hz LCD display and supports 4K output when docked, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor.
“It felt good to finally hear numbers and words like 7.9-inch 1080p, 120Hz LCD display, 4K output while docked.”
— [00:02]
3. Innovative Joy Cons with Mouse Controls
Nintendo has pushed the envelope by integrating mouse functionality into the new Joy Cons. This allows players to dual wield mice in compatible games, offering a fresh and versatile gaming experience.
“There's one in the dock and it was kind of surreal to finally see Nintendo confirm those outlandish rumors about the new Joy Cons being used as a mouse.”
— [00:05]
The host adds a humorous touch by referencing the enhanced capabilities:
“...you can dual wield mice like some kind of gamer God, the blessed offspring of Lord Gaben himself. Goombas tremble and weep at your coming.”
— [00:07]
4. Switch 2 Pro Controller Enhancements
For traditional gamers, the Switch 2 Pro Controller introduces rear buttons, providing additional input options without compromising the familiar controller layout.
“If you're more of a normal controller person though, the new Switch 2 Pro controller has rear buttons. Just give them a little tickle.”
— [00:10]
5. GameChat Feature: Nintendo’s Take on Party Chat
Nintendo brings GameChat, a modernized party chat system, to the Switch 2. This feature allows seamless communication between players, whether they're in the same game or different ones, leveraging the console's built-in microphone.
“The new Game Chat feature brings Nintendo's party chat technology into the 21st century, specifically the 2010s.”
— [00:15]
“You can chat directly with your party using the mic on the actual console.”
— [00:16]
Additionally, GameChat supports gameplay streaming at cinematic frame rates and integrates the new Switch 2 camera for face inclusion.
6. Game Share: Expanding Local Multiplayer
The Game Share feature is Nintendo’s answer to enhancing local multiplayer experiences. It allows the Switch 2 to host sessions with both Switch 2 and previous Switch 1 consoles without requiring each player to own the game.
“Then there's game share, which is exactly what the rumor said it was. The Switch 2 can host a local multiplayer session between other Switch 2 or previous Switch 1 consoles, even if they don't own a copy of the game.”
— [00:20]
The host humorously dismisses critics by suggesting that only less tech-savvy individuals, like a joking reference to one's grandma, would miss out:
“You know who doesn't have them? Your grandma, perhaps, because she passed some time ago.”
— [00:22]
7. Game Distribution: Physical and Digital Options
Nintendo is expanding its game distribution methods with the introduction of game key cards. While many titles will still be available on physical game cards, some will transition to digital downloads facilitated by these key cards. This move is complemented by the Switch 2's 256GB storage, allowing ample space for digital game libraries.
“While many Switch 2 games will be available on physical game cards, some will simply have game key cards which will give your system a game key it can use to download a game.”
— [00:25]
8. Upcoming Exclusive Games
The host discusses several exclusive titles set to launch on the Switch 2, highlighting their unique features and the diversity of genres Nintendo is exploring.
-
Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A tutorial app designed to familiarize players with the new system.
“...Switch 2 welcome Tour, a tutorial app that is not free.”
— [00:28] -
Mario Kart World: Introducing an open-world racing experience, reminiscent of Diddy Kong Racing.
“There's also Mario Kart World, which finally lets the racers loose in an open world injecting a bit of Diddy Kong racing...”
— [00:30] -
Donkey Kong Bonanza: Marking Donkey Kong's first proper 3D adventure since Donkey Kong 64.
“Frankly, I'm more excited for Donkey Kong Bonanza, the character's first proper 3D adventure since Donkey Kong 64...”
— [00:35] -
Hyrule Warriors: A new installment in the beloved Zelda franchise, blending action and strategy.
“We also got a new Zelda game. It's Hyrule Warriors.”
— [00:38] -
Drag X Drive: A unique wheelchair basketball game that utilizes the dual mouse controls, adding an innovative twist to sports gaming.
“...Drag X Drive, a flashy wheelchair basketball game that makes use of the dual wielding mice thing...”
— [00:40]
9. Ports and Legacy Support
Switch 2 ensures compatibility with popular titles through a variety of ports, including:
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
- GameCube Games: Accessible via a more expensive tier of Nintendo Switch Online, allowing players to revisit classic titles.
“The Switch 2 is also getting a healthy assortment of ports, including Elden Ring, Tarnished edition and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. And then to give your system a bit a break, you can play the GameCube games added to the more expensive tier of Nintendo Switch Online.”
— [00:45]
10. Backwards Compatibility Challenges
While Nintendo pledges that most Switch 1 games will run smoothly on the Switch 2, the host notes that some games may encounter compatibility issues, particularly during startup.
“...backwards compatibility is kind of complicated. There's Switch 2 Edition games, which are Switch 1 games that have been updated, optimized and added to to ensure compatibility... some games currently have issues after starting up or even during startup...”
— [00:50]
The host humorously criticizes Nintendo's documentation, pointing out that the compatibility tables are unhelpful, with repetitive entries.
“...detailed by Nintendo in this helpful table featuring an entire column that says the same thing all the way down. Except for the Fortnite entry, you could have left that column out completely.”
— [00:53]
11. Pricing and Availability
The Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5th, with pricing varying by region:
- United States: $450 USD
- Canada: 630 CAD
- Japan: Approximately 333 USD (Japanese-only version)
Nintendo is taking measures to prevent scalping by restricting pre-orders to regions where Nintendo accounts meet specific loyalty criteria, including:
- Paid Switch Online Membership: At least one year
- Gameplay Hours: Minimum of 50 hours
- Data Sharing Opt-In: Willingness to share usage data with Nintendo
“...the Switch 2 will cost $450 US when it launches on June 5th. In Canada, it'll be 630 DOL. Well, at least Japan will get a Japanese only version for around 333 USD...”
— [01:00]
“...pre orders for any version of the Switch 2 will be limited to Nintendo accounts that have demonstrated sufficient loyalty to the Mushroom Kingdom.”
— [01:03]
The host expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures against scalpers, humorously referencing Amazon's GPU purchase limits.
“Now I can already hear the heavy breathing and imagine the nostrils flaring... Anyone can buy one when it launches and scalpers are crazy.”
— [01:07]
12. dbrand Partnership and Accessories
The episode features a segment on dbrand's sponsorship, showcasing their Kill Switch case designed for the Switch 2. This accessory offers:
- Ergonomic Hand Grips: Detachable along with the Joy Cons
- Custom Dock Adapter: Compatible with the Nintendo Dock, converting it into a display stand
- Upgraded Travel Cover: Capacity to carry up to 10 game cards or game key cards with frosted transparency
“...this case features ergonomic hand grips that detach along with the joy consequents because I mean if they didn't, that would be embarrassing.”
— [01:10]
“The Travel Cover's even got frosted transparency so you can see what games you're bringing along with you on the go.”
— [01:13]
13. Competitive Console Insights
Transitioning from Nintendo, the host touches upon developments from other major console manufacturers:
-
Asus and Xbox: Teasing the Project Kennon device, with leaks suggesting a specialized Windows UI tailored for Xbox.
“Asus and Xbox have performed some decidedly unsubtle teasing of what is probably the Project Kennon device whose existence was leaked recently.”
— [01:16] -
AMD's Ryzen 7 9800x3D CPUs: Addressing reports of malfunctioning CPUs, AMD confirms that a glitchy BIOS was the culprit, assuring that updated BIOS patches have resolved the issues.
“AMD has responded to all those reports of dead or otherwise borked Ryzen 7 9800x3D CPUs. In a statement released to press, Team Red basically agreed with ASRock's unsatisfying update, confirming a glitchy BIOS caused some startup issues...”
— [01:20]
14. Wikimedia's Struggle with AI Crawlers
The host highlights concerns from the Wikimedia Foundation regarding the impact of AI crawler bots on their servers. Since January 2024, there's been a 50% increase in multimedia content downloads, primarily driven by these bots engaging in bulk reading.
“the Wikimedia foundation says AI crawler bots are straining their servers as they contribute to a 50% increase in downloads of multimedia content since January 2024.”
— [01:25]
The host muses on the broader implications of prioritizing chatbot capabilities over preserving open information repositories like Wikipedia.
“Not sure if killing Wikipedia has been part of the AI safety conversation yet. I can't wait to have future historians analyze the humans of this era's decision to trade their single greatest repository of open in exchange for chatbots that can improvise what they think.”
— [01:28]
15. Conclusion and Future Outlook
Wrapping up, the host acknowledges the extensive coverage of the Switch 2 and hints at upcoming episodes, expressing a light-hearted wish to move beyond the lengthy discussion.
“I think it’s time for drastic measures... the Switch 2 ain't the only console handheld rolling into town.”
— [01:30]
“Tell you what, come back on Friday and I'll give you another tech news update. As long as Nintendo doesn't decide to force me to talk about them so much. Again, that was pretty rude.”
— [01:35]
Key Takeaways:
- Nintendo Switch 2 introduces significant hardware and feature upgrades, including enhanced display, mouse controls, and robust multiplayer capabilities.
- Exclusive titles promise to leverage the new hardware, expanding the Switch ecosystem.
- Pricing strategy aims to curb scalping, though effectiveness remains uncertain.
- Competitive landscape sees other manufacturers like Asus and Xbox teasing new devices, while AMD addresses CPU issues.
- Wikimedia faces challenges from AI crawlers, highlighting the ongoing tension between open information and AI advancements.
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the Nintendo Switch 2's launch and its potential impact on the gaming community, while also touching upon broader tech industry trends and challenges.