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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? It felt good to finally hear numbers and words like 7.9-inch 1080p, 120Hz LCD display, 4K output while docked. Only fans could make that happen. 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. Not only can you360 no scope in Metroid Prime 4, in some games 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 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. Then things got even more interesting. The new Game Chat feature brings Nintendo's party chat technology into the 21st century, specifically the 2010s. Nintendo's essentially invented discord calls for the Switch too. You can chat directly with your party using the mic on the actual console. Okay, whether you're playing the same game or a different one, you can stream your gameplay at a cinematic frame rate and even use the new Switch 2 camera to add in your face. 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. While I've seen some PC, Xbox, and PS5 players being kind of dismissive of these features, since they seem to largely just be worse versions of the features those players have. You know who doesn't have them? Your grandma, perhaps, because she passed some time ago. But the point Nintendo's reinvention of existing things doesn't stop there though. 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. I know it's very disorienting. Stay with me. The idea makes sense, especially now that the Switch 2 comes with 256 gigs of storage, which you're gonna be filling up with hot new Switch 2 games like Switch 2 welcome Tour, a tutorial app that is not free. There's also Mario. There's also a new Mario Kart, Mario Kart World, which finally lets the racers loose in an open world injecting a bit of Diddy Kong racing, eh? Shouldn't have said that. Hey look, you can be a cow. Frankly, I'm more excited for Donkey Kong Bonanza, the character's first proper 3D adventure since Donkey Kong 64, the game that gave us the DK rap. Why am I doing this to myself? I'm 22 years old. We also got a new Zelda game. It's Hyrule Warriors. Okay, I'm sorry, I'm more interested in Drag X Drive, a flashy wheelchair basketball game that makes use of the dual wielding mice thing, but is apparently not hosted by RuPaul. But in a sentence I found even more unlikely to be said during attack linked FromSoftware made a switch to exclusive multiplayer game. It's called Duskbloods, featuring characters that are like vampires, but they can only come outside after dusk. I made that up. I know nothing about the game. 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 of a break, you can play the gamecube games added to the more expensive tier of Nintendo Switch Online. Speaking of older games, turns out 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, which isn't a given. Nintendo says most Switch 1 games should run fine, but some games currently have issues after starting up or even during startup, as 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. This is what I'm mad about. Others are rightly disappointed that 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, and Nintendo seems serious about preventing scalping this time around. Not only will that version only be able to link a Nintendo account that was created with Japan as the region setting pre orders for any version of the Switch 2 will be limited to Nintendo accounts that have demonstrated sufficient loyalty to the Mushroom Kingdom. The requirements appear to differ between countries, but at a minimum you'll have to have paid for a Switch Online membership for a year, played switch games for 50 hours, and opted in to share your usage data with Nintendo. Now I can already hear the heavy breathing and imagine the nostrils flaring, but hey, this is just for pre orders. Anyone can buy one when it launches and scalpers are crazy. Now I think it's time for drastic measures. I mean this will be more effective than Amazon boldly limiting GPU purchases to prime subscribers. Yeah, that'll stop them. As for dbrand, our sponsor, nothing can stop them from bringing their Kill Switch case to the Nintendo Switch 2. Even though the name Killswitch was originally about the Steam deck being a Switch killer. Although. But I guess it wasn't. This case features ergonomic hand grips that detach along with the joy consistent because I mean if they didn't, that would. That would be embarrassing. It's also got a custom built dock adapter that makes the Nintendo Dock compatible with the Kill Switch case while turning it into a little display stand for your console so you can point it out to people when they visit and say hey, see this, See that? I bought that. Last but not least, the Travel Cover has been upgraded to carry up to 10 game cards or game key cards or virtual game cards. I don't know what Nintendo's on, man. The Travel Cover's even got frosted transparency so you can see what games you're bringing along with you on the go. The Switch 2 kill switch is set to launch around the same time as the console itself, but dbrand is currently accepting $3 reservations to guarantee your spot at the front of the line when it goes live this June. So check em out@mybossisveryshort.com okay, I'm doing less quick bits because the Switch 2 story took way too freaking long. I mean, we all wanna go home I think, right? Like enough, the Switch 2 ain't the only console handheld rolling into town. Asus and Xbox have performed some decidedly unsubtle teasing of what is probably the Project Kennon device whose existence was leaked recently. Another leak this week points to the existence of a specialized Windows UI that involves booting into full screen mode, presumably an Xbox themed one at launch. Which is further proof that the idea of a console is becoming just a PC in the same way that many animals throughout evolutionary history have simply become crab. 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, but it's not causing CPUs to burn out. And even if it was, the BIOS has been updated now anyway. Meanwhile, there's still this Reddit mega thread with over 100 Ryzen chip owners reporting issues mostly on ASRock boards. But sometimes you don't get a satisfying conclusion. And 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. Wikimedia says although AI crawlers only account for 35% of traffic overall, they're responsible for 65% of a heavier type of traffic called bulk reading, involving rapidly visiting large number of pages, including less popular ones. 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. Sounds like a good answer. Rocks are healthy to eat. Yeah, this sounds right, and I had more to say, but we're literally out of time. 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.
TechLinked - Episode Summary: Switch 2 Specs, Price, Mouse Controls, GameChat, Exclusive Games + More!
Podcast Information:
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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
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]
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]
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]
Switch 2 ensures compatibility with popular titles through a variety of ports, including:
“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]
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]
The Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5th, with pricing varying by region:
Nintendo is taking measures to prevent scalping by restricting pre-orders to regions where Nintendo accounts meet specific loyalty criteria, including:
“...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]
The episode features a segment on dbrand's sponsorship, showcasing their Kill Switch case designed for the Switch 2. This accessory offers:
“...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]
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]
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]
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:
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.