A gamer shares their disappointment with the current state of gaming, particularly focusing on the perceived shortcomings of the “Switch 2” and a surprising fondness for the Wii U’s quirky title, Nintendo Land.
The writer expresses regret over their purchase of the “Switch 2,” clarifying that while it isn’t the biggest financial misstep they’ve made, the first year with the console has been underwhelming. They contrast this experience sharply with the original Switch’s launch year, which they consider a highlight in console history. Despite the “Switch 2” boasting a number of first-party titles, none have resonated with them.
Specific criticisms are leveled against several games:
- Mario Kart World: Deemed boring and inferior to its predecessor.
- Hyrule Warriors and Kirby Air Riders: Dismissed due to familiarity with previous installments.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: While considered the best of the current offerings, it fails to capture the excitement generated by Super Mario Odyssey and other 3D Mario games.
The writer’s disappointment extends to upcoming releases. Based on reviews, they have decided to forgo Prime 4, citing concerns about the game’s direction. This string of disappointments has led them to believe that they derived more enjoyment from the Wii U during its initial year.
The author admits that their piece is, in essence, an appreciation for Nintendo Land. They acknowledge that the Wii U’s library, overall, wasn’t stellar, especially in its early days. However, they argue that the Wii U had stronger third-party support at launch than the “Switch 2,” listing a number of prominent titles:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
- Assassin’s Creed 3
- Batman: Arkham City
- FIFA Soccer 13
- Mass Effect 3
- Skylanders Giants
- Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed
While this support quickly dwindled, the writer contends that it was more compelling than the “Switch 2’s” current offerings, despite Nintendo’s promises. The Wii U also featured Ubisoft’s ZombiU, praised as a clever roguelike zombie game, and New Super Mario Bros. U, which, while not the best 2D Mario, offered a fun co-op mode.
The writer highlights their personal enjoyment of Sonic And All-Stars Racing Transformed on the Wii U, stating they had more fun with it than with Mario Kart World (or even CrossWorlds).
The piece ultimately serves as a reflection on the subjective nature of gaming experiences and how initial expectations can shape one’s perception of a console’s value. It also prompts a re-evaluation of the Wii U, a console often remembered for its commercial failure, by highlighting the unique charm and early third-party support that resonated with some players. The comparison between the “Switch 2” and the Wii U underscores the idea that a console’s success is not solely determined by its technical capabilities or the number of available titles, but also by the specific games that capture the player’s imagination and provide lasting enjoyment.
