A gamer reflects on their first year with the Switch 2, expressing disappointment and a surprising fondness for the Wii U launch.
The initial excitement of owning a new console is often followed by a period of assessment. Are the games living up to the hype? Does the hardware deliver on its promises? For one gamer, the first year with the Switch 2 has been a letdown, leading them to revisit the often-maligned Wii U with a newfound appreciation.
“I regret buying my Switch 2,” they confessed. “It’s not the biggest financial mistake I’ve ever made, and I’m sure it will feel worthwhile in a year or two, but I haven’t enjoyed its first year at all.” This sentiment stands in stark contrast to the launch of the original Switch, which many consider to be one of the strongest in console history.
So, what went wrong? The gamer cites a lack of compelling first-party titles as the primary culprit. While the Switch 2 boasts a selection of Nintendo-developed games, none have managed to capture their imagination in the same way as previous entries.
Mario Kart World: Described as “boring and nowhere near as good as the last one,” this entry failed to ignite the same spark as its predecessor.
Hyrule Warriors and Kirby Air Riders: Familiarity breeds contempt, apparently. Having played previous iterations of these franchises, the gamer felt no compelling reason to invest in the Switch 2 versions.
Donkey Kong Bananza: While acknowledged as the “best of the bunch,” this title still fell short of the excitement generated by Super Mario Odyssey and other 3D Mario adventures.
The disappointment extends to upcoming releases as well. After reading reviews, the gamer has decided to skip Prime 4, citing concerns that the developers have made “all the wrong decisions.”
This dissatisfaction has led to an unexpected outcome: a renewed appreciation for the Wii U. “I genuinely think I had more fun with the Wii U in its first year,” the gamer admitted.
While the Wii U is often remembered for its poor sales and lack of killer apps, its launch lineup offered a diverse range of experiences that resonated with this particular gamer.
The Wii U’s First-Year Strengths: Third-Party Support
One area where the Wii U arguably surpassed the Switch 2 was in its third-party support, at least initially. The gamer highlights a number of notable releases that graced the Wii U during its first year:
- 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 eventually dwindled, it provided a welcome influx of diverse gaming experiences that the Switch 2 seems to be lacking, at least in the eyes of this player.
Beyond the multi-platform releases, the Wii U also boasted a few exclusive titles that left a lasting impression.
ZombiU: This Ubisoft-developed title was praised for its clever roguelike zombie gameplay.
New Super Mario Bros. U: While not considered the pinnacle of 2D Mario games, its co-op mode offered a unique and enjoyable experience.
The Wii U also delivered a superior racing experience, at least according to this gamer. “I also got Sonic And All-Stars Racing Transformed and I can honestly say I had a lot more fun with that than I have with Mario Kart World (or CrossWorlds, for that matter).”
This unexpected fondness for the Wii U’s launch lineup underscores the subjective nature of gaming preferences. While the Switch 2 may be a commercial success, it hasn’t resonated with everyone. For some, the Wii U’s early offerings provided a more compelling and enjoyable experience.
Ultimately, the value of a console is determined by the games it offers and the experiences they provide. For this particular gamer, the Switch 2 has yet to live up to its potential, leading them to revisit the past and rediscover the hidden gems of the Wii U era.
