The Nintendo Switch 2 was previewed at the Grand Palais in Paris, showcasing its launch titles, including *Mario Kart World* and *Donkey Kong Bananza*. Attendees experienced the console’s features, including an upgraded screen and new Joy-Con controllers. Pricing for the Switch 2 is set at 470 euros, with games like *Mario Kart World* priced at 90 euros. The new *Mario Kart* introduces a 24-player online mode, enhancing the competitive experience. Pre-order discounts are available at various retailers.
Experience the thrill of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its launch titles two months ahead of their global debut, all within the iconic Grand Palais in Paris. This exclusive opportunity will be available to several hundred lucky gamers in France, selected at random last January, over a weekend filled with excitement. Plus, Le Figaro, in collaboration with a hundred media outlets across Europe, had the privilege of accessing the venue early on Wednesday, directly following the press conference where Nintendo introduced its exciting lineup of games for the new console: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment, The Duskbloods, and more.
Among the revelations that caught the attention of attendees and social media alike was the pricing strategy for the upcoming console, which is set at 470 euros. Even more noteworthy is the price for its new titles, especially the racing game Mario Kart World, retailing for an unprecedented 90 euros for the physical edition and 80 euros for digital. This bold pricing move could potentially influence other game publishers. However, players can opt for a bundled package priced at 510 euros that includes the console and Mario Kart World, reducing the game’s cost to just 40 euros. Unfortunately, no discounts are available for Donkey Kong Bananza, which is priced at 80 euros for the physical version and 70 euros for the digital edition. Nintendo is renowned for maintaining stable prices on its games and consoles, indicating that these prices are likely here to stay.
In response to the steep prices, several French retailers have begun offering pre-order discounts. You can find Mario Kart World available for 69.99 euros and Donkey Kong Bananza for 59.99 euros at stores like Leclerc, Auchan, and Carrefour. Additionally, the console and Mario Kart bundle is available for 499 euros at retailers such as Carrefour, Fnac, or Cdiscount, while Leclerc is selling the console alone for 439 euros, offering a 30 euro discount.
However, if you’re considering a trip to Japan to snag the console at its local price of 49,890 yen (approximately 310 euros), think again. The “Japan Only” version of the Switch 2 is exclusively in Japanese and only compatible with Nintendo accounts registered in Japan, making it impractical for international players.
Exploring the Switch 2: A Familiar Feel
Is the Switch 2 worth the investment? Formulating a conclusive opinion after just a few hours of gameplay is challenging, especially since the full game catalog set to launch in the console’s first year remains uncertain. Nevertheless, our initial impressions are largely positive. One of the first surprises is how, despite its larger dimensions (1 cm taller and 3 cm longer, with an additional 100 grams compared to the original Switch), the console maintains a lightweight feel during mobile use. The screen has also been upgraded from 6.2 to 7.9 inches, now offering full HD capabilities (though not 4K) and HDR support, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The Joy-Con controllers have received an upgrade too, with larger shoulder buttons catering to players with bigger hands, ensuring that those familiar with the original Switch will feel right at home.
While we couldn’t test the new “C button,” which enables the “GameChat” feature for voice or video chats while gaming (with an optional camera priced at 60 euros), we learned that this service will be free until March 31, 2026. After that, a Switch Online subscription will be necessary for continued access, costing 20 euros annually.
We did manage to experience the “mouse mode” of the Joy-Con controllers, which activates in compatible games like Metroid Prime 4, Mario Party Jamboree, Civilization VII, when turned 90 degrees. While the speed and accuracy of movements are enhanced compared to using a standard controller, it sacrifices some comfort, as the ergonomics do not rival that of a desktop mouse. Players might feel some wrist strain after extended gaming sessions, especially in fast-paced games like Mario Party. Although mouse mode functions without a surface (allowing players to use it on their laps), it’s advisable to set up at a desk for a more comfortable experience.
In particular, a large mouse pad is essential for the wheelchair basketball game Drag x Drive, where players must control their characters at high speeds. The game, however, left much to be desired, lacking the fun factor we hoped for.
Exciting New Features in Mario Kart World
Fun returns with Mario Kart World, where the beloved racing game formula is enhanced with an exciting new online mode. Now, 24 players can compete simultaneously, eliminating the tedious wait times before races. As players connect and select their avatars, they can freely explore a unique interconnected map that hosts all the circuits of Mario Kart World.
Races seamlessly transition from one to the next with a twist: the last four racers are eliminated in each round, swiftly narrowing the field from 24 to 20, then to 16, 12, 8, and finally down to 4—without any interruptions. This thrilling “battle royale” format lasts around ten minutes and is made even more exhilarating by the classic offensive items (red shell, lightning, boomerang) that players can unleash on each other, adding a layer of chaos and excitement. The atmosphere in the Grand Palais was filled with cheers and shouts of surprise during these intense races. Given that Mario Kart 8 sold an impressive 68 million copies on the original Switch, it seems that Mario Kart World is poised for similar success.
Additionally, Le Figaro had a chance to play Donkey Kong Bananza for ten minutes, which is set to release on July 17. This title marks the return of the iconic gorilla in an all-new 3D adventure. One of the standout features of this game is Donkey Kong’s ability to demolish everything in his path, promising an exciting gameplay experience.