The atmosphere is electric as fans gather at the ExCel London conference centre, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the new gaming marvel. The crowd erupts with excitement as Mario, one of the most beloved characters in gaming history, expertly drifts around the final bend of the racecourse in the newly introduced Knockout Tour mode of Mario Kart World. As he races towards the finish line, a red turtle shell, a classic weapon from the franchise, unexpectedly strikes, causing his kart to overturn. This twist allows Yoshi to zoom past and claim victory. This isnt just another iteration of Mario Kart; it marks a thrilling innovation in gameplay. In this new mode, 24 competitors line up at the start, but the stakes are high as four racers face elimination at regular checkpoints, intensifying the excitement and competition throughout the race. My favorite character, Princess Peach, riding her stylish pink motorbike, unfortunately finished in 12th place, bowing out gracefully amidst the high-stakes environment.

As I finally pry myself away from the controller, I take a moment to absorb the scene around me. Enthusiastic Nintendo fans are everywhere, with some dressed as iconic characters like Mario and Donkey Kong. They are gathered here for the hands-on event to experience the new Switch 2 console, set to hit the market on June 5, although notably not in China. Despite the relentless cheerfulness of the event staff and the sea of vibrant red Nintendo branding, the harsh lights and drab surroundings of the conference center create a stark contrast to the palpable excitement of the attendees. Yet, the ambiance fails to dampen the spirits of those present; they are here to immerse themselves in the potential of a new console.

In a surprising move that reflects a strategic shift, Nintendo appears to be playing it safe with the Switch 2. Historically, the company has built its reputation on creativity and innovation, crafting consoles that not only entertain but redefine gaming experiences. While its competitors may boast superior processing power, Nintendo has always focused on imaginative gameplay. The original Switch, which debuted in 2017, was a groundbreaking achievement in the industry, introducing a hybrid format that allowed players to enjoy gaming both on-the-go and at home. This innovative approach resulted in remarkable sales, with the console moving 150 million units, making it the third best-selling gaming console of all time.

However, Nintendo's track record is not without its pitfalls. The launch of the Wii U, which failed to capitalize on the tremendous success of its predecessor, the Wii, serves as a cautionary tale. Similarly, the 3DS fell short of expectations compared to the DS. With the Switch 2, which retains the branding, design aesthetics, and game library of its predecessor, Nintendo is clearly making a concerted effort to avoid falling into the trap of a disappointing follow-up.

The Switch 2 is designed with an eye toward improvement; it is larger but not heavier than the original model. It maintains a familiar appearance with a sleeker profile, rounded edges, and a more sophisticated dark grey color scheme, giving it a more mature look. The consoles build feels less like a toy and more like a serious gaming device. Significant upgrades have been made, including an expanded screen and a sturdier design which, while larger, does not feel cumbersome or overly heavy to handle. Improvements to the Joy-Con controls, which now attach magnetically rather than through sliders, enhance the user experience, while the higher resolution screen offers a bright and vivid display. A new button dedicated to video chat functionality promises to add an exciting social dimension to gaming, although this feature remains unexplored at the event.

In terms of gaming capabilities, while the Switch 2 may not match the current generation of PlayStation and Xbox consoles in raw power, it does represent a marked upgrade from its predecessor. The original Switch struggled to handle recent releases, so the new version's enhanced performance is a welcome development. When docked, the Switch 2 can output games at a stunning 4K resolution and up to 120 frames per second, specifications that resonate with serious gamers but may be less clear to the casual player.

Mario Kart World is expected to be a significant driver of sales for the Switch 2, and Nintendo plans to bundle this highly anticipated title with the console's release. The Mario Kart franchise remains a powerhouse in the gaming landscape, with its previous edition ranking as the fifth best-selling game of all time. While the series is not typically known for radical changes, the latest iteration breaks new ground by allowing racers to explore an open world, reminiscent of the Forza Horizon series, complete with dynamic day-night cycles and varying weather patterns. Fans can look forward to new characters and costume options, including a mariachi outfit for Waluigi and a traditional yukata for Peach.

In a departure from the typical launch lineup, where a new 3D Mario platform game would usually take center stage, the spotlight instead falls on Donkey Kong Bananza. In this exciting title, players join the iconic ape on a quest for crystal bananas. What sets this game apart is its unique environmentlarge floating islands made of rock that players can alter by punching holes into walls or floors, reshaping their surroundings and discovering hidden treasures. This innovative gameplay mechanic showcases the capabilities of the new console, while Donkey Kong himself has received a redesign that gives him a more expressive and approachable appearance.

Another eagerly awaited title on the horizon is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the long-awaited sequel to the classic 3D space shooter. Fans of the series can expect stylish graphics and familiar gameplay as they navigate alien worlds and engage in combat. Notably, one of the Switch 2's unique hardware innovations is the ability to use either controller as a mouse, enhancing shooting accuracy in games like Metroid. However, the practicality of this feature may vary; during my testing, I found it uncomfortable for prolonged use and quickly reverted back to the traditional controller setup.

Nintendo has assured fans that they will still be able to play existing Switch games on the new console, with popular titles receiving graphical upgrades. I had the opportunity to try out refreshed versions of classic games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, both of which looked magnificent with improved graphicsthere's nothing like galloping through lush landscapes with gleaming water and swaying grass to rekindle fond memories. Additionally, Nintendo is set to bring back classic GameCube titles to its virtual store, with confirmed arrivals including Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX, and Zelda: The Wind Waker, all enhanced for the new system.

Among the new titles announced for the Switch 2, we can also look forward to The Duskbloods, a multiplayer game from the creators of Elden Ring; Drag x Drive, a wheelchair basketball game designed to utilize the new mouse controls; as well as revamped versions of popular games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Civilization VII, Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, and Hades II.

However, not everything about the Switch 2 has been met with enthusiasm, particularly regarding its price point. The console is expected to retail at 395.99, or 429.99 with the Mario Kart bundle, which has raised eyebrows among fans. This price tag has led to sticker shock, compounded by rising game costs and the peculiar decision to charge for an interactive online preview called the Switch 2 Welcome Tour. As a result, Nintendo can no longer be viewed as a budget-friendly alternative to the PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

Nintendo, the company behind Mario, occupies a unique position in the gaming world. It embodies the joy and simplicity of gaming, evoking a sense of childlike wonder among its fans. The Switch 2 is unlikely to diminish this cherished reputation; however, it also doesn't do much to elevate it. In an era marked by uncertaintyexemplified by delays in US pre-orders due to Trumps tariffstaking a cautious approach may prove to be a wise strategy for Nintendo, even if it strays from the company's tradition of bold innovation.