Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions and Press Kit Contents

Nintendo Switch 2 consoles were sent to press ahead of the console’s official launch, with TechStomper’s unit arriving on Thursday 5 June 2025. And so, TechStomper has spent a few hours with the new console and already has several thoughts on the design and implementation.

First Impressions

When I finally got my hands on the Switch 2, all the negativity from the online space about the console faded away. It’s still very early days, and I haven’t fully explored all its new features yet, but so far, I am very impressed.

From the larger screen to the magnetic Joy-Cons, everything feels like a step forward. Sure, I would have preferred an OLED screen like my beloved Switch OLED, but the screen is very nice—crystal clear, in fact. And don’t listen to the protective screen film crowd—if it’s there, I can’t tell, and it’s not an issue in the slightest. Just standard scaremongering, to be honest.

The rear stand also surprised me, as it’s sturdier than it looks in pictures and takes quite a bit of force to move.

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As for setup, everything went smoothly—linking accounts and the like using QR codes and the Nintendo website. However, I’m still figuring out the Virtual Game Card system, which required me to pair my Switch 2 with my original Switch (not even my OLED) to load games.

It seems you can only link two consoles at a time, meaning I need to re-pair my OLED to regain access to my digital library. This is a little strange, as pairing was required even to launch Mario Kart World—a Switch 2 game.

Gaming So Far

I’ve only really taken Mario Kart World for a spin so far, and it plays and looks great. I’ve enjoyed my first few hours with it, but I also have Street Fighter 6, Sonic Shadows Generations, and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut downloading as I type this—so more on the games to come.

In addition to testing the console docked to my TV, I’ll be checking how well it handles both online play and couch multiplayer. That’ll give me a chance to try out the new Pro Controller, as well as the Switch 2 Camera.

But so far, the console has made an extremely positive impression on me. That said, I will admit that it’s not a massive leap forward in terms of the UI—it all feels very familiar.

NS2 Press Kit Contents

The Nintendo Switch 2 bundle sent to press for the launch included the launch Nintendo Switch 2 console (256GB), Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and one game code.

A code for Mario Kart World was included in the box.

Switch 2 Game Cards and How to Share

Virtual Game Cards convert digital games into ‘Game Cards’ that can be conveniently shared across various accounts and systems. The holder of the card is granted the ability to download and play the game for a duration of two weeks.

After the two-week loan period concludes, the Virtual Game Card is returned to the account from which it was purchased. The card then becomes available for loaning or playing once more.

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When you purchase the digital version of a game, it will be installed on your system as a virtual game card, allowing you to play that title.

Your digital games will be organised as virtual game cards on a dedicated management screen. Here you can load and review them, as well as manage which games are accessible on your system.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Specifications

• Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions and Press Kit Contents
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