I Tested the Nintendo Switch 2 and Discovered the Ultimate Hardware Demo in a Surprising Spot

I had the chance to check out the Nintendo Switch 2 showcase in London today, and let me tell you, the vibe was nothing short of thrilling. Kids from all age brackets were electrified, eager to experience the Switch 2 for the first time. The place was buzzing with excitement, particularly as groups gathered to dive into the comically named Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. The air was filled with cheers and laughter, especially when a middle-aged gentleman dashed the hopes of his younger competitors in Mario Kart World.

The real reason I made my way here was to get hands-on with the Switch 2’s hardware. Sure, we know it’s packed with snazzier games, quicker loading, and beefier performance, but for the typical user, it’s the hardware that’ll make the most noticeable impact. We’re talking a larger display, revamped JoyCons, and new custom CPU/GPU units that breathe life into the gaming experience. But, the most intriguing addition could very well be ‘the mouse.’

Ah yes, the mouse. With an entry price of $449.99, the Switch 2 isn’t cheap. But if Nintendo stuffs it with quirky gadgets and entertaining gizmos, maybe, just maybe, the price will seem worth it. Games like Switch 2’s Welcome Tour give us a glimpse into the gadget’s packed features hidden behind its sturdy exterior. But a critical question looms: How will these features be used in other games? Will it define the console’s experience like the DS touchscreen did, or become as forgettable as the Vita’s touchscreen?

One title today gave me a pleasant surprise by embracing these new functionalities. Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, of all things, used them quite effectively within its mini-games. Yes, mini-games.

This RPG re-release delivers two novel mini-games that uniquely utilize the JoyCon mouse capabilities. There’s a rhythm game, reminiscent of Theatrhythm or Persona Dancing All Night, where you guide your character through dance-like sequences. Then there’s a wild airship mini-game where characters give the suave part-protagonist, Ringabel, a hard time as he navigates an aerial obstacle course.

These mini-games are likely exclusive to Switch 2 — I can’t picture a Steam port insisting on dual mice for gameplay, though the Steam Deck’s trackpads might pull it off. Regardless, they’re outstanding. They incorporate the Switch 2’s novelties in an actual game setting, offering genuine stakes. Though tucked into the ‘Game Corner’ on the main screen, an event rep mentioned they’d also be part of the primary game, dishing out real rewards too.

The rhythm mini-game, called Luxencheer Rhythm Catch, was my top pick. Judging by the crowds, it was a hit there too. Many folks finished their turns only to jump back into the queue for another go. It blends the Persona Dancing vibe with a dash of Theatrhythm’s appealing and visually accessible UI. You’ll engage in a hand-based dance, clicking, sliding, and steering to mimic the on-screen action.

The way Theatrhythm used a stylus felt like conducting a musical piece, and Bravely Default HD evokes a similar sensation with your hands, getting you to move as if jiving in a ’40s jazz joint. It highlights the impressive precision of the JoyCon’s mouse feature and elevates the interactive joy when aligning your moves to some engaging tunes.

Then there’s Ringabel’s Panic Cruise! While less groundbreaking in showcasing hardware innovations, it encapsulates Nintendo’s whimsical spirit. Your task? Navigate an airship through rings while managing odd requests from your crew. It’s a delightful chaos.

The left hand manages altitude via a lever, and the right hand controls direction with a wheel. Momentary cockpit malfunctions demand quick responses: pulling a rope to blow a whistle, flicking switches for crew members, or tweaking a valve to avoid a steam blast.

Despite these being just a few mechanics, Square Enix has ingeniously crafted them into a distinct, amusing, and wonderfully oddball experience. It gives me hope that developers outside of Nintendo will uncover the charm and novelty in what this unique hardware has to offer.

With games fetching $80 a pop, you’d expect a little extra value tucked into the experience. I admit I was skeptical before trying Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster. Yet if it means paying full price for a remaster, at least it delivers delightful surprises that justify the expense.

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster has transitioned from an oddball launch line-up curiosity to a beacon of the Switch 2’s capabilities. I had already planned on purchasing it, but now I’ll do so to showcase to friends and family how it’s more than ‘just a larger Switch.’ It serves as a strong launch title that the Switch 2 urgently needs to prove its mettle. Well done, Square Enix.