I played the £75 Mario Kart World on Switch 2 - was it worth it?

Tom Gerken, a technology reporter, recently had the opportunity to test out the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and its new game, Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 is a sleek black handheld console featuring a large central screen, flanked by buttons and colorful joysticks. After months of speculation, the successor to the popular Switch console is set to be released on June 5, with a price tag of £395. 99 in the UK. However, the real talking point is the price of the new Mario Kart World game, which will retail for an eye-watering £74. 99 for a physical copy. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see if the new console and game are worth the investment, but Tom was fortunate enough to get an early look and share his impressions. Upon first holding the Switch 2, it was clear that Nintendo wanted to emphasize that this is a direct sequel to the original Switch. Unlike the confusing transition from the Wii to the Wii U, which featured a tablet-like controller, the Switch 2 maintains a familiar design with buttons in expected locations and a significantly larger, more appealing screen. Playing Mario Kart World was an exhilarating experience, and Tom was impressed by the enhanced graphics, which looked stunning compared to previous Switch titles. While the graphics are certainly improved, they still retain a cartoonish style, and although the Switch 2 is more powerful, it cannot compete with the high specifications of the PlayStation 5. During his three races, Tom found that the standout feature was not just the improved graphics or the controller, but rather Nintendo's ability to make the new experience feel familiar. Despite being new to the Switch 2, he managed to secure consecutive first-place finishes, much to the surprise of those around him. The Switch 2's LCD screen displays vibrant colors and sharp images, enhancing the overall gaming experience. However, the price of the game is a significant consideration. The digital version of Mario Kart World costs £66. 99, while the physical copy is priced at £74. 99. For those who want to purchase the Switch 2 with the game included, the price rises to £429. 99. Industry expert Christopher Dring explained that these high prices are largely due to manufacturing costs and the impact of tariffs imposed by the US government. In the United States, Mario Kart World will be priced at $79. 99, with the console retailing for $449. 99, or $499. 99 if bundled with the game. Beyond Mario Kart, there are other exciting titles for the Switch 2, including the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4, which is the first game in the series in 18 years. While players will still use joysticks to move and aim, there is a significant new feature that allows them to rotate the controller, place it on a surface, and use it like a mouse. This innovative addition will feel familiar to fans of PC gaming, and Tom found the mouse controls to be intuitive and easy to use. However, he did wonder how comfortable it would be to play for extended periods in this manner. The fact that both controllers can be used as mice opens up interesting possibilities for gameplay. For instance, in a futuristic wheelchair basketball game called Drag x Drive, players can push both 'mice' to simulate moving wheels. Additionally, Donkey Kong Bananza marks the return of the beloved character in a 3D platforming game after 25 years, and there is a lot of pressure on Nintendo to deliver a game that justifies the long wait. Fans will notice that Donkey Kong has received a makeover, sporting a friendlier appearance. The game allows players to destroy parts of the environment, but once again, the price is a concern. A digital copy will cost £58. 99, while a physical copy is priced at £66. 99. It seems that Nintendo has a lot to offer its fans, but it will also be taking a significant amount of money from them. Tom also had the chance to see updated versions of popular games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Yakuza 0, which were previously too complex to run on the original Switch. The new console can play games on the go, just like the original Switch, which was the first hybrid console that worked on both a TV and as a portable system. However, the landscape has changed since the original launch in 2017, as the Steam Deck has emerged as a competitor, capable of playing most PC games. Nintendo argues that its extensive library of exclusive titles sets it apart from its rivals. The Switch 2 maintains continuity by keeping the same name as the original, signaling that Nintendo is committed to building on its successful legacy. Many of the exclusive titles are new entries in established series, while others are remastered versions of beloved classics. The 'Nintendo Switch 2 Edition' of the 2023 hit Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom looks better than ever, but fans may question whether they should invest in an upgrade so soon after its initial release. Tom had a fantastic time playing these games during his brief experience, but for fans to feel they are getting their money's worth, they will want games that provide lasting enjoyment. The answer to whether the Switch 2 will deliver that experience will begin to unfold in June.