The Switch 2 is undoubtedly the most anticipated console of the year 2025. Before its release date on June 5, Linternate was able to take it in hand for several hours. Here is our feelings.
It was under the wide glass roof of the Grand Palais de Paris that we went this Thursday, April 3, 2025, to test the most coveted object of 2025 in the small world of video games: the brand new Nintendo console. Linternate had the chance to take charge of the Switch 2, whose release is scheduled for June 5 worldwide, just for you.
Madness races on Mario Kart Worldhandling Donkey Kong BananzaZoom on all the accessories of the Switch 2 … Our experience at the Grand Palais, certainly limited in time and well supervised, allowed us to measure the extent of the new products promised by Nintendo for its brand new console. But what could we have done precisely and what are our first impressions?
To discover Mario Kart World
We have not surprised our wandering through the various stands of this Nintendo Switch 2 event reserved for the press by Mario Kart World. In the spans of the Grand Palais, we were able to familiarize ourselves with the new mechanics of the racing game, borrowing the turns of certain circuits, not without occupying with a certain pride the first place of the podium.
“Nintendo Switch 2 experience”
The vehicle catalog is full of new models. Between kart, quad, motorcycle, convertible and fancy cars, the choice turned out to be difficult. Thanks to the new performance of the Switch 2, we were able to enjoy the game in 4K 100 FPS in Docké mode. Mario Kart World was fluid and of good visual quality.
Mario Kart World also has a very large catalog of characters. We found, without big surprise, the mythical figures of the license, like Mario, Luigi, Peach or Bowser, but also unpublished and unexpected faces. Let us mention for example Kirby, Pauline, Koopa, Goomba, Bowser Junior, Carottin, Coccinelly, Pokey or Pianta.
The possibility of playing 24 completely changes the situation. Races on Mario Kart World are even more crazy and stunning than those of Mario Kart 8 On Switch. The impression of freedom offered by the open world adds once again a welcome wind.
Zoom on new accessories from the Switch 2
After the slippages and the shell launches, we were able to observe closely the new accessories which will accompany the Switch 2. The dock, the Joy-Con 2, the tablet … Nothing has escaped our eyes with unconditional players. We have particularly reached the Joy-Con 2 ruffles, in red and blue colors, the gamecube controller as well as the pro controller.
In addition to its advantageous aesthetic, the Switch 2 is very pleasant to take in hand. The matt surface and the solidity of the joy-con is very pleasant to play. The new magnet system, which allows them to be attached to the tablet, is very well thought out. Joy-Con 2 cannot detach themselves, since a new dedicated button appears on the back of the controllers.
Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch 2 + packs Mario Kart World have also started on the shelves without being able to touch it. Recall that the latter will be sold respectively at a price of 469.99 euros and 499.99 euros.
Donkey Kong Bananzafor destruction fans
Final announcement of the Nintendo Direct: Donkey Kong Bananza He was able to pass through our hands too. Scheduled to go out on July 17, 2025, the big game of the Switch 2 is illustrated by its freshness and its novelty.
We were therefore able to embody the character of Donkey Kong and walk in one of the worlds of the game. As the players were able to see him in the direct Wednesday dedicated to the Switch 2, the famous gorilla has the ability to destroy his environment to make his choice. As for Mario Kart Worldthe game exudes freedom. We particularly appreciated it.
Our initiation among the Nintendo stands also led us to test other games on the Switch 2. This is the case with Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Street Fighter 6, Just Dance 2025 or Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomthe latter taking advantage of a clearly improved graphic quality and reduced loading times.
Even if the porting of these games on the new generation of console is a very good initiative, it seems unlikely that it alone justifies the purchase of a Switch 2.
The mouse mode, a real asset of Joy-Con?
Our Switch 2 test finally allowed us to test the “mouse” functionality, long desired by the players. Is it a real progress for the Nintendo console? Despite an undeniable reaction capacity and precision, the Joy-Con in “mouse” mode were unpleasant to use. The wrists do not touch any surface and the position of the hands becomes, after ten minutes, somewhat painful.
We were able to serve mice by playing Metroid Prime 4 : Beyond. The experience, certainly fun, requires space as well as a large flat surface. So difficult for many players to be able to use them at home as they see fit. Case to follow therefore, while waiting to be able to use the Switch 2 once it is out.