The Hype of the Switch 2 and Its Accessories
Nintendo Restricts Compatibility of Budget-Friendly Switch 2 Peripherals
The Switch 2, Nintendo's slick new handheld console, is causing a frenzy in the gaming world, with preorders flying off the shelves in the U.S. and beyond! Already, people are shelling out big bucks - over $450 - for this sleek successor to the original Switch. But what about the accessories? Let's dive into the bittersweet world of the Switch 2's gear.
If you manage to grab a device, be prepared for the high costs of games and controllers. With prices of $70 to $80 for games and nearly $100 for Nintendo's first-party controllers, your wallet will surely take a hit. However, third-party accessories tend to be cheaper, though the licensed and niche peripherals designed for the Switch 2 might not measure up to Nintendo's official gear according to some fans.
One of the most anticipated additions is the return of the GameCube controller, albeit with a caveat - it'll only work with GameCube titles available through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. But there's more! You can use the GameCube controller with other Switch 2 games if they are modified to accommodate the lack of a left bumper button and a nipple-shaped right analog stick. Even though the new GameCube controller only works with the Switch 2, it might still be worth the investment for gamers seeking an authentic retro experience.
When asked for clarification, Nintendo provided the following statement to Nintendo Life:
The listing for the GameCube controller on Nintendo's website now indicates the controller will launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, with priority sales on the My Nintendo Store between May 8 and May 12. However, the final retail price is yet to be confirmed.
Interestingly, the controller might be cheaper than the Pro controller and Joy-Con 2, both of which have received price hikes of $5 due to U.S. tariffs. But still, the premium prices only add to the already hefty cost of the Switch 2.
Unfortunately, the Switch 2 isn't the only accessory that might not meet your expectations. While streaming to friends using Nintendo's $55 1080p Switch 2 camera, you might experience issues with latency and jagged images.
Hori, a maker of licensed Nintendo products, is selling a Piranha Plant camera that retails for $60. The lower resolution of this camera, at 480p, might seem counterintuitive, given the higher price tag. The adorable Piranha camera's low resolution isn't even standard HD, making it an odd choice from Hori. There's another, less-cute camera available on Amazon's Japanese webpage, but it too is limited to 480p resolution.
It remains to be seen how these cameras compare to Nintendo's official camera and whether the lower resolution translates to less lag and negligible image quality on the Switch 2's screen.
Nintendo's store page mentions that "any compatible USB-C camera" can be used with the Switch 2, indicating third-party webcams might be an option. However, the company hasn't confirmed this yet. If true, your choice of cameras could be much wider.
One question lingers in the air: why didn't Nintendo update the GameCube controller for broader compatibility, and why is Hori compromising on the Switch 2 cameras' resolutions? Without concrete answers, it leaves gamers guessing before splurging on accessories. Before you rush out to buy any Switch 2 accessories, it's crucial to understand their limitations.
- The GameCube controller, a retro accessory returning for the Switch 2, will only work with specific games through a subscription service, and may require modifications for non-compatible games.
- The Switch 2's 1080p camera, sold by Nintendo, and other third-party cameras such as Hori's Piranha Plant camera, might suffer from latency and jagged images, with Hori's camera being of lower resolution compared to its price.
- With the potential for high costs of games, controllers, and questionable accessories, the future of tech-savvy gadgets such as the Switch 2 and its peripherals will leave tech enthusiasts at Gizmodo pondering about their decisions before making any purchases.
