Nintendo Switch 2: A Rocky Launch That’s Testing Fan Loyalty

The Nintendo Switch 2 was supposed to be a triumphant leap forward. A sleek, powerful successor to one of the most beloved consoles of all time. But just weeks after its release, disappointment is echoing across forums, social media, and even retail counters, where some early adopters are already trading in their new handhelds. What went wrong?

One of the biggest sources of frustration has been Nintendo’s controversial new “game key cards.” At first glance, they resemble traditional cartridges, but they don’t contain the full game data. Instead, players must download the entire game from the internet, with the card acting more like a license than a storage medium. This hybrid format has sparked backlash from fans who value physical ownership. Not only does it tether gameplay to Nintendo’s servers, raising concerns about long-term preservation, but it also undermines the convenience and collectability that physical games once offered. For gamers with limited internet access or data caps, it’s a logistical nightmare.

While the Switch 2 boasts improved hardware, it hasn’t escaped criticism. EA Sports FC 26, for example, runs at just 30 frames per second on the Switch 2; half the frame rate of its counterparts on PS5 and Xbox Series X. That’s a bitter pill for competitive players and a reminder that Nintendo’s hardware still lags behind in key areas. Even more troubling is the lack of third-party support. Major titles like NHL 26 are skipping the Switch 2 entirely, continuing a trend that plagued the original Switch. For a console meant to usher in a new era, the absence of flagship releases is a glaring misstep.

Beyond games, hardware limitations are also souring the experience. The Switch 2’s battery life estimated at just 2 to 6.5 hours depending on the game ,is worse than its predecessor. And with only 256GB of internal storage, players are quickly running out of space, especially with download sizes ballooning past 70GB for some titles. MicroSD Express cards are available, but they’re expensive, adding another layer of frustration.

So, is this just a rough launch, or something more serious? Nintendo has weathered rocky rollouts before, and the Switch 2 still has promising exclusives like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the horizon. But the early signs are troubling. A console that was meant to reaffirm Nintendo’s dominance is instead raising questions about its relevance in a rapidly evolving market. For long-time fans, this feels like a betrayal of the values that made Nintendo great: accessibility, innovation, and respect for the player. If Nintendo doesn’t course-correct soon, the Switch 2 could go down as a cautionary tale. Proof that even giants can stumble when they lose sight of what gamers truly want.