Want more F-Zero? Check out Fast Fusion

This is just a friendly reminder that if you’re a fan of Nintendo’s anti-gravity racing series, you may also want to check out Fast Fusion which arrives on launch day. The game costs an impressively low $14.99 / £13.49, and could absolutely be one to check out if you’re not opting for a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play F-Zero GX.

Fast Fusion is being developed by Shin’en Multimedia. This impressive team has developed incredible titles like Fast RMX and The Touryst, so I’m always excited to see it bring a new game out – especially at the launch of one of the most anticipated consoles in recent years.

Hoover up these Kirby games, too!

It seems like even more Nintendo Switch games are getting Switch 2 compatibility patches. In addition to Xenoblade Chronicles 3, it looks like Kirby Star Allies and Kirby’s Dream Buffet are also getting Switch 2 updates.

Like with Xenoblade, these updates simply say that “several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” Again, that could mean anything, like simply minimizing compatibility issues. Still, the more performance upgrades we get for original Switch games, the better.

Xenobros, we’re so back

Nintendo certainly kept quiet about this one, but it appears that beloved RPG Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has received an update prior to Switch 2 launch day. Users on X / Twitter have spotted some patch notes for the game.

In fairness, the patch notes aren’t substantial, simply saying that “several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” Now, to temper expectations, there’s every chance this is just a very simple patch to stop the game from crashing or registering visual oddities on Switch 2.

But if this game does get the 4K 60fps treatment similar to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, then I’ll certainly be planning a replay of this incredible game. Now if we could also get an update patch for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, I’ll be one very happy gamer.

Hit the streets

As a lover of the best fighting games, I’m really excited to check out Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition on Switch 2 launch day. This version of the game includes all DLC characters from Season 1 (Rashid, AKI, Ed, and Akuma) and Season 2 (M. Bison, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Elena), as well as all DLC stages.

I got to check out the game at my Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on preview session a couple of months ago, and it plays fantastically on the console with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I did note image quality was a touch fuzzier than on other systems, but performance wise, the game doesn’t miss a beat. At least outside of the demanding World Tour mode, which I haven’t been able to see on Switch 2 yet.

Don’t forget about those GameCube games!

While I’m sure most of you will be diving into Mario Kart World or a hotly anticipated third-party release like Street Fighter 6 or Cyberpunk 2077 on day one, it’s worth noting that Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube classics library will also be available from launch day.

Three games will be playable off the bat: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, fighting game royalty Soul Calibur 2, and the legendary anti-gravity racer F-Zero GX. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription in order to enjoy these titles.

I’ve also pre-ordered the Switch Online exclusive wireless GameCube controller from Nintendo’s website, because what better way is there to experience these games than with the iconic purple gamepad? It’s available for pre-order now at Nintendo’s store for $64.99 / £58.99. Admittedly, that is fairly steep given Nintendo has confirmed that while it will work with standard Switch 2 games, there may be compatibility issues so certainly consider that before you make a purchase.

Has Pokémon Scarlet & Violet been fixed?

One game I’m really excited to check out on day one is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, which will be receiving a free performance update on Switch 2 launch day. A brief snippet of gameplay was revealed via the Nintendo Today mobile app a couple of days ago, but it seems like more has been fixed than just the improved resolution and framerates.

Serebii’s Joe Merrick points out on X / Twitter that animations for background objects appear to have been improved. Case in point, the infamous Artazon Windmill, which now animates smoothly in the distance. If there’s one thing I remember not so fondly about these games, it’s the incredibly choppy animations of objects and characters even close to the player. Hopefully, then, these have been smoothed out with this Nintendo Switch 2 update.

Nvidia’s CEO is as excited for Switch 2 as you are

Creator’s Voice Special Edition – Nintendo Switch 2’s Custom Processor – YouTube

Watch On

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is the subject of Nintendo’s latest Creator’s Voice video. The tech company developed the original Switch’s custom Tegra X1 system-on-a-chip, and it also created the Switch 2’s custom processor, too.

In the video, Huang claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 has the “most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device.” And that could well be true; the Switch 2 handheld supports 1080p resolution at framerates up to 120fps. The device also has support for HDR for brighter, more accurate colors.

Welcome to our Nintendo Switch 2 live coverage!

Good morning, US friends, and good afternoon to those of you in the UK! The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is almost upon us, happening tomorrow, June 5. It’s felt like a pretty long wait from its official announcement at the start of the year, but given how fast the year’s gone by, also not too much!

If you’ve managed to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, you’ll probably be receiving a tracking email from your retailer of choice soon, if you haven’t already. So to start things off, a friendly reminder to keep an eye on your email inbox!

I’ll be receiving my pre-ordered Switch 2 console tomorrow, and I’m excited to get stuck in with Mario Kart World, and experiencing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at what I hope is a buttery smooth 4K 60fps.

Starting with this live blog, there’s going to be plenty of Nintendo Switch 2 coverage in the coming weeks at TechRadar Gaming. And if you’ve struggled to secure a unit for yourself, you can also check out our launch day stock live hub, manned by our managing editor Rob Dwiar, who will be doing his best to spot stock at retailers across the US and UK.