For as long as I can remember, Nintendo's gamepads have been a core part of my life. The NES's original rectangular controller was awfully unergonomic, but I still loved it, and it set me down the path of being a lifelong gaming and gadget geek.

Switch Harder. Sure, that's a glib summation of one of the most eagerly anticipated games console launches of all time, but it is, nevertheless, apt. The Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience that is let down and held up by the unique quirks of Nintendo. It's a straight upgrade and tailored experience in many ways,

Image: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo Life. In the lead-up to the Switch 2 launch, one of the biggest talking points from Nintendo was the new GameChat feature and accompanying camera.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller offers a more comfortable and precise way to play Switch 2 games. This is thanks to its ergonomic design and responsive buttons and joysticks. Though expensive, it’s essential for Switch 2 users who primarily play in docked mode or who just want a better controller.

The successor to one of Nintendo's most popular pieces of hardware is a refined, premium version of what lots of gamers already loved.

You can't simply go to the My Nintendo Store and buy the Switch 2. To order the Switch 2, you need to log in with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online account. Once you do that, you can choose either a Switch 2 standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle and then hit the confirm button to "register your interest" in ordering a Switch 2.

While Welcome Tour isn't particularly expensive, the Nintendo Switch 2 tech demo's bland presentation and lack of fun factor makes it hard to recommend, even at £7.99. The big problem with Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is that it's completely lacking the sense of playfulness we've come to expect from Nintendo.