So you didn’t get a Nintendo Switch 2
The internet is alight with early impressions of the Switch 2, or the frustrations of last-minute pre-order cancellations by major retailers. Much like the lead-up to the Switch 2, I’ve had this overriding sense that it’s about incremental growth; moderate updates to things we already have (like Bowser’s Fury, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, and Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom) and a new take on Mario Kart.
But also, my friends and people I follow are excited for the new hardware, even if I can’t summon up the hype myself. In moments like this, it’s hard to not make the boneheaded decision and try to get a last minute Switch 2, a device I’ve spent months saying I don’t want. So, if you’re like me and aren’t celebrating the launch of the Switch 2 with a device—either because you couldn’t or didn’t get one—join me in doing the second best thing: emulating some old Nintendo games.
It’s been over a year now since the Delta emulator landed on the Apple App Store and odds are, you downloaded it, snagged a couple of your legally obtained ROMs, and handily forgot about it like me. Life comes at you fast, I get it. But, if you’re hankering for that new game console feeling like I am, save yourself $450 and the frustration of standing in a line all night, and boot up some Nintendo classics you probably haven’t played yet. And if mobile emulation isn’t your speed, you could even use that Nintendo Switch Online membership you’ve had since Splatoon 3 came out (and forgot about) to play some GBA or N64 classics.
Before we know if Mario Kart World is the best Mario Kart of all time, or if Donkey Kong Bananza is another Donkey Kong 94 OR Donkey Kong 64, you have decades of classics at your fingertips. I will not be explaining the difference between those two Donkey Kong games because, as a person not purchasing a Switch 2 currently, you can find out yourself.
Especially for me, noted not-Nintendo kid, I have some very striking gaps in my gamer knowledge. I’ve been playing through the Metroid games recently, learning why everyone raves about The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and exploring the vast world of Pokemon ROM hacks. In a surprise to no one, these games still hit and are helping me better understand why I like the games I do (I enjoy the story and lore in Metroid Fusion more than the metroidvania elements in Zero Mission).
Even as anti-climatic as the Nintendo Switch 2 launch has felt to me—review coverage has been light because no one got units, game discussions are primarily NS1 vs. NS2 comparisons, and pre-orders botched by major retailers—that feeling of wanting to be a part of something lingers. I get it. But if there’s anything this foray into classic GBA games has taught me: the Nintendo Switch 2 is gonna be around for a long time. Suppress that FOMO part of your brain and dig into something old that is still new to you. Who knows, you might be playing a new and improved version of a beloved Pokemon game like everyone else.
