TheNintendo Switch 2might be catching heat from some corners of the gaming community, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a lot going for it. Of course, the successor console will be the only legal and easily accessible platform on which to playNintendo’s new first-party titles, includingMario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananza, but the Switch 2 also marks a major leap forward for the company’s third-party support.
The first Nintendo Switch is infamous for its lack of third-party games, with the console skipping major releases likeElden RingandCyberpunk 2077, not to mention flagship AAA franchises likeCall of DutyandAssassin’s Creed. But with theNintendo Switch 2, Nintendo purists will finally have the opportunity to play many of these leading titles, which will almost certainly help the hybrid device compete with the more expensive, notably un-portable Xbox and PlayStation alternatives. But Nintendo will have some hard-hitting exclusives to entice players as well, and not all of them are coming directly from Nintendo’s first-party studios.
A Timed Exclusive Hades 2 Release Is a Huge Get for Nintendo
Nintendo Will Be the Only Console To Play Hades 2 On, at Least for a While
Although it released on PC in early access last year,Hades 2hasn’t received its 1.0 update, AKA its full release. Developer Supergiant Games has yet to set a firm release date for the full game, but it’s worth noting that the current early access build is quite robust, having already attracted a sizable playerbase on PC. Of course, its popularity is aided by the firstHadesbeing so beloved, iconic, and unexpectedly influential, with even major franchises likeDynasty Warriorscopying its style with spin-off games.
Hades 2will launch day-and-date on the Nintendo Switch 2, remaining exclusive to the console for an unspecified period of time before heading to PlayStation and Xbox. This makes the Nintendo Switch 2 far more attractive, as it’s not controversial to say thatHades 2is among the most hotly anticipated indie games of all time, and being able to play it on Nintendo’s handheld will give owners a considerable advantage over those who stick with other platforms. Plus, the handheld environment is a perfect fit for the pick-up-and-play nature oftheHadesformula, so those that don’t want to shell out for a Steam Deck will be able to enjoy this experience within Nintendo’s ecosystem.
Hades 2will also be launching day-oneon the first Switch.
Hades 2 On Nintendo Switch 2 Is Great, but Also Highlights a Missed Opportunity
While it’s obviously nice thatHades 2is coming to the Switch 2 early, the news is also an interesting reminder of an interesting industry tendency: games are often not released in early access on consoles. There are a number of reasons for this, including some very good, practical ones, but the precedent of betas and early access periods on consoles for other games indicates that it’s not such an outlandish concept. In all likelihood, fear of alienating or confusing the average console player, who may not be familiar with the concept of early access, plays a major role in how hesitant developers and console manufacturers are to embrace early access.
Nevertheless,Hades 2coming to Nintendo Switch consoles should excite anyone who enjoyed the first game. Although it’s still in early access,Hades 2is already well on its way to surpassing its predecessor, with the same killer combat, satisfying progression, and nuanced character writing. Coming to the Switch 2 early means that it’ll extend beyond its current PC stomping grounds, which is abig win for Nintendo, even if it’s a bit disappointing for PlayStation and Xbox owners.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you’re able to brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
