1. Switch 2 Stability Update 20.3.0 Goes Live
Nintendo rolled out System Update 20.3.0 on July 28, emphasizing “general stability improvements” for both the Switch and Switch 2. While seemingly minor, the patch also quietly enhanced the SNES digital library:
- Added mouse support (compatible with Joy-Con 2’s “mouse mode”) for select SNES titles.
- Introduced button remapping for the SNES app, aligning it with N64/GameCube functionality .
Why it matters: These tweaks signal Nintendo’s ongoing refinement of backward-compatibility features, especially for legacy titles.
2. Switch 2 Restock Drought Finally Easing
After months of scarcity, the Switch 2 is becoming more accessible:
- Major retailers (Walmart, Target, Best Buy, GameStop) now list consoles in stock, with bundles like the $499 Mario Kart World pack leading sales .
- Amazon’s invite system remains active—request an invite, and if selected, you have 22 hours to purchase .
- Pro tip: Avoid inflated third-party prices; stick to official $449/$499 listings. Walmart+ members occasionally get exclusive drops! .
3. Forbes’ Switch 2 First Impressions: “Boringly Good”
A July 28 Forbes review captured the console’s divisive appeal:
- Pros: Smoother 4K/60fps docked gameplay (Mario Kart World, Fast Fusion), faster UI, magnetic Joy-Con 2 attachments, and reduced load times for classics like Animal Crossing .
- Cons: The LCD screen feels like a “step backward” after the Switch OLED, and HDR visuals appear “washed out” on some TVs .
- Verdict: A conservative but competent evolution—”the devil you know” .
4. New Release: Tales of the Shire Hits Shelves
The cozy LOTR life sim launched July 29 on Switch (no Switch 2 version yet):
- Decorate Hobbit holes, fish, forage, and trade in the idyllic Shire .
- Part of a packed July lineup including Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17) and Wild Hearts S (July 25) .
5. Post-Prime Day Deals Still Active
While Prime Day ended, discounts linger:
- Switch OLED: Import models at $249 (down from $349) via Woot .
- Games: Marvel vs Capcom Collection (50% off, $24.88), Bluey: The Videogame ($19.99), and Stray (30% off) .
- Accessories: SanDisk 128GB microSDXC cards (57% off, $15.20) for OG Switch owners .
The Big Picture
Nintendo’s focus remains on steady iteration: refining hardware (despite screen complaints), expanding accessibility, and leveraging beloved IPs (LOTR, Donkey Kong). With Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 slated for late 2025, the content pipeline looks strong—if you can snag a console! 🎉
Sources: Nintendo Life, Forbes, CNN Underscored, Creative Bloq, Nintendo official news.
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