Switch 2: Papa Review

Okay, this isn’t actually a review of the Switch 2 — I just liked the rhyme in the title.

For years, I’d heard on podcasts how much parents enjoyed the Switch — and later handhelds — once they had kids. I never really understood what was so helpful about it until now.

We’re currently in a stage of contact naps. For at least part of the day, Sophia will only sleep on top of us. Honestly, I really like this time — I get to spend what feels like quality time with my daughter. But really, she’s just sleeping, and I can’t do much. We have an iPad set up on a stand, which is great for watching videos, but now I also have the Switch 2.

What makes the Switch so perfect for being pinned under a sleeping child is the number of ways you can play. Right now, I find it super helpful to use the kickstand in tabletop mode, with the Switch balanced on my legs and the Joy-Cons detached.

I’d actually prefer to just hold the system, but the ergonomics of the controllers make that tricky. In the past, I’ve used third-party Joy-Cons that are much more comfortable to hold — but we’re too early in the console’s life cycle for those to exist yet.

The bigger screen is awesome for playing this way, and the games look amazing. I can’t wait to dig in to some of my back catalog.

But for now, I’m having a great time cruising around in Mario Kart World.