I must be honest. Aside from a brief engagement with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, my Nintendo Switch has been for the most part disregarded throughout the year. While it’s still among my cherished systems, with variations like the Asus ROG Ally and PlayStation Portal dominating my handheld experience, it doesn’t get much use. For this reason, I doubt I’ll purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, at least not right away. Nonetheless, I’m conflicted.
I’ve been swept up in the excitement of handheld gaming over the last year, and this has resulted in neglecting several Ninty titles I still wish to experience. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is gathering dust on the shelves – and that’s a travesty. However, despite my Switch being sidelined for portable gaming, it can still radiate on the larger display – which is precisely why the mClassic upscaler could serve as my substitute for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The device connects through the dock’s HDMI port and enhances that 1080p output. Phil Hayton, Hardware Editor for GamesRadar+, notes a sharper, cleaner image with diminished jagged edges across titles ranging from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Available at Amazon for $99.99 / £89.99 (and often discounted for much less), it is significantly more affordable than the anticipated $400 – $500 price tag of an entirely new console and this value increases if you are a retro enthusiast as well.
Should you invest in the Marseille mClassic upscaler?
I’ll be upfront – if you’re looking for a significant performance enhancement, it’s wiser to wait for the full-fledged console upgrade. The mClassic effectively helps to smooth out the edges of scenes that the handheld struggles with, yet it won’t resolve issues with choppy frame rates or pop-in. It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on, not an entirely new house.
However, if you share my sentiments and prefer not to invest in an entirely new system within a few months, it may be worth considering. I seek to elevate my library to reimmerse myself in the Ninty universe while also dedicating more time to my aging retro PlayStation collection. The mClassic accomplishes all that without compromising speed or color intensity. Those using the Switch on particularly large displays will experience the most advantages, yet I still expect a noticeable enhancement on my 55-inch 4K screen.
No, it won’t deliver the same upgrade as a completely new processor and graphics setup – but Nintendo titles have never relied on the latest specifications to be appealing. These are straightforward games that achieve remarkable results with limited technology, and I don’t require a new console to indulge in the current lineup of releases. Do I still desire to refresh them? I am definitely not declining.
We’re compiling all the best Nintendo Switch accessories available on the market, along with the best Nintendo Switch controllers and best Nintendo Switch headsets as well.