I truly need to tidy things up. Besides a brief venture into The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, my Nintendo Switch has been mostly neglected for much of the year. It remains one of my prized consoles, but now that devices like the Asus ROG Ally and PlayStation Portal have dominated my portable gaming time, it doesn’t get much play anymore. Hence, I don’t think I will be purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2, at least not on the launch day. Yet, I’m conflicted.
I’ve been swept up in the handheld gaming excitement of the past year, and there are still several Nintendo titles I long to enjoy. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is collecting dust on the shelf—what a shame! While my Switch has been supplanted for portable gaming, it still shines on the big screen—this is where the mClassic upscaler might serve as my alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2.
The dongle connects through the dock’s HDMI port and enhances that 1080p output. GamesRadar+ Hardware Editor Phil Hayton reports a sharper, clearer image with fewer jagged edges across everything 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 on sale for much less), it is significantly more affordable than the rumored $400 – $500 price of a completely new console, especially if you’re a retro collector.
Should you acquire the Marseille mClassic upscaler?
Let me be clear—if you’re looking for a major performance boost, you’re expecting a full console upgrade. The mClassic effectively smooths out the edges of visuals that the handheld struggles with, but it won’t necessarily resolve choppy frame rates or texture pop-in issues. It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on an old house.
However, if you’re like me and don’t want to invest in a brand new console in a few months, it may be worth considering. I aim to revisit my library to dive back into the Nintendo universe, while also spending additional time on my aging retro PlayStation collection. The mClassic accomplishes this without sacrificing speed or color vibrancy. Those using the Switch on a very large screen will notice more benefits, but I’m still looking forward to a closer look on my 55-inch 4K panel.
No, it won’t offer the same upgrade as a completely new processor and graphics system, but Nintendo games have never needed the latest specs to maintain their charm. These are straightforward titles that look fantastic with modest technology, and I don’t require a new console to enjoy the latest lineup of releases. Do I still want to give them a refresh? I’m certainly not saying no.
We’re compiling a list of the best Nintendo Switch accessories available, along with the top Nintendo Switch controllers and best Nintendo Switch headsets as well.