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Nintendo’s New Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch Is A Subtle Stunner

Mike Diver

Published 

Nintendo’s New Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch Is A Subtle Stunner

Featured Image Credit: Nintendo

Want one of these Nintendo Switch Mario Red & Blue edition consoles for yourself? Read on to find out how to enter our huge Mario giveaway!

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Since its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch (the greatest console of all time, maybe) has taken on a few different guises. Most notably, the play-at-home-and-as-a-handheld hybrid received a portable-mode-only revision in late 2019 as the Switch Lite - but in its more flexible, whole-point-of-the-thing, Joy-Cons-come-free form, the system has received plenty of attractive makeovers.

The new Mario Red & Blue edition of the Switch - released earlier in 2021, and offering improved battery life over the launch model (the code of HAC-001(-01) on its reverse reveals the use of the upgraded Tegra X1+ chip set) - follows in the footsteps of previous game series-specific releases. In 2020, we enjoyed the delicious pastel shades of an Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition; and before that came variations styled after Pokémon Let's Go, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and more.

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Where the Mario Red & Blue edition differs from those consoles, is in how far its colouration extends. If I remember correctly - and please, do correct me if I'm wrong - while some older Switch editions had patterned rears (that Animal Crossing one is a super-cute example), they all had the standard black bezel, around the screen. This one, y'see, is red - red all over, actually, when it comes to the undocked console. From the core of the machine to the Joy-Cons, it's a resplendent and royally Mario red. Only the sticks, buttons and kickstand are black, to stand out from all that redness.

Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author
Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author
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The dock, too, is red - and it's only when you detach the Joy-Cons, for either on-the-telly or tabletop play, that some contrast comes into the mix. The Joy-Con straps come in blue plastic with a red, white and blue cord, and yellow strap, um, fastener? What is that little thing called, the doohickey that keeps your tightened strap in place? That, anyway. Also blue is the grip, used to turn two Joy-Cons into one 'traditional' controller. What it all lacks, however, is the detail you find on the backside of that Animal Crossing model, and the Pokémon one and more. There's no stencilling, no Mario-series designs on the Switch itself. Which does feel like a missed opportunity.

Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author
Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author

The included carrying case goes some way to making up for that. Inside, it keeps your Switch nice and snug, Joy-Cons attached, and has space for five game cards not including whatever's in the console itself. There's also a little pouch that could be used to house a charge lead. Outside, the case is detailed with unmistakable Mario-themed designs: a clenched, gloved fist; a pair of broad-buttoned overalls; and a moustache and cap combo bearing a telltale 'M'. On one side you've got red, the other blue, and the case has yellow zippers for additional pop. It's a lovely thing, sleeker than my older Switch's Hori travel case that I've had since 2017, and just about sturdy-feeling enough that you'd be confident about tossing it into a backpack with little fear of its precious cargo being compromised. It's not solid, but it's not soft, either.

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Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author
Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author

Inevitably, this Switch plays much like any regular Switch before it - it works in hand, it works on the TV, that's the point. The Joy-Cons click into place with greater certainty than my launch-model Switch, although I'm not certain if that's more the age of mine, or the console being a little tighter these days (most likely: a bit of both). The battery life will vary depending on what game you're playing - I've not had the chance to fully drain it, but Nintendo claims it'll go for as long as nine hours, if you're running a lesser-demanding title. And on those more power-hungry offerings, like 3D Mario releases, expect to get five or six hours per full charge.

Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author
Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch / Credit: Nintendo, the author
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And if you're in the market for a new Switch - specifically, this Switch - do we have a giveaway for you. Head to GAMINGbible's Twitter and Instagram now, and you can enter our Mario Memories giveaway for a Mario Red & Blue Nintendo Switch console, a copy of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (our 9/10 review, here), a LEGO NES set, loads of Mario LEGO sets, and some 3D World plushies. The giveaway is open until March 24th, and please note the winner's details (winner drawn at random!) will be shared with Nintendo UK so that the prizes can be sent out. Good luck!

Nintendo Switch Mario Red & Blue edition console used for this coverage provided by Nintendo.

Topics: Super Mario, Nintendo Switch, Opinion

Mike Diver
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