It has been a long time coming for fans of the Sherrin and the handheld console, but the wait is officially over. In a move that caught us all off guard, developer Big Ant Studios has released AFL 26 for the Nintendo Switch 2. While we knew a port was in the works the sudden appearance of the game on the Nintendo eShop has certainly sparked a fresh wave of excitement.
A Long Road to the Handheld Screen
Since the initial launch of AFL 26 on other platforms, the developer has been busy rolling out a consistent stream of updates, refinements, and content drops. However, information regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 version remained remarkably sparse. For months, the “coming soon” tag felt like a long-distance set shot into a heavy breeze, you knew it was headed for the goals eventually, but you weren’t quite sure when it would land.
The silence was finally broken via Big Ant’s official social media channels, announcing that the game is available for digital download right now. Interestingly, there is currently no word on a physical cartridge release. For the collectors who enjoy a box on the shelf, you may have to sit on the interchange bench for a little longer, as this launch is strictly a digital affair for the time being.
Is It a Goal or a Behind?
When AFL 26 first arrived on other consoles last year, it was met with generally positive reviews, earning a respectable 75 out of 100 on Metacritic. The consensus was that it was a leap forward from its predecessor, AFL 23 but still had a long way to go.
The game is packed with a depth of content that allows players to lose themselves in the management and tactical side of the sport. From refined career modes to the minute details of team tactics, there is plenty to sink your teeth into. It is a solid instalment that focuses on polishing the core experience, even if some of the legacy gameplay gripes haven’t been completely coached out of the system.
Performance on the New Hardware
The big question for fans is how the high-intensity action of Australian Rules Football translates to the Nintendo Switch 2. Early impressions suggest that the increased power of the new hardware helps maintain the fluid motion required for a fast-paced game of footy. Being able to take your team from the lounge room to the train remains the biggest selling point here.
There is a certain charm in being able to guide your team to a Premiership while sitting in a cafe. And let’s be honest, for fans of certain clubs who haven’t tasted post-season success in decades, the virtual world remains the only place where you can guarantee a win in September. Whether you are looking to break a long-standing drought or simply want to practice your speckies on the go, AFL 26 on the Switch 2 offers a comprehensive experience that captures the unique atmosphere of the sport.
