With all the buzz swirling around the possible debut of the Nintendo Switch 2, you might find yourself overlooking some of the exciting new games hitting the current Switch consoles. The recent Nintendo Direct presentations have been crammed with a slew of titles, yet many of them get only a fleeting mention. Plus, the console hasn’t really seen any blockbusters in some time, barring the recently launched The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Amidst all the chatter about what’s next and the lull in big releases, let’s not overlook a real treasure: Pico Park 2.
Pico Park 2 offers a straightforward yet delightfully engaging concept, though the experience can shift depending on the mode or levels you choose. The central idea revolves around teaming up with friends to conquer various platforming challenges. You’re required to jump on each other’s heads, activate switches, and cooperate to clear quick-paced levels. The game can host up to eight players at a time, but don’t worry if your group is smaller; the game cleverly adjusts the levels to match the number of participants.
From my perspective, the more the merrier is definitely true here. Having at least four players makes the game even more entertaining, with the mayhem and coordinated efforts reaching peak fun when eight players are bouncing around onscreen. Imagine forming human towers to cross large gaps or maneuvering across narrow paths while tethered together—a thrilling challenge! The game type varies wildly, even throwing in some arcade-style co-op levels where you fend off waves of monsters together.
Every time a new level kicks off, you’re stepping into the unknown, but rest assured, you can navigate it all with just a single Joy-Con and a simple control scheme. Sometimes, there may be a quirky twist, like using a vacuum gun to suck up teammates, but the ease of controls always remains the same. In my experience, this variety, paired with its approachable nature, makes Pico Park 2 immensely enjoyable for seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
The game offers an array of themed levels, which means if a particular set gets too tough, there are plenty of alternatives to tackle. Not in the mood for teamwork? Dive into some light-hearted competitive minigames instead. I had a blast playing with my partner’s parents—who hadn’t picked up a controller since their Wii days—and my young, Mario-obsessed cousin. Everyone could get into the groove and have a laugh, regardless of their gaming proficiency. The surge of triumph when conquering a level together was endlessly satisfying, despite the inevitable joyful shouting.
If you’re on the hunt for a hidden gem to keep you entertained until the anticipated Switch 2 hits the shelves, or you just want a reminder of why the current Switch is still a blast, Pico Park 2 is an excellent choice.
Pico Park 2 is available on Mac, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, offering heaps of fun across platforms.
