Review copies for “Sonic X Shadow Generations” and “Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S” were provided by Sega.

Sega kicks off the Switch 2’s third-party lineup with two of its biggest franchises: “Sonic X Shadow Generations” and “Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S,” both available on launch day for the console.

While both games were available on previous systems in some form, Sega gives Nintendo fans unique content in the Switch 2 version of “Puyo Puyo Tetris 2.”

However, is that content compelling enough for a second playthrough — or to round out the new console’s launch experience?

Sonic X Shadow Generations

As with its October 2024 release on other consoles, “Sonic X Shadow Generations” is now available for the Switch 2.

The game combines a remastered version of 2011’s “Sonic Generations,” running in 4K at 60 frames per second, with a brand-new campaign, “Shadow Generations,” starring the fan-favorite hedgehog.

“Sonic Generations” remains mainly the same but looks nicer, with updated dialogue that fits Sonic’s modern characterization.

Levels from Sonic’s history are broken down into eras: Genesis, representing the original trilogy, Dreamcast, representing “Sonic Adventure 1,” “2,” and “Sonic Heroes” and Modern, representing “Sonic ’06,” “Sonic Unleashed,” and “Sonic Colors.”

The game is still great, but feels redundant considering “Modern” Sonic still has 2D sections even though this was accomplished with the introduction of Classic Sonic. Nevertheless, this game offers a well-rounded experience that is heightened with “Shadow Generations.”

The “Shadow Generations” story follows Shadow the Hedgehog during the events of “Sonic Generations.” His game feels more polished than before, as it is a new adventure to play through, where Shadow navigates his own history of levels, combining elements from more recent Sonic games, such as Sonic Frontiers.

The hub world has more to do than in “Sonic Generations.” The original game used a 2D map to access levels, while “Shadow Generations” adds a 3D hub with obstacles to overcome, making it feel like an expansive level on its own.

The 3D gameplay blends a mix of the Modern Sonic levels from “Sonic Generations” with the freer movement of “Sonic Frontiers.” The new abilities truly make this a unique experience. These games feature many surprises for Sonic fans and new plays, making it a must play.

The Switch 2 runs the game smoothly, with no major bugs and only occasional frame drops — not a dealbreaker.

The fidelity is certainly an upgrade from the Switch 1 version of the game, but that is where the big problem lies. With “Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S,” there is no upgrade path from the Switch 1 version.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is amazing, but if you already own the Switch 1 version, there really isn’t a good reason to justify re-buying this game at full price for higher fidelity.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

Two popular puzzle giants clash again in this game, with a variety of modes and even a few Switch 2 exclusive features.

“Tetris” should be self-explanatory, as it is arguably the most popular puzzle game, challenging players to stack tetriminos and clear horizontal lines. “Puyo Puyo,” a longtime hit in Japan, has players match four same-colored “puyos” to trigger combos and send “garbage puyos” to their opponents.

There are several modes, including an adventure mode featuring the “Puyo Puyo” characters and new original characters who represent the “Tetris” pieces. Compared to the first game, most of the modes are the same, with many challenges for “Tetris,” “Puyo Puyo” and even modes that combine the two gameplay styles, such as one mode where the “Tetris” board and “Puyo Puyo” board are alternated.

However, classic modes like “Tetris” marathon are still available for a straightforward experience. The Adventure mode continues the wacky, anime-like story from the first game, where the fantasy-based “Puyo Puyo” characters meet futuristic “Tetris” characters.

The puzzle game has players complete challenges that take them through most of the game’s modes. It introduces a new skill mode that adds power-ups, health, magic and other modifiers to compete against friends or the CPU.

There’s plenty to unlock, including new board skins and characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog, adding depth that might not be apparent at first glance.

Exclusive to the Switch 2 edition of this game is a webcam, a mouse and a “Doubles” mode. The first two options are simple, as players can use their own face on the board using a compatible webcam, and there is an option to use the Joy-Con 2’s mouse sensor to drag and drop pieces.

The Doubles mode features two players on the same board, stacking and clearing pieces, adding to the frantic nature of these puzzle games.

While the Doubles mode is interesting, this and other Switch 2 features are fun little distractions. But like “Sonic X Shadow Generations,” there is no upgrade path to the Switch 2 version.

This game suffers the most from this decision, as there is no cross-play when playing online, making the pool of Switch 2 players minuscule. Online is where the game shines, with ranked modes featuring rank-based matchmaking and casual modes to play online with either strangers or friends. However, long waiting queues take away from the “Puyo Puyo Tetris 2” experience.

“Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S” remains a great puzzle combo — but not on the Switch 2.