Nintendo Switch 2’s Enhanced Kickstand Makes TATE Mode a Dream for Retro Shooter Fans

Nintendo Switch 2’s Enhanced Kickstand Makes TATE Mode a Dream for Retro Shooter Fans The Nintendo Switch 2 continues to solidify its reputation as a versatile gaming platform, this time with a hardware upgrade that is delighting fans of retro shooters and vertical arcade classics.

With its newly redesigned, sizable kickstand, the latest iteration of Nintendo’s hybrid console offers a markedly improved experience for those eager to play their favorite shmups (shoot ‘em ups) in TATE mode — the vertical screen orientation favored by enthusiasts of classic arcade gameplay. Introduced as a core part of the Nintendo Switch platform since its original release in 2017, TATE mode allows for a rotated display ideal for games designed with vertical screens in mind.

Previous versions, such as the Nintendo Switch OLED model, featured an improved stand over the base unit, but players still found the setup somewhat unstable for intense gameplay sessions.

The OLED's wider, more adjustable kickstand represented a step forward yet left some users hesitant about their system’s stability while in vertical orientation. Enter the Nintendo Switch 2, which sports a larger, more robust kickstand than any of its predecessors.

This new hardware feature ensures that when the console is placed vertically with Joy-Con controllers removed, it remains steady and secure — a key advantage for fans of vertical shooters like Ikaruga and DoDonPachi.

In a recent play session, PJ O'Reilly of Nintendo Life noted that the new kickstand's size and improved hinges provide a remarkably sturdy base, minimizing the risk of accidental toppling and all but eliminating the need for additional stands or third-party accessories. Early adopters of the Nintendo Switch 2 have taken to social media to showcase their setup and express excitement at the console's compatibility with TATE mode.

"Nintendo has done a commendable job with the Switch 2's hardware improvements," reads one rephrased comment, highlighting how the substantial kickstand enhances both playability and peace of mind during sessions of classic arcade shooters.

The newfound stability is a quality-of-life upgrade that should prove especially popular with players who favor physical cartridges and tabletop or desktop gaming set-ups. The Switch 2 launched to robust demand, continuing Nintendo's tradition of innovative, player-friendly design decisions.

Not only does the new kickstand enhance the gameplay of classic genres, but it also demonstrates the company’s ongoing attention to the needs of its dedicated fanbase.

This commitment to incremental hardware improvement, first seen with the OLED's upgrades and now in the Switch 2, ensures the Switch ecosystem remains inviting for both modern and retro game lovers alike. Have you tried classic shooters in TATE mode on your Switch or Switch 2 yet? With the latest hardware iteration, there’s never been a better time for fans of shmups to experience arcade precision on the go or at home.

As more players discover the advantages of the Switch 2's kickstand, expect vertical gaming on Nintendo's flagship hybrid to reach new heights.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Nintendo Switch OLED Joy-Con shmups TATE mode Nintendo Life PJ O'Reilly