Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S lands on Nintendo Switch 2 with the promise of enhanced performance, new local multiplayer options, and a better-connected online experience. But for anyone who played the 2020 version of the game, or even the first Puyo Puyo Tetris, it’s hard to ignore the feeling of déjà vu. This is a familiar package, dressed up in new hardware features.
Same Core, New Wrapping
At its heart, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is still the same frantic puzzle crossover we’ve seen before. It combines Sega’s color-matching Puyos with the line-clearing blocks of Tetris in a number of competitive and cooperative game modes. You can play them separately, fused together, or even switch between them mid-match. None of that has changed.
What has changed is the delivery. Running natively on the Switch 2, the game boasts faster load times, a crisper 4K resolution in docked mode, and steady 60 FPS gameplay. It’s the smoothest version of the game to date. The colorful anime art style pops, and audio latency feels tighter during quick reactions.
A Few New Tricks
There are a couple of new features exclusive to the S version. The most prominent is Doubles Mode, a local or online 2v2 battle type where two players share a single board. It sounds chaotic, and it is, but it’s also surprisingly enjoyable once you figure out the rhythm. Communication is key, and it adds a cooperative layer that feels more tactical than party-like.
There’s also full integration with Switch 2’s GameShare feature, letting players start quick local matches across multiple consoles without everyone needing a copy of the game. GameChat voice support is built-in as well, a welcome quality-of-life feature that helps matches feel more alive, even if voice moderation tools are limited.
Switch 2-exclusive accessories also make an appearance. You can use the new mouse-style Joy-Con mode, but its implementation in menus and puzzle play feels more like a tech demo than a proper feature. Support for USB webcams allows players to overlay their faces mid-match, adding a silly, streamer-style element, but it’s mostly just a novelty.
Battle Modes and Single Player
Adventure Mode remains intact, offering a goofy and lighthearted story campaign that mixes visual novel elements with increasingly difficult puzzle challenges. It’s not deep, but it’s effective in teaching newcomers the different modes and mechanics. Skill Battles also return, layering light RPG elements like HP, MP, and team skills onto classic puzzle play.
Online matchmaking feels slightly improved from the Switch 1 version. Match stability is good, but the player base currently feels a bit thin outside of launch week. Ranked play still exists, but it doesn’t appear to benefit much from Switch 2’s improved online infrastructure.
The Crossplay Problem
Here’s where things get frustrating. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S does not support crossplay with the original Switch version, or any other platform. That means if you’ve built up friends or rivals online over the past few years, you’re starting from scratch. No shared lobbies, no ranked crossover, no matchmaking across generations. It’s a baffling decision that instantly splits the community and shortens the lifespan of online play.
Worse, there’s no upgrade path or discount if you already bought the original. This “S” version feels like a full-priced repackage aimed at new hardware owners, not a service to long-time fans.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S Feels Like an After-thought
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is still an excellent puzzle game. The fusion of two timeless gameplay systems is as satisfying as ever, and the new Switch 2 enhancements make it the best way to play for newcomers or hardcore local multiplayer fans.
But those expecting a sequel in spirit, with fresh modes, characters, or expanded features, may want to wait. And if you already own Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, the lack of crossplay and upgrade options makes this version feel more alienating than exciting.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Summary
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S refines the puzzle experience with sharper visuals, a new game mode, and Switch 2-exclusive features. While it remains fun and accessible, it doesn’t add much for returning players. The lack of crossplay is especially disappointing and splits the community right from the start.
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This ctrl-c ctrl-v is an insult to the fans. It’s been nine years since Puyo Puyo Chronicle, the last true mainline game, and all they’ve done since then is rehash the same bad crossover again and again and again.
Just let Puyo Puyo be its own game again. The west has never gotten to see the best of what the series has to offer.