A Massive Upgrade With Room for Improvement

Nintendo has kicked off a new console generation with the arrival of the Switch 2, the follow-up to the company’s best-selling console ever. On the surface, it looks like more of the same, but there are some big differences that make the Switch 2 a true generational leap.

4K Capability

Yes, docked

4K Capabilities

HDR

What’s Included

Dock, Charger, HDMI cable, Joy-Con adapter

Brand

Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the company’s latest hybrid home console, with more powerful graphics and processing, a larger 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR, and more online features.

Pros & Cons

• Plays the vast majority of Switch titles, often with better performance
• One of the most portable handhelds on the market
• A meaningful performance jump over the original Switch
• Bigger Joy-Con 2 controllers are more comfortable
• While not perfect, a bigger brighter screen is much more immersive

• LCD display lacks HDR brigthtness
• An OLED panel would have provided better contrast
• Battery life is disappointing
• Ergonomics could still be better, especially for larger hands

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Price and Availability

The Nintendo Switch 2 is available directly from Nintendo or via retailers like GameStop, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart for $449. It’s also available with a digital copy of Mario Kart World for $499 (a saving of $30 compared to buying the console and game separately), while stocks last.

A Bigger, Better All-Round Design

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the Switch 2 was how much larger it is than the original. A new 7.9-inch display takes a commanding position between your hands, up from 6.2 inches on the original Switch model. With the Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, the whole thing measures 4.5 inches (11.43cm) tall by 10.7 inches (27.18cm) wide, and it’s a size difference you can really appreciate.

The Switch 2 is 0.55 inches (1.4cm) thick, just like the original Switch console. It weighs around 1.18 lbs (535g) with the controllers attached, making it 0.3 lbs (136g) heavier than the original console. This too is a change you can feel, though it’s not so much heavier that it ruins the experience.

The larger size has had a positive effect on the ergonomics of the device. Since the Joy-Con 2 controllers are taller, they sit more comfortably in my (admittedly large) hands. This was a big concern for me as someone who went out of their way to buy a HORI Split Pad Pro due to how cramped I found the original Joy-Cons. For me, the Switch 2 is more comfortable to hold over prolonged periods, though I’ve not put a ton of time into twin-stick experiences yet and I still prefer a Pro Controller if given the choice.

While the Switch 2 is an improvement on Nintendo’s last console, it still falls short in the ergonomics department compared to a device like the Steam Deck. The Joy-Con 2’s analog sticks have more space for your thumb this time around, but they still can’t match the experience you get from even a cheap controller. Buttons are still small and clicky, but larger shoulder and trigger buttons are a welcome addition.

The new Joy-Con 2 attachment mechanism is another big improvement. Magnets ensure that the controllers jump into place, and detaching them via the back button works a treat. Another welcome change is a USB-C port on the top of the console, which I’ve been using to charge almost exclusively in handheld mode.

One thing I didn’t expect to be impressed by is the feel of the device. Nintendo has coated the Switch 2 in a textured matte plastic that feels both soft and tactile. It lends the Switch 2 a premium hand-feel, more so than the hard plastic of the original console or even a Steam Deck. The density of the console further compounds this; it really feels like Nintendo didn’t waste any space inside.

Another area that immediately impressed me was the kickstand, which requires some pressure to extend and stays firmly in place. Being able to extend it almost flat facilitates almost any manner of play. I’ve even found myself wrapping my fingers around the stand in handheld mode since it’s comfortable to grab onto.

All up, the Switch 2 makes the original Switch (and certainly the Switch Lite) feel like a toy in comparison. It’s like Nintendo’s hybrid is all grown up, though I do wish there had been an option for some loud Joy-Con 2 colors at launch.

The dock is probably the least interesting thing in the box, though it now includes a smooth plastic insert (perhaps to avoid scratching the screen). There’s a fan in it which seemed to do a decent job of keeping the console cool during Mario Kart World sessions, though the panel on the back is no longer connected to the console and it’s almost certainly going to fall off and never get reattached at some point.

The Display Could Have Been Better

The Switch 2’s built-in display is a 1080p panel that’s capable of 120Hz output under the right conditions. It’s both more colorful and brighter than the original Switch console. I stood outside in the Queensland winter midday sun to play a round of Mario Kart World on a well-lit track, and it wasn’t hard to see what was going on. The worst thing was the reflection on the mirror-like screen.

The same isn’t necessarily true during darker scenes, but that’s to be expected on almost any display. One thing I did expect was a more impressive HDR experience. The Switch 2 display doesn’t reach the dazzling peak brightness you see on a handheld like the Steam Deck, and that’s probably got a lot to do with battery life.

Unfortunately, this is a regular old LED-lit LCD display with what I’d describe as middling contrast. The whole time I’ve had the Switch 2 I couldn’t help but feel let down that Nintendo didn’t go for an OLED panel. Every time I put the Switch 2 into its dock at night and I see the not-black-but-gray background light up, it stings a little. Mario Kart World really pops on my OLED TV, and while the game looks good on the Switch 2’s built-in display, there’s no hiding the fact that it could have looked so much better.

I’d go as far as saying that I’d have paid an extra $25 (and probably more) for a better display. Despite this, the pixel density of 279 ppi is a marked improvement over the original Switch (an extra 42 ppi), dwarfing that of the Steam Deck OLED (at only 204 ppi).

Nintendo has also greatly improved the Switch 2’s audio reproduction. I compared some captures made on the original Switch with the Switch 2, and it was night and day. The sound is no longer tinny, with Nintendo’s own virtual surround 3D effect doing a lot of heavy lifting. I’d appreciate a bit more bass and it’s admittedly not as good as the Steam Deck, but there’s only so much you can do with the Switch 2’s small body.

Some Big Software Improvements

Truth be told, the software that powers the Switch 2 hasn’t changed an awful lot since the previous generation. There’s no big visual overhaul and perhaps most disappointingly we’re still limited to just light and dark themes. Everything’s where you remember it being, but accessing it is a lot more pleasant.

The Switch 2 feels zippy like a new console should. There’s virtually no delay when interacting with the OS, whether you’re diving into the System Settings menu or launching the eShop. It’s so fluid that I first thought the menu was taking advantage of the display’s 120Hz refresh rate, though closer inspection has me thinking that this isn’t the case.

Arguably the biggest improvement is to the eShop, which was a laggy and frustrating mess on the original Switch. Things are much better now, with a color-matched theme, a new recommendation engine for games, and vastly improved performance. It’s not perfect, and there’s the odd little hitch when moving between tabs, but it’s exactly what the platform needed.

My only issue with the eShop is that trailers start playing immediately when you linger on a game, which is both distracting and noisy if you haven’t muted the console. I’d love the ability to turn this off, Nintendo (if you’re reading).

While GameChat isn’t a feature I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with, GameShare is something I tried out almost immediately. This is Nintendo’s take on remote streaming, allowing you to share gameplay with another Switch 2 or original Switch. With two consoles side-by-side, I couldn’t detect any lag while playing Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (one of the few games to currently support the feature).

The only drawback is that the game appears bordered on both consoles, with a GameShare notification at the top of the display and black bars around the edge of the screen. Though the gameplay was smooth and performant on both consoles (you can literally play by looking at the other console’s screen), the resolution is reduced somewhat.

Everything else went off without a hitch. Transferring from a Switch to the Switch 2 was as smooth as can be, and the ability to automatically upload your screenshots and captures to access them via the Nintendo Switch app on iPhone or Android is a huge improvement over connecting to an ad-hoc wireless network on the original console.

There’s Not a Lot of Switch 2 Games for Testing Yet

Performance is a hard one to gauge when there’s only Mario Kart World, a few indies, and a handful of enhanced editions that really take advantage of the Switch 2 hardware. This will come down to software optimization, since even games like The Witcher 3 and DOOM appeared in a playable state on the last console.

What I can say is that Mario Kart World looks incredible both in docked mode and on a TV. Performance is practically flawless, I haven’t noticed any slowdown whatsoever and I’ve spent the bulk of my time in local split-screen mode. I’ve also been making my way through a few older Switch titles, with great results.

Many games run better than they do on the original Switch, even without a performance patch. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is a real standout for me, running at a locked 60 FPS even during hectic gameplay sequences. Things get even better with an enhanced update, as is the case for The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, which feels like a brand new game with its sharper resolution, rock-solid frame rate, and the enhanced colors of the Switch 2’s display.

Ultimately, I can only say so much about the console’s guts at such an early stage in the game. Nintendo is known for squeezing every drop of performance out of their consoles, as was the case with both Zelda titles that were released on the Switch. What I can say is that the Switch 2 has the potential to make older titles feel new, and I’m very excited to get my hands on Donkey Kong Bananza in July and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond when it finally releases later in 2025.

Battery Life Might Be the Biggest Letdown

Though ergonomics was my biggest concern, battery life was a close second. Unfortunately, my concerns weren’t without merit. This thing chews through battery life, even when you’re not playing games. I’ve chosen to use the battery limit option to prevent the console from charging beyond 90% in a bid to extend battery health, particularly since I’m rarely away from a charger when I play.

That said, I’ve noticed that undocking the Switch 2, fiddling around on the eShop, and running a quick Mario Kart World Grand Prix can eat 10 to 20% of the battery life according to the meter. It’s worth pointing out that some Switch 2 units have a broken battery meter, with the fix requiring owners to drop the unit into recovery mode.

While Mario Kart World is the biggest battery hog I’ve encountered, my nightly Balatro sessions are far more gentle on the battery. Ultimately, your habits will dictate if this is a big deal for you. If you mostly play docked or don’t mind hooking up a charger when you’re in bed or on the couch, it’s not going to be a deal-breaker. If you want all-day battery life, this isn’t the handheld for you (alternatively, budget for an external power bank).

The Switch 2’s Closest Competitors

Coming from an original Switch, it would be an understatement to say that the Switch 2 is the superior console. It’s not even close. If you skipped the Switch, the Switch 2 is the one to start with.

In terms of broader competition, the Switch 2 is a little harder to place. Since a lot of people buy Nintendo consoles to play Nintendo games, there isn’t really a true alternative to the Switch 2. If you want to play Mario Kart World or the next Metroid Prime, you’re going to need Nintendo hardware.

If your interests fall mostly on the third-party and indie side of things, you have options. Arguably, the closest alternative is the Steam Deck at its $399 starting point (or $549 for the superior OLED model). These will give you access to a larger library of Steam games, though the display has a lower resolution and pixel density, and the console is a lot larger.

If triple-A releases are your thing, then it’s hard to ignore the ROG Ally devices with the ROG Ally X being the current most powerful offering at $799. There’s also the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally, though no release date has been set for that. Remember that, unlike the Switch, Steam Deck and Windows handhelds offer more freedom at the cost of a slightly less streamlined user experience.

You can do things like install your own emulators or optimize game settings, but Valve and ASUS don’t hold your hand anywhere near as much as Nintendo will. Neither comes with a dock in the box, and Windows devices lack the suspend feature that makes the Switch 2 so easy to pick up, play, and set down again.

They’re also bigger and heavier. The Switch 2 might not be pocketable in the same way a Nintendo DS or Game Boy Advance was, but it’s still a lot more travel-friendly than most PC handhelds on the market.

Should You Buy the Nintendo Switch 2?

The Switch 2 is arguably the Switch Pro that many users have fantasized about for years. It’s a generational leap over the original console, with superior performance, a bigger display, improved ergonomics, and almost identical software compatibility. However, it also comes with a few downsides.

In particular, the display could be much better, and the battery life leaves a lot to be desired. If you find these issues too big to ignore, you might want to wait for a hardware revision that improves chip efficiency and display quality. Just be aware that you could be waiting a while.

Otherwise, the Switch 2 is a meaningful upgrade even if it doesn’t have a lot of exclusive games yet. If you know you’re going to get one eventually and you’d like to play Mario Kart World, the new Donkey Kong, and rediscover Switch classics like Breath of the Wild in a higher resolution at 60 FPS, the Switch 2 will put a smile on your face.

4K Capability

Yes, docked

4K Capabilities

HDR

What’s Included

Dock, Charger, HDMI cable, Joy-Con adapter

Brand

Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the company’s latest hybrid home console, with more powerful graphics and processing, a larger 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR, and more online features.