For the first time since GameCube launched in 2003, Nintendo hasn’t attempted to reboot its flagship console. Instead, with Switch 2, it is building on the incredible success of its predecessor, releasing new hardware with 4K visuals and increased performance.
When the original Switch released in March 2017, it felt like a gigantic leap forward for gaming. The hybrid console proved that big, graphically impressive, heavy-hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild didn’t need to be shackled to the confines of our living rooms.
With the Switch 2, Nintendo aims to build upon this legacy with an even more powerful console. And, for the most part, it does just that.
Nintendo Switch 2 screenshots
Key specs
- Screen: 7.9-inch, 1080p LCD touchscreen, HDR10 support, VRR up to 120 Hz
- CPU/GPU: Custom NVIDIA processor.
- Storage: 256 GB (UFS), expandable with microSD Express cards.
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, wired Ethernet.
- Video output (TV Mode): 4K resolution at 60 fps. Supports 120 fps when 1080p/1440p resolutions are selected. Supports HDR10.
- Audio: Stereo speakers, noise-canceling microphone,
- Connectivity: Game card slot, 2 USB-C connectors, microSD Express card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, ethernet port, HDMI connector.
- Price: $499 (Mario Kart World Bundle)
Design
Compared to the original, Switch 2 has a much more premium, grown-up feel, and it should, given its not-so-pocket-money-friendly $499 price tag. Firstly, the Joy-Con controllers are no longer brightly colored and have been replaced with a sleek matte black color scheme, matching both the screen and dock.
Flipping the console over reveals a larger, sturdier stand that runs along the middle of the device. The new horizontal stand offers greater stability and flexibility when it comes to picking your preferred viewing angle – a welcome addition over the Switch’s flimsy vertical kickstand.
The Switch 2 has a more mature look than its predecessor.
This iteration of Switch doesn’t feel like a child’s toy. Instead, the design and quality have more similarities to bigger kids in the playground, like Valve’s Steam Deck and ASUS’ ROG Ally.
It’s larger and heavier than the original Switch, but despite the added weight, my hands never cramped up during my hours-long Mario Kart World sessions. In terms of overall comfort, it already beats the Steam Deck, as Valve’s cumbersome console often requires something to be wedged underneath it when gaming for long periods.
Features
Everything has received an upgrade. Switch 2 comes with a souped-up 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, a Custom NVIDIA processor capable of 4K gameplay at 60 fps, magnetic Joy-Cons with mouse controls, and 256 GB of storage that can be expanded with a microSD Express card.
Screen
Unlike the Switch’s 720p non-OLED display, Switch 2’s larger 7.9-inch LCD screen offers a much brighter and sharper picture. While gameplay on the Switch 2 doesn’t pop as much as the Switch and Steam Deck’s OLED editions, it does get pretty close thanks to the larger screen size and 1080p visuals.
Dexerto/Nintendo The Switch 2 screen might not be OLED, but the visuals look great.
120Hz and variable refresh rates also made Mario Kart World a buttery smooth experience, with bright particle effects, crisp racetracks, and colorful characters all looking fantastic. This was even more apparent when playing in docked mode on a 4K TV, where the bump in resolution only added to the sharpness of the onscreen action.
Controls
The biggest change to Switch 2 is the Joy-Cons. They no longer slide into the sides of the screen – instead, each controller is slotted into place and stays connected via a magnet.
This is a big upgrade as the controllers no longer feel loose when attached to the screen. I was also pleasantly surprised by how robust the magnetic connection was (the clicking sound is great, too), and any fears of the Joy-Cons falling and ruining my gaming sessions were alleviated.
Dexerto/NintendoThe Joy-Cons and stand have seen some big upgrades.
HD Rumble, Nintendo’s signature haptic feedback technology, has also received an upgrade and now comes with even more accurate vibrations that have me questioning whether I really did just shake a pair of maracas in my living room, or if I’m truly losing my marbles while writing this review.
I hope Nintendo utilizes this feature more, and doesn’t just doom it to party game land with Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour and Mario Party.
Mouse mode
These pint-sized controllers have new functionality called mouse mode. By flipping the Joy-Cons on their side and dragging the controller over a flat surface, they mimic a mouse.
My review was limited to testing mouse controls during Home Screen navigation (there’s still no customization), and playing minigames in Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, but so far, so good.
One minigame required me to use mouse mode to control a mini UFO, carefully maneuvering it through a barrage of spiked balls raining down from the sky. Another involved guiding a tiny silver ball into a circular goalpost at the bottom of the screen, taking extra care not to hit the electrified barriers.
Dexerto/NintendoThe Joy-Con mouse mode is surprisingly good.
My only gripe here is that a singular Joy-Con is much smaller than a regular mouse, and I can see it getting uncomfortable during a prolonged session. Especially if you don’t plan on using your Switch 2 at a desk.
Nintendo has already teased how mouse controls will increase accuracy in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but I’m excited to see how other games make use of it. Time will soon tell whether this will become a gimmick like the Wii’s motion controls or something that will enhance Nintendo games for years to come.
Gaming performance
As for performance, I noticed no considerable drops, stutters, or slowdown during my sessions with Mario Kart World. It ran 24-player races without any problem, and I was surprised to see that even when the onscreen action got chaotic, the Switch 2’s FPS remained stable. This smoothness was also present in portable mode, even when playing two-player splitscreen.
Going back to regular Switch games after playing Mario Kart World proved rough around the edges (quite literally). I booted up Breath of the Wild on my original Switch to see the difference in detail, and boy, the enhanced Switch 2 version has massively improved both the resolution and performance.
Dexerto/NintendoKorok Forest has never looked so good, and Switch 2’s FPS stays stable.
During my testing, I revisited the Korok Forest, a location infamous for having FPS issues, and was pleasantly surprised to find the game no longer chugged along. Additionally, environmental textures appeared sharper, while load times have been significantly reduced.
This is particularly apparent when warping to Sheikah Towers. Shaving off a few seconds is no bad thing, especially in a game where you can easily spend hundreds of hours. The difference in clarity and performance is night and day, and it’s clear these enhanced versions of Switch classics are now the definitive way to play.
Battery
It’s worth noting that the increased graphical power comes at a cost to the Switch 2’s battery life. Nintendo states that you can expect around two to six hours, depending on the game you play, and I found that I could squeeze out two hours and 40 minutes on Mario Kart World without tweaking brightness settings.
It does lose out to the Switch OLED, which offers around four to nine hours of play, so if you’re expecting anything close, you’ll likely come away disappointed.
Dexerto/NintendoYou won’t get too much juice out of the Switch 2’s battery.
The battery life won’t come as a surprise to Steam Deck OLED owners, as Valve’s portable flagship also gives one to two hours of juice when playing more graphically intensive titles – I’m looking at you, Elden Ring and Skyrim.
Either way, the significant drop in battery life isn’t ideal for Nintendo fans hoping to commute on a single charge. So, you may want to consider bringing your charger or a compatible power bank to top it up on any long trips.
The games
Finally playing Nintendo games in glorious 4K at 60 FPS is a dream come true, and the increased power and push for more third-party titles make it a tantalizing purchase. Of course, we would all like more Nintendo exclusives at launch, but Switch only came with Breath of the Wild and 1-2 Switch, and that did alright in the end.
That said, the $449 price tag does mean that we rightfully expect more. Yes, Nintendo is bolstering its launch day lineup with graphically enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but one more big game that we hadn’t already played on other consoles would have been nice.
The numbers in which Switch has been pre-ordered in, though, would suggest that people still want this pricier, upgraded model on day one. And rightfully so. Mario Kart World offers enough offline and multiplayer content for players to delve into, while the enhanced versions of both Zelda games will keep new and diehard fans amused for hundreds of hours.
Dexerto/NintendoSwitch 2’s most notable launch games are Mario Kart World and the brilliant enhanced Zelda titles.
There’s also a strong showing of third-party games this time around, with Cyberpunk: 2077, Street Fighter 6, and Hogwarts Legacy amongst the top picks. You’re certainly not short on games here.
From a performance and graphical standpoint, the Switch 2 beats its older brother – that’s another plus if you’re after a powerful Nintendo device. Diehard Nintendo fans who love Mario Kart are always going to want the new console on day one, and it won’t disappoint any early adopters. You can also take comfort in knowing you’re punching a ticket to playing exciting exclusives like FromSoftware’s Duskbloods, Metroid Prime 4, and the inevitable Zelda release or two.
It’s just whether it is an essential purchase for everyone else. You could definitely make an argument for that when Switch was all new, exciting and cost under $300, but at $400+, will families make the upgrade for their kids when they can already play versions of the games they want to play (Mario Kart, Zelda, Pokemon) on the move already? It is possible that adults who thought that Switch looked a bit like my-first-console-for-kids might be more attracted to this grown-up version, though.
But who cares really? We’re all Nintendo, aren’t we?
Verdict
It’s hard not to see the Switch 2 as a mere upgrade over what came before. Nintendo has taken a leaf from Sony and Microsoft’s playbook, releasing a similar-looking console with beefier hardware under the bonnet.
That’s no bad thing, though – in fact, this decision to step back and hone in on the success of the original Switch is what makes Switch 2 a winner. It’s a safe move and feels necessary if Nintendo wants to keep Valve’s Steam Deck and Asus’ ROG Ally from nipping at its heels.
For Nintendo fans, getting a Switch 2 is a no-brainer. The prospect of playing Nintendo exclusives in 4K, delving into Switch 2 enhanced upgrades for older titles, and seeing the increased third-party support has me excited for the console’s future. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got another Breath of the Wild playthrough to complete.
