After eight years of anticipation, countless leaks, and endless speculation, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here. As someone who’s spent a quarter of my life waiting for this moment—and four hours hands-on with the device—I’m equal parts thrilled and conflicted. The Switch 2 is undeniably a bigger, bolder, and more sophisticated evolution of its predecessor. But like a teenager who suddenly starts charging rent for Wi-Fi, it’s also a lot pricier and more demanding. Let’s dive into the highs, the lows, and Donkey Kong’s questionable fashion choices.
Design & Build: Bigger, Sturdier, and (Finally) Premium
First Impressions:
The Switch 2 is big. Like, Steam Deck-level big. The jump from a 6.2-inch to a 7.9-inch display might not sound drastic, but in person, it’s a game-changer. The screen now dominates the device, making the original Switch look like a Fisher-Price toy. Nintendo clearly realized no one was stuffing the Switch into their skinny jeans anyway, so they leaned into making it the ultimate handheld.
The Good:
- Larger 7.9-inch screen: 60% more viewing area. Perfect for multiplayer tabletop mode (RIP squinting).
- Dual USB-C ports: Charge while playing in tabletop mode. Genius.
- Magnetic Joy-Con 2.0: Snaps securely into place with metal-reinforced buttons. No more wobbly nightmares.
- Improved kickstand: Skinny but sturdy, with rubber feet to prevent slippage.
- Premium finish: No more creaky plastic. This feels like a $450 device.
The Bad:
- Portability trade-off: It’s bulkier. Good luck fitting this in a purse, let alone a pocket.
- Joy-Con drift silence: Nintendo still hasn’t addressed the elephant in the room.
Verdict: 9/10 for design. A polished, grown-up version of the Switch 1.
Display: LCD? Seriously? (Spoiler: It’s Shockingly Good)
The original Switch’s screen was a crime against eyesight: dim, fingerprinty, and 720p. The Switch 2 fixes almost everything.
The Good:
- 1080p resolution: Crisp, sharp, and double the pixels of the Switch 1.
- Brighter HDR display: Shockingly vibrant colors that outshine the OLED Switch.
- 120Hz variable refresh rate: Smoother gameplay and battery-saving modes.
- Fingerprint resistance: Still there, but the brightness masks it better.
The Bad:
- Still, LCD: No OLED option, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Verdict: 10/10. Nintendo turned LCD into a flex.
Controllers: Joy-Con 2.0—Better, But Still Flawed
The original Joy-Cons were like texting on a Tic Tac. The Switch 2’s controllers? More like a BlackBerry (retro, but functional).
Improved Ergonomics
- Slightly larger controllers for better grip.
- New secondary shoulder buttons with more surface area.
Magnetic Attachment and Optical Sensors
- No more loose Joy-Cons—the magnetic grip is solid.
- Built-in optical sensors turn the Joy-Cons into motion-tracking mice.
Addressing Joy-Con Drift Concerns
Surprisingly, Nintendo has not officially mentioned a fix for Joy-Con drift, a major issue with the original model. Hopefully, these new controllers last longer!
The Good:
- Larger, ergonomic design: Better for adult hands.
- Optical tracking sensors: Turn Joy-Cons into mouse-like controllers (Civilization 7 fans, rejoice).
- Improved shoulder buttons: Three times the surface area.
The Bad:
- Clicky face buttons: They still feel cheap compared to Xbox/PlayStation.
- Joy-Con drift limbo: Nintendo’s silence is deafening.
Verdict: 7/10. Progress, but not perfection.
Performance: 4K Dreams, Handheld Realities
Docked mode now outputs 4K thanks to a fan-cooled dock. But don’t expect Cyberpunk 2077 to look like your PS5.
Power Upgrade
- Faster load times and better graphics.
- Supports ray tracing (though implementation is limited).
Enhanced Cooling System
- The new internal fan in the dock prevents overheating.
- Improved cooling allows for better performance in docked mode.
4K Output on TV Mode
- When docked, the Switch 2 supports 4K gaming.
- Performance in handheld mode remains limited to 1080p
The Good:
- 4K docked gaming: A massive leap from the Switch 1’s 1080p.
- Seamless open worlds: Mario Kart World’s 24-player races and zero loading screens.
- Backward compatibility: It plays nearly all Switch 1 games.
The Bad:
- Aliasing issues: Jagged edges in games like Mario Kart.
- Underwhelming textures: Don’t expect PS5-level detail.
Verdict: A solid upgrade, but it’s no home console killer.
Game Library: Exclusives Shine, But Nintendo’s Getting Greedy
Nintendo promises a strong lineup of exclusives at launch.
New Titles and Switch 2 Exclusives
- Mario Kart World (new tracks, larger player count).
- New Donkey Kong (yes, even Donkey Kong wears pants now!).
- FromSoftware Exclusive (creators of Elden Ring working on a new title).
Compatibility with Older Switch Games
- Backward compatible with most Switch 1 games.
- Some older games require a paid “upgrade pack” for enhanced features.
Paid Upgrade Packs: Justified or Not?
- Many PlayStation and Xbox games offer free upgrades—why charge here?
- Some Switch 2 editions add extra content, but not all.
The Good:
- Exclusives: Mario Kart World, a new Donkey Kong (with pants!), and a surprise FromSoft title.
- Third-party support: Civilization 7, Cyberpunk (yes, on a Switch!), and PS5 ports.
- Game Share: Play multiplayer without everyone owning the game (DS-era magic).
The Bad:
- 70–70–80 games: Mario Kart World costs $80. Let that sink in.
- Paid “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades: Pay extra for patches that should be free.
- Paywalled voice chat: Basic features are locked behind Nintendo Online.
Verdict: Strong lineup, but Nintendo’s nickel-and-diming is exhausting.
Battery Life and Charging
The Switch 2’s battery life is slightly improved, thanks to better power management.
Improved Efficiency
- Lasts 6-9 hours depending on game intensity.
Fast Charging Support
- USB-C Power Delivery enables quick recharges.
Storage & Features: Finally, Modern Conveniences
The Good:
- 256GB storage: Enough for 6–8 big games.
- Game Share: A nostalgic throwback to DS download play.
The Bad:
- Proprietary cartridges: Physical games may cost more.
- Online server uncertainty: Will Super Smash Bros. still lag like dial-up?
Verdict: Progress, but Nintendo’s still behind the times.
Pricing: The Elephant in the Room
- Console: 449(vs.449(vs.299 for Switch 1).
- Games: Up to $80 (Mario Kart, I’m side-eyeing you).
- Online subscription: Still required for voice chat.
Multiplayer and Dock Enhancements
Better Tabletop Mode with Dual USB-C
- No more awkward angles—the adjustable stand is a game-changer.
- Simultaneous charging and gaming made easier.
Dock Cooling and Faster Data Transfer
- The dock includes a cooling fan for sustained performance.
- Faster transfer speeds for better load times on external storage.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re a die-hard Nintendo fan with cash to burn, yes. For everyone else? Wait for a sale or must-have exclusives.
The Good vs. The Bad
| The Good | The Bad |
|---|---|
| Gorgeous 1080p 120Hz display | 449pricetag(+449pricetag(+150 over Switch 1) |
| Magnetic, sturdier Joy-Con 2.0 | Joy-Con drift uncertainty |
| 4K docked gaming | 70–70–80 games (yikes) |
| Backward compatibility | Paid upgrades for old games |
| Innovative optical Joy-Con tracking | No OLED option |
| 256GB storage | Voice chat behind paywall |
Final Verdict: A Love Letter with Fine Print
The Nintendo Switch 2 is everything the original should have been: refined, powerful, and packed with clever innovations. But, Nintendo’s aggressive pricing and nickel-and-diming tactics sour the experience.
Buy it if:
- You’re a Nintendo superfan.
- Handheld gaming is your jam.
- You’ve got 450(andanother450(andanother80 for Mario Kart).
Wait if:
- You’re on a budget.
- You want confirmation on Joy-Con drift fixes.
- You’re holding out for a Zelda-level exclusive.
Final Score: 8.0/10
The Switch 2 is a triumph of design and creativity—but Nintendo’s greed might just be its Achilles’ heel.
FAQs
- Can I play my old Switch games on the Switch 2?
- Yes, most are compatible, but some require paid upgrades.
- Does the Switch 2 have an OLED?
- No, it’s an improved LCD with an HDR and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Will Joy-Con drift be an issue again?
- Nintendo hasn’t addressed this yet, so only time will tell.
- Is the Switch 2 worth upgrading to?
- If you love Nintendo and handheld gaming, yes. Otherwise, the price might be a turnoff.
- Does the docked mode improve graphics?
- Yes, it can output up to 4K resolution when docked.