It’s hard to believe that the original Nintendo Switch was released in 2017. This is the true proof of this console. This lasted for such a long time, effectively continuing to be popular until the release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Without a doubt, it certainly feels like a new console of importance, but it is clear that Nintendo has held on and developed the former, narrowing down the favor and weaknesses towards the end, while trying to abolish the latter.
In this sentiment, Nintendo’s Switch 2 feels like an incredible evolution for the wider platform, even if it doesn’t redefine the original Switch’s core concept to an unfamiliar extent.
design
From a design perspective, the Nintendo Switch 2 is certainly bigger than its predecessor. The original Nintendo Switch came with a 6.2-inch display and then came with an OLED model with a 7-inch display, but the Nintendo Switch 2 again lifts the notch with a 7.9-inch display.
This means that the console itself is bigger, from connected joycons to large grips when in handheld mode. It’s not that big until it feels so uncomfortable, bulky or troublesome, and I think most adults and people who have hands prefer it anyway. The other day I got my original Nintendo Switch, and I couldn’t believe how I spent hours staring at the tiny screen.
The biggest change to the console itself is the additional USB-C port above the console. It can be used to charge the console itself or connect a Nintendo Switch 2 camera for GameChat and online play. However, it’s a great idea when it comes to charging, as it’s much more comfortable to hold the device without bending the cord while charging, and so it’s much more comfortable to hold the device while charging.
There is also a new U-shaped stand on the back of the console. This is a little slimmer than the original OLED switch stand in the sense that it runs along the bottom of the console, but still stable. There is also a wider range of movement. This means that if you feel like you’re tilting over a table or desk and you want a better viewing angle, you can sit a little flat on the table.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Dock has acquired a more rounded design this time, with most of the differences leaning towards performance enhancements rather than design, but it also includes a LAN port for wired internet access, above at least two USB-A 2.0 ports.
performance
The Nintendo Switch 2 may not compete with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/s, or even the mid-range gaming PC, but there is still a fair amount of punch here. It can be argued that Nintendo consoles have never competed directly with these platforms in the past few generations. That’s true, but I do feel that Switch 2 is certainly more premium and capable than the original Switch that you feel when it was released.
The original switch can run 1080p resolution at 60 fps when docked, but that was always the best scenario. The Nintendo Switch 2 can run at 4k 60 fps when docked, and even at a lower resolution at up to 120 fps. In handheld mode, you can get 120 fps, but at 1080p. Still, the console display feels much brighter and smoother, making it a huge leap over the original switch. But we’ll touch on that a bit.
These numbers always depend on the software and the optimization of each game. But even so, it’s still an important leap. In any case, custom-made Nvidia processors help with sharper visuals, longer drawing distances, more refined textures, accurate lighting and smoother frame rates. Below is a new range of new titles that were previously unavailable, such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. For example, it’s a rather tough game that can run relatively well on the Nintendo Switch 2.
From a lifespan perspective, it’s difficult to measure how well Switch 2 is maintained when jumping to 8k on other platforms, but I think that’s a different time argument.
screen
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a 120Hz HDR10 compatible LCD that can provide 1080p resolution. As long as the LCD goes, that’s great. It’s not the brightest display around, but it’s much brighter than the original switch LCD, with consistently sharp images and punchy colors.
The only complaint here is the actual display technology. Considering the final iteration of the Nintendo Switch, many will wonder why it’s not here, as it provided a nice and crisp OLED screen. I won’t blame you. The black levels of this LCD naturally don’t stack up, so you can’t beat the perfect contrast of an OLED display.
It feels like there’s a strategy to release the Pro for Nintendo Switch 2 Pro using the OLED screen. Or it could have been a real attempt to keep the overall cost of the console down. Either way, a larger 7.9-inch screen and jump to 1080p resolution ultimately leads this onto the line.
battery
Nintendo recommends reaching between 2-6.5 hours on Switch 2 depending on the game. This is technically worse than the battery life of the original switch, which suggests 2.5-6 hours. Like the Asus Rog Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go S, most handheld gaming devices are now at the top in 2-3 hours, but they could be more efficient.
But for example, reports that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is draining batteries in more than two hours means that the 6.5-hour runtime may not be achieved with newer, more stringent titles as we move forward.
Storage
The console comes with 256 GB of internal storage, but the console can be upgraded with external storage via a micro SD express card. I’m surprised that the console comes with a lot of internal storage to begin with, but bear in mind. Keep in mind that some games will soon remove the big chunks from now on. Games like Mario Kart World take up around 24 GB, while current titles Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Hitman World of Assasination: Signature Edition each take up 59 GB.
The Nintendo Switch 2 only works with Micro SD Express cards. It is designed with faster transfer speeds in mind. Standard micro SD cards do not work on the Nintendo Switch 2. It cannot also be used to save files, such as from the original switch. While that may sound annoying, these cards don’t seem to cost much more than standard micro SD cards of size, it’s a bit odd that what you can buy at the time of console launch is the 256 GB option created by Sandisk.
software
You’ll quickly get to know the nature of Switch 2 game cards. I feel they have a strong connection to storage. The first-party Nintendo games are listed on the Switch 2 card itself, but other third-party titles are offered as game key cards, and the entire game must be downloaded to the console, and the card only serves as access keys for the game itself. Games can be sold and traded normally, but you will still need to play actual game cards even if the game does not technically exist.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a new home screen, even though it looks like the original switch. There are round icons along the bottom of the screen, and new accessibility options such as high contrast mode and adjustable text size.
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings in some exclusive Nintendo Switch Online + expansion pack merchandise, like the F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Soulcablibur II, which are game to download. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: The Kingdom Tears also come with an upgrade pack. This pack allows you to experience all Switch 2 upgrades along with the original Switch Copy.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners also have access to a new feature called GameChat. This feature allows players to chat with friends and family while playing the game. The built-in console microphone automatically picks up your voice. This is impressive with the distance available in docked or handheld modes. You can also turn on game screen sharing to share games with friends, or continue to update each other as you play each game or the same game together. You can also expand your screen size with GameChat or watch your friends play by expanding their screen.
Joy Cons
I also feel that the Joy-Con itself is familiar to switching owners. It’s a little bigger to accommodate large consoles, but thanks to the larger SL and SR buttons inside each Joy-Con, it can hold it a little more comfortably, both normally and sideways, for certain multiplayer games.
However, in Joy-Con on the right, users will find a new chat button just below the home button. This button also allows users to instantly view the GameChat menu to chat with friends and share their screens. All of this can be done on the fly without having to pause the game or navigate the home screen menu.
Additionally, the JoyCons are magnetically attached to the console, rather than sliding through the side rails. It’s very easy to attach, but easy enough to separate. Simply press the release button under each trigger around the back and the Joy-Cons will pop out immediately. That being said, it is incredibly stable when installed on the console, but there are already reports of internal homes being damaged if pleasure is forced to remove, so there are a few things to be aware of.
Finally, the Joy-Cons comes with HD Rumble 2, which supports more powerful and precise controller vibrations, as well as mouse support. The Joy-Cons now function like a computer mouse when placed on the side. It is recommended to use it on flat surfaces for best results, but while playing on the sofa, you will work with many surfaces and materials, including the knees. It’s not a massive feature now, but I can’t wait to see how this will be implemented in future software releases.
Verdicts and Values
The Nintendo Switch 2 does not necessarily redefine the formula when compared to the original, but it is built almost every way. From improved performance to larger displays with mouse support and updated Joy-Cons, there’s plenty to love. I feel that the ability to run the game on 4K and 60 FPS is adequate, but there’s no doubt that Nintendo understood the allocation and provided accordingly.
I’d like to see improved OLED screens and battery life, but considering how capable the Nintendo Switch 2 feels on both hands and TV, they don’t necessarily undermine the overall experience.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: Solid performance. Large display; decent LCD; Joy-Cons acts as a mouse. The GameChat function is easy to use
Low light: No OLED display. Average battery life depending on the software
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Price: $699
Available: Now
A review based on units provided by Nintendo.
