It’s hard to believe the original Nintendo Switch was released back in 2017. It’s a true testament to that console that it lasted this long and remained popular practically until the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. That being said, this new console, while pushing the platform forward in terms of its outright grunt, also provides some sleek additions and nuances that make it a more refined version of that original console.
Make no mistake, it certainly feels like a new console where it counts, but it’s clear that Nintendo got the hang of its pros and cons towards the end, holding onto and developing the former, while attempting to do away with the latter.
It is in this sentiment that the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like an incredible evolution for the broader platform, even if it doesn’t redefine the core concepts of the original Switch to a degree where it ever feels unfamiliar.
Design
From a design perspective, the Nintendo Switch 2 is certainly larger than its predecessor. While the original Nintendo Switch came with a 6.2-inch display, and then the OLED model with a 7-inch display, the Nintendo Switch 2 takes things up a notch again with a 7.9-inch display.
That means the console itself is bigger, from the attached Joy-Cons to the larger grip when in handheld mode. It’s not so big to the point where it ever feels uncomfortable, bulky or cumbersome, and I think that most adults or those with larger hands will prefer it anyway. I picked up my original Nintendo Switch the other day, and could not believe how I spent so many hours staring into that smaller screen.
The biggest change around the console itself is the extra USB-C port on top of the console, which can be used either for charging the console itself or to plug in the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for GameChat and online play. It’s a nice idea when it comes to charging, though, as it’s much more comfortable to hold the device without a cord bending from underneath it, if you were to play while charging.
There’s even a new U-shaped stand on the back of the console, which is a little slimmer than the original OLED Switch stand in the sense that it runs along the very bottom of the console, but it’s still just as stable. It also has a larger range of motion, meaning it can sit a little flatter on a table, if you feel like you’re leaning over it on a table or desk, for example, and need a better viewing angle.
The Nintendo Switch 2 dock gets a more rounded design this time, and while most of its differences lean into its performance enhancements rather than its design, it at least includes a LAN port for a wired internet connection, on top of the 2 USB-A 2.0 ports around the left-hand side.
Perfromance
The Nintendo Switch 2 might not compete with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S or even a mid-range gaming PC, but there’s still a fair amount of punch here. You could argue that Nintendo’s consoles have never directly competed with these platforms over the past few generations, and while that’s true, the Switch 2 certainly feels more premium and capable than the original Switch felt upon its release.
While the original Switch could run a 1080p resolution at 60 FPS when docked, that was always a best-case scenario. The Nintendo Switch 2 can run at 4K 60 FPS when docked, and even up to 120 FPS in lower resolutions. In handheld mode, you can still get 120 FPS, but at 1080p. Even then, it’s a huge leap over the original Switch, as the console display feels much brighter and smoother. But we’ll touch on that in a bit.
Those numbers will always depend on the software and the optimisation of each game. But even then, it’s still a significant leap. Either way, the custom-made NVIDIA processor is going to help with sharper visuals, longer draw distances, more polished textures, accurate lighting and a smoother frame rate. What follows is a new range of previously unavailable titles, like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for example, a rather demanding game which can now run relatively well on the Nintendo Switch 2.
From a longevity perspective, it’s tricky to gauge how well the Switch 2 will keep up when we inevitably make the jump to 8K on other platforms, but I guess that’s a discussion for another time.
Display
The Nintendo Switch 2 is packing a 120Hz, HDR10-enabled LCD that can provide a 1080p resolution. As far as LCDs go, it’s nice. It’s not the brightest display around, but it’s way brighter than the original Switch LCD, with consistently sharp images and punchy colours.
The only gripe here is the actual display technology. Given the last iteration of the Nintendo Switch provided that nice, crisp OLED screen, many would be left wondering why that’s not here, and I don’t blame you. You simply can’t beat the perfect contrast of the OLED display, as the black levels on this LCD understandably don’t stack up.
It makes me feel like there’s a strategy down the line to release a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro of sorts with an OLED screen, or it could have been a genuine attempt to keep the overall costs of the console down. Either way, the jump to a larger 7.9-inch screen and 1080p resolution ultimately gets this one over the line.
Battery
Nintendo suggests you’ll get anywhere between 2-6.5 hours with the Switch 2, depending on the game, which is technically worse than the battery life of the original Switch, which suggested 2.5-6 hours. While it’s fair to say most handheld gaming devices now, like the Asus ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go S, top out at 2-3 hours, it has the potential to be much more efficient.
But with reports that something as intensive as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, for example, is draining the battery in just over 2 hours, it stands to reason that that 6.5-hour runtime might never be achieved with newer, more demanding titles as we move forward.
Storage
The console comes with 256 GB of internal storage, although the console can be upgraded with external storage via a micro SD Express card. I’m surprised that the console came with that much internal storage to begin with, but keep in mind, some games will immediately take a huge chunk out of this. While games like Mario Kart World take up around 24 GB, current titles Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition will take up a whopping 59 GB each.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will only work with a micro SD Express card, one that is designed with faster transfer speeds in mind. A standard micro SD card will not work on the Nintendo Switch 2, nor can it be used from your original Switch to transfer things over, like save files. While that might sound annoying, these cards don’t seem to cost much more than a standard micro SD card at their size, but it’s a little strange that the only one you can buy at the time of the console’s launch is a 256 GB option made by SanDisk.
Software
I’ll touch on the nature of Switch 2 game cards right away, as I feel they relate strongly to storage. While first-party Nintendo games will come on the Switch 2 card itself, other third-party titles will come as Game-Key cards, in which the entire game must be downloaded onto the console, with the card only acting as an access key for the game itself. Games can be sold and traded as normal, but you’ll still need the actual game card to play, even if the game doesn’t technically exist on it.
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a new home screen, even if it looks like the one on the original Switch. There are rounded icons along the bottom of the screen, along with new accessibility options like high contrast mode and adjustable text size, which is a nice touch.
Nintendo Switch 2 brings with it some exclusive Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack goodies like GameCube games to download, including F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SOULCABLIBUR II. There’s even an upgrade pack for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, in which you can experience all the Switch 2 upgrades along with your original Switch copies.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners also get access to a new feature called GameChat, in which players can chat with friends and family while playing games. The built-in console microphone will automatically pick up your voice, which is impressive at further distances, available in docked and handheld modes. You can even turn on game screen sharing to share your game with friends, and keep each other updated as you play through each of your games, or the same game together. You can expand the size of your own screen while in GameChat, or even expand the screen of a friend to watch them play.
Joy-Cons
The Joy-Cons themselves will also feel familiar to Switch owners, and for all the right reasons. While they are a little larger to accommodate the larger console, they do feel a little more comfortable to hold, both normally and even sideways for certain multiplayer games, thanks to the larger SL and SR buttons on the inside of each Joy-Con.
On the right Joy-Con, however, users will find the new Chat button just below the Home button. This button allows users to instantly bring up the GameChat menu to chat with friends or even share screens, which can all be done on the fly without pausing your game or having to navigate through the Home Screen menus.
The Joy-Cons also now magnetically attach to the console as opposed to sliding on via a side rail. It’s incredibly easy to attach, but also easy enough to detach. Simply hold the release button under each trigger around the back, and the Joy-Cons pop right off. That being said, they’re also incredibly stable when attached to the console, although you will still have to be careful in some respects, as there are already reports of the internal housing being damaged if the Joy-Cons are forcefully removed.
Finally, the Joy-Cons come with HD Rumble 2 for more intense and accurate controller vibrations, and even mouse support. The Joy-Cons can now act like a computer mouse when placed on their sides. While I would recommend using them on a flat surface for the best results, they work on a bunch of surfaces and materials, including your lap while playing on the couch. While it’s not a massive feature right now, I can’t wait to see how this is implemented in future software releases.
Verdict & Value
The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t necessarily redefined the formula when compared to the original, but it has built upon it in almost every way. From the improved performance to the larger display and updated Joy-Cons with mouse support, there’s plenty to love. While I feel as though the ability to run games in 4K and at 60 FPS will be enough for some, there’s no doubt that Nintendo has understood the assignment and provided accordingly.
While I wish we got the OLED screen and better battery life, they don’t necessarily detract from the overall experience, given how capable the Nintendo Switch 2 feels both in the hands and on your TV.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Solid performance; Larger display; Decent LCD; Joy-Cons work as a mouse; GameChat feature is easy to use
Lowlights: No OLED display; Average battery life depending on software
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Price: A$699
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Nintendo.
