Nintendo has taken leaps and bounds forward with the Switch 2. While the battery life is disappointing, it can’t detract from what a stellar console this is
Price When Reviewed
466 Euro
Best Prices Today: Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a true evolution of 2017’s original Nintendo Switch console, with a big step forward in graphics, controls and build quality.
It’s also much pricier than the original console was at launch, especially when you consider how much flagship games such as Mario Kart World cost. I can’t blame you if you’re on the fence.
But I’m happy to report that after nearly a fortnight with the console, I believe it’s something worth investing in.
If you’d like to read my unfiltered thoughts from unboxing the console and playing it with a fresh pair of eyes, then there’s a diary of my first three days with Switch 2, which I updated in real time. Design & Build
Bigger than the original Switch
One colourway on launch
Magnetic Joy-Cons
New C button
The Switch 2 still retains the same core themes of this console line – namely, the hybrid handheld and docked nature, along with detachable Joy-Cons that can be used wirelessly when fully charged.
The Switch 2 is significantly larger than the original Switch. It’s 12.7mm taller and 30.48mm wider and weighs 534g with the Joy-Cons attached. While that is around 136g more than the original Switch, holding the two side by side doesn’t feel like a huge difference.
The benefit of a larger design is a big, bright and beautiful glass display in handheld mode, though it’s not quite as travel-friendly. I use a third-party case from Nacon, which takes up a lot of space in my bag, but it feels like a worthy trade-off for the upgrades.
At launch, there’s just the one colour – grey with orange and blue accents. There aren’t any additional Joy-Con shades to mix and match yet, but the great news is that you can still connect Joy-Cons from the Switch 1 with minimal hassle, albeit with some limitations.
While the lack of colour choice may be a disappointment to some, I will say that this console looks sleeker and more premium than its predecessor. And besides, Nintendo is probably saving some special editions for later down the line… probably. Don’t hold me to that.
One big change is that a second USB-C port now sits on the top of the console, joining the one on the bottom. This means that you can charge the console in handheld mode while using the kickstand – a key oversight from the first edition. It’s also for connecting the camera accessory, but I’ll get to that later.
Speaking of which, the kickstand has had a serious revamp, now in a much sturdier U-shape that can be adjusted anywhere up to 150 degrees.
On top, you’ll find the power button, volume rocker and the improved game cartridge slot. On the bottom, there’s a microSD card express slot – note that this won’t support regular microSD cards. There’s also a new C button on both the console and controllers, which enables the funky GameChat function.
The dock itself is a cleaner, rounder shape, and now features two additional USB 2.0 ports, which are useful when first connecting accessories such as the Pro Controllers. The console body feels slightly wobbly when docked, a similar issue to the first Switch. But you know what is a massive improvement? Those Joy-Cons, thanks to a handy little contraption called magnets, which are inside the main console itself.
By pressing a trigger on the back of the Joy-Cons, you simply pull them away. Then, whenever you put them close enough to the console, they’ll just snap right back into place. Gone are the days of finicky rails. They are ever so slightly wobbly when attached, but I never found this to interfere with gameplay.
If you’re worried about the Joy-Cons being put on the wrong way (either by a child or after a few bevvies), then don’t worry. Nintendo states in its Welcome Tour game that they can be put on the wrong sides and backwards – they just won’t charge properly if you do this.
While Nintendo has made the buttons more friendly for smaller hands, I’ve still found using a singular controller for games that require a lot of steering and pressing, such as Mario Kart World, slightly uncomfortable for long periods.Display, Graphics & Speakers
7.9-inch LCD display
4K support when docked
Up to 120fps
Punchy speakers
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch screen, 1.7 inches larger than that of the OG Switch. While it’s LCD rather than OLED as hoped for, don’t let that put you off.
This display is a pleasure to use both in handheld and tabletop modes. Details are sharper thanks to the 1080p support (4K is reserved for when the console is docked and performance is smooth) and double the pixels of the first gen. Meanwhile, colours are vivid and pop beautifully on the screen.
My suspicion would be that Nintendo will eventually release an OLED version, just like with the original Switch, along with a Lite version for those who want a cheaper entry-level console.
The console supports up to 120Hz refresh rate, and you’ll particularly notice these speedier responses in older games such as the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Note that this 120Hz refresh rate isn’t supported if you opt for 4K mode on the TV – it will then be capped at 60Hz.
So, you’ll have to pick your poison to some extent. The highest resolution you can go at 120Hz (if your TV supports that refresh rate) is 1440p.
HDR is also an optional mode within the display settings, and you can enable this both in handheld mode and docked, but you’ll mainly see the difference on your TV.
While testing on my Sky Glass 2, it’s night and day. Tones are so much more lively, with highly detailed textures. Having it turned off leaves your gameplay looking washed out by comparison. In handheld mode, it’s harder to spot the differences, so if you want to turn this off to save on battery, you won’t miss out on too much.
All these graphics improvements are most obvious in older Switch titles. Take Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as an example. Finally seeing this in 60Hz, with significantly less popping on the map, is a true joy, and really, how the game should have run from the start.
