Experiencing the Nintendo Switch 2 in New York was an intriguing mix of both familiarity and novelty. At first glance, this anticipated sequel to Nintendo’s best-selling console seems to tread familiar ground. Yet, after spending some time playing its fresh line-up of games, I came away more impressed with the new titles than the hardware itself.
Let’s talk hardware first: The Switch 2 certainly looks sleek with its black matte finish on both the console and the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Yes, it’s a little heavier, weighing in at 1.18 pounds with everything attached, but that’s offset by the impressive 7.9-inch screen. Even so, at $450, its true potential depends on what developers do with it.
The second iteration of the Switch sticks close to Nintendo’s original gaming philosophy while showing a clear evolution. My hands-on time had me eager for more, prompting me to start planning for this addition to my collection.
Now, focusing on the hardware specifics: The controllers are the first thing you notice with that eye-catching black matte finish. The device feels slightly heavier than you might remember, but it compensates with a larger screen that’s lighter than many PC handhelds, like the Steam Deck OLED. The understated color scheme might not scream Nintendo, but it’s sophisticated, if a bit reminiscent of the black GameCube.
Removing the Joy-Cons felt effortless, thanks to sturdy release buttons. While I didn’t get to test this feature extensively, the initial impression was that the connection felt secure and unlikely to detach accidentally.
What impressed me about the new Joy-Cons was their length, making them more comfortable in hand than the previous version. Though, the biggest change lies in the sticks, which are redesigned for smoother control, but need more testing to truly evaluate the difference.
A significant enhancement comes with the new kickstand. It’s far more practical than before, adjustable to any angle, and it seems ideal for an airplane tray setup. Then, there’s the display—this isn’t an OLED like some might expect, but an LCD with HDR10 support and a bump to 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate. In action, Mario Kart World looked fantastic even without OLED colors.
Completing the setup is a new, bulkier dock, housing a cooling fan and similar functionality to its predecessor.
Under the hood, the Switch 2 is packed with upgraded specs, from a custom Nvidia processor supporting DLSS and ray tracing, to a 256GB expandable storage. It’s compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and has built-in stereo speakers and a noise-cancelling mic. With two USB-C ports, among others, it’s designed for flexibility whether docked or handheld.
The mouse controls are a new addition, with Joy-Con 2 controllers doubling as mice thanks to integrated sensors and gyroscopes. This innovation had mixed results during my testing. For Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, it offered precision aiming, but comfort was compromised due to the thinness of the controllers. However, Civilization VII made more ergonomic use of the feature for strategic gameplay.
Drag x Drive offered a unique dual-mouse experience, blending Rocket League’s pace with a fresh sporting twist. Though fun, relying purely on mouse movement might not be practical for everyone.
Cyberpunk 2077 was presented with a Pro controller, raising questions on how mouse integration might roll out for more complex games.
From a technical perspective, the Switch 2 expands its resolution and frame rate capabilities significantly. It delivers 4K at 60 fps in docked mode and up to 120 fps at 1080p, offering handheld players a considerable upgrade.
Game customization options like quality and performance modes ensure players can tailor visual experiences, evident in titles like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. Most game demos were obviously pushing the hardware to showcase its potential, yet detailed official specs weren’t always clear.
What’s more, the Switch 2 isn’t launching alone. It accompanies a $79.99 Pro Controller and a Nintendo Camera priced at $49.99. The Pro Controller added comfort with rear mappable buttons and improved usability, especially for voice and game chat features. The camera, meanwhile, brings a touch of novelty to game chat and interactive gameplay, inviting mixed opinions about its gaming integration.
Game-wise, Nintendo’s showcase did not disappoint, headlined by the highly anticipated Mario Kart World. Featuring modes like Knockout Tour that intensify multiplayer competition, it promises to be a solid draw for the console. Other titles like the Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and the quirky Donkey Kong Bananza highlight the system’s robust capabilities and range of genres.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is not just the continuation of a successful line; it’s an evolution that keeps Nintendo’s charm while offering a deeper, more engaging gaming experience. This hands-on encounter left me all the more eager to explore the full capabilities of this enticing new system.
