Following the disappointing Wii U, Nintendo’s original Switch launched in 2017 as a handheld and TV-dockable console with detachable Joy-Con controllers, quickly gaining widespread popularity. The new Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $450, builds on this success with improved hardware while maintaining a familiar design.
The Switch 2 features a larger, sharper 7.9-inch IPS LCD display that is 30% brighter than its predecessor and supports HDR and up to 120Hz refresh rate in handheld mode. The console uses a custom Nvidia chip capable of handling demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Its Joy-Con 2 controllers magnetically attach and support mouse controls, introducing new gameplay options, particularly in shooters and real-time strategy games.
Despite its hardware advances, the Switch 2 has limitations. The screen is LCD rather than OLED, storage is limited to 256GB, and Nintendo’s digital rights management (DRM) policies make game sharing and save management difficult compared to other platforms. The console also includes subpar video and audio quality in its GameChat online communication feature.
Key benefits include:
- Lightweight design with solid controls
- Bright display with HDR support
- Mouse controls expanding gameplay possibilities
- Power sufficient to run high-fidelity games
- Two USB-C ports
- Access to select GameCube games via online subscription
Drawbacks:
- No OLED screen
- Limited internal storage for 2025 standards
- Substandard GameChat audio and video quality
- Excessive DRM restricting game ownership and sharing
Performance improvements are noticeable in both new and original Switch games. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom plays more smoothly on the Switch 2, and games like Super Mario Odyssey appear sharper at higher resolutions. The device remains quiet during gameplay, aided by a fan integrated into the dock.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers have been redesigned with larger sizes and metal SL/SR buttons, magnetically attaching to the console. While no Joy-Con drift was experienced during testing, early reports indicate the issue may persist over time.
Battery life varies by game, lasting around four hours for 2D games and as little as two hours for graphics-intensive titles. Users can extend battery longevity by reducing refresh rates and HDR usage.
One of the most notable additions is the ability to play select GameCube titles, available through Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack. However, the current selection is limited, and use requires additional hardware such as a dedicated GameCube controller.
Online multiplayer includes GameChat for voice and video communication but suffers from poor microphone pickup and camera quality. The official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera costs $55 and offers HD video, but video performance is often washed out or pixelated. GameChat supports calls only between friends via Switch Online and requires phone number verification.
Nintendo’s DRM approach restricts game ownership and sharing. Games are tied to a single console, and save data cannot be duplicated across devices. Features like GameShare support only a limited number of first-party titles, and managing game licenses can be complex.
The Switch 2’s 256GB internal storage fills quickly with modern games, making microSD Express cards essential for expanded storage. Game loading is fastest from internal storage but possible via external high-speed cards, though these add to the overall expense.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is an iterative but meaningful upgrade over its predecessor. It offers more power, an improved display, and new control options, while continuing Nintendo’s focus on exclusive franchises. Its primary drawbacks lie in restrictive digital policies and modest storage capacity. Early sales indicate strong demand, driven by Nintendo’s popular games and the console’s versatile design, making it a compelling choice for fans of handheld gaming.