Nintendo Switch 2 Review: A Bright Future (Even Without an OLED Screen)

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Following an eight-year run on the market, the Nintendo Switch’s era has concluded, paving the way for the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 generation. This new phase marks a fresh start for the company and its supporters, though it isn’t entirely without precedent. The new system boasts enhanced capabilities and a more streamlined design, offering a noticeable upgrade over the console that debuted in 2017. Despite this, it retains a familiar feel for those who already own the original Switch. Instead of discarding what had proven successful, Nintendo opted to refine virtually every aspect of the initial Switch. This revamp is impressive, although some might argue that the designers could have pushed the boundaries a bit further in certain modifications they made.

Upon opening the box, the first thing people will notice about the Switch 2 is its sleek and high-quality design. The matte black finish gives it an elegant and luxurious appearance, although some may wish for more color options. However, future Joy-Con designs are expected to address this concern, as was the case with the original Switch. For now, the pops of color on the thumbsticks and controller interiors provide a touch of liveliness without compromising the overall aesthetic. Consequently, the Switch 2 presents a much more refined appearance compared to its predecessor. In addition, the improved weight distribution in handheld mode enhances the premium feel of the system.

As a devoted Nintendo Switch 2 enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the innovative magnetic-locking Joy-Cons that have significantly enhanced the system’s overall design. These new controllers not only boost durability but also make the console feel more robust and less prone to feeling flimsy. Over eight years of gaming with Switch, I’ve never encountered the dreaded Joy-Con Drift, but unfortunately, I did break a plastic lock on a Joy-Con, which made it challenging to keep the controller secure without a case. Therefore, the magnetic design update is most welcome, as there’s an audible click when they snap into place.

Nintendo has increased the size of the new Joy-Cons compared to the originals, making them feel more robust. This is particularly advantageous for the new mouse mode, where a durable controller is essential when moving it around a table or even on a pant leg. While I’m not a fan of using the Joy-Con as a single controller in games like Mario Kart World, I appreciate that the option remains available for multiplayer sessions.

As a gamer who recently upgraded to the Nintendo Switch OLED, I initially fretted about going back to a basic LCD screen with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how vibrant and high-quality the new screen is – it certainly doesn’t feel like a step down! While there might be an OLED model of the Switch 2 in the future, I can’t help but wonder if it would offer enough improvement to justify the change.

The user interface on Nintendo Switch 2 is somewhat disappointing, as it remains very similar to that of the original Nintendo Switch. For years, fans have hoped for customizable themes like those available on the 3DS, but instead, they’ve received an unchanged home screen from the previous system. On one hand, maintaining a consistent interface can make things easier for users when using both new and old systems due to their compatibility. However, after eight years, it seems rather plain and simple compared to expectations.

Regarding GameShare, the recent update is an excellent new feature for multiplayer gaming. This option has been incorporated into some existing Nintendo Switch games, including EA’s Split Fiction, enabling users to stream multiplayer games with friends who possess either a Switch 2 or an original Switch. Remarkably, this can be done even if they don’t own the specific game. After trying it out in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, I noticed that it functions efficiently when users are relatively close to each other. However, it appears that there isn’t much distance provided, and the stream quality deteriorates rapidly as the systems get further apart. I’m really eager to see how it performs for users who might be seated some distance apart on a plane or bus.

Alongside the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, a set of fresh accessories have emerged, including an updated version of the Pro Controller. In contrast to the main interface, this revamped Pro Controller exudes a sense of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” as it retains all the aspects I appreciated about its predecessor while incorporating some thoughtful enhancements. The most significant upgrade is the inclusion of a headphone jack, a feature that I personally have longed for since purchasing PowerA’s wired Switch controllers to avoid disturbing others during late-night gaming. Additionally, the new Pro Controller offers a ‘C’ button for launching GameChat and two customizable buttons on the rear handles. The thumbsticks now offer improved movement range, while the buttons have a slightly extended protrusion. Lastly, the controller boasts a sleek new surface finish that harmonizes well with the latest Joy-Cons.

Although the upgraded Nintendo Switch Pro Controller offers noticeable enhancements, users have the option to stick with the original version if preferred. Notably, Nintendo has ensured that most accessories remain compatible with the latest system, including the Pro Controller and GameCube controller adapter. This means fans of “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” can continue enjoying their favorite game using their familiar controllers. However, there are a few peripherals like the Ring-Con from “Ring Fit Adventure” that won’t work with the new Joy-Cons, but the system still supports older Joy-Cons for this very reason, even though they can’t connect to the handheld system in that mode.

In marketing for Nintendo Switch 2, GameChat has been a key highlight. From my brief experience with it, it seems to function as advertised. Nintendo has chosen to prioritize frame rate over other players’ screens, allocating resources to the game being played on the system. This means that if a player is running Mario Kart World while friends are playing Breath of the Wild, the performance of Mario Kart World takes priority, which can cause some lag in other players’ screens. However, GameChat’s talk-to-text feature works surprisingly well. The microphone accurately picks up and transcribes the user’s speech, surpassing the capabilities of most smartphones.

The upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 delivers noticeably enhanced performance compared to its predecessor, which had begun to exhibit signs of aging in graphic and frame rate capabilities over recent years. In my experience with various games so far, it’s clear that Switch 2 offers a substantial improvement in these areas. For instance, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains visually striking, but Mario Kart World leaves it in the dust with its breathtakingly beautiful skies and vibrant colors. The updated versions of existing games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch 2 serve as a testament to the strides being made in performance improvements. Here’s hoping that this trend of superior performance continues as we witness more games that truly challenge the system’s capabilities.

The additional strength in Nintendo Switch 2 comes at a price, and that’s a reduction in its battery life. During my continuous play of Mario Kart World, I found that it could last only about 154 minutes before giving me a third warning to charge the device, which is significantly less than previous versions of the Switch. This shorter battery life might cause annoyance for those intending to use the system during extended travel like flights or road trips.

It’s important to mention that not all games from Switch 1 are compatible with the new Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has made available a comprehensive list of games that may have compatibility issues. The company and its partners are actively working on resolving these problems, but I chose to test one game from the list with startup troubles: Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection. Upon launching, the audio functioned as expected, however, the screen stayed black before the game crashed and returned me to the Home Screen. Since the list of games with issues is relatively small, potential buyers of the Nintendo Switch 2 may want to check this list to ensure their favorite games aren’t currently experiencing any problems.

Regarding its hardware components, Nintendo Switch 2 boasts nearly all the enhancements one might anticipate compared to the original model. However, it doesn’t seem like a major upgrade in terms of user interface, and battery life might not meet expectations. Disregarding these points, the other improvements collectively make for an impressive package. The device feels more durable, sports a superior screen, offers significantly enhanced graphics and performance, and introduces features like GameShare that could enhance multiplayer experiences. If you’ve been yearning for a portable system capable of running larger, high-quality games, while also addressing issues with chat and frame rate, the Nintendo Switch 2 should justify its overall cost.

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2025-06-06 18:41