Nintendo Switch 2 Console Review – A Bigger, Bolder, and Smarter Evolution of the Switch

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The original Nintendo Switch was an extraordinary achievement, embodying a flawless idea and superb execution by a company that had finally found its stride. It’s success is unparalleled; it may very well be remembered as the highest-selling gaming platform in history. In fact, it is certain to hold the title of the best-selling Nintendo system ever made. To date, it has sold more than 150 million hardware units and over a billion software units. The magnitude of its success is hard to fathom and has only been rivaled by the PS2, which is the only other platform to attain such impressive sales figures.

Essentially, Nintendo is looking to capitalize on a massive and enthusiastic user base for the next console. This anticipated console has been in discussion for quite some time now. While the current Switch performs admirably, it’s starting to struggle with the advanced requirements of contemporary games – both third-party and first-party titles. Interestingly, despite its age, the original Switch still sells in significant numbers, even given its limitations, speculations about a successor, lack of price drop, or the passage of time since its release.

Unlike the initial Nintendo Switch, the Joy-Con controllers are rigid and don’t wobble or bend when pressed; they maintain their shape under any amount of pressure.

In essence, the new Switch 2, as promised, represents a significant improvement over its predecessor without being too revolutionary. This is precisely what Nintendo has managed to achieve with this device. As advertised, the Switch 2 is simply a newer version of the Switch – it’s larger and more powerful. It boasts features like HDR, 4K, DLSS, 120fps, VRR in handheld mode, and innovative mouse controls. Yet, despite these enhancements, it remains fundamentally a bigger and better version of the original Switch.

Instead of being a criticism, this new Switch is essentially everything that Switch owners have been eagerly anticipating from its successor and it’s exactly what was required. Nintendo couldn’t risk adding any feature that would detract from the hybrid capabilities of the Switch, both for its market appeal and to avoid dividing their development resources between separate handheld and console platforms again. Consequently, delivering on the essentials without any extraneous, attention-grabbing but potentially disruptive features is a smart move! In simpler terms, this improved Switch was just what the situation called for.

Instead of saying “And it is nicer. By a lot,” consider using the phrase “It’s significantly more appealing.” In addition, instead of “The Switch 2 feels premium,” try “It exudes a premium quality.” For “The build quality is excellent,” you can opt for “The construction is top-notch.” Instead of “High grade metals and plastics have been used for the construction,” consider using “Premium materials, including high-grade metals and plastics, were utilized in its design.” Lastly, instead of “the whole package reeks of a mature aesthetic and sensibility that is very unlike Nintendo,” you can say “It possesses an air of refinement and sophistication that’s notably different from what we usually associate with Nintendo.

The fundamental change here lies in the innovative attachment method for the Joycons. Previously, they slid into a rail, but now, they attach magnetically, offering a significant improvement. Unlike the initial Switch model, these Joycons do not move, bend, or yield under stress. Instead, they align seamlessly with the system, so smoothly that it’s almost hard to tell they are separate components. This new design lends the entire system a sturdy feel, which effectively addresses the perceived fragility of the original Switch model.

In essence, the Switch 2 offers most key modern-day features, though each may not be fully comprehensive.

In essence, the new Switch model maintains the same design aesthetic as its predecessor, with only minor alterations. The color and size have been changed, but visually, they are quite similar. The most noticeable difference is the U-shaped kickstand that can support the device at nearly a 90-degree angle, much like the OLED model’s kickstand did. Additionally, it features a USB-C port on top for charging and using accessories such as the Switch 2 camera (though it cannot be used to dock the system).

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, the Switch isn’t a letdown. The timeless appeal of its concept is something that keeps me hooked. However, it’s a bit disheartening that at launch, there are no color options for the new Joycons. Customizing my system was always fun and having different colors helped distinguish mine from others. Here’s hoping Nintendo introduces multiple color schemes and variants in the coming years, allowing me to personalize my gaming experience once again.

The Switch 2 is likely to have a lifespan of several years. Given its predecessor’s performance, it is anticipated that the new system will serve as the primary platform for all Nintendo games and related services for nearly a decade. It’s reassuring to know that Nintendo has ensured the system is capable of handling modern third-party titles.

Upon release, the Switch 2 offers support for high-definition graphics (4K when docked, 1080p on handheld), high frame rates (up to 120fps), HDR, 3D audio, variable refresh rate technology, Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling tech, improved haptics, a solid-state drive, and even ray tracing. We’ll delve deeper into the variable rate refresh feature later.

On various aspects, the Switch 2 offers support for key contemporary features, albeit in a limited capacity. While these features aren’t nearly as robust or substantial as they are on a PlayStation 5 or a high-end gaming PC, their inclusion implies that third-party developers might find it less challenging to optimize their games to run smoothly on the Switch 2 compared to the original Switch. This is because the original Switch often required separate, customized versions of games (which still ran poorly).

“Conversely, however, the portable mode supports VRR, which docked mode does not.”

In summary, no matter if you prefer using your device handheld or docked, you can anticipate significantly enhanced graphics and visuals on the Switch 2 compared to the original Switch. While there might be instances where one mode outperforms the other, it’s important to note that the screen on the Switch 2 is exceptional – bright, vivid, and superior to the screen of the launch model Switch, Switch Lite, launch model Steam Deck, or PlayStation Portal. Nevertheless, as an LCD screen, it lags behind high-end TVs in terms of HDR performance.

In contrast, the handheld mode offers Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), a feature not found in the docked mode. VRR can significantly enhance gaming performance, especially for games that run on lower frame rates, which are common in less powerful devices like the Switch 2. At this point, only the portable mode supports VRR. This difference is due to how the Switch 2 transmits its video signal in docked mode – it sends it through USB-C, which converts it to HDMI via Display Port, a process that affects VRR negatively. Fingers crossed that this issue can be addressed in the future, as other contemporary systems like PS5 and Steam Deck initially lacked VRR support but eventually added it.

Despite some differences, you’ll find significantly improved graphics on the new Switch compared to the original model in all areas. This improvement is evident when playing games like ‘Breath of the Wild’ or ‘Tears of the Kingdom’, as they run and appear much better on the new Switch. The new console runs at a locked 60 frames per second, unlike the original releases which struggled to maintain even a steady 30fps. In docked mode, it outputs beautiful 1440p graphics, while in handheld mode it offers 900p. These upgrades make the games look sharper, cleaner, clearer, and smoother than ever before. Additionally, loading times are almost instantaneous, a feature that is often underappreciated but challenging to go back from after experiencing it. Nintendo plans to release more enhanced versions of their first-party games for the Switch 2, and I hope they continue this trend as I’d love to play many more Switch games with these kinds of improvements.

1. The upgraded Switch 2 Editions of those two games come with substantial enhancements, which are available as paid versions. Interestingly, even without these enhancements, the games perform significantly better on the Switch. This improvement can manifest in various ways. For instance, titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet received free updates to boost their performance and graphics on the Switch 2. In the case of Odyssey, it now supports HDR and higher resolution, making an already attractive game even more visually appealing. On the other hand, the Switch 2 versions of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet can be truly transformative. The original Switch releases had numerous issues such as bugs, instability, poor performance, and noticeable pop-in. In contrast, the Switch 2 versions run smoothly at a constant 60fps, boast better lighting, object density, draw distance, and overall provide a polished gaming experience that one would expect from a finished game.

2. The paid Switch 2 Editions of those two games have received notable upgrades, but even without these enhancements, the games perform significantly better on the standard Switch console. This improvement can occur in different ways. For example, games like Super Mario Odyssey and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet benefited from free updates to improve their performance and graphics on the Switch 2 edition. The updated Odyssey now includes HDR support and higher resolution, making it even more visually impressive. In contrast, the Switch 2 versions of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have undergone a remarkable transformation. The original releases were plagued with problems such as bugs, instability, poor performance, and obvious pop-in. However, the updated versions run smoothly at a locked 60fps, offer better lighting, object density, draw distance, and generally resemble what one would expect from a well-crafted game.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can tell you that Nintendo’s impressive backward compatibility goes beyond just the games. They’ve managed to expand it to include compatible controllers, accessories, and even some cool gaming peripherals too!

Indeed, these complimentary upgrades have a significant impact – I genuinely wish that Nintendo continues to provide such updates and has many more in store for their vast Switch library over the next few months and years.

Let’s discuss the final category of games for the Switch console that people usually play on the hypothetical Switch 2, which we’ll call these games “exclusive” to the new system due to no free updates or enhancements. These games will perform better on Switch 2, naturally, thanks to their improved hardware. If a game supports dynamic resolution, it will automatically run at its highest targeted resolution. If a game experienced frame rate drops, it will be locked at its intended framerate cap. This can make a significant difference – for instance, a game like Arkham Knight was virtually unplayable on the original Switch, but on the Switch 2, while still not perfect, it is now functional. It requires further optimization to run smoothly, but it’s no longer broken.

In numerous instances, certain games automatically address substantial graphic or performance issues within the Nintendo Switch version without requiring an update or patch, ensuring a consistent frame rate or avoiding drastic resolution reductions when the screen becomes busy. If you’ve delayed playing Nintendo Switch games due to performance and graphics concerns, or if you are new to these games or returning to old favorites, it’s impressive how well the backward compatibility on the Switch 2 handles them.

In addition to games, Nintendo’s exceptional backward compatibility extends to controllers, accessories, and peripherals. Most of your current Switch controllers, including the Pro controllers, third-party ones, and even Joycons from the first Switch, will function seamlessly on the Switch 2. Although you can no longer physically connect and pair the Joycons to the console, they can still be utilized if paired via Bluetooth. However, some accessories like Labo or carrying cases, which were designed with the dimensions of the original system in mind, may not work due to their size mismatch. Regrettably, the Switch 2 won’t be compatible with the original dock, as it is smaller and lacks the active cooling fan found in the Switch 2’s dock. But generally speaking, most accessories are transferable, making a significant contrast with how Sony managed the transition from PS4 to PS5.

“The one area where there is an improvement is performance and responsiveness.”

In the all-encompassing design of Switch 2, intelligent and considerate choices are evident everywhere. For instance, when it comes to Switch 2 Edition cartridges, they don’t just contain the new version of the game on them, but also the original Switch 1 edition in its entirety. This means that you can use the same cartridge on either a Switch 1 or a Switch 2, and the correct version will automatically play without any user selections or downloads needed. It’s similar to Smart Delivery, except it doesn’t require you to download multiple gigabytes of data. Moreover, this feature outsmarts PlayStation, which even today requires you to choose between downloading the PS4 or PS5 version for games that have both options.

In essence, the smooth integration with the original Nintendo Switch, which has been beneficial up until now, holds true except for one caveat: the user interface (UI). The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 inherits the identical operating system and UI from the current Switch, retaining the same version numbers. More importantly, this similarity extends to the visual aspects as well, with only minor changes in color, formatting, spacing, and shapes. Furthermore, it preserves the Home Screen, settings menu, friends list, and other features exactly as they are on the original device.

While it’s somewhat disheartening to find a new UI lacking in excitement given how significant these elements can be in shaping a console’s unique personality and atmosphere, it could be justifiable if the initial Nintendo Switch UI was comprehensive enough that redesigning wasn’t necessary. However, the Switch’s original UI was remarkably minimalistic, and unfortunately, this new one follows suit. There are hints of whimsy, such as system music during setup and each boot-up, but overall, it’s as austere as the initial Nintendo Switch OS.

In terms of advancement, performance and responsiveness have noticeably improved in the Switch UI. Initially, it was quite swift, which was commendable, but it became sluggish in various apps – be it booting up the eShop, the NSO app, or even when a download ran in the background. Now, however, these issues are resolved. The eShop loads incredibly fast, the NSO app is just as swift, and overall, everything feels extremely fast and smooth. At least from a functional standpoint, there are significantly fewer reasons to grumble now, despite my ongoing curiosity about why Nintendo hasn’t incorporated something fundamental like themes into this UI, considering it had the capability since the original Switch launch.

Generally speaking, the Switch 2 offers the strongest connectivity that any Nintendo system has seen so far.

The speed performance is noticeable in the system’s internet connectivity as well. The initial Switch model features a relatively outdated wireless chip, resulting in sluggish download speeds at their best, which can hardly assist the smooth operation of online applications like eShop and NSO. However, this issue is not present with the Switch 2, as it comes equipped with a WiFi 6 chip that enables significantly faster data transfer rates for both uploads and downloads. To give you an idea, a game like “Mario Kart World,” weighing over 20GB, can be downloaded in just a few minutes; on the original Switch, a similar-sized download would typically take up to an hour or more.

The Switch 2 offers a level of connectivity that’s unparalleled among previous Nintendo systems, setting it apart in several ways. Firstly, it boasts a Wi-Fi 6 chip, a feature absent from any Nintendo console before the OLED revision of the Switch. Secondly, unlike its predecessor, it comes equipped with an integrated Ethernet port – something that was missing from all Nintendo consoles until the OLED model’s launch. Lastly, it supports full Bluetooth connectivity, including for Bluetooth audio, which was not available on the original Switch until years after its release.

The new Switch 2 boasts greater onboard storage than any Nintendo system before it – an impressive 256GB. While this may seem modest compared to the storage offered by PlayStation and Xbox, it represents an eightfold increase over the original Switch, quadruple the storage provided in the Switch OLED or launch model Steam Deck, and is on par with the entry-level Steam Deck. However, it’s important to note that this storage can only be expanded using a microSD Card Express, as the new Switch 2 requires speeds comparable to SSDs for read and write operations – standard microSD cards will not suffice, even for playing games on the original Switch, which is somewhat disappointing since both PS5 and Xbox Series allow the use of slower hard drives to run previous generation games.

One significant aspect of the Nintendo Switch that remains unexplored, despite my previous discussions, is its portability. However, it’s not entirely straightforward. Firstly, compared to the original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite, the new model is larger, particularly when contrasted with the compact Switch Lite. This inherently makes it less portable than those devices. Nevertheless, despite being larger than most other portable or handheld devices on the market, such as the Steam Deck, ROG Ally X, and even the PlayStation Portal, the upcoming Switch 2 is still smaller in size. Additionally, it maintains the same thickness as the original Switch, making it relatively slim compared to other devices like the Steam Deck, Ally, and similar gadgets, which are considerably thicker.

Currently, my tests on Joycon mouse control have primarily focused on menus and the operating system. Unfortunately, none of the games I bought when Switch 2 was launched appear to support it for gameplay. However, it’s encouraging to discover that the mouse control on Switch 2 might be usable in a broader range of situations than one would initially think for a mouse control setup.

This device tends to run cooler compared to many other systems, as using my Steam Deck even close to my lap could potentially pose a health risk (it gets quite hot). However, it does get warmer than the initial Switch model for most of the time. Keep in mind that this increased warmth is due to its enhanced power capabilities.

In simpler terms, you’re saying that, regrettably, the battery life isn’t fantastic – it’s significantly shorter compared to the Switch OLED model, which lasts between 8 and 10 hours on a single charge. The Switch 2’s battery life is estimated to be around 2-6 hours, which falls slightly short of the original Switch’s 2.5-6 hours. While it could still be considered average (even surpassing some other handheld devices in certain instances), it’s worth mentioning that it’s not as impressive as many PC handhelds or the PS Portable for some reason.

Nintendo has designed the Switch 2 with various features making it more portable-friendly, such as the improved kickstand and the built-in mouse controls on the Joycons that can work well on most surfaces without compromising control precision. Although my tests for Joycon mouse control were primarily confined to menus and the operating system due to the lack of games at launch that support it, it’s promising to discover that the Switch 2’s mouse control may be suitable in a broader range of situations than one might initially think for mouse control.

In essence, evaluating and describing the Switch 2 at launch offers just a glimpse into its potential future. Over time, these gaming consoles can last for years, sometimes nearing a decade, undergoing software updates, hardware revisions, and new accessories. The games, which ultimately define a console, accumulate over time. Additionally, quirks, issues, and limitations may surface only after prolonged use, such as the analog stick drifting issue with the original Switch and PS5, which weren’t apparent at launch but became noticeable later on. Therefore, our current feelings about the Switch 2 might not reflect how we feel about it in its later years or even a few months down the line.

If Nintendo’s future lies solely in the Switch 2 for the upcoming 5-7 years, they have strategically positioned themselves for another wave of triumph, building upon the path-breaking and groundbreaking success of the original Nintendo Switch.

The current sentiment towards it plays a crucial role, as it lays the foundation for the device’s entire lifespan. A first impression is everything, and the Switch 2 definitely leaves a lasting one. This isn’t just any machine; it’s a top-tier product that boasts numerous refined, sturdy, and all-encompassing upgrades throughout. It significantly enhances an already beloved system.

The new model doesn’t quite match the original Switch in terms of novelty or initial impact, and its focus on continuity and cross-platform compatibility might reinforce that feeling. However, where it falls short in innovation, it excels in quality. If the Switch 2 is to be Nintendo’s primary console for the next five to seven years, they have laid a strong foundation for continued success, building upon the pioneering and trailblazing legacy of the Nintendo Switch.

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2025-06-06 15:13