The Nintendo Switch 2 is here. Fans waited for a long time. Many hoped this new model would fix problems from the first Switch. Others just wanted better graphics and performance.
Is it a big upgrade? Is it worth your money? We tested it for two weeks to find out. This review will tell you everything you need to know.
First Look and Design
Image credit: Nintendo/Digital Foundry
At first glance, the Switch 2 looks very familiar. It has the same overall shape. It still uses Joy-Con controllers on each side. But when you hold it, you notice some changes.
The new matte finish feels smooth. The console also feels heavier. It weighs about 534 grams with the Joy-Cons attached. That’s heavier than the original Switch, which weighed about 398 grams.
The extra weight is not bad. In fact, it feels more solid and premium. The Switch 2 is also a little bigger. It is taller and wider. You cannot fit it in a small bag or pocket. But it is still smaller and lighter than handhelds like the Steam Deck.
One of the best improvements is the new kickstand. The old kickstand was weak and flimsy. The new one is wide and sturdy. It is great for playing in tabletop mode.
Another nice change is the USB-C ports. Now there are two. One is on top, and one is on the bottom. The dock is also better. It now supports Ethernet for faster internet. Cooling is also improved.
Bigger Joy-Cons with Old Problems
The Joy-Con 2 controllers are also upgraded. They are a bit bigger. This makes them more comfortable to hold. The matte black finish looks modern. Buttons feel nice and responsive.
A small but good change is how they connect. The new magnetic rail system makes it easy to attach or remove them.
However, one big problem from the old Joy-Cons is still here — stick drift. Nintendo still uses the same potentiometer sticks. Over time, this can cause drift. That means your character may move even when you are not touching the stick.
Sadly, some new owners are already reporting drift issues. Nintendo says they will replace faulty Joy-Cons for free. But it is still disappointing that this problem was not fixed.
The Joy-Cons also have a new feature — Mouse Mode. You can place a Joy-Con flat and use it like a mouse. It works well for games like Civilization 7. But using it for long sessions can get uncomfortable.
Much More Power and Better Graphics
The biggest improvement in the Switch 2 is the power. It is about 10 times more powerful than the first Switch. The new Nvidia T239 chip makes this possible.
The screen is now 7.9 inches. It is an LCD panel with HDR. The resolution is now 1080p in handheld mode. In docked mode, the Switch 2 can output in 4K, thanks to DLSS upscaling.
The screen also supports 120Hz refresh rate. This makes gameplay look smooth. You can really see the difference in fast games.
Loading times are also much faster. Everything feels quicker and more responsive.
Battery Life
More power means more battery use. The battery lasts 2 to 6 hours, depending on the game.
Heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077 will drain the battery fast — about 2 hours. Lighter games like Pokémon Violet can last about 4 hours.
This is about the same as the original Switch. But it is a step down from later models like the Switch OLED, which could last up to 9 hours on light games.
Games and Performance
What about the games? The launch lineup is small but good. The two big new titles are:
- Mario Kart World — Runs at smooth 60fps.
- Cyberpunk 2077 — Runs well at 30-40fps.
The best news is that the Switch 2 is backward compatible. You can play your old Switch games. Many of them run better automatically.
For example:
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet runs much smoother now.
- Smash Bros. Ultimate loads very fast.
- Darksiders 3 now runs at 60fps.
But not all games get big improvements. Some games need Upgrade Packs (about $10) to unlock full resolution and better frame rate.
Games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom work fine, but need an Upgrade Pack for the best performance.
Some games, like the Xenoblade Chronicles series, see little improvement.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Bigger and brighter screen
✅ Much more power
✅ Faster loading times
✅ Better Joy-Cons
✅ Works with old Switch games
Cons:
❌ High price: $450 to $500
❌ Small launch library
❌ Joy-Con drift is still an issue
❌ Battery life is just okay
Should You Buy It?
So, is the Switch 2 worth buying? The short answer is — Yes, but it depends.
If you never owned a Switch, this is a great place to start. It is the best version of the console. It is powerful, fast, and looks great.
If you already own a Switch or a Switch OLED, you might want to wait. The launch lineup is small. Some of your old games will need Upgrade Packs to look their best.
At $450 to $500, the price is high. Games cost $40 to $80. Accessories like a Pro Controller or carrying case add even more cost.
Another thing to know: Nintendo can ban your console if they detect certain modifications. Some users have been blocked from online services. Just something to keep in mind.
Final Thoughts
I’ve used the Switch 2 for two weeks. I like it a lot. The screen is beautiful. The performance is much better. It feels great to play on.
But I also think it is a console that will get better with time. Once more new games come out, it will really shine.
If you are a big Nintendo fan, you will love it. If you are more casual, you might want to wait.
Overall, the Switch 2 is a very good console. It has some old issues. It costs a lot. But it delivers on what fans hoped for — a bigger, better Switch experience.