Nintendo Switch 2 Review: The Next-Gen Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For

Price When Reviewed

$449.99

Best Prices Today: Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a true evolution of 2017’s original Nintendo Switch console, with a big step forward in graphics, controls, and build quality.

It’s also much pricier than the original console was at launch, especially when you consider how much flagship games such as Mario Kart World cost.

But after nearly a fortnight with the console, I believe it’s something worth investing in.

If you’d like to read my unfiltered thoughts from unboxing the console and playing it with a fresh pair of eyes, then there’s a diary of my first three days with Switch 2, which I updated in real time.

Design & Build

• Bigger than the original Switch
• One colorway on launch
• Magnetic Joy-Cons
• New C button

The Switch 2 still retains the same core themes of this console line – namely, the hybrid handheld and docked nature, along with detachable Joy-Cons that can be used wirelessly when fully charged.

The Switch 2 is significantly larger than the original Switch. It’s 12.7mm taller and 30.48mm wider and weighs 534g with the Joy-Cons attached.

The benefit of a larger design is a big, bright and beautiful glass display in handheld mode, though it’s not quite as travel-friendly. I use a third-party case from Nacon, which takes up a lot of space in my bag, but it feels like a worthy trade-off for the upgrades.

At launch, there’s just the one color – grey with orange and blue accents. There aren’t any additional Joy-Con shades to mix and match yet, but the great news is that you can still connect Joy-Cons from the Switch 1 with minimal hassle, albeit with some limitations.

While the lack of color choice may be a disappointment to some, I will say that this console looks sleeker and more premium than its predecessor. And besides, Nintendo is probably saving some special editions for later down the line… probably. Don’t hold me to that.

The benefit of a larger design is a big, bright and beautiful glass display in handheld mode

One big change is that a second USB-C port now sits on the top of the console, joining the one on the bottom. This means that you can charge the console in handheld mode while using the kickstand – a key oversight from the first edition. It’s also for connecting the camera accessory, but I’ll get to that later.

Speaking of which, the kickstand has had a serious revamp, now in a much sturdier U-shape that can be adjusted anywhere up to 150 degrees.

On top, you’ll find the power button, volume rocker, and the improved game cartridge slot. On the bottom, there’s a microSD card express slot – note that this won’t support regular microSD cards. There’s also a new C button on both the console and controllers, which enables the funky GameChat function.

Display, Graphics & Speakers

• 7.9-inch LCD display
• 4K support when docked
• Up to 120fps
• Punchy speakers

The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch screen, 1.7 inches larger than that of the OG Switch. While it’s LCD rather than OLED as hoped for, don’t let that put you off.

This display is a pleasure to use both in handheld and tabletop modes. Details are sharper thanks to the 1080p support (4K is reserved for when the console is docked and performance is smooth) and double the pixels of the first gen. Meanwhile, colors are vivid and pop beautifully on the screen.

My suspicion would be that Nintendo will eventually release an OLED version, just like with the original Switch, along with a Lite version for those who want a cheaper entry-level console.

The console supports up to 120Hz refresh rate, and you’ll particularly notice these speedier responses in older games such as the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Note that this 120Hz refresh rate isn’t supported if you opt for 4K mode on the TV – it will then be capped at 60Hz.

So, you’ll have to pick your poison to some extent. The highest resolution you can go at 120Hz (if your TV supports that refresh rate) is 1440p.

HDR is also an optional mode within the display settings, and you can enable this both in handheld mode and docked, but you’ll mainly see the difference on your TV.

While the graphics cannot match the prowess seen on the PS5, Xbox Series X, or a PC, they finally bring Nintendo into the modern age

While testing on my Sky Glass 2, it’s night and day. Tones are so much more lively, with highly detailed textures. Having it turned off leaves your gameplay looking washed out by comparison. In handheld