After years of anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here—and no, it’s not a revolutionary reimagining of the original hybrid console. But maybe it doesn’t need to be. What Nintendo has delivered is a refined, much-improved version of its beloved Switch, with just enough upgrades to satisfy returning fans and lure in a new generation of players. It’s not perfect, but it’s exactly good enough—and that’s kind of the point.
A Familiar Form, But Better
At first glance, the Switch 2 looks a lot like its predecessor: a slim tablet with detachable Joy-Con controllers, a built-in kickstand, and a dock for TV play. But almost everything has been subtly improved. The 7.9-inch LCD screen is bigger and sharper than before (1920 x 1080 vs. 1280 x 720), with HDR and a refresh rate up to 120Hz that makes everything from Mario to Metroid look smoother. No, it’s not OLED, but this LCD is bright and colorful enough that most won’t notice.
The new Joy-Con controllers feel sturdier and snap on with satisfying magnetic locks. They’re also slightly bigger, with better ergonomics and a redesigned HD Rumble 2 that adds richer haptics. There’s even a new “C” button for quick access to voice chat and a few clever surprises: cameras embedded in the Joy-Cons that can be used as motion-tracking mice—a niche, but cool addition for certain games.
Solid Performance, Smart Trade-Offs
Power-wise, the Switch 2 is a definite step up. Thanks to a custom NVIDIA chip with DLSS, G-Sync support, and real-time ray tracing, it offers around 10x the graphics performance of the original. It has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of fast UFS storage (expandable via microSD Express), which is finally enough breathing room for modern titles.
More importantly, the power bump translates to real-world benefits: third-party games that were previously unplayable on the Switch are now possible. Launch titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Yakuza 0 run smoothly, making it clear that Nintendo is no longer stuck in the indie-only lane when it comes to multiplatform support.
However, Nintendo fans may be disappointed by the thin lineup of first-party exclusives at launch. While Mario Kart World and Switch 2 Welcome Tour are charming, we’re still waiting on heavy hitters like Zelda, Smash Bros., or Animal Crossing sequels to show up.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life is about what you’d expect: 6–9 hours depending on the game, screen brightness, and frame rate. It’s a little better than the OLED model in real-world testing, thanks to efficiency gains from the new chip, but still not wildly different.
Portability remains a highlight. While not pocket-sized, the Switch 2 is lighter and thinner than most PC handhelds, and a great option for travel. The two USB-C ports (one with video out) are a thoughtful touch, as is the improved audio with a 3.5mm headphone jack still intact.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Sharper 7.9″ HDR screen with high refresh rate
- Much better performance and graphics
- Redesigned, more comfortable Joy-Con controllers
- Still the most flexible hybrid gaming system around
- Now supports big-name third-party games
Cons:
- No OLED screen (LCD is good, but not best-in-class)
- Sparse first-party launch lineup
- Battery life is solid but not stellar
- Still lacks Bluetooth mic support for chat
What does the internet say?
Big Upgrades + Familiar Experience
Reviewers and fans praise the larger 7.9″ 1080p/120 Hz screen, upgraded Joy‑Cons with magnetic rails, and far quicker performance—even breathing new life into OG Switch titles like TotK and Pokémon Scarlet cadenaser.com+15theverge.com+15youtube.com+15. Reddit users echo the sentiment:
“I still think I prefer the Switch 2 because of the 120 Hz, larger screen, and resolution bump.” reddit.com
“The system no longer feels like holding a toy… This is a premium handheld.” reddit.com
Performance & Third‑Party Support
Powered by a custom NVIDIA chip, the Switch 2 offers console‑level performance (comparable to PS4 Pro) and smooth experience across both new and older first‑party games timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15businessinsider.com+15reddit.com+15. Users are impressed by Mario Kart World’s fluid gameplay and the introduction of GameChat features like voice and video chat cadenaser.com+1thescottishsun.co.uk+1.
What’s Underwhelming
Battery life is reportedly a weak spot, with only 2–6.5 hours of use and occasional drain/indicator issues gamesradar.com+3reddit.com+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3. Some users feel the LCD is inferior to OLED, citing washed-out visuals as.com+15reddit.com+15reddit.com+15. Additionally, early reports of stick drift in Joy‑Cons have surfaced, and repairability has taken a hit—a low iFixit score (3/10) highlights concerns about future longevity polygon.com+1wired.com+1.
Mixed Launch Lineup & Price Complaints
While Mario Kart World shines, the initial roster of exclusives feels light. Critics note Sony’s screen lacks HDR and no Zelda or Smash titles at launch as.com+15reddit.com+15reddit.com+15. Nintendo is also mixed on pricing—popular streamers and users have flagged high costs for the console, games, and paid updates to legacy titles reddit.com.
Record‑Breaking Launch Sales
Despite criticisms, the Switch 2 is flying off shelves. It sold 3.5 million units in just four days—making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling console ever reddit.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15reddit.com+15.
Bottom Line:
The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it just spins it smoother. It’s a thoughtful, incremental update that delivers where it counts: performance, display, and comfort. While the lack of major Nintendo exclusives at launch stings a little, the console lays a strong foundation for years of great gaming ahead. If you’re a current Switch owner, the upgrade may not be essential—but for newcomers or handheld diehards, this is the one to get.
