In the past 48 hours, the availability of the Switch 2 has allowed consumers around the world to experience Nintendo’s newest console. At Ars Orbiting HQ, we are diligently evaluating the system and want to share some early impressions. These thoughts should serve as an extended preview as we discuss the release of Nintendo’s first entirely new platform in over eight years.
Joy-Cons Offer a Pleasurable Experience
The magnetic connection of the new Joy-Cons to the Switch 2 creates a satisfying “snap” sound, adding convenience with a handy release lever that enables one-handed detaching. Despite the absence of a physical rail to hold the controllers—unlike the original Switch—the Joy-Cons feel securely fastened during portable use.
The Switch 2’s updated Joy-Cons provide enhanced comfort for adult hands; however, there’s a design quirk that some users may find bothersome. The analog stick intrudes slightly into the space designated for the face buttons on the right Joy-Con. Accidental nudges of the analog stick while pressing the lower “B” button have already been noted, a concern less common with the original model.
Portable Mode Has Its Drawbacks
While the additional weight of a quarter-pound on the Switch 2 may not seem significant, this extra heft has been noticeable during prolonged gaming sessions in portable mode. Its thinner design compared to heftier consoles like the Steam Deck causes it to press more firmly into users’ palms during extended use.
To alleviate the discomfort, many players may find themselves instinctively hooking their pinkies under the tablet to relieve pressure. This observation raises questions about the console’s comfort, particularly given its design intended for long-term use.
Mouse Mode Presents Challenges
The Joy-Con’s mouse mode is notably versatile, functioning on a variety of surfaces including thighs, couch fabrics, and books. The only surface that posed a challenge was a glass tabletop, which obstructed the digital camera’s ability to detect motion. However, utilizing the mouse on softer surfaces can hinder accuracy, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
Additionally, extended sessions in mouse mode can lead to discomfort. The slim design of the Joy-Con makes it inadequate for full palm support, forcing players into an awkward grip. While some users are already crafting 3D-printed solutions for improved comfort, an official accessory from Nintendo or a third-party manufacturer could enhance this unique feature.
Switch 2 Welcome Tour Lacks Engagement
Described as a combination of a sales brochure and a comprehensive manual, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour stretches to a tedious five-hour interactive session. Although it contains intriguing facts—such as the touch screen’s ability to read ten fingers simultaneously—these details are obscured by lengthy self-promotional content and technical jargon more suited for novices unfamiliar with computing basics.
Despite some entertaining mini-games, such as mimicking on-screen expressions, getting to those games involves a tiresome quest to collect hidden stamps throughout the tour, which can become quite frustrating. While this experience may be tolerable as a free addition to the console, the notion of charging $10 for such a lackluster offering feels a bit unjustifiable.
GameChat Features Mixed Performance
Setting up a GameChat session with friends on the Switch 2 is relatively straightforward after an extensive initial configuration. The device’s internal microphone effectively captures voices, even across a spacious room, while the camera’s head-tracking ability keeps users appropriately centered in view.
However, screen sharing through GameChat leaves something to be desired, producing a grainy video feed with a frustratingly low frame rate of 10 to 15 fps. This limitation is manageable for providing occasional support to fellow players but falls short of replicating the vibrant streaming experience one might find on platforms like Twitch.
Storage Space Can Be Limited
Although the 256GB of internal storage on the Switch 2 is sufficient for those primarily playing upgraded versions of older games—such as the 20GB required for the enhanced Tears of the Kingdom—newer titles tailored for this system can take up considerably more space. Games like Street Fighter 6 require 48GB, Cyberpunk 2077 nearly 60GB, and Split Fiction takes up a staggering 69.2GB. Consequently, players looking to download such titles will likely need to purchase a MicroSD Express card sooner rather than later.
Improved Performance for Switch Games
More extensive evaluations are forthcoming, but initial observations indicate that the Switch 2’s enhancements significantly boost the performance of many previously lagging games. This is especially true for late-stage titles that heavily taxed the original hardware. For instance, experiencing Tears of the Kingdom at a silky smooth 60 fps on the Switch 2 makes returning to the original version increasingly difficult for players.
