Nintendo’s introduction of the Switch in 2017 marked a significant resurgence for the company, following the less successful Wii U. By integrating cutting-edge system-on-a-chip miniaturization, Nintendo developed a versatile device capable of functioning as both a portable handheld and a modest television console. This duality, combined with a strong lineup of first-party title offerings, distinguished the Switch from its contemporaries in the gaming market.
Fast forward eight years, the debut of the Switch 2 enters a drastically different landscape of gaming hardware, primarily shaped by the original Switch. This new environment features an array of portable gaming devices that can easily connect to televisions, including comprehensive handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and various budget-friendly retro gaming devices. Notably, even Microsoft is entering this segment with a streamlined Windows gaming experience geared towards handhelds.
The evolution of the market has tempered the novelty of the Switch 2 compared to its predecessor. It remains a direct extension of the original Switch, boasting enhancements in its physical hardware and internal architecture. Rather than introducing groundbreaking concepts, Nintendo is offering an upgraded version, appealing to fans of the original device.
These enhancements are likely to satisfy players who have noted the original Switch’s diminishing performance with graphically intensive games. However, as the handheld market expands with capable alternatives, some may find a mere reiteration in the Switch 2 less appealing.
Joyful Joy-Cons
One standout feature that the Switch line maintains over its handheld competitors is the detachable Joy-Cons. The new magnetic attachment system for these controllers on the Switch 2 offers ease of use, allowing for secure one-handed removal and a reliable portable mode connection. After a week of frequent usage, the design has proven to be exceptionally user-friendly.
The updated Joy-Cons have also addressed a main criticism of their predecessors: their size. The overall dimensions, buttons, and joystick have been enlarged, making them feel more ergonomic for larger hands. Gone are the days of struggling with the small Joy-Cons, ensuring greater comfort during extended gameplay.
As with the previous iteration, the detachable Joy-Cons can be utilized independently, effectively giving users two controllers at no extra cost. This added size makes it more comfortable to hold a single Joy-Con horizontally, particularly with the newly designed shoulder buttons. However, while the expanded buttons help, their positioning still makes extended play less than ideal.
For impromptu multiplayer games, especially with younger players, the ability to use Joy-Cons as second controllers is a useful feature. The Switch 2’s compatibility with existing Switch controllers in tabletop or docked mode enhances the flexibility for those upgrading from the original console.
Control Compromises
Despite the advancements in the Joy-Cons, their thin profile remains unchanged from the original version. While this design choice helps maintain a sleek profile in portable mode, it sacrifices the rounded palm grips seen in competing handhelds, which can lead to discomfort during extended gameplay sessions.
The thinness creates a less-than-ideal user experience, as the edges can feel uncomfortable against the palm, particularly with the Switch 2 being 34% heavier than its predecessor. Although a Joy-Con holster provides improved ergonomics for docked play, issues persist during portable use.
Prolonged use of the Joy-Cons can also reveal other shortcomings. Despite their increased size, the buttons remain smaller than those on rival controllers, which can become uncomfortable when held down for too long. Furthermore, the joystick’s close proximity to the face buttons may lead to accidental nudges during gameplay.
While these trade-offs keep the Switch 2 lightweight, they may necessitate additional accessories, similar to the Nyxi Hyperion Pro, which enhances comfort during handheld play on the original Switch.
Improvements Inside and Out
The display on the Switch 2 shows minimal compromises, featuring a vibrant 1080p, 7.9-inch screen that supports HDR and variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz. This marks a significant upgrade over its predecessor while also surpassing many of its handheld competitors. Although it lacks the deep blacks typically found in OLED displays, its peak brightness of around 450 nits mitigates this issue.
The inclusion of a custom Nvidia processor marks a substantial improvement over the original Switch’s Tegra chip, delivering a transformative experience for upgraded titles that leverage this enhanced power. Games such as Tears of the Kingdom now run smoothly at 60 fps, while even challenging titles like No Man’s Sky benefit from enhanced texture and resolution clarity on the Switch 2.
Link’s Awakening on Switch 1 in docked mode.
Link’s Awakening on Switch 2 in docked mode, showcasing fewer jagged edges and sharper textures.
Link’s Awakening on Switch 2 in handheld mode.
The enhanced power of the Switch 2 is evident in early third-party titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Splatoon 3, Hitman World of Assassination, and Street Fighter VI, which previously would have necessitated significant downgrade to function on the original hardware. Visual fidelity on these games is comparable to what one might expect on a PS4 Pro in handheld mode or an Xbox Series S in docked mode. With diminishing graphical improvements from new hardware releases like the PS5 Pro, this level of performance should satisfy a broad range of players.
However, with this increased power comes less endurance in battery life. Intensive games like Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077 can drain the battery in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. For less resource-heavy games, battery life can extend modestly, especially with reduced screen brightness, but frequent recharging may be necessary for prolonged gaming sessions.
On the exterior, the Switch 2 features numerous minor enhancements, including an additional USB-C port for charging and a revamped, sturdier stand for tabletop play. The inclusion of high-speed storage drastically reduces load times, with titles like Mario Kart 8 loading in about 8.5 seconds compared to 16.5 seconds on the original model.
Nonetheless, the 256GB of onboard storage seems notably inadequate, given that many digital games require downloads between 50GB to 70GB. This challenge is exacerbated by the availability of numerous third-party titles solely as Game Key Cards, which still necessitate full downloads. Buyers should expect to invest an extra $50 or more for a MicroSD Express card to enhance their storage capacity.
Those Nintendo Gimmicks
Despite the overall familiarity of the new system, the Switch 2 does introduce select original features. One noteworthy addition is mouse mode, which transforms a Joy-Con into a mouse when placed flat against various surfaces. Initial tests on different surfaces have demonstrated surprising functionality, although accuracy declines on softer surfaces. While the concept is innovative, the ergonomic design is less than ideal, making extended use uncomfortable.
Another notable feature, GameChat, allows players to use the built-in microphone or an optional webcam for direct communication with friends. This user-friendly addition eases social interactions without relying on external applications, although it somewhat lags behind similar features established by competitors in prior generations.
Notably, GameChat enables players to share a live screen view with friends, although the low-frame-rate streaming lacks the quality seen in dedicated streaming services.
Concerns regarding usability also extend to GameShare, which allows for streaming gameplay to another Switch console. The experience relies heavily on the home’s wireless capabilities, resulting in varying levels of performance. Additionally, GameShare’s requirement for specially compiled games may limit its practicality compared to comprehensive remote play solutions available on PC.
The Best of Both Worlds?
This review usually recommends against launching a console purchase due to limited available titles. However, the original Switch maintained its pricing throughout its lifecycle, making this a potentially favorable time for interested buyers.
Nonetheless, prospective Switch 2 owners may find the current library lacking. With Mario Kart World being the flagship title at launch, its mixed reception and the uninspiring debut of other first-party offerings signal a slow start for the system. Additionally, the majority of the launch titles consist of ports from other platforms, providing a less compelling experience for gamers eager for original content.
Looking ahead, Nintendo promises a selection of first-party titles poised to attract interest, including Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4. Many of these upcoming games will also be accessible on the older Switch model but may not deliver the same performance enhancements.
In terms of third-party support, the Switch 2 appears capable of accommodating more resource-intensive titles, with announcements for major games like Elden Ring and upcoming releases such as 007 First Light indicating strong potential. Furthermore, exclusive games like FromSoft’s Duskbloods offer additional prospects for the console’s library.
While priced at $450, the Switch 2 hybrid console delivers solid performance, though it may face challenges competing against the vast library of handheld PCs. Those devices might come at a higher price point but offer a wider range of games and customization options. For gamers who prioritize exclusive Nintendo experiences, the Switch 2 stands as a compelling upgrade; others may continue to overlook its allure.
