Should you Switch it up with the Switch 2?

On June 5, Nintendo launched its latest console, the Switch 2. The launch was a success, as it sold 3.5 million units in four days making it “the fastest selling home video game console of all time.” 

The console is currently sold out, but we managed to get our hands on one. Today we take a deep dive into the system, and provide the details to help you decide if it is right for you.

The Hardware

The Switch 2 looks very similar to its predecessor. The body and screen are bigger, but otherwise the form factor is nearly the same. The latest console offers a custom Nvidia processor, which allows it to play current generation games seamlessly. According to Nvidia, this translates to a substantial increase in CPU and GPU performance, with the Switch 2 offering up to 10x the graphics performance and improved CPU capabilities. 

In short, games run better on the Switch 2. In our tests, a game like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom which sputtered on the Switch 1 ran smoothly on the new hardware. It can also run the newest third-party games, like Split Fiction and Civilization VII. One area that suffers due to these better components is battery life. The original Switch could keep players entertained for up to 9 hours, whereas the Switch 2 has enough juice for a maximum of 6.5. On the low end, the Switch one would get 4.5 hours, compared to 2 on the new unit. 

One concern when the Switch 2 was announced was that the new model did not come with an OLED screen, an option that was later introduced for the Switch. Even without an OLED screen, the Switch 2’s display is gorgeous, especially compared with the Switch 1. The new screen is a big 7.9-inch 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate while in handheld mode, compared to the 6.2-inch 720p on the original. 

The graphics are also better when docked to a television. The Switch 2 can output 4K resolution, compared with standard high definition for the original. The new console also supports HDR and VRR. What all this means is the new Switch looks better both while playing in handheld mode or hooked up to a bigger screen. 

The sliding rail Joy-Cons of the original Switch are replaced by a magnetically-held model that releases when a button on the back of the controller is pushed. This is a huge improvement, as the new Joy-Cons pop off and on quickly and effortlessly. The magnets are strong enough so you do not have to worry about them coming loose when using the device. 

The Joy-Cons have two new features compared to the old ones. First is a C button, which can be used with Nintendo’s chat feature. Second, when the Joy-Cons are removed, they can function as a mouse, similar to those used with a computer. One of the selling points for the mouse feature is that Nintendo says it does not need to be used on a hard surface like a desk, and instead can be used on a pair of jeans. In our testing, we found this to be true. 

While the Joy-Cons have a few notable new features, there is one huge issue Nintendo did not address with their new controllers: stick drift. Stick drift is when a player is not touching the controller, but the game responds like they are being moved. The control sticks feel the same as the Switch 1, which is problematic as Nintendo vowed to address this issue with the new hardware.

The Setup

Nintendo made the transition to the Switch 2 easy. During the initial setup phase, the process will ask if you want to transfer data and games from a Switch 1. If the answer is yes, it is as easy as placing the two systems next to each other, similar to how most cellular phones transfer data. Owners can choose if they want to import all user accounts or just their own. Once the process is complete, the new Switch 2 is ready to play. 

The Switch 2 comes with two USB-C ports, one on the bottom where the console fits into the dock, and another on top. Nintendo hopes users will use the second one to attach a camera to the device as part of their new video chat feature. Nintendo sells two, including one that looks like a Piranha Plant. While you could buy a fancy new camera, most USB-C cameras should work with the new console. The fine people on Reddit compiled a list of which cameras work with the Switch 2 and those that do not. 

Nintendo’s game chat feels very limited within a game, and just in general. At launch, this feature can only be used with your friends on the new console. It would be nice if instead of making this functionally so brand-specific, it was open to include applications like Discord and Twitch for streaming. Until then, or unless you and your friends are all playing a shiny new Switch 2, this feature is basically worthless.

The Games

The Switch 2 had one of the weakest launch day lineups in recent history. Only two new games were released with the new hardware: Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. The latter is a virtual tour of the new system that should have come as a free title with the new system. Instead, Nintendo decided to charge $10 for the experience. 

That leaves Mario Kart World, the latest game in one of Nintendo’s best selling franchises. Nintendo offered a package with a digital version of the game for $50 more than the console alone, so it was a popular purchase for those picking up the new system. Mario Kart World is a lot of fun, but it is not a “system seller” the way a new Mario, Pokemon or Zelda game would be. 

That does not mean these are the only games for the Switch 2. With an advanced processor that can run newer games that the original Switch could not, a number of third party games launched alongside the Switch 2. These were already released on other systems, but are making their debut on a Nintendo system. Some of the titles include Cyberpunk 2077, Sonic X Shadow Generations, Hogwarts Legacy, Hitman World of Assassination and Split Fiction. We compiled a complete list of launch games for launch day. 

Nintendo also updated many of their first-party games with new graphics and bonus features to work on the Switch 2. Some of these are free updates, while others are paid with varying prices. The most notable of these are the Zelda games released for the Switch 1: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Both of these updates cost $10 each, but are free to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. The revised versions offer additional features through the Nintendo app, including daily bonuses, voice memories which add new details to the story and a map to help find shrines and other hidden objects. 

With the launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo also rolled out Game-Key Cards. These hybrid games require both the cartridge and an internet download. The cartridge needs to be in the system to play the game, but the content is all downloaded to your Switch 2 via the internet. We tested the Game-Key Card version of Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster on our Switch 2. Apart from requiring the content be downloaded, they work similar to a regular cartridge game. We will have more details on a few of the games we tested next week.

The Verdict

Nintendo is known for bold moves with their consoles. The Wii and Switch were unlike anything available at the time. The Switch 2 feels like the new, shinier cell phone you trade you trade up for when your contract expires. While it is not revolutionary, the upgraded processor and quality of life features are noticeable and welcome. 

The Switch 2 offers a significant boost in power over the original Switch, but not a lot of new titles to play on it yet. If you never owned a Switch 1 or have a back catalog of games you never played, the Switch 2 is ideal. The bigger screen and next generation hardware mean it can play just about any game without any issues, including new ones. 

Starting at $450, the Switch 2 is not an inexpensive system. However, with the current U.S. tariffs set to kick back in, the system could potentially go up in price, or at least be difficult to find around the holidays. While there are not a lot of new titles to play on it now, those who are buying the Switch 2 are likely looking towards the future. Metroid, Kirby and Donkey Kong games are already announced for the system, and it has been a while since there was a new Mario game released. 

The Switch 2 is not a significant enough update that most people will feel the need to replace their first generation hardware immediately. But it is an upgrade, and one I am personally glad I made. For the more budget-conscious consumer, I would advise waiting a year. Depending where we are in the world, I could see the system dropping in price to $400 for the 2026 holiday rush. But, if you need the newest and best, you won’t regret the upgrade.

The Good

• Bigger, beautiful screen
• Solid gameplay in both handheld and docked mode
• Higher end processor means it should get more games as they release
• Magnetic Joy-Cons are far superior to the rails version on the Switch 1

The Bad

• Joy-Cons feel like those on the Switch 1, which experienced issues with drifting
• Price $$$
• Lack of games if you have another console or Switch 1
• Restricted chat and streaming
• Battery life could be better

The Switch 2 Review Haiku

Pricey new console
Beautiful and powerful
Wait for more new games