The Nintendo Switch 2 might have a sense of déjà vu, yet it offers its unique charm. I got the chance to try it out at an exciting hands-on event in New York. I’d say my excitement leaned more towards the games than the console itself, but that’s not to dismiss the hardware.
Don’t misunderstand me; the Switch 2 is a solid piece of tech. Priced at $450, it transitions seamlessly from being a handheld to a full-fledged console. Ultimately, its worth pivots on the quality of both Nintendo’s own titles and third-party offerings.
This next-gen Switch is definitely a follow-up, but it’s clearly stepped up from Nintendo’s original gaming philosophy. My brief play session left me eager to explore more, though I’d better start budgeting for it now.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
The first thing you’ll notice about the Switch 2 is the sleek black matte finish on the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the console itself—it’s a striking introduction. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with the attached controllers, it feels a tad heavier than what I anticipated for a Switch, but given the expansive 7.9-inch screen, it’s justified. It’s still lighter than some high-end portable gaming PCs, including the 1.41-pound Steam Deck OLED.
There’s a departure from the usual vibrant Nintendo colors, save for the hints of neon red and orange around the joysticks and under the controllers. Despite the color scheme feeling atypically subdued for Nintendo, reminiscent of how the GameCube once offered colorful options, I’m optimistic we’ll see more variations to come.
The Joy-Cons detach with easy-release buttons, and while I didn’t spend too much time with the detach-and-attach routine—the consoles were often tucked away—it left a strong first impression. It clicks in with confidence, so accidental disconnection isn’t a concern.
The controllers have been stretched a bit, offering a more comfortable hold than their predecessors. They’re not drastically different, but the elongated design is a welcome improvement that some users will surely appreciate.
Regarding the control sticks, while the developers introduced them as having been overhauled for smoother movements, they seem aligned with the original Joy-Cons’ potentiometer-style. They didn’t feel significantly different during the brief tests, although I need more time to tell if they improved.
One of the biggest physical upgrades is the kickstand. Unlike the almost-improvisational tiny one on the original, this new stand is broader and more stable, allowing you to adjust to any angle. I could see it being genuinely usable, even on a tight airplane tray space.
The standout upgrade, though, becomes apparent while gaming: the refreshed display. It trades OLED for a 1920 x 1080 resolution LCD with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. While some might see this as a step back from the OLED model, Mario Kart World was vibrant on this screen. I’m eager to try more games, especially since most demos ran on TVs during the event.
Concerning the dock, I caught a glimpse of it with the Switch 2 camera. It’s bulkier to house a cooling fan but doesn’t seem vastly different in functionality from its predecessor.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
Here’s a quick rundown of what powers the Switch 2:
- CPU and GPU: Custom Nvidia chip with DLSS and ray tracing capabilities.
- Display: A 7.9-inch 1920 x 1080 touchscreen, with HDR10 and 120 Hz VRR.
- Storage: 256GB expandable up to 2TB via microSD Express.
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and dock-based Ethernet.
- Audio: Stereo speakers paired with a monaural mic featuring noise cancellation.
- Connectivity: Dual USB Type-C ports, a headphone jack, game card slot, and microSD Express expansion.
- Dock Ports: Two USB 2.0 Type-A, HDMI, and Ethernet.
- Battery Life: It lasts between 2 and 6.5 hours, depending on usage.
- Price: $449.99 or $499.99 if you snag the Mario Kart World bundle.
- Availability: Coming June 5, 2025.
Mouse Controls
While Nintendo’s consoles are celebrated for their simplicity, there are whispers of PC gaming features making their way to the Switch.
Let’s talk about the mouse—yes, the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers double up as mice thanks to built-in sensors. I was intrigued and tested these in some games. It’s reminiscent of the good ol’ SNES days circa 1992, only polished for today’s gamer. Joy-Con straps now have handy little skates for smoother navigation.
The mouse-like feature was hit-or-miss during my trials. Take Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: Joy-Cons provided sharper control over Samus Aran than traditional joysticks, though it was a tad awkward in long stretches. Still, the larger ZL and ZR buttons help accommodate this playstyle. I ended up swapping back to classic controls midway.
Civilization VII, meanwhile, adapted beautifully; I felt like I was playing a PC version. Its slower pace was a better fit for this control setup. You use just one Joy-Con as a mouse, but I’d have liked more customizable shortcuts for the second controller.
A particularly novel application was in Drag x Drive, a game that has you wield both Joy-Cons as mice to steer robots in a Rocket League-meets-wheelchair-basketball game. The unique setup is engaging but leaves one pondering whether traditional controls might enhance the experience.
Talking of traditional setups, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition was demoed on a Pro controller, and I’m intrigued to see how mouse controls might work there.
While the Joy-Con’s mouse mode piqued my interest, it’s not without its challenges. Most console gaming happens on the couch, far from a desk-friendly surface. The game suggested trying the mode using your pants as a mat, which worked in brief moments but hardly seems sustainable for extensive play sessions. There’s curiosity around how much long-term support this feature will receive from developers.
Nintendo’s booth, with its mouse mats and ergonomic desks, did hint at their commitment.
Resolution Options and Quality Modes
Another advanced upgrade is the variety of resolution options and quality modes, which cater to the more tech-inclined gamers. This is a significant leap from the original Switch, which offered 720p and docked 1080p outputs. Now, the Switch 2 can deliver up to 4K resolution at 60 fps when docked, and variable refresh rates when playing at 1080p or 1440p, reaching up to 120 Hz.
The handheld mode itself has undergone a makeover, allowing for gameplay at 1080p and a buttery-smooth 120 fps—a significant step up from the original’s specs, and quite the couch-play improvement.
Here’s a quick guide on resolution capabilities:
- Resolution: Max Frame Rate: Mode
- 3840 x 2160: 60 fps: Docked
- 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440: 120 fps: Docked
- 1920 x 1080: 120 fps: Handheld/Tabletop
Games aren’t left out of this tech uplift, with titles like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond providing a choice between quality and performance modes. At the event, this particular game ran docked at 1080p 120 fps in performance mode, with snappy, responsive gameplay delivering a Nintendo-meets-PC experience.
A note from Civilization VII’s developer reveals they’re gunning for 1080p at 60 fps, which feels ample for its scope.
Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera
Additional gadgets include the Pro Controller at $79.99 and the $49.99 Nintendo Camera.
Bright, clicky buttons characterize the Pro Controller—it feels like an evolution of its predecessor but with added resilience. The touchscreen chat feature C button is new, and the rear mappable buttons are an innovative touch, although I didn’t witness them in action.
The Nintendo Camera sparks debate. While handy for Game Chat and novel game integrations like Mario Party Jamboree’s zany Bowser face-offs, the low-key green screen tech felt a bit rough around the edges. Nintendo does, however, affirm that a "compatible USB-C camera" can be an alternative, a testament to their openness to third-party devices. My trusty Logitech StreamCam remains at the ready.
Game Notes
What about the games, you ask? Nintendo’s library is a fortress of must-haves, with Mario Kart World leading the charge, poised to be a bestseller. The nostalgia-heavy suite includes:
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Mario Kart World: The pinnacle of my event experience. Although no concrete data was available, I’d wager 90 fps as the benchmark. It impressed on both large displays and the HDR-enhanced Switch screen. Its new Knockout Tour mode is addictive, eliminating racers as you pass checkpoints. It encourages both skill and serendipity in equal measure—undoubtedly an online multiplayer booster.
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Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: This inclusion arguably signals the Switch 2’s power. Yet, the demo’s rough edges are hard to ignore—early drafts rarely reflect the final goods, so we’ll hold judgment. CD Projekt Red promise both performance and quality modes, but I’m unsure which ran during my demo.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: It’s an endearing showcase of the Switch 2’s features. One game tests your ability to discern varying frame rates, surprisingly fun but not one I’d purchase. A pack-in akin to Astro’s Playroom might have been a savvy move.
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Donkey Kong Bananza: Unleashing your inner puncher has rarely been more satisfying. Seeing the Switch 2 manage destructible surroundings is a testament to its capability. Collectors are bound for a treat, and the adorable robot companion intrigues as a potential sidekick.
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Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: This sequel refines the Metroid series with smooth, high-paced action at 1080p 120 fps. The game supports mouse mode, which, while seemingly incidental, doesn’t subtract from Metroid’s replay value.
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Drag x Drive: The strategy and competitive spirit of this new star promise a potential following. It’s exhausting to control, especially with spatial constraints, but it introduces innovative game mechanics that may inspire future iterations.
- Nintendo Classics: GameCube: Classics like Soul Calibur II and F-Zero GX felt right at home. Accessing this nostalgic library with a Nintendo Switch Online and new Expansion Pack subscription opens the doors to cherished titles.
In the mix were also Civilization VII, Hades 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, and Kirby and the Forgotten World — Switch 2 Edition. With such a diverse selection on the horizon, the Nintendo Switch 2 seems poised to repeat the success of its predecessor while inviting players into fresh adventures and experiences.
