We tried the Nintendo Switch 2!

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived. With a larger screen, more powerful hardware, and a recognizable hybrid form, the new console attempts to blend the old and the new. However, with a higher price and a weak catalog of exclusives at launch, the question arises – is this truly next-gen for Nintendo fans or just a light refresh for those who haven't jumped in earlier?

I'm not the type to buy consoles on launch day. I would wait to purchase until the hype dies down, prices drop, and I read all possible impressions. I had a similar plan this time – my backlog is huge, I've already played most classics. I don't need it. Not yet.

But as the release date approached, I found myself browsing reviews and first impressions more frequently and eventually caved. The console arrived just on the day of my friend's bachelor party. It was fun, but I couldn't shake the thought: “I could be playing Mario Kart right now.”

A week later, I finally spent a few evenings with the Switch 2 console and I must say – it was worth it. 

Design and First Impressions

After opening the box, the Switch 2 doesn't look radically different at first glance, but as soon as the new Joy-Cons click satisfyingly into place with the help of the magnetic connector – it’s clear that this is an evolution.

The connection is solid, and disassembly is easier, making the entire device in handheld mode feel much more robust, as if it isn't even made of three parts. The Joy-Cons are heavier and more comfortable in hand, and each can also serve as a mouse.

The matte surface looks modern and gives the impression of a higher quality, more serious device. The larger, 7.9-inch screen with HDR support, 120hz in FullHD 1080p resolution is ideal for handheld gaming – compared to it, the old Switch feels like a toy.

The only downside - Nintendo has (yet) to opt for an OLED screen. Knowing Nintendo, we will probably get an OLED version with more memory in a couple of years for a €150 higher price.

Nintendo has, for safety reasons, applied a thin plastic film over the glass that protects against shattering upon impact. That film is terrible and scratches very easily. I am really careful with my devices; however, after just a few attempts to insert it into the dock, I was greeted by a scratch. A warm recommendation, buy a screen protector immediately. Personally, I believe that every mobile device that isn't a Nokia 3310 should come with a screen protector included in the price.

The stand for tabletop mode is much sturdier and can be adjusted to the desired angle. You don't have to worry about accidentally knocking the console off the table. Bonus points for the additional charging port on the top – a small but practical feature.

Dock: new form, new frustrations

The new, rounded dock now comes with its own fan and a modern design that aesthetically fits better in the living room. However, inserting the console now feels awkward. While the old Switch simply "clicked" into place, I struggled several times with positioning the new dock. Unfortunately, the result is a scratch on the screen, despite being careful. This is all the more disappointing because this was one of the biggest criticisms of the first generation – and now we are back here again. I repeat, make sure to put on a screen protector as soon as you take it out of the box.

Although the design is sleeker, it doesn't suit me personally. I preferred the boxy shape of the original. I am particularly bothered by the change on the back panel: you no longer open the door "on a hinge" but have to remove the entire cover to access the ports. This step backward feels like an unnecessary complication, especially if you frequently move the console.

Admittedly, the fan in the dock remains quiet, and the console does not overheat during extended play, which is definitely a plus. Despite all these improvements, the sense of practicality that the old dock had is missing here.

Interface and transfer - seamless

Turning on the console brings up the familiar minimalist interface. We still do not have the option to set a theme other than the white and dark options. After the transfer, all games, saves, and screenshots were waiting for me exactly where I left them. In the settings, it is possible to adjust HDR, limit battery charging to 90% while the Switch is docked for longer battery life, and even swap the functions of the A and B buttons if you are used to the Xbox layout.

The transfer from the previous console was quick and easy - just place the old console next to the new one, follow the on-screen instructions, and in a few minutes everything is ready. No stress, no loss of saves – the transition went almost unnoticed.

4K, DLSS, and a real leap in performance

From the very first startup, it is clear that Switch 2 brings a generational leap. The new Nvidia processor, 12 GB of RAM, DLSS, and ray tracing represent a huge jump compared to the original, which back in 2017 came with outdated hardware from 2014.

I spent most of my time in handheld mode, but when I finally connected the console to a 4K monitor, I was amazed at how the image looked crystal clear, fluid, and sharp. Switch 2 in dock mode delivers 4K display thanks to DLSS – a technology used by Nvidia for "smart" upscaling of images from lower resolutions with the help of AI. This means that, although games are often rendered at a lower resolution to save performance, DLSS boosts them to nearly native 4K with impressive results.

Games like Zelda and Mario Kart look incredibly sharp and run smoothly – to the point where the old Switch feels like a relic of the past. For the first time, we truly enjoy Nintendo exclusives in native 4K at stable 60 fps, and once you experience that, it's impossible to go back.

The old Joy-Cons and Pro Controller are fully supported on Switch 2, which is great news for anyone who already has extra controllers. It's even possible to combine one old and one new Joy-Con if you want to for some reason. It would just be nice if the console could also be turned on with the old controller. Maybe future updates will surprise us.

eShop and Memory: Finally Progress!

The eShop has undergone a pleasant renaissance. If you've ever lost your patience waiting for the old version to load, Switch 2 will pleasantly surprise you. The eShop now responds instantly; scrolling, filtering, and searching for games is fluid and enjoyable.

Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal memory - 8 times more than its predecessor. I can finally install more AAA titles without worrying about expanding memory. By the way, keep in mind that Switch 2 only supports microSD Express cards, which offer significantly faster loading, but are, of course, more expensive.

Old Titles on New Hardware

The LCD screen looks great with modern games, but not all old Switch classics were born under a lucky resolution. Since games on the Switch ran at 720p, on the new one, that same resolution is stretched to 1080p, which can look blurry, say in pixel-perfect games like Octopath Traveler, which is a shame because the visual style of the game deserves a clean presentation. Also, Fire Emblem Three Houses and Cuphead look simply grainy and poor. I hope Nintendo will release some update that forces original Switch games to run in docked mode or that we will get individual updates, at least for first-party titles.

Some older games have received “performance” patches that improve framerate and resolution. Pokemon Scarlet/Violet looks like a new game and finally runs smoothly without the stuttering that was previously abundant. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrade packs cost 10.00 euros each, and you get them for free if you already have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription (Expansion pack version). It’s truly a pleasure to explore Hyrule in full glory again, and I think it’s worth buying them, even though they could have been free. I hope this is not an exception, but the beginning of a trend where other developers will refresh their titles for the new generation.

The new Switch leaves the V1 far behind in terms of impression and build quality, but the OLED still has an ace up its sleeve – that screen.

Sound, chat, and online services

One of the quiet improvements on the Switch 2 is the new front stereo speaker system. While previous models often had a "flat" and quiet sound, here you finally feel the space around you. The sound has depth, explosions in Zelda boom, and the soundtrack in Mario Kart has a layering that older models couldn’t convey without headphones. Try standing in front of
the waterfall in Mario Odyssey, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

The new “C” button on the right Joy-Con activates GameChat – the ability to chat and video call friends while playing a game. I haven’t tried it, I don’t have many friends with a Nintendo console. GameChat offers chat with 12 friends and is free until March 2026, after which it will be part of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Nintendo also offers a USB-C camera which, honestly, I have no need for.

Along with the standard NSO service that includes online play and cloud saves, the Expansion Pack version unlocks Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, SEGA Mega Drive, and GameCube games. If you plan to dive deeper into the Nintendo ecosystem, it’s worth considering the family sharing option which significantly reduces the cost per user.

Battery – still a compromise

Nintendo officially states the battery life is between 2 and 6.5 hours. In my experience, the battery lasts about 2 hours and 20 minutes on more demanding titles. If you turn off HDR and reduce brightness, it can last a bit longer.

It takes about 3 hours to charge the console to 100%. The cooling system operates very quietly and efficiently – the console stays warm but doesn’t overheat even during longer sessions, and the fan is almost inaudible.

Where are the games? Lack of exclusives

The biggest drawback of the Switch 2 is the launch catalog of exclusives from Nintendo's studio. If Mario Kart World doesn't appeal to you, and you're not excited about another "deluxe" return of Zelda, there really isn't any fresh first-party offering yet. Yes, there are third-party titles, but most of us buy the Switch precisely for Nintendo's exclusives. Donkey Kong Bananza is on the horizon next month, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 are coming soon, but for now – we wait.

Considering the significantly higher price of the console and games, if your current Switch is still serving you well and you're not in a hurry to upgrade, it might make sense to wait a bit longer – at least until the catalog of new titles expands and Nintendo plays its cards to the end.

Mario Kart World – first laps

I didn't expect to dedicate this much time to Mario Kart. World connects tracks into one huge world where 24 players race.

The new Knockout Tour definitely shines: a battle royale with eliminations at checkpoints across six connected tracks is full of adrenaline. The AI is more aggressive, and it's much harder for me to leave it in the dust like before, and the real chaos only begins when you play online.

The soundtrack is a real treat for the ears, with covers of popular Super Mario compositions and catchy new sounds. There's also a new open world, the so-called Free roam mode, where you drive around the entire map and complete various hidden challenges. It's great for relaxation after work, although the free roam lacks a bit of content.

In any case, it's an excellent title that opens a new generation and deserves its own article and review.

More comfortable, heavier, and more precise – Joy-Cons are heading in the right direction.

To Switch or not to Switch?

Nintendo Switch 2 is not a revolutionary new console, but a smart and welcome evolution of one of the most successful consoles of all time.

A larger and sharper display, magnetic Joy-Cons, noticeably better performance, and faster loading make every return to the old model somewhat painful.

The battery remains a weak link: in more demanding games, two and a half to three hours of handheld play will be hard to suffice for those who want to game on longer trips without a power outlet nearby.

If you've never had a Switch, now is the ideal time. You get more powerful hardware and access to a huge existing library of games that provide hours and hours of fun. Owners of the original V1 Switch will feel the difference after just five minutes of use. Faster loading, stronger battery, and a more modern feel make the upgrade justified. If you already own the OLED version, it might be wise to wait a bit longer unless performance is a priority for you.

Personally, I am satisfied with my purchase. Although it’s still early to talk about long-term impressions, after a week of use, I can say one thing – I don’t see myself going back to the old Switch. So much has improved, and while it’s not perfect, the Switch 2 already seems like a logical, almost unavoidable next step in Nintendo's ecosystem.

I believe the best is yet to come – the new Joy-Cons have clicked, and so have I.