The Nintendo Switch 2 feels both familiar yet distinctively different. At a recent hands-on event in New York, I got the chance to explore the next iteration of Nintendo’s beloved console and found myself mostly thrilled, although my excitement leaned more toward the games rather than the hardware itself.
Make no mistake, the Switch 2 stands out as a nifty piece of tech. But at a price of $450, its true appeal hinges on how well Nintendo and third-party developers capitalize on the games offered.
While it feels like a natural progression, the Switch 2 signifies an evolution in Nintendo’s gaming philosophy. After a few hours of sinking into early gameplay, I’m itching to carve out more time with it. Time to start saving.
### Taking a Look at the Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
The sleek black matte on the Joy-Con 2 controllers and console itself makes quite the first impression. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with controllers attached, it does feel a tad heftier than its predecessor, but this change is well justified by its larger 7.9-inch display. (It’s still lighter compared to the Steam Deck OLED, which clocks in at 1.41 pounds.)
The shift from Nintendo’s traditional vibrant colors to a more subdued palette might raise eyebrows. Even their edgy GameCube offered options like indigo and orange. Though personally, having once owned a black GameCube, I’m inclined to see past it, especially since colorful variants seem inevitable down the road.
Handling the Joy-Cons is smooth, thanks to the release buttons which make detaching them hassle-free. Although I didn’t spend extensive time with them, they felt sturdily attached, easing any concerns about unintended dislodging.
### Comfortably Settling with the Longer Controllers
The new design of the Joy-Cons offers a more ergonomic feel in my grip compared to previous versions. Despite their slim profile, the additional length contributes significantly to comfort, though the difference might not be drastically noticeable for everyone.
The control sticks appear similar to the original in design—notably, without any “hall effect” technology. However, they promise smoother, larger movements, according to developers. My short trials didn’t reveal significant changes yet, but I’ll need extended use to truly determine any improvements.
Compared to the original’s flimsy effort, Nintendo’s new stand is a tremendous upgrade. The broader, more stable design allows for many viewing angles, making it much more practical, even for airplane trays.
### Reveling in the Enhanced Display
The standout feature arrives when you start gaming: a new display. While it’s not OLED—as might disappoint some—the improved 1920 x 1080 screen with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10 compatibility still dazzles. Games like Mario Kart World looked vibrant and alive, easing any OLED omissions.
As for the dock, which features a cooling fan, it was only showcased in a few demos alongside the camera, resembled closely to its predecessor, albeit chunkier.
### Nintendo Switch 2 Specs Rundown
The Switch 2 is packed with a custom Nvidia processor, complete with DLSS and ray tracing capabilities. The 7.9-inch touch display, with resolutions up to 1080p, stands out, having all the bells like HDR10 support and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Storage spans 256GB but is expandable up to 2TB through microSD Express cards.
Networking tech ensures smooth online play with Wi-Fi 6 and a wired Ethernet dock option. At its $449.99 price point—or $499.99 packaged with Mario Kart World—it aligns with market standards, anticipating a launch on June 5, 2025.
### Exploring Mouse Controls on a Console
Nintendo incorporates PC gaming elements in this generation of consoles. Particularly intriguing are the Joy-Con 2’s ability to function as mice, enabled by internal sensors. Removing from the desk and repositioning on the couch may not be the easiest transition for everyone.
While the new mouse feature was engaging, especially in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, the precision it offered was undercut by some ergonomic challenges. Similarly, Civilization VII’s slower gameplay was naturally suited for this new navigation method.
### Experiences and Insights from New Games
Nintendo unveiled various games at the showcase. Mario Kart World was particularly memorable with its novel Knockout Tour mode—a robust new offering. The play style completely revamps traditional racing, fostering a richer experience with its engaging mechanics and enormous character roster.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition coming to Switch 2 underscores its processing muscles, but early builds lacked the polish expected. Other intriguing titles included Metroid Prime 4, which impressed with smooth graphics and gameplay.
Additionally, Donkey Kong’s new entry showcases the Switch 2’s capabilities in processing dynamic and destructible environments. It promises to keep completionist gamers busy for quite some time.
### Extra Accessories and Final Observations
Nintendo rounds out its package with a $79.99 Pro Controller, featuring back mappable buttons, and a $49.99 camera for immersive game chats. While not revolutionary, the additional hardware enriches the overall package.
In summary, the Switch 2 retains its essence while embracing innovation and evolution. It’s positioned itself as a worthy successor, teeming with potential both from a hardware and game library perspective. As it rolls out across stores, it promises new, exciting horizons for gamers everywhere.