The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, and it feels like both the console we expected and the one we’ve been dreaming of. Positioned not as a radical reinvention but a significant “revamp” or “clever upgrade,” it delivers overdue technical advancements and thoughtful design refinements in a package that remains comfortably familiar. Awarded an impressive 8.5/10 and CNET’s Editors’ Choice on June 26, 2025, the Switch 2 is undoubtedly a fantastic console. However, as with many next-generation leaps, it comes with notable caveats that might have some players considering whether to jump in now or wait for its potential to fully mature.
The Nintendo Switch 2: Familiar Form, Elevated Experience
Nintendo has wisely retained the core hybrid concept that made the original Switch a phenomenon: seamless switching between handheld, tabletop, and TV modes with detachable controllers. This remains its defining advantage over PC handheld competitors like the Steam Deck.
Physically, the Switch 2 feels more premium and substantial. It’s slightly larger and perhaps a touch heavier than the original, but remains surprisingly portable. The chassis features a pleasant matte plastic finish, and the often-criticized kickstand is now sturdier and more flexible, making tabletop play easier.
The 7.9-inch LCD display is a clear upgrade, boasting a sharp 1080p resolution with HDR support and potential for up to 120Hz refresh rates in handheld mode. While not as bright or vivid as an OLED panel – lacking those deep blacks – it offers improved clarity and fluidity over previous Switch screens. Slimmer bezels would have been welcome, but overall, it’s a high-quality screen that makes games look great on the go.
The Joy-Con controllers receive significant attention. They feel more robust and slightly longer, addressing some of the flimsiness of the original. The analog sticks feel sturdier, with hints from Nintendo reps suggesting internal re-engineering to combat the dreaded stick drift (though long-term durability remains to be seen). The new magnetic attachment system for connecting Joy-Cons to the console or grip is a satisfying improvement, feeling much more secure than the old rail mechanism. Enhanced HD Rumble provides more nuanced haptic feedback. A particularly innovative addition is the IR sensor enabling optical mouse-like control, which works surprisingly well on various surfaces and is utilized in early demos like Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour and upcoming games.
The included dock has a rounded new look, but its design is less functional than desired. The entire back panel is a flimsy piece of plastic that detaches completely instead of hinging, making reattaching cables awkward. Worse, the dock appears to have limited ports, meaning accessories like the new camera often need to be plugged directly into the console itself. Some reports mention a potential cooling fan within the dock, suggesting improved performance when TV-connected.
Graphics, Performance, and Game Enhancements
Powered by a new custom Nvidia processor, the Switch 2 delivers a noticeable jump in graphical fidelity and performance. While not on par with PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X when docked, it reigns supreme in the handheld space, often outperforming the Steam Deck in direct graphical comparisons.
The system targets 1080p resolution at up to 120fps in handheld mode and can output up to 4K resolution at 60fps or 1080p at 120fps when docked, where supported by games and your TV. Early tests show impressive results. Nintendo and third-party developers have done solid work optimizing games for the new hardware, with a general sense of technical polish in tested titles.
Crucially, the Switch 2 offers extensive backward compatibility, playing most original Switch games. Many existing titles benefit automatically from the improved hardware, such as games with uncapped framerates like Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition running at a smoother 60fps. Additionally:
Specific titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, notoriously laggy on the original Switch, run at a rock-solid 60fps on Switch 2 after a free update, feeling like an “entirely new game.”
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild see performance boosts, eliminating frame rate hiccups.
Splatoon 3 is silky-smooth and sharp.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition shows dramatically faster load times (from menu to game in ~10 seconds).
Nintendo also offers “Switch 2 Edition” paid upgrades for some existing games, adding significant enhancements like 4K textures and higher frame rates. Free updates also add compatibility features like GameChat to older titles. While over 100 older games initially had startup issues expected to be patched, most of your existing library should work, though some titles may not show noticeable performance gains without a specific patch or paid upgrade.
New Ways to Play & Connect
Beyond performance, the Switch 2 introduces several features hinting at its future direction, leaning into more connected and social experiences:
GameChat: A built-in audio and video chat function replaces the clunky old phone app requirement. It supports up to 12 voice participants or four with shared audio, video (requires USB camera), and game footage. It includes noise cancellation and works reasonably well, though audio quality can vary.
Game Share: A fascinating concept allowing certain games (like Donkey Kong Bananza) to be played on separate Switch consoles using just one purchased copy, potentially via localized streaming. It’s a promising idea for families, though its implementation is currently limited.
Mouse Mode: The IR sensor in the Joy-Cons enables intuitive mouse-like control on any surface. Tested in Welcome Tour and planned for upcoming titles like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, it adds a unique control option.
Camera Support: The ability to plug in a USB camera (including Nintendo’s own optional wide-angle camera) allows users to share their face in GameChat or overlay it into supported games (Mario Kart World, Mario Party Jamboree). It’s a fun, optional gimmick for social/party games.
Virtual Game Cards: A new digital game lending feature allows loaning digital titles to family members for two weeks or transferring licenses between consoles linked to the same account. While appreciated, it replaces the previous, more generous system allowing multiple consoles on the same account to play digital games locally via Wi-Fi.
These features feel experimental in the launch window, waiting for more games to fully utilize them.
The Critical Drawbacks: Battery and Storage
Despite its many improvements, the Switch 2 has two significant drawbacks that might give pause:
- Battery Life: This is arguably the biggest limitation. Expect only around 2 to 3 hours of play on a charge with demanding games like Mario Kart World or Cyberpunk 2077. This is notably worse than both the original Switch and the Steam Deck OLED model. Recharging isn’t particularly fast either. While a new battery preservation setting (stopping charge at 90%) is a welcome addition, the poor battery life fundamentally impacts its portability, especially for longer trips or younger players.
- Storage: While the 256GB onboard storage is a substantial increase from the original Switch’s 64GB, game download sizes have ballooned (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 ~60GB, Split Fiction ~69GB). Expanding storage requires the new, expensive, and currently hard-to-find microSD Express cards. This creates a significant bottleneck for users with large digital libraries or those planning to buy many modern Switch 2 titles, potentially forcing difficult game management decisions.
The Game Library and Future Potential
The launch lineup is a mix of new titles, ports, and updated older games. The standout exclusive is Mario Kart World, praised for its stunning visuals, seamless open-world navigation, and chaotic 24-player races. Ports like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6, and Yakuza 0 showcase the console’s enhanced performance, running smoothly though still slightly behind current-gen consoles when docked.
However, the library of games designed specifically to fully leverage the Switch 2’s power is currently small. While backward compatibility is great, many existing owners are looking for new, must-have exclusives that can only be experienced on the Switch 2. Titles like Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (a $10 demo/tutorial) show off features but aren’t compelling full games.
The true excitement lies in the pipeline: Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are all confirmed and expected to showcase the console’s capabilities further in 2025 and beyond.
It feels like the Switch 2’s library, and thus its must-have status for existing owners, won’t truly hit its stride for another year or more.
Who Should Buy It Now?
New Switch Owners: If you’ve never owned a Switch, the Switch 2 is the definitive starting point. You get access to almost the entire Switch library with potential graphical/performance boosts, plus the new features and stronger hardware base for the future.
Those Prioritizing Graphics/Features: If better visuals, smoother performance, and new features like magnetic Joy-Cons and GameChat are paramount to you right now, and you can live with the battery/storage limitations, the Switch 2 is a fantastic upgrade.
Should You Wait?
Existing Switch Owners: This is a tougher call. While the hardware is much nicer, the worse battery life and challenging storage expansion are significant trade-offs. If you’re happy with your current Switch and its battery life, waiting for more must-play Switch 2 exclusives, improved battery models, or better microSD Express availability might be the wisest choice.
Battery Life is Key: If long handheld sessions away from a charger are crucial for you, the Switch 2’s 2-3 hour battery life will be frustrating.
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck
These consoles serve different purposes, but the Switch 2 narrows the technical gap.
Switch 2 Advantages: More portable design, higher resolution/refresh/HDR screen, included dock for 4K TV play, versatile detachable Joy-Cons with unique features (magnetic, IR mouse), curated exclusive game library, Nintendo’s optimization expertise.
Steam Deck Advantages: Vast PC game library (often cheaper via sales), longer battery life (especially OLED model), additional controls (trackpads, back buttons), more open/customizable OS, potentially more comfortable ergonomic grip for some.
The Switch 2 takes the lead in raw handheld graphics quality and integrated console features, while the Steam Deck remains a PC-first device with unparalleled library access and flexibility.
The Verdict
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a powerful, refined, and promising evolution of the hybrid console. It successfully delivers on long-awaited graphical upgrades and thoughtful design improvements, setting a strong foundation for the coming years. The new features like magnetic Joy-Cons, GameChat, and Mouse Mode hint at exciting future gameplay possibilities.
However, the significantly shorter battery life and the current hurdles presented by the expensive and scarce microSD Express storage expansion are undeniable drawbacks that impact the user experience, particularly in handheld mode.
For newcomers, it’s an easy recommendation. For existing Switch owners, it’s a more nuanced decision – a trade-off between immediate graphical gains and core portable usability issues.
The Switch 2 isn’t the perfect console yet*, but it’s a fantastic console with immense potential waiting to be unlocked by future game releases and hardware ecosystem maturity. It’s “the Nintendo Switch, but better” in almost every way that matters… except where battery life and storage are concerned. Whether you buy it now or wait, the future of Nintendo gaming looks brighter, if still evolving.
