Nintendo Switch 2 Review
- Matthew Rondina
- Jun 20
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Nintendo Switch 2 refines the hybrid console with sharper visuals, faster performance, and the best Joy-Cons yet—my full review.
My journey with Nintendo consoles began with the NES, and it’s been a long, pixel-filled road from the 8-bit days of Super Mario Bros. to the sprawling worlds of Tears of the Kingdom. With every new generation, Nintendo finds a way to reinvent how we play—and with the Nintendo Switch 2, it hasn't revolutionized so much as refined. Nintendo's second hybrid console is more powerful, polished, and future-focused, building on what made the original Switch so beloved.
"Nintendo's second hybrid console is more powerful, polished, and future-focused, building on what made the original Switch so beloved."
After more than a week of testing—both solo and with family, docked and on the go—this is a full breakdown of what the Nintendo Switch 2 does right, what could be improved, and why it may be Nintendo’s best console yet.
Nintendo Switch 2 Unboxing and Setup: What’s Included
The packaging for the Switch 2 remains characteristically minimalist and efficient, both in terms of unboxing and setup. Inside, you’ll find the console itself, a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, two controller straps, the Joy-Con grip, a dock, an HDMI cable, along with a 60-watt USB-C charger. At launch, there are two available options: the core Nintendo Switch 2 Console and a Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle. If you opt for the Mario Kart World bundle, you’ll receive a digital download code for the game.
Software setup on Nintendo Switch 2
Setup is quick and user-friendly. After powering on the device, the system guides you through Wi-Fi configuration and linking to a Nintendo Account. It also prompts for a data transfer from a previous Switch console, which is only available during initial setup.
"Setup is quick and user-friendly."
After that, you’ll need to manually transfer your data, which is a little more onerous. Once complete, the interface feels familiar but with a much-needed performance boost—menu navigation and loading times are noticeably faster.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specs at a Glance
Display | 7.9" LCD, 1920×1080 resolution, HDR10, VRR up to 120Hz |
Processor (SoC) | Custom NVIDIA processor with integrated graphics |
Dimensions | 4.5" (H) × 10.7" (W) × 0.55" (D), up to 1.2" at thickest point |
Internal Storage | 256GB UFS 3.1 (expandable via microSD Express) |
Battery Life | 5220mAh; 2–6.5 hours of gameplay; approx. 3-hour full charge |
Charging Ports | 2 x USB-C (supports 65W fast charging) |
Audio | Linear PCM 5.1 via HDMI, stereo speakers, surround effect (post-update) |
Video Output | HDMI: Up to 4K 60fps (TV); 1080p handheld; supports 120fps |
I/O | 2 x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, Game Card slot, microSD Express slot |
Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, wired LAN (via dock) |
Dock Output | HDMI 2.1 with DLSS-powered 4K upscaling |
Weight | ~0.88 lbs (console only); ~1.18 lbs with Joy-Con 2 attached |
Joy-Con 2 Controllers | New design with Mouse Mode, “C” button, better haptics |
Nintendo Switch 2 Design: Bigger Screen, Better Build Quality
The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the iconic silhouette of the original, but features numerous thoughtful design refinements. The most noticeable is the new 7.9-inch 1080p LED display, which supports HDR10 and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
"The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the iconic silhouette of the original, but features numerous thoughtful design refinements."
While not an OLED, the visuals are crisp, bright, and vibrant. Thus far, I’ve enjoyed my time in handheld mode, and the addition of HDR really makes games pop.
Kickstand Quality and Angle Improvements
Nintendo has also upgraded the kickstand. Borrowed from the OLED model, it has been expanded further to stretch the full width of the console, offering multiple viewing angles for stable tabletop gaming. I use my Switch 2 quite often in this setup, and the new kick stand is solid, offering plenty of stable adjustment angles.
"I use my Switch 2 quite often in this setup, and the new kick stand is solid, offering plenty of stable adjustment angles."
The addition of a second USB-C port on the rear, alongside the traditional bottom port, offers more flexibility for charging and accessories.
Joy-Con 2 Controllers: Are the New Joy-Cons Better?
The Joy-Con 2 controllers may resemble their predecessors, but they offer many notable improvements. The rail system has been replaced with magnetic attachments, eliminating the wobble and delivering a more satisfying, secure snap.
Shake, Rattle and Roll
HD Rumble 2 haptics are also much more refined, offering distinct tactile feedback depending on the surface or gameplay context. For example, Mario Kart World delivers a different sensation when racing on snow versus asphalt. There is far more definition in the way this feels with the Joy-Con 2s, and it’s an exciting upgrade.
Joy Con 2 New Mighty Mouse Mode
Additional features include mouse-like functionality, enhanced motion tracking, stronger analog sticks, and a matte texture for improved grip. There's even a new feature to ping your Joy-Cons if they go missing—perfect for those moments when they're lost on the couch.
Handheld Performance: How Good is the Nintendo Switch 2 On the Go?
The Nintendo Switch 2 truly shines in handheld mode. The new display delivers sharp 1080p visuals, fluid motion thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and deeper contrast with HDR10 support.
Performance is dramatically improved thanks to the new NVIDIA-powered chipset and increased RAM. Load times are much shorter, games run more smoothly, and frame rates are far more stable compared to the original model.
"Load times are much shorter, games run more smoothly, and frame rates are far more stable compared to the original model."
Whether commuting, lounging in bed, or playing at the airport, the Switch 2 feels like a premium handheld gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 Docked Mode: Console-Level Power and Stability
The new dock has been subtly redesigned with a matte finish and rounded edges. It includes a built-in Ethernet port and an internal fan to help with cooling. Transitioning between handheld and docked mode is instantaneous. In docked play, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers console-quality performance with enhanced visuals, fast loading, and rock-solid stability, even in demanding third-party games.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Performance
Performance across both first- and third-party titles is a major highlight of the Nintendo Switch 2. Thanks to DLSS support and a custom NVIDIA chipset, the system can handle graphically intense games surprisingly well.
"Performance across both first- and third-party titles is a major highlight of the Nintendo Switch 2."
Mario Kart World is the crown jewel of the launch lineup. It runs at a buttery 60 frames per second, even in split-screen multiplayer, with stunningly detailed environments, dynamic weather effects, and up to 24 racers on track. The experience remains consistent whether docked or handheld.
Street Fighter 6: Years 1–2 Fighters Edition also performs exceptionally well. Most modes run at 60fps, though World Tour mode is locked at 30fps. While not as visually sharp as on PS5 or Xbox Series X, it still looks and plays great, especially with the new Pro Controller.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is perhaps the most impressive example of Switch 2’s power. It runs natively, with Performance mode reaching up to 40fps handheld. DLSS ensures visual clarity, and load times are significantly reduced. Cross-save with other platforms works flawlessly, allowing you to switch between your PC, other console platforms, and your Switch 2 without a hitch.
Backward Compatibility and Storage: What You Need to Know
Nintendo has retained backward compatibility for the majority of original Switch games. Most titles run smoothly and even benefit from improved performance. However, some exceptions exist due to changes in the hardware. Nintendo maintains a public compatibility list online to help players navigate this, which you can check out here.
The console comes with 256GB of internal storage, which is a huge improvement over the original model’s 32 GB. Expansion is supported via microSD Express cards, which offer significantly faster transfer speeds than traditional microSD cards. It is important to note that older microSD formats are no longer supported, so you’ll need to invest in the newer format to expand your storage capacity.
I’ve been doing all my testing with the Samsung Super Mario 256GB microSD Express Card, and I highly recommend it. Set up was a snap, and it's worked flawlessly with a plethora of different games.
Audio Upgrades: How Do the Switch 2 Speakers Sound?
Nintendo has significantly improved the built-in speakers on the Switch 2. Audio is clearer, louder, and less tinny than previous models. Whether you're listening to ambient sounds in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced or the roar of engines in Mario Kart World, the spatial depth and clarity are noticeably better.
"Whether you're listening to ambient sounds in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced or the roar of engines in Mario Kart World, the spatial depth and clarity are noticeably better."
In quiet environments, you’ll find less need for headphones—even when playing in tabletop mode.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Nintendo Switch 2?
After extensive hands-on time, it’s clear that the Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant upgrade across the board. It doesn’t reinvent Nintendo’s hybrid concept, but it improves all the aspects I really loved about the original Nintendo Switch. Every element—from performance and visuals to Joy-Con ergonomics and build quality—feels enhanced and more refined.
"After extensive hands-on time, it’s clear that the Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant upgrade across the board."
The improved internals result in faster load times, steadier frame rates, and improved compatibility with demanding modern titles. Features like GameChat, dual USB-C ports, and mouse input demonstrate Nintendo’s commitment to expanding the ways we can interact with games.
While the move away from OLED may disappoint some, the 1080p HDR LED display performs incredibly well.
The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just a better Switch—it’s the best Nintendo console yet, and I can’t wait to see what Nintendo and other developers do with the hardware.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pros | Nintendo Switch 2 Cons |
+Larger, Sharper Display with HDR10 The new 7.9-inch 1080p LED screen is noticeably brighter, sharper, and more colour-accurate. | -No OLED Option (Yet) While the LED is bright and HDR capable, some players who owned the Switch OLED will miss the deep blacks and infinite contrast of OLED tech. |
+Joy-Con 2 improvements feel sturdier and more comfortable. | -No Major UI Overhaul or Operating System Redesign |
+A second USB-C port offers better flexibility while charging or using accessories in tabletop mode—particularly useful with the new full-width adjustable kickstand. | -Limited Internal Storage (256GB) although an improvement over the original Switch, the 256GB storage can still fill up quickly. |
+Much Faster Load Times & System Navigation - UFS 3.1 storage and the custom NVIDIA chip deliver significantly reduced load times and a silky-smooth system UI experience. | -No Universal Achievement System Yet |
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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