Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Digital Foundry Highlights LCD Display Issues Amid Impressive Hardware Improvements

Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Digital Foundry Highlights LCD Display Issues Amid Impressive Hardware Improvements Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 has finally been put through its paces by Digital Foundry, one of the most respected voices in gaming technology analysis.

The verdict is largely positive, with the hardware demonstrating significant design refinement and performance upgrades over the original Nintendo Switch.

However, the new system’s LCD display has attracted scrutiny, particularly when measured against the OLED panel used in previous models. Digital Foundry’s review, led by veteran journalist Richard Leadbetter, emphasizes that the Switch 2 strikes an effective balance between larger screen size and portability.

Despite a bigger display, the handheld remains slim and comfortable, feeling noticeably less bulky than alternatives such as the Steam Deck or other PC-based handheld consoles.

Leadbetter points out that the increased screen size helps deliver a more immersive gameplay experience, and he also notes a marked improvement in color reproduction compared to the 2017 Nintendo Switch. Performance is another high point.

According to Digital Foundry, several Nintendo Switch 2 titles—such as Mario Kart World—are able to run at native 1080p in handheld mode.

Others make use of advanced upscaling technologies like DLSS to achieve similar visual clarity.

This technical leap represents a proper generational advancement and positions Nintendo Switch 2 as a competitive option both at home and on the go. In his assessment, Leadbetter praised enhancements to the system’s Joy Con controllers and commended the thoughtful inclusion of design features like the small stabilizing ‘feet’ on the bottom of the unit.

He described the device as the original Switch, revised and refined to become a generally more pleasing and efficient system. However, despite these strengths, the Nintendo Switch 2 LCD display presents notable problems.

Leadbetter reports that while Nintendo marketed the system with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, the unit’s edge-lit LCD tops out at around 420 nits—a threshold that falls short of delivering the vivid contrast and highlights essential to quality HDR experiences.

“Motion quality on the Switch 2 display is a step back, with motion blurring that’s more pronounced than what was seen on the 2017 Switch model,” explains Leadbetter.

He adds that, especially when compared side by side with the Switch OLED panel, the shortfalls of the new LCD become all the more apparent, asserting, “It simply isn’t as good.” The review also highlights issues with the Switch 2’s implementation of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

While the Welcome Tour software bundled with the console includes a VRR demo suggesting support for a 40–120Hz refresh window and Low Frame-rate Compensation (LFC), Digital Foundry observes that the execution in practice may not always deliver the desired benefits. Other minor critiques include the length of the supplied USB-C charging cables, which Leadbetter feels are inadequate for comfortable use during extended charging sessions. The Nintendo Switch 2, slated for a global release later this year, continues to generate excitement for its versatile gameplay, improved performance, and innovative design.

However, potential buyers—especially those accustomed to the quality of the Switch OLED display—should be mindful of the limitations of the new LCD panel. Stay tuned to our site for more coverage on the Nintendo Switch 2, including updates from leading developers, sales insights, and detailed game performance analyses as launch approaches.

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