Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Hardware Improvements, Better Performance, and Game Compatibility

Nintendo has officially launched the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a major milestone eight years after the debut of the original Nintendo Switch.

With significant anticipation from fans and industry observers alike, the new console brings notable improvements to hardware, controls, and system performance, while retaining Nintendo’s hallmark focus on versatility and gaming experiences.

In this review, we examine how the Nintendo Switch 2 stacks up against its predecessors and look at its standout features and user experience. Hardware and Controls: A Step Forward Upon unboxing the Nintendo Switch 2, one of the most immediate impressions is its increased size, making it notably larger than the original Switch and the OLED model.

Despite its larger footprint, the console remains comfortable to hold, and the added heft does not make it unwieldy.

Nintendo has substantially refined the Joy-Con controllers with the Joy-Con 2, which now feature improved buttons and sturdier L, R, ZL, and ZR shoulder buttons.

Previous concerns about the original Joy-Con’s shoulder buttons feeling clunky have largely been resolved, resulting in a more reassuring and premium tactility. Attaching and detaching the Joy-Con 2 controllers has also been enhanced by a new magnetic system, replacing the rail mechanism found on earlier models.

This upgrade not only provides a secure grip during intense gameplay but also adds a satisfying snap when connecting or disconnecting the controllers.

For multiplayer fans who regularly use a single Joy-Con in horizontal mode, comfort has improved thanks to larger SL and SR shoulder buttons. Display and Build Quality While some fans were initially concerned about the Nintendo Switch 2 featuring an LCD screen instead of the OLED panel found on the Switch OLED model, the new display exceeds expectations.

The upgraded 1080p LCD screen offers vibrant colors and sharp images that impress even long-time Switch users, with only the OLED model providing superior ‘true black’ levels.

A redesigned kickstand adds to the overall premium feel, offering a much wider range of angles and enhanced sturdiness for tabletop play. Connectivity, Portability, and Battery Life The Switch 2 introduces more reliable wireless connectivity, delivering stronger and more stable Wi-Fi signals than previous models—an important improvement for online gaming.

However, the console’s larger dimensions may be a drawback for gamers prioritizing portability.

The Switch 2 requires more space in a backpack, making it less pocketable than past handhelds like the Nintendo 3DS. In terms of battery life, Nintendo advertises 2.5 to 6 hours of gameplay for the Switch 2, a slight decrease compared to the original Switch’s battery range.

Users can anticipate around three hours of play for titles like Mario Kart World, depending on settings.

More demanding third-party games such as Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition may drain the battery faster, underscoring the value of an external power bank for extended gaming sessions. Operating System and Software Features The operating system on the Nintendo Switch 2 retains the familiar HOME Menu layout but showcases welcome speed enhancements throughout the user interface.

Navigating the Nintendo eShop, browsing games, and switching between applications are considerably faster, resulting in a seamless experience.

Notably, Nintendo’s new GameChat feature enables crisp and clear audio—along with video chat—letting players communicate easily during online multiplayer sessions.

The system’s noise cancellation effectively blocks background sounds, ensuring high-quality voice transmission. The GameShare feature, which allows local multiplayer via wireless connectivity, works smoothly and efficiently, reminiscent of the DS Download Play functionality from previous Nintendo systems.

System transfer from a previous Switch to the Switch 2 is straightforward, with all accounts, images, save data, and games moving over painlessly—though digital game downloads will need to be re-initiated based on storage preferences. Some changes may disappoint certain users.

Sharing screenshots and videos directly to Facebook is no longer supported on the console; content now must be uploaded to the Nintendo Switch App first for further sharing.

However, Nintendo has introduced other convenient features, such as charge limiting to 90% to preserve battery health and optional pass codes for enhanced security. Backward Compatibility and Performance Nintendo has maintained backward compatibility for the Switch 2, allowing players to enjoy a vast catalog of Nintendo Switch games with improved performance.

Many titles load faster and exhibit reduced lag compared to when played on prior hardware, benefiting both first-party and third-party titles.

This ensures the massive Nintendo Switch library remains accessible and enjoyable on the new system. Conclusion The Nintendo Switch 2 is a substantial evolution, offering premium build quality, refined controls, enhanced operating system functionality, and continued backward compatibility.

Its few drawbacks—mainly increased bulk and slightly reduced battery life—are outweighed by its numerous improvements.

Players who value both performance and a robust software library will find the Switch 2 a compelling upgrade.

Based on overall value, the Nintendo Switch 2 earns a strong recommendation for both returning fans and newcomers alike.

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