Nintendo Switch 2 Review: First Impressions of Nintendo's Powerful New Hybrid Console

When Nintendo first released the original Nintendo Switch in 2017, it fundamentally transformed the standards of gaming hardware by introducing a versatile hybrid approach.

Players could seamlessly enjoy console-quality gaming at home or on the move, a concept that quickly garnered mainstream appeal.

With over 125 million units sold globally and a robust library of acclaimed first- and third-party titles, the Nintendo Switch became one of the best-selling video game systems in history.

In 2024, Nintendo has chosen to build upon this legacy with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2—a more powerful evolution of the beloved platform that retains its hybrid DNA while integrating significant hardware and software enhancements. The Nintendo Switch 2 debuted just days ago, and unlike its predecessor, review units were not provided to media outlets in advance.

As gamers worldwide get hands-on experience with the console, early impressions underscore how much Nintendo has refined its approach.

The Switch 2 marries a more sophisticated design with upgraded performance, featuring an expanded 7.9-inch LCD display now offering 1080p resolution, HDR, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

While some were initially disappointed with the lack of an OLED screen, the new display's vibrancy and clarity have quickly set it apart as one of the best dedicated handheld gaming screens to date. Nintendo’s continued commitment to ergonomics is evident in the Joy-Con 2 controllers.

They sport a comfortable, soft-touch finish, are more adult-friendly in size, and feature improved buttons and analog sticks for greater precision.

A breakthrough innovation—magnetic attachment in place of the original sliding rails—results in a more secure fit and eliminates concerns of controller wobble or accidental detachment, issues commonly reported with the first Switch models.

Additionally, an integrated optical sensor brings mouse-like control to compatible games, expanding genre possibilities on the console. Nintendo Switch 2 also impresses in docked mode, delivering up to 4K resolution with HDR support for an immersive, high-fidelity experience on compatible displays.

Early flagship games like Mario Kart World and enhanced ports such as No Man’s Sky and Fortnite demonstrate notable graphical leaps, closing the gap with rival platforms.

Remarkably, developers like CD Projekt Red have managed to bring full-featured titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 to the platform, signaling the system’s formidable capabilities. Despite these advancements, some longstanding issues remain.

Nintendo estimates battery life between 2 and 6 hours, depending on usage—similar to the original Switch.

Heavier processing demands of modern titles may push battery endurance toward the lower end of that spectrum.

Storage is another consideration: the base model offers 256GB, but with major titles exceeding 80GB, the integrated MicroSD express slot for expandable storage becomes essential for avid gamers. Backward compatibility is broadly supported, allowing most Nintendo Switch games to run—and often perform better—on the Switch 2.

Increased processing power helps smooth frame drops in titles like Bayonetta 2 and 3.

However, the upscaling of older Switch games to the new 1080p handheld display can sometimes amplify visual imperfections, prompting some to wish for toggle options to use original docked settings in handheld mode. Other improvements include a refined OS with faster navigation, expanded eShop functionality, and vastly improved Bluetooth audio support.

Notably, Nintendo introduces GameChat, a hardware-integrated voice, text, and video communication feature that eliminates the need for external applications, and GameShare, which supports local multiplayer across Switch and Switch 2 consoles for select games. While the Nintendo Switch 2 is not without its quirks, its advancements in hardware, display, and usability mark a significant leap forward.

The hybrid console experience Nintendo pioneered continues to distinguish itself, offering a polished, portable, and powerful platform with the promise of sustaining Nintendo’s legacy well into the next generation.

As the software library grows and features are further tested, the Nintendo Switch 2 stands poised to maintain Nintendo’s place at the forefront of gaming innovation.

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