Nintendo’s Switch 2 stands out as a remarkable improvement over the original Switch, showcasing enhancements both in design and functionality. While the new device features sticks that aren’t full-sized, they tilt with the perfect amount of resistance, providing an enjoyable gaming experience. The plastic casing boasts a subtle grainy texture that feels luxurious against the skin, elevating the tactile experience of handheld gaming. Although the Switch 2 is nearly as light and just as thin as its predecessor from eight years ago, its performance is significantly more powerful.
Nintendo is keen to justify the $450 price tag of the Switch 2, but the true allure of this console extends beyond mere specifications. Its real charm becomes apparent only when you have it in hand. I had the opportunity to spend nearly eight hours testing the Switch 2 alongside Gizmodo's Senior Editor of Consumer Tech, Raymond Wong. The majority of our time was dedicated to playing Mario Kart World, where we also explored the system's innovative GameChat feature for online play, local co-op with camera functionality, and the new Welcome Tour “game.”
Both Gizmodo and io9 have already shared their impressions of the new Joy-Con 2 mouse controls along with several launch titles for the Switch 2. The mouse controls are indeed a highlight, offering responsiveness that enhances gameplay. The individual Joy-Con 2 feels comfortable and works seamlessly whether placed on a flat surface or your lap. This enhanced functionality makes the Switch 2 even more versatile for gaming.
During my time with the Switch 2, I felt reminiscent of a beaver sliding back into its den—the console felt familiar yet refreshingly upgraded. It's important to note that while the Switch 2 introduces a few unique features, such as GameChat, mouse controls, and GameShare, many enhancements simply build upon the strengths of the original Switch. The Switch 2 continues to be the go-to console for social gaming experiences.
Nintendo faces a challenge in communicating the distinctions of its hardware this time around. Unlike other gaming systems that cater to tech-savvy users who understand terms like 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates—which refer to how many times a screen displays a new image per second—the Switch 2 is designed for a broader audience. To help users understand its technological advancements, Nintendo created the Welcome Tour, an interactive instruction manual filled with minigames that demonstrate the hardware's improvements.
In the Welcome Tour, players navigate a tiny character placed on top of a literal Switch 2 handheld, exploring various islands dedicated to the left and right Joy-Con 2, the main screen, and the dock. Each section features minigames and quizzes that clarify technical jargon and explain how the hardware works. For instance, players may engage in a quiz that challenges them to identify the differences between scenes running at 20 fps and 120 fps. Another mini-game illustrates the difference between 4K resolution and the original graphics of classic games like Super Mario Bros.
Despite its many upgrades, the Switch 2 is a sequel console in every sense. While Mario Kart World dazzles with beautiful animations, it may not fully showcase the console's capabilities. The Joy-Con 2 controllers are now designed to comfortably fit adult hands, and the 1080p screen has improved brightness and color vibrancy. The addition of 4K support is particularly noteworthy, as screen resolution has become increasingly important since the original Switch's release in 2017.
As of May, the original Switch has sold an impressive 152.12 million units, making it one of Nintendo’s top-selling devices alongside the Nintendo DS. With the original Switch still priced at $300, the new Switch 2 comes in at $150 more, raising questions about its market position and potential adoption. The new GameShare feature, which allows players to share certain titles between the original Switch and the Switch 2, offers an enticing reason to keep the older console handy, though it will initially support a limited number of titles.
Despite its upgrades, the Switch 2 maintains the same thin body that made the original easy to transport. After my time with the console, I can confidently say that the Switch 2 does everything its predecessor did, but significantly better. It provides a larger, more comfortable gaming experience with improved controls, and is capable of handling more demanding games—though we will need further testing to fully understand its potential.
Playing Mario Kart World in four-player co-op, even with a single Joy-Con 2 and experiencing frame rate drops, brought back the joy of social gaming that made the original Switch a household name. Innovative features like the live view camera in multiplayer sessions enhance the sense of community, and there is hope that more games will incorporate mouse controls into multiplayer settings. The Switch 2 shines as a communal console, and as gaming costs continue to rise, it will be crucial for Nintendo to remember where its handheld console truly excels.
