During a recent hands-on event in New York, I had the privilege of being one of the first to try out the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. As a sequel to Nintendo’s most popular console to date, it carries a sense of familiarity. However, it also brings several fresh tweaks that, while initially overshadowed by the excitement of its games, left a lasting impression of their own.
Make no mistake, the Switch 2 is a charming piece of tech. But at the end of the day, its real power lies in the games that Nintendo and its partners bring to it. The hardware feels like a step forward, reflecting Nintendo’s evolving perspective on gaming. My brief encounter with the device and its lineup left me eager to dive deeper.
### Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
The first thing you notice about the Switch 2 is its sleek black matte finish, stretching across the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the console itself. When you pick it up, the additional heft is noticeable—the system weighs in slightly heavier than its predecessor at 1.18 pounds with the controllers attached—but it’s a worthy trade-off for the larger 7.9-inch display. And to put that in perspective, it’s still lighter than many PC gaming handhelds, like the 1.41-pound Steam Deck OLED.
All those colorful memories of past Nintendo consoles find less space here, with the system sporting minimal color highlights around the joysticks and under the Joy-Cons. For those who adored the vibrant options of the GameCube era, this might feel like a departure. However, as someone who opted for a black GameCube, I find comfort in its understated simplicity, expecting that color variants may come later.
The Joy-Cons themselves snap on and off with a satisfying click, and while I didn’t test the attachment and detachment extensively, the secure connection left little room for concern. Their elongated design is meant to improve ergonomics, and even though the difference is subtle, I appreciated the added comfort.
In terms of new features, the redesigned control sticks were touted to promote smoother movements, yet initial impressions didn’t reveal any dramatic shift. The real game-changer comes with the console’s kickstand, vastly improved from the first iteration. It’s now robust and adjustable, making tabletop gaming not just feasible but enjoyable.
When you power it on, the real magic happens. The Switch 2’s display isn’t an OLED, which might disappoint some since the OLED model raised the bar. However, the 1920 x 1080 resolution, combined with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support, makes games like Mario Kart World pop off the screen.
### Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
The specs underpinning the Switch 2 build on its predecessor’s foundation. A custom Nvidia processor with DLSS support and hardware ray tracing promises enhanced performance. The 7.9-inch display is a full-HD touchscreen with HDR10 and a refresh rate that peaks at 120 Hz. In terms of storage, it comes with 256GB, expandable via microSD Express cards, bolstered by modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth. These technical strides lay a solid groundwork for Nintendo’s vision, despite lingering suspense about battery longevity—which ranges from two to six and a half hours, based on Nintendo’s estimates—and how the price, starting at $449.99, will sit with consumers.
### Mouse Controls
Interestingly, Nintendo seems to have taken a page from the PC gaming playbook by incorporating mouse-like controls into the Joy-Con 2 controllers, with built-in sensors allowing them to mimic a mouse. While this feature adds a curious twist, my brief testing yielded mixed results. In some games, like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, precision aiming was enhanced by the mouse mode, yet ergonomically it felt lacking over longer sessions. The experience shone brighter in slower-paced games like Civilization VII, where the mouse-like interface felt natural.
But for all its cleverness, this feature raises questions about practicality, especially given how many console gaming setups aren’t designed for precise mouse movement. It remains to be seen if developers will continue to support such a feature in mass.
### Resolution Options and Quality Modes
Nintendo is treading into enthusiast territory with the Switch 2’s resolution and quality modes. It can output 4K at 60 fps when docked, stepping up the display prowess for those equipped with the right setup. Alternatively, you have options to lower the resolution to 1080p or 1440p, which then bumps the variable refresh rate up to 120 fps.
While such customization was scarce on previous Switch models, it’s now a testament to Nintendo’s foray into richer and more versatile gaming experiences. Each installment enhances the gaming narrative, inviting players to find what works best for their setups and play styles.
### Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera
Alongside the console, Nintendo is introducing accessories like a $79.99 Pro Controller and a $49.99 camera. The Pro Controller is an evolution of its predecessor, while the camera aims to connect users in more social and interactive gameplay scenarios, thanks to Game Chat functionalities. However, the camera’s reception may vary, largely depending on how developers choose to utilize it.
### Game Notes
Finally, let’s talk games—the true stars of the show. With titles like Mario Kart World and the new installments of Metroid and Donkey Kong, the library feels robust. Mario Kart World was a visual spectacle, embracing HDR to enrich its graphics. At the same time, Donkey Kong’s innovative environments and collectibles promised endless fun. Cyberpunk 2077 and other third-party contributions hinted at the system’s potential power, even if textures sometimes betrayed the early developmental stage.
In summary, while the Nintendo Switch 2 builds upon the beloved aspects of its predecessor, it dares to introduce bold features and enhancements. The stage is set for a thrilling journey, driven short by how developers exploit these advancements. Only time—and further gaming—will tell how well the Switch 2 might come to redefine our console experience.
