Attending a hands-on preview event for the Nintendo Switch 2 in New York, I got my first taste of this highly anticipated console successor. While it retains a sense of familiarity for those who enjoyed the original Nintendo Switch, the experience felt distinctly fresh. Admittedly, my enthusiasm centered more around the exciting game lineup rather than the hardware itself.
That’s not to say the Switch 2 disappoints. Priced at $450, this hybrid console offers a sleek evolution of Nintendo’s gaming vision. But let’s be honest—its true potential hinges on the creativity of game developers, both from Nintendo and third-party studios.
Upon getting some playtime with the new console, I found myself eager to explore its capabilities further. I might just have to start setting aside some cash for it.
Now, let’s talk hardware. The first thing you’ll notice is the premium feel of the new Joy-Con 2 controllers and the console’s black matte design. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with the Joy-Cons attached, it’s slightly heftier than the previous Switch. But the trade-off feels justified once you lay eyes on the broader 7.9-inch display. (For context, it’s still lighter than, say, the Steam Deck OLED, which tips the scales at 1.41 pounds.)
Some might lament the muted color scheme—save for the nostalgic neon accents around the joysticks—but I think more color options will emerge down the road. Speaking of nostalgia, I remember rocking a black GameCube back in the day, so I’m cool with it.
Detaching the Joy-Cons is straightforward, thanks to the release buttons on either side. I didn’t get extensive practice with removing and reattaching them—most demo units kept the console hidden—but on the one I did test, the mechanism felt reassuringly robust.
In terms of ergonomics, the elongated controllers comfortably fit my hands better than previous iterations. They’re still rather slim, but the increased length definitely enhances comfort. However, it’s probably a subtle difference that may not stand out to everyone.
Nintendo’s upgraded kickstand is a game-changer, quite literally. This new version is far more functional, allowing easy angling adjustments. It’s suitable for setting up and playing during a flight, making the flimsy kickstand of the original Switch a distant memory.
Now let’s dive into the screen. The display, although not OLED, jumps to 1080p resolution, supported by a variable refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and HDR10. It made games like Mario Kart World look vivid and dynamic—even in ambient lighting less ideal than a showroom. I found myself not missing OLED much during my short test, though future game sessions might tell a different story.
When I got my first glimpse of the dock, it was paired with the Nintendo Switch 2 camera. Yes, it’s a bit bulkier to accommodate a cooling fan, but it functions much like its predecessor—nothing surprising there.
On the technical side, the Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor, ready to handle upscale visuals with DLSS and ray tracing. Its 256GB of internal storage can be extended up to 2TB via microSD Express. And in terms of connectivity, the console supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and wired Ethernet through the dock.
A surprise addition is the use of mouse-like functionalities embedded in the Joy-Cons. Through a blend of sensors, you can switch to a pseudo-mouse experience in some games. I delved into the display lineup at Nintendo’s event to try these out, curious about how smoothly it worked. The results varied; in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, I appreciated the precision it could offer, although gripping the controllers as mouse substitutes became uncomfortable after prolonged use. Meanwhile, Civilization VII, with its slower pace, benefited well from this feature. But while intriguing, this innovation will be situational based on your setup and preferences.
On the graphics front, the console allows various resolution modes, journeying beyond just a TV output. It can handle 4K at up to 60 frames per second (fps) and scales down based on the resolution and refresh per the player’s choice. Moreover, the built-in screen supports 120 fps at 1080p in handheld mode, perfect for an original Switch enthusiast like me who valued portability.
The Switch 2 doesn’t just rely on internal prowess—a new Pro Controller and a camera are also part of the package. The Pro Controller promises more tactile feedback with clickier buttons, and comes with assignable rear buttons, which enhances its utility. The camera accessory, though underwhelming in current demos, leans into Nintendo’s push for interactive gaming experiences and offers webcam functionality beyond gaming.
In terms of games, there’s a lot to look forward to. Titles like Mario Kart World display the Switch 2’s enhanced graphics, Knockout Tour mode proving particularly engaging with its strategic depths. Meanwhile, high-profile titles like Cyberpunk 2077 signal the console’s ability, even if some graphical fidelity details still need final tuning. Other games, including a nostalgia-infused Nintendo Classics line, Metroid Prime 4, and innovative offerings like Drag x Drive, round out a promising lineup.
Each game I sampled took advantage of what made the original Switch so popular: versatility with a kick of nostalgia—yet new enough to forge its path. Nintendo’s traditional focus on engaging gameplay stands strong, leaving me optimistic about both the console and its games’ future adventures.
