Switch 2: The Review – Nintendo’s Next-Gen Leap Forward
Nintendo is back at it again – and this time, it’s not just a refresh. It’s a revolution. The long-anticipated Switch 2 has finally hit the shelves, and gamers everywhere are scrambling to get their hands on it. But does it live up to the hype? In this Switch 2 review, we’re diving deep into every angle – from performance to design, and exclusive titles to backwards compatibility. This is your ultimate look at Nintendo’s Switch 2, and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
Sleek New Design with Familiar DNA
At first glance, the Switch 2 doesn’t completely abandon its roots. Nintendo’s stayed true to its hybrid identity – portable console meets living room beast. However, there are upgrades you’ll notice right away.
The screen is now a vibrant 1080p OLED panel with HDR support, boosting clarity and colour like never before. Games pop with detail, and whether you’re slashing through Hyrule or racing on Rainbow Road, it all feels incredibly alive. The bezels are thinner, the chassis is slightly lighter, and the new Joy-Con rails are more secure than ever.
Plus, there’s a matte finish that feels premium. Fingerprints? A thing of the past.
Power Under the Hood: A Serious Boost
The Switch 2 isn’t just a pretty face. It packs a serious performance punch. Powered by a custom NVIDIA chip with DLSS 3.5 support, the console can push graphics at up to 4K in docked mode. Games load faster, frame rates are smoother, and you’ll see dynamic lighting and shadow effects that were simply out of reach on the original Switch.
Zelda: Echoes of the Lost Realm, one of the console’s headline exclusives, is a visual stunner – and it runs flawlessly at 60FPS. Even third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring finally get the smooth, immersive treatment Nintendo fans have been waiting for.
Crucially, battery life has improved. You’ll get between 6 to 10 hours, depending on what you’re playing. That’s a solid improvement over the original.
Joy-Con 2.0: Better, Smarter, Drift-Free
Let’s talk Joy-Cons. The infamous Joy-Con drift has haunted Switch players for years – but Nintendo’s listened. The new Joy-Con 2.0 controllers come with Hall effect sensors, meaning magnetic detection replaces physical friction. Translation? No more stick drift.
They also feel sturdier. The buttons are clickier, the grip is more ergonomic, and they support advanced haptics for more immersive feedback. Plus, they’re backwards compatible, so your old Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers still work.
Wireless connection stability has been drastically improved, especially in handheld mode. Say goodbye to desyncs mid-battle.
Switch 2 Exclusive Games: A Strong Launch Lineup
Nintendo nailed the launch lineup. This isn’t just about hardware – it’s about what you can play on it from day one.
Here are a few of the standout titles available now or launching shortly:
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Zelda: Echoes of the Lost Realm – A majestic, open-world masterpiece that builds on Breath of the Wild with layered storytelling and puzzles.
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Mario Kart Ultra – A faster, flashier entry with real-time weather effects and a career mode fans have begged for.
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Metroid Prime: Eclipse – Samus is back in this darker, more cinematic instalment with a Metroidvania-meets-sci-fi-horror twist.
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Pokémon Chronicles – A bold RPG reimagining that plays more like Xenoblade than your classic catch-’em-all formula.
Third-party support is looking stronger than ever, too. Bethesda, Ubisoft, and even FromSoftware are bringing big-name titles to the system within the first year.
Backwards Compatibility: A Win for Existing Fans
Nintendo made the right call here. The Switch 2 supports full backwards compatibility with both physical cartridges and digital downloads from your existing library.
You won’t have to repurchase favourites like Animal Crossing, Smash Bros. Ultimate, or Splatoon 3. They not only work – some even receive performance enhancements via patches.
Your save data, Nintendo Online membership, and digital purchases carry over seamlessly. This continuity makes the transition painless and consumer-friendly.
New Features That Elevate the Experience
Beyond the hardware and games, Nintendo’s added some quality-of-life features that make the Switch 2 feel truly next-gen:
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Quick Resume: You can now suspend multiple games and jump between them instantly.
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Voice Chat Integration: Built-in support without needing a phone app – finally.
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Enhanced Online: Nintendo Online has been overhauled with faster matchmaking, dedicated servers for select titles, and a growing library of GameCube classics.
The eShop has also received a much-needed UI upgrade, making navigation smoother and search more intuitive.
Multiplayer and Connectivity
Whether you’re linking up locally or battling online, the Switch 2 is built for community. Local wireless has been improved for smoother performance in couch co-op and LAN play.
Online gaming now includes party systems, cloud saves, and streaming support. It’s not quite Xbox Game Pass level yet – but Nintendo’s getting there.
Bluetooth audio is finally supported natively. Just pair your favourite wireless headphones and you’re sorted.
Areas to Improve: Not Perfect, But Close
No console is without its flaws, and the Switch 2 is no exception.
The 4K output only applies when docked, and even then, not all games hit that mark. Some third-party ports are still capped at 1080p or lower, depending on optimisation.
Storage is a mild sore spot. The base model offers 256GB, which fills quickly. Thankfully, you can expand it with microSD cards – but it’s still worth noting.
And while the Joy-Cons are better, they’re still small for adult hands. You’ll probably want a Pro Controller for long sessions.
Final Verdict: Is the Switch 2 Worth It?
Absolutely. The Switch 2 represents a confident evolution of what made the original console special, while tackling its most glaring weaknesses head-on.
If you’re new to Nintendo, this is the ultimate entry point. If you’re already a Switch fan, the upgrade is worth it for performance alone.
It’s sleek, powerful, versatile, and backed by an exciting library of games that will only grow stronger. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a competitive brawler, or a casual couch co-op fan, the Switch 2 delivers on all fronts.
Nintendo hasn’t just launched a console. They’ve launched a new era.
