Nintendo Switch 2 Review – We Can Rebuild it, We Have the Technology
Nintendo doesn’t release new consoles often, and when they do, it’s big news. In the home console market, this is especially true. The Nintendo Switch bridged the gap between handheld and home consoles in an innovative way. But, of course, not every experiment has worked. After the success of the Wii, the Wii U flopped, and then came the Switch, which became a world-beater. And now, we have the Nintendo Switch 2. But what does it bring to the table?
The Switch 2 delivers exactly what you expect: “the same, but better.” I always found the process of removing and attaching Joy-Con controllers on the original Switch to be a little fiddly. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it always felt like a small snag. Luckily, Nintendo’s new design is vastly improved. The Joy-Cons now snap on and off quickly, the buttons are larger and more responsive, and the whole process is far smoother. It’s satisfying and easy to use. Even though I’m still not thrilled about using the Joy-Cons like old Wii controllers, the new design and feel are a major upgrade.
Now, here’s a feature that seems odd on paper: the Joy-Con as a mouse. You can use the Joy-Cons as two separate mice. As someone who primarily plays on PC, I can confidently say that no mouse will ever beat a Joy-Con in terms of precision. However, I admit that the Joy-Con mouse works decently well for strategy games, like Civilization, where you don’t need pinpoint accuracy. The ability to use it on any surface is surprisingly functional, though I wouldn’t call it comfortable for long periods.
Let’s talk about the build quality. The Switch 2 feels professional, not like a toy. The Switch’s competitors have clearly influenced Nintendo, but it didn’t lose its original charm. The new 7.9-inch screen is a massive improvement, and while the screen is LCD (which some might consider a downgrade from OLED), the quality is top-notch. From Yakuza 0 to Mario Kart World, the games run flawlessly. No stuttering, no frame drops-everything looks fantastic, even when docked and outputting at 4K. It’s smooth and clear, and I was genuinely impressed.
The Switch 2’s battery life is decent, though it could be better. I got about three hours of playtime with more intensive titles before needing to plug it in. The storage is also an issue. With 512GB, it seems like a lot on paper, but games like Yakuza 0 and Hitman World of Assassination take up massive amounts of space. Without a MicroSD Express card, you’d be out of luck fast.
But here’s the kicker: The Switch 2 lacks streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube. In today’s world, those options are essential. Sure, Nintendo doesn’t cater to this crowd, but it’s still an odd omission. You’d think that adding these features would be a no-brainer, but here we are. As for the game library, it’s still lacking. Only Mario Kart World is a true exclusive at launch, and the upcoming titles don’t seem to pack the same punch. Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Raiders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment are coming, but they don’t feel like enough to justify the price.
The Switch 2’s UI is a pain to navigate. The store is improved, but it still feels like a chore. Plus, the new virtual game cards system is anti-consumer. I’m not a fan of the paid upgrade packs either. Why should I pay extra for Switch 1 games that I already own? That’s a major downside for me.
Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 is an excellent console, but it’s not perfect. The quality of life improvements are significant, and it feels sturdier than ever. If you already own a Switch, I’d suggest waiting for some price drops or new games before upgrading. But for new buyers? It’s definitely worth considering, though you might want to hold off on the launch day purchase.