Nintendo Switch 2: We've already tried it and here's our review.

The Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for release on Thursday, June 5, represents an evolution over its predecessor, especially in terms of power and performance, but it's largely consistent—given that it's Nintendo—in terms of its design and functionality. Beyond the technical specifications, a new, trademark feature is the ability to use the new Joy-Con 2 as a computer mouse. Thanks to Nintendo, we were able to test the new console for a few hours at the ARA and experience firsthand everything it offers. We'll explain it below and provide our final assessment.

Design and product

The design of the Nintendo Switch 2 is quite similar to its predecessor, practically only differing in its increased size and appearance. The machine is considerably larger, while maintaining its thickness, and is more similar to other handhelds on the market today, such as the popular Steam Deck. The reason for the growth is primarily to make room for a larger screen, but it also ends up giving the console a more robust feel and making it comfortable to handle in handheld mode. The first impression when holding it in your hands is that it's lighter than it looks and that it's a device with better workmanship than its predecessor.

As for its appearance, despite maintaining the color combination of the original Switch at launch (red-blue-black), black takes center stage, giving it a more technological and professional image. This is also reflected in the choice of materials, which overall project Nintendo's new console as a capable machine, eschewing the more playful aura that surrounded the first Switch. The Kyoto company is looking to break away from its persistent image as a childish brand and position the Switch 2 as an attractive option for all audiences.

Among some changes that make it a better product, the stand for placing the screen on a table stands out, which is now stronger and offers more positions to adjust it to the most comfortable angle for the player. Also noteworthy is the additional USB-C connector on the top, which offers alternatives such as the possibility of charging the machine in tabletop mode, or connecting it to a computer. dock. The new dock, by the way, it's also more robust and incorporates a fan to cool the machine when it's connected to the television and increase its performance.

Controls and Functionality

The new controllers, the Joy-Con 2, aside from their revamped look and increased size, now attach to the screen using a magnetic system. It may seem like a dubious proposition at first, but the devices lock firmly into place and make the console feel more solid in handheld mode compared to the original. The new controllers can be easily detached from the center section with a small trigger that pushes them outward, making them very easy to reattach to the console. Although it's technically possible to detach them without the help of the trigger, the force required is quite high, and enough to support the weight of the rest of the console if held by just one controller. At first glance, it feels like a far superior system to the original model.

The Joy-Con 2 also feature improved control sticks with a good feel and response, but it remains to be seen whether they will suffer in the long run. drift (a problem of joysticks which was quite common with the original Joy-Con). Among other changes, the devices now also include HD2 vibration feedback, which offers greater definition in the haptic feedback the player receives, and larger SL and SR buttons (the triggers when using one of the Joy-Con individually).

But the main innovation of the Joy-Con 2 is the mouse mode function. This widget follows Nintendo's trend of taking established technology and equipping it with a more fun or different function that adds extra value. Although it may seem silly, it adds a new dimension to some types of games, such as strategy games or first-person shooters. This new way of interacting with games also allows for experimentation and less conventional ideas that exploit its functionality, such as the future Drag x DriveIn all the games we've been able to test the new functionality on, the new controllers have responded reliably, and the mouse function works very smoothly both on a tabletop or on a thigh, but the hand position can be somewhat awkward during long sessions. We'll see over time if the functionality remains a minor issue in some compatible games or if the Joy-Con 2 controllers pave the way for console controllers.

Display and Video Output

The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch LCD screen with Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate, which significantly improves visual quality in handheld mode compared to the original. The screen is not the OLED type like the latest revision of the Switch, but thanks to its higher resolution and surface LCD, wider color range, and the incorporation of HDR (which increases the contrast between lights and shadows), the improvement is substantial. Thanks to the higher refresh rate, the 120 frames per second offer a much smoother image with titles that support it; however, it will be reduced when using higher resolutions or in games that require more power.

When connected to the TV via the dock, the Switch 2 offers video output at 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160), but is limited to a maximum of 60 fps. Modes that prioritize performance, with QHD resolutions (2,560 x 1,440) or lower, do allow for a smooth 120 fps, as we saw in a demonstration. However, it's clear that there will be two limiting factors: the optimization of the titles themselves and the TV the player has at home.

Performance

Equipped with a custom Nvidia chip, the Switch 2 offers up to 10 times better graphics performance than the previous model. This also unlocks the use of features that are quite widespread on other consoles or on computers, such as DLSS or ray tracing (ray tracing), which improves the quality of the graphics in several aspects. As for RAM, the new model reaches 12 GB, which gives it a significantly faster loading speed compared to the original Switch. Loading times for the games we tested have been drastically reduced.

Battery

Regarding its autonomy, when playing in portable mode, the Switch 2 has a 5,220 mAh battery.

Storage

One of the most glaring weaknesses of the first Switch was its storage capacity, which, at 32 GB, was quite insufficient for installing several games. The new Switch 2 increases this storage capacity eightfold, up to 256 GB, giving players much more room to keep their favorite titles on hand. In both cases, the storage can be expanded with external cards, although in the case of the Switch 2, it's important to use only microSD Express cards, as the machine needs the speed they offer to function properly. Nintendo itself sells compatible microSD Express cards that can double storage with an additional 256 GB.

Social and multimedia functions

Within the consistent design, there are no significant changes to the controller's button layout, but the inclusion of the new C button is notable. This button has a very specific use linked to the new GameChat system, a new integrated feature that allows voice and video chats directly from the console, eliminating the need for external applications. However, unless otherwise noted, the user must be subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online service to use GameChat. It should also be noted, of course, that video functions will require the appropriate camera, which is sold separately. Although this new feature has a financial barrier, Nintendo has defined a free access period until March 31st of next year so that users can decide if it is worth the expense.

Other features coming with the new console are GameShare and Virtual Game Cards. As for GameShare, the Switch 2 allows users to share compatible titles with friends and family, whether locally or online, even if they don't own a copy. Virtual Game Cards, on the other hand, partially add the flexibility that physical cards offer. If a user has more than one console, the feature adds the option to load and eject digital games between them, and they can even share these digital copies among members of their Nintendo Account family group. Any options that make sharing titles easier are more than welcome, especially if they try to smooth the shift toward an increasingly digital market.

Games and Compatibility

One point that Nintendo itself emphasizes is backwards compatibility, and assures that practically all games from the original console will continue to work on the Switch 2. Thus, players' digital and physical libraries can continue to be enjoyed on the new machine. In addition, some previous games will receive automatic updates with minor improvements for free, and others will receive Switch 2-specific versions with some more substantial changes in exchange for paying. In any case, Nintendo has confirmed that it will continue to support the original Switch, with the release of important new titles that will arrive during 2025 to both consoles such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond either Pokémon Legends: ZA.

On the other hand, newer or more powerful games will be released as Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives and can only be played on the new hardware. This is the case with the console's two launch titles: Mario Kart World, the new installment of the famous racing game, and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a technical demonstration with small experiments to show the possibilities of the new machine. But this is also the case with the announced Donkey Kong Bananza, a new adventure of the most charismatic primate, who has been redesigned for the occasion, and Drag x Drive, a wheelchair basketball game that will make the most of the Joy-Con 2's new mouse function.

Finally, the power of Nintendo's new console allows more third-party studios to publish their works on the platform, something that didn't happen in many examples that required more graphical power and were only available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077, which receive special editions for their release on the console, or more recent titles such as the Split Fiction cooperativeIn the future, the console will even enjoy exclusivity on some titles from external studios, such as The Duskbloods or temporarily from the new one Hades II.

Price

One of the aspects that has generated the most controversy since its announcement is the prices, to the point of creating online campaigns with the slogan. Drop the price (lower prices). The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives at a critical time, in which its marketing has also been affected by the controversy over tariffs and the economic war, and it is presented with a disparity of prices and very different situations across the planet. As for the console figure, it reaches a figure closer to the competition. It is worth noting that in the cases of Sony and Microsoft, the companies have even increased the prices of the hardware. dcurtailing its life cycle by alleging external causes such as inflation.

Nintendo also makes one available to buyers pack which includes the new console along with a digital copy of the new Mario Kart World, the star title at launch, for €510. The game's relative price within the offering (€40) contrasts with the range of prices for the titles presented, which range from €80 to €90 (€10 less for digital editions), and are one of the main drivers of player complaints. This is a fairly high price, although similar figures have been seen in the industry before (or crazier with special editions, etc.), and according to experts, it is an inevitable fate. The reasons are both external (inflation) and internal (the very scope of current projects, with costs that far exceed those of years past.

Availability and reservations

Despite the controversy, industry experts are reporting record numbers of console reservations worldwide. The Kyoto company hopes to avoid a problematic launch. how was the PS5, which despite breaking sales records during its launch, suffered from stock issues for a long time. In Spain, many official retailers will be selling it, and although no shortages are expected, many are already showing the product as temporarily out of stock less than a month before its launch.

Our final assessment

We liked it...

• The graphical leap is spectacular, and the new screen looks great. While the art direction is the most important aspect, and it's often said that Nintendo games don't need more power, the upgrade has been very well done.
• The console's design. It's very comfortable to use and feels more premium in the hand. The look and finish are more modern and attractive, and the magnetic system for attaching the controllers seems like a complete success.
• The new exclusive titles for Switch 2. We love the proposal of the Mario Kart World, with the open world and the new survival mode; and the Donkey Kong Bananza, with a gameplay Pleasant and with very fine performance. I'm looking forward to seeing what's coming in the future.

We didn't like it...

• The price increase. The price may be more or less justified, and everyone chooses how they want to spend their money, but the higher price—especially for games—coupled with the current economic situation can be a major barrier for many users.
• The new mouse mode. Despite working very well and having very practical uses, it can be somewhat uncomfortable, especially during long sessions. After all, the Joy-Con 2 doesn't have the ergonomics of a mouse.
• That the console does not include the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour From the ground up. A tech demo should be as accessible as possible to explain what the product is capable of and to help more developers understand its capabilities.

It's for you if...

• Do you want to play the Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid and company. If you want to stay up to date with all the releases of your favorite series, you'll need Nintendo's new console.
• You just want to invest in a console to play games. The Switch 2 perfects the hybrid system for switching between TV and handheld mode, and has enough power to host cross-platform third-party games that were previously unavailable on Nintendo's console.

It's not for you if...

• You prioritize graphics and performance above all else, and you want the most powerful hardware. On TV, Sony and Microsoft consoles still lead the way; on portable devices, there are better-performing alternatives; and, if you pay the extra money, a PC can always give you more.
• You won't take advantage of the console's hybrid capabilities or its exclusive games. If you only want to play on your TV, or just want a portable console to take everywhere, you may want to consider other, more specialized options.