Attending a hands-on event in New York, I had the thrilling opportunity to be among the first to experience the Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to the beloved Nintendo Switch console. While both familiar and refreshingly new, my excitement was more ignited by the games rather than the hardware itself.
The Switch 2 is indeed an impressive piece of tech, but just like its predecessor, its true worth lies in the games crafted by Nintendo and other third-party developers. This new console feels like a natural evolution for Nintendo’s approach to gaming, and the couple of hours I spent with it have left me eager to dive deeper into its offerings. It’s probably wise to start budgeting for this new toy.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
Right out of the box, the Switch 2 makes a striking impression with its sleek black matte finish gracing the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the system itself. While it doesn’t scream the usual colorful Nintendo vibe, the serious tone is a welcome change. However, hints of neon red and orange provide nostalgic nods to Nintendo’s classic style. I suspect we’ll see some more vibrant versions soon.
The console, with its Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, weighs in at 1.18 pounds—slightly heavier than the original Switch, yet it’s lighter compared to other gaming devices like the 1.41-pound Steam Deck OLED. The advantage? A larger 7.9-inch display provides an unparalleled gaming experience, making the extra weight a worthwhile trade-off.
The Joy-Cons elegantly detach with a click, a mechanism I didn’t test extensively, but from my brief interaction, it felt robust and secure. They are longer now, fitting comfortably in the hands, though they maintain that thin profile. So, while there isn’t a significant redesign, the changes are noticeable enough to enhance comfort during play.
Interestingly, the much-debated control sticks remain unchanged, still looking like the potentiometer-style sticks of old. Nintendo promises enhanced performance with smoother movements, but the absence of hall effect sensors might be a letdown for some enthusiasts. However, more gameplay is needed to truly assess the improvements.
An area of notable advancement is the kickstand. The flimsy stand of the original has been replaced with a more versatile and stable option, allowing for various angles, making it practical for on-the-go gaming, even on an airplane tray.
The display might not be OLED like some had hoped, but the new LCD comes with a resolution bump to 1920 x 1080, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 support, all of which collectively enhance visual quality. The time I spent with it was too brief to miss OLED’s deep blacks, but the improved resolution was impressive enough.
On the docking side, only one demo showcased it alongside a Nintendo Switch 2 camera. Larger to allow for a fan, it maintains functionality similar to the previous model, extending the console’s versatility.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
Here’s a quick peek under the hood:
- Processor: Custom Nvidia with DLSS and ray tracing capabilities.
- Display: A 7.9-inch touchscreen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 120 Hz VRR, and HDR10.
- Storage: Starting at 256GB of UFS storage, with expansions possible through microSD Express up to 2TB.
- Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and Ethernet on the dock.
- Battery Life: Expect anywhere from 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on use.
Mouse Controls
Arriving at some surprise additions, Nintendo introduces an unexpected PC-like feature: mouse control. Both Joy-Con 2 controllers can double as mice thanks to built-in sensors and gyroscopes. I was keen to test this out, and in games like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, the precision this offered over joystick controls was refreshing—though comfort-wise, it might not be sustainable for long sessions.
Strategy games like Civilization VII felt quite at home with mouse-like controls, suggesting a perfect blend of PC gaming sensibilities for Nintendo’s audience. Drag x Drive’s dual-mouse gameplay, combining aspects of Rocket League with unique sports mechanics, impressed with its innovation, though practical use might be limited by physical positioning and space considerations.
Resolution Options and Quality Modes
Stepping toward the enthusiast market, the Switch 2 offers multiple resolution and quality settings akin to what we see in the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Whether you’re docked at 4K or handheld at 1080p, options abound to tailor your gaming experience to your preference.
The Nintendo showcase demonstrated smooth 1080p gaming at an impressive 120 fps with Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, unlocking new ways to enjoy fast-paced action with refined graphics settings.
Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera
Alongside the new console, Nintendo is releasing a revamped Pro Controller and a camera, further expanding the Switch 2’s accessory ecosystem. The Pro Controller feels familiar yet gains functionality with remappable rear buttons, enhancing gameplay flexibility. The Nintendo Camera adds facial integration to the mix, though early demos show some room for polish.
Game Notes
Nintendo’s booth teemed with a plethora of games, headlined by Mario Kart World, promising endless hours of competitive racing with its innovative Knockout Tour mode, drawing players into unique, challenging races. Elsewhere, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition teased yet to be optimized visuals, leaving room for improvement pre-launch.
In the realm of fun minigames, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour cleverly showcases the console’s potential but could have been an excellent freebie starter akin to Astro’s Playroom on PlayStation 5.
Overall, from the robust hardware improvements to broadened gameplay experiences through enhanced controls and options, the Nintendo Switch 2 looks set to build on the solid foundation of its predecessor while ushering in a new era of creative and versatile gaming.
