Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Handheld Performance, Features & Value Breakdown

Comprehensive evaluation of handheld gaming experience, highlighting ergonomic design, vibrant 120Hz display, performance and battery life

Hardware by Katmin on Jun 07, 2025

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring a larger screen, enhanced controls, and improved performance in both docked and handheld modes. This article explains how to launch the console, examine its functionality and appearance, and examine how it functions with different file types.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the Switch platform or simply curious about the next iteration, here's everything you need to know before deciding if the Switch 2 is right for you.

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The Switch 2 retail box comes with two Joy-Con controllers, each snugly tucked into its compartment, supported by the central console. The Joy-Con grip, a USB-C charging cable, and a power converter with a USB-C connection are among the necessary accessories that are located underneath.

The dock itself has been redesigned—its rounded shape and thicker rear section conceal an internal fan that helps keep the Switch 2 cool during extended gaming sessions. Inside the dock's packaging, you'll also find an HDMI cable and two Joy-Con straps. If you opted for a bundle that includes a digital game code, that code will be there instead of a physical cartridge.

Design and Build Quality

Holding the Switch 2 for the first time, you immediately notice the sleek matte-black finish and subtle accent colors around the thumbsticks. Nintendo has succeeded in giving this system a more upscale appearance that complements other portable devices available on the market. However, the new device is notably bigger than the original Switch.

The improved display, which rises from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches—a significant increase—is the leading cause of the size increase. Along the top edge of the console, you'll find the game card slot and a new USB-C port, allowing for charging from either the top or bottom. Nearby sit the microphone, volume buttons, and power buttons.

Flipping the console over reveals a second USB-C port near the bottom, which you'll use when sitting the console in its dock. The rear design features a more robust kickstand for tabletop mode, allowing it to be tilted to multiple angles. Underneath the kickstand is a microSD card slot, allowing you to easily expand storage.

At launch, the Switch 2 is available only in black. Think about getting one of the Spigen Nano Pop cases to give it a unique touch. Black Sesame, Blueberry Navy, and a Special Edition neon color combination are available for these snap-on covers, which add a nostalgic pop of color evocative of vintage console designs. You won't have to take these cases off when you transition between play modes because they are made to stay in place even when you dock the console or use the kickstand.

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Configuring Switch 2

Attaching each Joy-Con controller is simple: line it up with the rails on either side of the console and allow the magnets to guide it into position. To start the initial setup, click and hold the power button. Here, you can select your preferred language, accept the agreements, and choose whether to move data from an older Switch console.

Transferring data is a convenient way to migrate game saves and user profiles, but you can skip this step if you prefer a fresh start. Whether you have actual cartridges or digital downloads, you can install games after following the on-screen directions.

The HDR screen at 120 Hz

The Switch 2's new 7.9-inch LCD, which features HDR capabilities, supports variable refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, and has a 1080p resolution, is one of its most notable upgrades. In practice, this means games look vibrant, crisp, and impressively smooth when you push the refresh rate.

Naturally, an LCD cannot achieve the deep blacks of an OLED. Still, the contrast remains strong, and brightness levels exceed those of the previous model, particularly in well-lit rooms or outdoor environments. Viewing angles are solid, preserving color and clarity as you shift the console's position.

The glossy finish does reflect light, so you may see some glare in very bright conditions, but overall, the screen represents a significant upgrade. Nintendo ships each Switch 2 with a pre-installed screen protector, although many users choose to layer on a third-party tempered glass protector for extra peace of mind. Applying one of these is simple: just position the applicator frame, set the protector in place, wait about 30 seconds, and you'll have a bubble-free finish.

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Joy-Con Controllers

At first glance, the Joy-Con controllers look familiar, but you'll notice they're slightly larger when placed side by side with the originals. The thumbsticks have been scaled up to feel more comfortable and akin to standard controllers, and the triggers have also grown in size for a more substantial grip.

A new "C" button sits on each Joy-Con's face, specifically designated to open the game chat menu—more on that later. Perhaps the most satisfying change is the shift from a sliding lock mechanism to magnetic attachment: instead of sliding each Joy-Con onto the rails, you simply bring it close to the console and let the magnets snap it into place.

To detach, you press a release button on the back of the rail, and the Joy-Con gently pops off. Despite their lighter weight, the magnetic hold feels secure, and I haven't had one disconnect unintentionally during regular play.

Inside each Joy-Con, you'll find a splash of accent color on the inner rail to match the console's trim, as well as larger SL and SR buttons to make two-player tabletop sessions more comfortable. If you slip both Joy-Cons into the included grip accessory, they transform into a more traditional gamepad layout.

Note, however, that this stock grip does not include rear-facing remappable buttons—those remain exclusive to Nintendo's Pro Controller accessories or third-party options.

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Storage and Game Compatibility

The Switch 2 ships with 256 GB of internal storage—eight times more than the original Switch. This extra capacity is essential given that native Switch 2 titles and remasters tend to be much larger downloads than previous software.

Nintendo has organized games into three categories: native Switch 2 titles (such as Mario Kart World and Fast Fusion), remastered ports of major multi-platform releases (like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy), and upgraded versions of earlier Switch games.

For instance, if you already have the original cartridge for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you can upgrade to the digital edition for a little fee. After downloading the update and inserting the old cartridge, the game will run with better graphics and performance optimized for the new hardware.

Physical Switch cartridges remain compatible—aside from the updated logo, they look identical to earlier releases—and you can insert them into the top of the console at any time. For games you download, the combination of 256 GB onboard and expandable micro SD storage means you'll rarely need to juggle content.

Handheld Mode

When I pick up the Switch 2 for handheld play, it feels balanced despite being about 100g heavier and broader than the original. With the larger grips and triggers, it almost hugs my hands naturally. Performance is where the new system shines: running Cyberpunk 2077 in handheld mode at 1080p is jaw-dropping.

It's not quite the same as a high-end console, but it's remarkably close, given the form factor. Mario Kart World also leaps to life on the 120 Hz display, and you can immediately feel how buttery-smooth the action is when you're steering around Rainbow Road or drafting in the first place. Every title I've tried looks crisp, bright, and alive, making handheld gaming on this device feel like a genuine step forward for portable play.

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Docked Mode and 4K Output

If you prefer to play on a large screen, the new dock allows you to output up to 4K at 60 fps with HDR, provided you connect to a compatible television or monitor. The dock itself feels sturdier, thanks to the internal fan that keeps the console cool under load.

On the front panel sits a discreet Switch 2 logo, accompanied by two USB ports. Around the back, a removable cover reveals a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a LAN port. Once you slip the console into place, you'll immediately notice how crisp the 4K output is—HDR adds depth and vibrancy, turning what you once saw as a "handheld" game into a near-console-quality experience on your TV.

I spent several hours racing in Mario Kart World in 4K, and the detail is stunning; the track environments shimmer with life, and every frame feels crisp enough to rival current-generation home consoles. If you're chasing 120 fps, dropping the resolution to 1440p unlocks that higher frame rate. You can select between 4K/60fps and 1440p/120fps for competitive or fast-paced multiplayer gaming, depending on your priorities.

Mode of Tabletop

Detach the Joy-Cons, remove the kickstand, and place the console on any level surface to put it in tabletop mode. The new kickstand is more robust than the previous model and offers a variety of tilt angles, ranging from virtually flat, ideal for playing on a low table, to nearly upright for watching cutscenes.

It seems a little flimsy at first, but once fully unfolded, it stays stable even on uneven ground. Tabletop mode is perfect for local co-op sessions: you and a friend can each grab a Joy-Con and sit across from each other, battling in Super Mario Party or teaming up in Donkey Kong Bonanza.

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Welcome Tour and Mouse Controls

Nintendo includes a small application called the Welcome Tour, which acts like an interactive guide to the console's features. At only a few dollars to download, it essentially functions as a digital instruction manual. As you walk around a virtual Switch 2 model, you can click on various elements to learn how they work.

The cleverest part is the mouse-like functionality of the Joy-Cons: place each Joy-Con face-down on a table, and the internal sensor tracks your hand movements, letting you control an on-screen cursor with surprising precision.

Avoiding bombs or clicking buttons in the Welcome Tour game demonstrates the responsiveness of these sensors. Nintendo plans to release a dedicated title called Drag X Drive in the future to showcase this feature, but the Welcome Tour gives you a taste of what's possible.

User Interface and Audio

Navigating the Switch 2's menus feels instantly familiar to anyone who has used a previous Switch. The layout is cleaner, with sharper icons and faster load times, but the overall organization remains consistent with earlier models.

If you liked the simplicity of the older UI, you'll feel right at home; if you were hoping for a complete overhaul, you might be slightly underwhelmed. Audio has also improved with the built-in speakers delivering clear sound at higher volumes. Many games may be played without a headset, but for a more engrossing and private listening experience, you can still connect a Bluetooth audio device or plug in headphones.

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Third-Party and Official Accessories

There are a number of accessories available to improve your Switch 2 experience in addition to the Nano Pop cases. For extra rugged protection, consider a thicker, armor-style case that absorbs shocks—ideal if you travel frequently or want added peace of mind when tossing the console into a bag. A hard shell carry case is another popular choice, as it protects both the console and up to ten cartridges. It's perfect for on-the-go storage.

Nintendo's updated Pro Controller now features the new "C" button for game chat and two rear-facing mappable buttons, allowing you to assign commonly used actions (like jumping or crouching) for quicker gameplay. This places the Switch 2 Pro Controller on par with high-end third-party controllers that have offered remappable buttons for years.

The Switch 2 camera is an additional new device that connects to the top USB-C connector. It makes in-game features like game chat and video chat possible. Even if it's only at 1080p, the ability to video call pals while playing gives Nintendo systems a social component that wasn't there before.

The shared video appears as a small window on your friends' screens, but it remains functional enough to let you watch their reactions as you navigate through a boss fight or pull off a tricky combo.

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Game Chat and Online Features

Pressing the "C" button on the Joy-Con brings up the game chat interface, allowing for voice or video calls, screen sharing, and party chat while you play. This feature is part of Nintendo Switch Online, which requires an annual subscription (temporary promotional periods may grant free access for a limited time).

I find the subscription worthwhile since it grants online play, a library of classic titles spanning Game Boy, NES, and SNES, and cloud saves. Even if you only use game chat on occasion, the extras bundled with the service make it a solid value for most players.

Comparisons to the Original Switch

Positioning the Switch 2 beside the launch-day original (or the newer OLED version) highlights how far Nintendo has come. The screen has grown from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches, and the resolution jump from 720p to 1080p is immediately evident in terms of brightness and color accuracy. The original models use LCD and OLED panels, respectively. While the OLED remains deeper in contrast, the Switch 2's LCD is brighter overall and handles direct lighting situations better.

In terms of thickness, the new console sits almost flush with the older models, but the trigger shape is now more ergonomic—Nintendo refined the curvature so it fits more naturally in your fingers. Overall, if you already own an original Switch, you'll notice sharper visuals, smoother frame rates, and a more premium feel with the Switch 2.

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Is the Switch 2 Worth Buying?

Depending on your interests and gaming habits, you can decide whether to upgrade. The Switch 2 is an appealing option if you're itching to play the newest Mario Kart or plunge into ports like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy with greater resolution, faster refresh rates, and HDR compatibility.

For those who appreciate visual fidelity, the larger screen and 4K docked output are major benefits. However, if you're content with your current Switch library, don't anticipate playing many new titles, and prefer the original form factor, you might not need to rush out and buy one immediately.

The Switch 2 strikes a balance between portability and power, offering everything the original Switch could do, but better and faster, while preserving compatibility with existing games. If you plan to use it handheld most of the time, the improved ergonomics and performance alone make it worthwhile.

If you primarily play on a docked system, the ability to achieve 60fps at 4K is a massive leap forward. Ultimately, the Switch 2 is a worthy successor for anyone looking to future-proof their Nintendo experience. Just ask yourself: Do you want the best possible visuals and smoother gameplay on a Nintendo platform? If so, go ahead and grab a Switch 2—you won't be disappointed.

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