Nintendo Switch 2 Review: A Triumphant Evolution Worth the Wait

After years of anticipation and months of speculation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived. Following extensive testing over more than a week, this comprehensive review covers everything from performance to battery life. The verdict? This hybrid console earns a solid 9/10 rating.

Overall Verdict and Score

Final Score: 9/10

The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers fantastic performance and a display that feels like a massive upgrade. However, slightly disappointing battery life and slow charging prevent it from achieving perfection. Additionally, the launch title lineup leaves something to be desired.

Pros

• Stellar performance capabilities
• Excellent display quality
• Significantly improved software
• Generous 256GB storage
• Sleek, premium form factor

Cons

• Battery life could be better
• Slow charging speeds
• Limited first-party launch titles

Pricing and Availability Details

The Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for $449.99 in the United States. Meanwhile, UK customers can purchase the console for £399.99. You can order directly from Nintendo or through major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart.

Initially, stock shortages followed the launch as pre-orders sold out weeks before release. However, availability has improved significantly since June 2025. Nevertheless, buyers should remain cautious when purchasing through third-party platforms like eBay.

Performance: A Night and Day Difference

The performance gap between the Nintendo Switch 2 and its predecessor is remarkable. Nintendo and Nvidia have created something truly special with the custom processor. Consequently, all launch titles run smoothly, from Mario Kart World to Cyberpunk 2077.

While it doesn't match PS5 Pro or high-end gaming PCs, the performance exceeds expectations for a handheld console. Furthermore, many classic Switch games have received free Switch 2 updates. For instance, Pokémon Violet now displays mass outbreaks with dozens of Pokémon simultaneously, compared to the original's ten-creature limit.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

The most impressive performance showcase comes from The Legend of Zelda titles. Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom look absolutely stunning on Switch 2. Thanks to the high-tech GPU and 12GB of RAM, loading times are significantly faster. Moreover, frame rates remain consistently stable throughout gameplay.

One minor concern involves the console running warmer than previous models. Fortunately, it never becomes too hot to handle comfortably. The heating primarily occurs in docked mode, which explains Nintendo's new cooling technology in the dock.

Display: LCD Technology That Rivals OLED

The 7.9-inch display represents a serious upgrade from both original Switch models. This 1080p screen delivers exceptional quality that surpasses many premium handheld consoles. Even coming from a Steam Deck OLED, the Switch 2's display impressed immediately.

While the LCD technology doesn't produce the deep blacks of OLED displays, other improvements compensate effectively. Enhanced frame rates, refresh rates, and HDR support create notably smoother gameplay. Additionally, the display produces vibrant colors that truly shine in games like Mario Kart World.

Docked Performance Excellence

The console performs exceptionally well on larger screens too. Mario Kart World runs at either 4K/60fps or 1440p/120fps, depending on your preference. Seeing characters zip around corners at 120fps provides a genuinely impressive visual experience.

However, the display does attract dust and smudges easily. Therefore, keeping a microfiber cloth handy becomes essential for maintaining optimal screen clarity.

Design and Build Quality Improvements

The Nintendo Switch 2's form factor feels both familiar and improved. Despite the larger screen and elongated Joy-Con 2 controllers, the console somehow feels thinner than the Switch OLED. This creates a sleek aesthetic that enhances the overall premium feeling.

The upgraded kickstand offers improved stability and more flexible viewing angles. Furthermore, the Joy-Con 2 controllers feature a lovely matte finish with orange and blue highlights. These design choices justify the $450 price point effectively.

Joy-Con 2 Controller Enhancements

The new controllers represent a significant improvement over their predecessors. Magnetic attachments replace the occasionally frustrating rail system, making attachment much easier. Additionally, larger joysticks provide better control for games like Mario Kart World.

The mouse control functionality offers mixed results, however. While responsiveness and accuracy are excellent for FPS games, practical limitations exist. Using mouse controls requires a flat surface, which isn't always convenient during casual gaming sessions.

Software and Feature Updates

Setting up the Nintendo Switch 2 takes less than thirty minutes, even with large screenshot libraries to transfer. The step-by-step instructions provide excellent guidance for newcomers to the platform.

The 256GB storage capacity represents a massive improvement over the original's 32GB limitation. This generous space accommodates modern game sizes much more effectively. Moreover, backwards compatible games begin downloading automatically after setup completion.

Enhanced eShop Experience

The redesigned eShop offers significant improvements over the original version. Most notably, the new "For You" feature presents personalized game recommendations that refresh weekly. This feature helps users discover new titles based on their gaming preferences.

Additionally, the eShop operates much more smoothly without the irritating lag that plagued the original Switch. Navigation feels responsive and intuitive throughout the interface.

GameChat Communication Feature

GameChat allows up to 12 friends to communicate and share screens during gameplay. This feature works well with stable internet connections. However, poor Wi-Fi can cause automatic camera and screen sharing disconnections.

The noise reduction software performs remarkably well, filtering out background noise effectively. While social gamers will appreciate this feature, it represents a significant upgrade from the original Switch's limited communication options.

Battery Life and Charging Concerns

Initial battery life impressions were disappointing, but extended testing revealed more reasonable performance. The Nintendo Switch 2 provides approximately two to three hours of handheld gaming, depending on the title.

Mario Kart World typically provides about two and a half hours of gameplay. Meanwhile, less demanding games like Deltarune and Monster Train 2 can reach three hours or more. These results align more closely with Nintendo's pre-launch estimates.

Charging Speed Limitations

The 5,220mAh battery requires approximately three hours to charge from empty to full. Unfortunately, charging while gaming extends this time significantly. Additionally, the included charging cable feels too short for comfortable handheld gaming while plugged in.

Therefore, purchasing a longer third-party charging cable becomes practically necessary for extended gaming sessions.

Launch Title Assessment

The launch lineup feels somewhat underwhelming despite including quality titles. Mario Kart World stands out as the clear highlight, earning high praise across reviews. However, beyond that flagship title, options feel limited.

Many third-party titles and GameCube rereleases are available, but most lack the excitement of brand-new experiences. Upcoming releases like Donkey Kong Bananza should address this concern. Nevertheless, the initial selection disappoints compared to expectations.

Final Recommendation

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a triumph in console evolution rather than revolution. Almost every aspect improves upon the original, from performance to display quality to software functionality. After seven years with the original Switch, this successor feels worthy of similar long-term devotion.

However, the console isn't without flaws. Battery life steps backward from the Switch OLED model, launch titles feel limited, and mouse controls remain questionable. Despite these concerns, only battery performance represents a truly significant drawback.

Ultimately, the Nintendo Switch 2 serves as Nintendo's continuity candidate. Rather than reinventing successful formulas, it refines and enhances existing strengths. Following the original Switch's massive success, this approach makes perfect sense.

The Japanese gaming giant has delivered exactly what fans hoped for: a meaningful upgrade that maintains everything great about the original while addressing its limitations. Nintendo's post-Wii U renaissance continues strong with this impressive new console.