I recently got my hands on the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 at an exclusive event in New York. Though it carries a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of its predecessor, this new console feels refreshingly different. The experience was invigorating, primarily because of the exciting lineup of games rather than just the hardware.
The Switch 2, priced at $450, is indeed a great piece of tech on its own. Yet, its true potential lies in the hands of the game developers, both from Nintendo and third-party creators. This isn’t just another console; it’s an evolved gaming vision from Nintendo, which became evident during my gameplay session. It left me eager for more, urging me to start stashing some cash for its release.
### Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
First off, the black matte finish on the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the console itself is striking. The device, along with the attached controllers, weighs in at 1.18 pounds—slightly heavier than the original Switch but lighter than some PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED which is about 1.41 pounds. The added weight feels justifiable with the new 7.9-inch display.
Though the lack of vibrant colors might seem a bit off-brand for Nintendo, it’s reminiscent of past products like the GameCube, which also came in a black variant. Personally, I owned a black GameCube, so I’m not complaining. Perhaps we’ll see more color options in the future.
Swapping Joy-Cons is still a simple task, thanks to sturdy release buttons on each side. In the trials I conducted, the connection felt solid and reliable, putting any concerns about accidental disconnections at ease.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers are noticeably longer, fitting better in hand than the originals despite their slender build. This improved comfort might not be instantly noticeable for everyone, but it’s a welcomed change nonetheless. The thumbsticks maintain their original potentiometer technology, though the developers promise smoother movement. However, without an immediate discernible difference, I’ll need more extensive playtime to judge the redesign accurately.
Nintendo has equipped the Switch 2 with a substantially upgraded kickstand, vastly superior to the original’s flimsy support, allowing for versatile viewing angles—a handy feature for gaming in tight spaces like on a plane.
Perhaps the most significant improvement is the display, now boosted to a 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10 support. Though it isn’t OLED, the vibrant screen made games like Mario Kart World pop with stunning clarity. Despite the lack of OLED, the quality of the display on this model felt more than satisfying.
The dock, only glimpsed in one demonstration, looks bulkier than its predecessor to accommodate a cooling fan, yet serves a similar purpose.
### Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
In terms of specs, the Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor featuring DLSS support and hardware ray tracing, offering a delightful visual experience. The device includes a 7.9-inch touchscreen, 256GB of expandable storage, and advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth.
### Mouse Controls
The Switch 2 introduces a concept borrowed from the PC gaming world—mouse controls, enabled by sensors in the Joy-Con 2 controllers. During the showcase, this feature was highlighted in various games. In Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, using the mouse mode allowed for precision aiming. However, the setup felt less comfortable over time compared to using traditional joysticks.
In contrast, Civilization VII seemed well-suited to this control style, offering a relaxed pace reminiscent of PC gameplay. The Drag x Drive game offered a unique twist, employing both Joy-Cons in mouse mode for exciting gameplay akin to Rocket League, demanding strategic maneuvering.
### Resolution Options and Quality Modes
The Switch 2 ventures further into customizable play experiences with its resolution and quality modes rivalry to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. It supports 4K output at 60 frames per second when docked and sports a flexible resolution and frame rate setup to adapt to different gaming preferences.
### Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera
Also debuting are peripherals like the new $79.99 Pro Controller and a $49.99 camera. The Pro Controller has improved buttons and features rear assignable controls—a boon for avid gamers. Meanwhile, the camera, critical for Game Chat and in-game functions, will likely stir varied reactions. Additionally, Nintendo’s system supports third-party USB-C cameras, allowing for versatile use.
### Game Notes
Of course, the Nintendo Switch 2 is launching with a stellar suite of games. Mario Kart World stood out during the showcase with its Knockout Tour mode, promising an exhilarating multiplayer experience. Despite an early build warning, Cyberpunk 2077’s inclusion hints at the console’s robust capabilities, though there’s room for optimization.
Meanwhile, Donkey Kong Bananza exploited the machine’s power, showing off destructible environments and engaging mechanics. Other titles like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Drag x Drive displayed the Switch 2’s dynamic range.
Nintendo’s lineup showcases the potential held within the Switch 2. As the June 2025 release date approaches, I find myself eagerly anticipating this next chapter in gaming evolution.
