Nintendo Switch 2 Full Review – Pros & Cons Is It Worth the Upgrade?

After four immersive hours with the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s safe to say: this is not just a follow-up to one of the best-selling consoles ever—it’s a significant leap forward. As a long-time fan of the original Switch, I’ve been counting down to this sequel for what feels like a quarter of my life. Nintendo hasn’t just made the Switch 2 bigger; they’ve made it better—more sophisticated, more powerful, and more in tune with gamers who’ve grown up since the Switch One launched in 2017.

But with maturity comes a higher price tag. At $449, the Switch 2 is considerably more expensive than the $299 launch price of the original. And that’s just the beginning—between paid upgrades for older games and a slew of premium-priced new releases, this is a console that demands investment. So is it worth it?

Let’s break it all down—from the design and hardware to the games and overall value proposition.

Design and Build Quality

The most obvious upgrade with the Switch 2 is physical. This thing feels like a grown-up version of the original. The 7.9-inch screen (up from 6.2 inches) is enormous, offering over 60% more screen real estate. It even outpaces competitors like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. But surprisingly, that size doesn’t make it bulky—it makes it better. Nintendo embraced the reality that no one was really fitting their Switch in a pocket and instead focused on optimizing for playability.

The build is refined, with a sturdier chassis that feels more premium than the original Switch’s somewhat rushed plastic shell. The Joy-Con 2.0 controllers now attach magnetically and interlock with precise cutouts on the console itself. Each side uses large magnets that snap into metal SR/SL buttons, resulting in a connection that feels natural and firm. They’re easy to detach using the release button, but never feel loose or fragile.

Another standout design element? The new kickstand. Though it looks thin, it holds strong and now includes rubberized feet to improve grip on smooth surfaces. And there’s a new top-mounted USB-C port, allowing you to charge the console even when using it in tabletop mode—something the original Switch sorely lacked.

Display Specs and Visual Quality

One of the biggest upgrades is the screen, and it delivers. Despite still using LCD technology rather than OLED, the Switch 2’s display is bright, vibrant, and crystal clear. It supports HDR gaming, peaks at brightness levels well beyond the original, and finally brings 1080p resolution to handheld mode—double the pixels of the 720p display from the original Switch.

The screen also features a variable 120Hz refresh rate, which gives developers options. Games can be locked at 30Hz to conserve battery or cranked to 120Hz for ultra-smooth action. While this might seem excessive for a battery-powered handheld, it adds incredible flexibility and allows developers to craft fluid gameplay without compromises.

Color reproduction is also dramatically improved. Compared side-by-side with both the OG Switch and the Switch OLED, the Switch 2’s LCD panel arguably looks better than both. Fingerprints are still possible, but the upgraded oleophobic coating minimizes smudging compared to the previous model.

Joy-Con 2.0: Comfortable and Feature-Rich

The Joy-Con controllers have evolved in every meaningful way. They’re larger, more ergonomic, and feel less like toys. The added surface area and easier-to-reach shoulder buttons make them more suitable for adult hands, especially during competitive play. The primary triggers are deeper, more contoured, and feel tactile under pressure.

Analog sticks are still low-profile but slightly larger and sturdier. The face buttons retain their clickiness, which might not be for everyone, but are reliable.

And then there’s the wild new addition: optical sensors on the bottom of each Joy-Con. These allow you to place the controller flat on a surface and use it like a computer mouse. No calibration needed—just set it down and go. It’s incredibly intuitive and opens up new genres of games, like strategy titles or Mario Maker 3, that benefit from mouse-style precision. Even playing Civilization VII on a couch feels natural with this control scheme.

This level of innovation is classic Nintendo: simple, useful, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.

Docking, TV Output, and 4K Gaming

When docked, the Switch 2 offers another level of performance. The new dock includes a fan to keep things cool and stable, particularly when pushing games to 4K resolution. It’s curved to match the console, easier to slot into place, and supports all the standard HDMI features you’d expect.

Games scale up nicely when docked. Mario Kart World runs at full 60 FPS with higher resolution and more dynamic weather and lighting effects than ever before. Visual improvements aren’t mind-blowing compared to PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, but they’re undeniably better than the original Switch.

Aliasing and simple textures are still present in some games, though. You won’t mistake these for next-gen visuals, but you will see bigger maps, more players, and seamless loading—proof that the power upgrade went to gameplay first, graphics second.

Software and Games

Mario Kart World is just the beginning. Nintendo has committed major first-party support to the Switch 2, including new entries in the Mario, Donkey Kong, and Kirby franchises. Third-party support is stronger than ever, with studios like FromSoftware announcing exclusives, and big-name games like Cyberpunk 2077 running (albeit with compromises) on the new hardware.

Backward compatibility is excellent. The Switch 2 can play nearly all original Switch games without issue. Additionally, developers can release Switch 2 Editions of older games that take advantage of the upgraded specs—although they’ll cost extra, which has generated some controversy.

Games like Mario Kart World, priced at $80, represent a new pricing high for Nintendo. Some physical cartridges may be even more expensive due to new storage requirements. That’s a significant jump from the $60 standard most of us are used to.

Another new feature is Game Share, which allows multiplayer access for friends who don’t own the game—a huge plus and a return to the spirit of the Nintendo DS era.

Audio, Chat, and Online Features

The new “C” button on the Joy-Con introduces a revamped game chat system. You can see what friends are playing and chat in real-time—provided you have a paid Nintendo online subscription. Unfortunately, the microphone is located on the console itself, which could limit voice clarity when docked and placed near your TV.

A tutorial game called “Welcome Tour” offers a similar experience to Sony’s Astro’s Playroom, but it’s not free—another strange decision given its role as an onboarding tool.

Performance and Storage

Internally, the Switch 2 packs serious power. Battery life varies based on usage, but developers can manage power draw better thanks to the variable refresh rate and smart screen features.

Storage is no longer a pain point. With 256GB built in, the average user can install 6–8 full-size games before needing a microSD card.

Performance-wise, every game demoed ran smoothly—even large, open-world titles. Loading times are faster, and the fan keeps the system cool during extended play sessions.

Pricing and Value Concerns

This is where things get complicated. The Switch 2 retails for $449. Some major titles will cost $70 to $80, and Switch 2 Editions of older games carry an upgrade fee. Even features like online voice chat are locked behind subscriptions.

Nintendo may be aiming to recoup manufacturing costs, but the pricing model feels aggressive, especially compared to how Sony and Microsoft have handled generational upgrades.

Still, you’re getting more value in the long run if features like Game Share and backward compatibility become the standard.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pros and Cons

Pros:

1080p HDR display with 120Hz variable refresh rate
More ergonomic Joy-Con 2.0 with innovative optical features
Strong first-party and third-party support
256GB internal storage
Game Share feature for multiplayer
Backward compatibility with Switch One library

Cons:

$449 base price with expensive games and upgrade packs
Voice chat locked behind a subscription
Joy-Con drift fix not officially confirmed

Final Verdict: Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth It?

Yes, with a few caveats.

Nintendo nailed most of the essentials. The Switch 2 feels premium, runs better, plays better, and offers more gaming potential than any Nintendo handheld before it. Joy-Cons are more ergonomic. The display is gorgeous. Performance is stable. Features like Game Share and 4K docked gaming are big wins.

But, the price is high, and the monetization strategy raises eyebrows. You might want to wait for more must-have exclusives or a price drop before upgrading—especially if your original Switch still serves you well.

If you’re a fan of Nintendo games, want cutting-edge handheld gaming, or skipped the original Switch entirely, the Switch 2 is absolutely worth your attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nintendo Switch 2:

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backward-compatible?

Yes, it supports nearly all original Switch games and offers enhanced versions of some titles.

How much storage does the Switch 2 offer?

It comes with 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD.

Can Switch 2 run games in 4K?

Yes, when docked, Switch 2 supports up to 4K output for supported games.

Are Switch 2 games more expensive?

Yes, some games are priced up to $80, and older game upgrades may require extra payment.

Does the Switch 2 fix Joy-Con drift?

Nintendo hasn’t confirmed this. The new Joy-Cons feel more solid, but a full fix remains unclear.

Is the display OLED?

No, it’s a high-quality LCD with HDR and 120Hz refresh rate that rivals OLED performance.

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