It says something that I managed to keep the Nintendo Switch 2 hidden from the Mario-addicted members of the household for about a week. In the end, the only thing that gave me away was the Switch 2 branding emblazoned across the back of the hand-held console, and some lazy positioning.
It wasn’t that difficult to conceal. The Switch 2 looks fairly similar to the first generation, with removable JoyCon controllers and a big enough screen that you aren’t dependent on the dock mode to get a good look at your games.
Similarly, the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t feel like a new console – at least not in the “wow” factor sense of things. Everything is very familiar, which might be a selling point rather than a negative. It is still a hand-held console with detachable controllers, and it can still be hooked up to the TV to work as a home console.
But Nintendo didn’t have to reinvent the console. It just needed to make it better. And on that front at least, the company has hit the mark.
It is more powerful, as you would expect from the second generation. It is slightly bigger too, with the screen expanding from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches.
The Switch 2 is capable of 4K output too, and at 40 frames per second, although that changes to 1,080p and 120 frames per second while docked. It all depends on the games though, and what they will support.
Inside the box you get the console, JoyCon controllers, a grip for the controllers to turn it into a classic controller, the dock, HDMI cable, and power cable and adaptor.
You will also get two straps for the JoyCons, which is advisable to use for certain games to increase stability of the controller.
The JoyCon controllers are magnetic, rather than simply clipping on. As someone who has accidentally detached the controllers from the original Switch mid-game, the difference is welcome. But there is more interesting technology built in. For example, the optical sensors mean the controllers can be used as mice, opening up the possibilities for playing games that utilise mouse aim. That’s where those straps are useful.
Setting up is quick and relatively painless, although it requires a software update that can take a while. If you are buying this for a child, best to get that one out of the way before you hand it over, or face an epic whinge.
The console supports virtual cards, so you can use any downloaded games you might have had for the previous Switch on your new console too. You have more space for those virtual games, with the Switch 2 expanding storage to 256GB, with support for a microSD Express card of up to 2TB. Forget about having to make difficult decisions, at least for a couple of weeks; the Switch 2 has plenty of room.
If you have played a Switch previously, the new console will feel familiar. Nintendo has largely stuck with what works with the interface, so don’t expect any big redesigns here, unless you want to dig around inside individual apps.
One change is the addition of Game Chat, thanks to the Nintendo Switch 2’s microphone. You can now chat with up to 11 other people while playing games; add in an optional USB C video camera and you can video chat as you play, plus you can share your screen, even if you aren’t playing the same game.
It’s a handy way to get tips from friends; unfortunately, it only works with the Switch 2, so for some people it will be a while before it is in regular use.
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The price may be an issue for some people. At just short of €500, the Switch 2 is significantly more expensive than its predecessor, which started at €330 when it launched.
So why buy a Switch 2? Aside from the power and graphics boost, one compelling reason: the new games. If you want the new Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, you will need to invest in the Switch 2. Nintendo has no plans to release the new games for its previous console, and expect that to happen more in the future.
Good
There may not be too many exclusives just yet for the Switch 2, but the previous generation of games is backwards compatible. You can also copy over any virtual cards you have on your Switch to the new console, meaning you have a library ready to go.
The new magnetic JoyCons feel more secure than the previous generation too – although that may change with use.
Graphics improvements on Switch 2 are noticeable, with Nintendo adding in support for more advanced technology.
Bad
The screen is a downgrade from that of the Switch OLED. Will you care? Not enough.
Battery life is okay, with the official rating at a minimum of two hours and max of 6.5, depending on what game you are playing. That is poorer than its predecessor, which was 4.5 hours to nine hours. However, it will only hit you if you are engaging in long sessions while out and about.
Everything else
The dock comes with two USB ports, an Ethernet and HDMI connection. The Switch 2 itself adds an extra USB C port, and a usable kickstand.
Verdict
An upgrade to the original Switch – one that will come into its own as more first-party games are available.
