Nintendo Co., Ltd.’s successor to the best-selling Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2, is a conservative yet stronger entry in the console space that can now punch head-to-head with the competition.
The Nintendo Switch 2 sports a larger 7.9-inch LCD display at 1080p with HDR, VRR, and 120Hz in handheld mode. Inside is a custom Nvidia chipset with DLSS and 12GB RAM.
New larger Joy-Con 2 controllers snap magnetically to the sides of the chassis with a satisfying snap and detach with a handy release button. In addition, each controller can utilize mouse functionality by placing the magnet each on a flat surface for precision cursor or aim controls.
The hardware includes bottom USB-C port, headphone jack, volume rocker and power button in the same position as the Nintendo Switch. A new USB-C port on the top of the hardware is added for charging convenience. Finally, the full-length metal kickstand spans the width of the console with 150 degrees of flex for tabletop mode.
The entire hardware with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached is noticeably bigger than the Nintendo Switch 2. Still, at the same thickness as the original Nintendo Switch and only .84 pounds, the Nintendo Switch 2 feels premium and balanced in the hand.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 dock includes two USB-A ports to charge controllers, HDMI port and Ethernet port. In addition, the dock includes a fan to keep the system cool. There is a bit more movement when the Switch 2 is resting in the dock but nothing overtly unstable.
Mario Kart World, the landmark launch title and No. 1 best-selling franchise title for the Nintendo Switch, is a prime example in the hardware’s broad versatility. Blazing at 60FPS, Mario and crew race in the new open world through interconnected maps that span virtual miles in long-distance landscapes not possible on the Nintendo Switch.
The title utilizes GameChat, a new paywall feature locked behind the Nintendo Switch Online service. With the press of the new C button, users can utilize built-in chat software to chat with up to 12 users. A USB camera can be plugged in to the hardware or the dock to view the user on screen. The feature works well with the Switch 2’s noise-cancelling functionality able to eliminate nearby TV sound and isolate only the user’s voice.
Another new feature, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, are intuitive and accurate to use with the included Joy-Con 2 Strap. When propped vertically, a cursor automatically appears on the Nintendo Switch 2 interface for instant usage to navigate the system menus. Mouse controls will no doubt be a benefit for shooters in addition simulation titles.
Enhanced titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition receive a glorious update to 4K/60FPS with doubled frame rate and sharper textures that project the RPG masterpiece to its fullest. Third-party port titles including CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrate to power of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its ability to manage complex, open-world titles that skipped the Nintendo Switch due to hardware limitations.
Battery life is similar to the original Nintendo Switch at 2 to 6.5 hours depending on the game title. Zelda tiles are able to muster 2.5 hours while less graphics intensive titles will log more moderate battery consumption.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a gratifyingly powered up Nintendo Switch that boosts its capability but retains the former’s fantastic functionality. Whether docked, tabletop or handheld, the Nintendo Switch 2 is ready to rumble. But this time, it’s on a level playing field.
