Nintendo Switch 2 Review: A Bigger, Sharper, Smarter Switch

The original Switch sold well over 150 million units by proving that one console could be a home system and a handheld at the same time. The Switch 2 does not reinvent that idea — it perfects it. The screen is bigger and far better, the hardware is dramatically more powerful, the Joy-Con finally feel like proper controllers, and almost your entire Switch library comes with you.

Nintendo launched Switch 2 in June 2025 at $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle available. More than a year on, with a healthy game library and plenty of accessories, here is our complete verdict.

Design and screen

Switch 2 is a larger console with a 7.9-inch LCD screen, up from 6.2 inches on the original model. It runs at 1080p — double the pixel count of the old 720p panel — supports HDR and refreshes at up to 120Hz. In practice, games look far crisper and motion is noticeably smoother in titles that target high frame rates.

It is an LCD rather than OLED, so blacks are not as inky as the Switch OLED model. Colours are vivid and brightness is good, and the larger size makes handheld play much more comfortable for adult hands. The kickstand now runs the full width of the back and is far sturdier, which matters for tabletop play.

Joy-Con 2: the controllers are finally great

The original Joy-Con slid onto rails and were infamous for stick drift. Joy-Con 2 attach magnetically with a satisfying click and release with a button on the back. They are larger, with bigger buttons and triggers that are more comfortable for long sessions.

The headline trick is mouse functionality: turn a Joy-Con 2 on its side, slide it across a table or your leg, and it works like a computer mouse. Games designed for it — strategy titles, shooters and party games — gain precise pointer controls that were impossible on the original Switch. There is also a new C button that opens GameChat, Nintendo’s built-in voice and video chat.

Performance

The jump in power is substantial. Custom NVIDIA hardware supports modern features like DLSS upscaling and ray tracing, and games that struggled on the original Switch run smoothly here. Docked, the console can output up to 4K; many games target 1440p or 1080p at higher frame rates instead, which is often the better trade-off.

Load times are much shorter too, helped by 256GB of fast internal storage. Expansion now uses microSD Express cards — older standard microSD cards can still be used to move screenshots, but they cannot store or run Switch 2 games, so budget for a compatible card if you buy lots of digital games.

Games and backward compatibility

Nintendo’s first-party games remain the reason to own a Switch, and the Switch 2 library has grown quickly, led by Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Third-party support is much stronger than on the original console, because the hardware can finally run modern ports without drastic compromises.

Crucially, most physical and digital Switch games work on Switch 2, and many receive free or paid “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” upgrades with better resolution, frame rates or new content. Some physical Switch 2 releases use Game-Key Cards, which contain a key rather than the full game and require a download — check the box before you buy if you have slow internet.

Battery life

Battery life is the weakest area. Nintendo quotes roughly 2 to 6.5 hours depending on the game, and demanding titles land at the lower end. Lowering screen brightness helps. If you travel a lot, a compact USB-C power bank is a worthwhile accessory.

Switch 2 vs the alternatives

Console	Best for	Consider instead if…
Nintendo Switch 2	Nintendo games, handheld play, families	—
Nintendo Switch OLED	Tight budgets, OLED screen	You only want older Switch games
PlayStation 5	Cinematic blockbusters on a TV	You rarely play handheld
Steam Deck	PC games on the go	You already own a Steam library

Also gaming on PlayStation? See our guide to the best PS5 accessories.

Should you buy the Nintendo Switch 2?

Yes. Switch 2 is a better console in every way that matters: a larger, sharper screen, far more power, genuinely great controllers and a library that now includes the best of two generations. Battery life and the move to microSD Express are small frustrations next to how much more enjoyable everyday play has become. For Nintendo fans and families, it is an easy recommendation.