Release date: June 5
Price: $449.99 / £395.99
I'm still in the process of completing my Nintendo Switch 2 review, only getting hands on the console earlier this week. We've been running through everything from 4K docked performance to thumbstick feel together over the course of Ninty's launch and we're not stopping now.
So far, I've had a good amount of time with Cyberpunk 2077 and have explored the upgrades available for Breath of the Wild. Of course, that's mixed in with a healthy amount of Mario Kart World as well. I've put those Joy-Con through the ringer, as well as the Pro Controller 2, and any and all mouse functionality (via Nintendo's own sensor and other wireless mice). I've been comparing performance and display with the Nintendo Switch OLED and Asus ROG Ally, and putting that docked mode to the test alongside the PS5 as well.
So far, things are looking good. There are some shortcomings, and I'll be testing original Switch games a lot more over the weekend after some initial concerns. However, on the whole, this is a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking for a little more grunt from their Ninty system.
I've rounded up my initial Nintendo Switch 2 findings below, and you'll find all the latest updates further down the page.
Price | $449.99 / £395.99 |
Processor | Custom Nvidia chip |
Display | 7.9-inch LCD, 1080p at 120Hz (handheld), 4K at 60Hz (docked) |
Controllers | Detachable Joy-Con (magnetic) with HD Rumble 2 and mouse sensor |
Dimensions | 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inch |
Weight | 1.18lbs (535g) |
Battery | 5,220mAh |
Ports | 2x USB-C, 3.5mm audio |
Design
The Nintendo Switch 2 really does feel great in the hands, even though it's the exact same thickness as the Nintendo Switch OLED I'm testing against. The taller form factor and matte finish on the Joy-Con give it a real air of sophistication that, side by side, the original lacks. I never noticed the cheaper plasticky feel of those classic Joy-Con before I spent so much time going between the two, but the smoother finish of the new model is far slicker.
The system is taller, and that means the Joy-Con are too. While I was hopeful for larger controllers this time around, we've only got a small increase on the width. That's a shame, I always felt the original gamepads were too skinny to truly feel comfortable for longer sessions and the same is still true here. However, the additional height does present a couple of extra problems.
The first one I noticed during my preview testing. During a co-op Mario Kart World session I was lumped with the right Joy-Con, the one that has you stretch a little further to reach the thumbstick. The problem seems to be amplified now, with an uncomfortably large gap between the top of the controller and the stick itself. The second issue is relatively minor, though may prove more troublesome for younger players with smaller hands. The +/- buttons are a significant reach now, which can make quick pauses slightly more cumbersome.
Since getting my hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 proper I've also noticed a few design upgrades that weren't on show before. The game card hinge has had a serious glow-up, with extra supports in the main connector and a metallic plug that seals the gap in the console. That's a far sturdier solution to the often-mashed OLED version.
It's odd, however, that the magnets on the Joy-Con sides allow the controllers to be connected both upside down and back to front. The two times I've picked up the handheld (without the screen on) to connect the Joy-Con so far, I've popped them on the wrong way around.
The dock is a chunkier than that of the Switch and Switch OLED, with a larger curved panel that completely detaches from the main body to allow for wires. That leaves a smaller space for the fan than I initially expected.
Controls
The Joy-Con feel much better in the hands so far, with a slightly wider base and a soft-touch finish that's far more pleasing than the harder plastic of the originals. The sticks themselves have seen their own improvements too, though they still aren't Hall effect.
These are much larger toppers, with a smoother glide to the outer edge. Swirling both controllers around in the hand, I can feel the notched corners of the OLED gamepads, whereas there's a much softer landing on the Nintendo Switch 2.
In-game, it goes a long way in making these sticks feel a little more precise. There's a tighter finish here, sure, but the height isn't extended by much. Instead, it's that padded outer ring and the larger grips on the top of the sticks themselves doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
I've had a tinker with the mouse controls in Cyberpunk 2077 over the course of my first day of testing. I was surprised to find out that both gamepads need to be disconnected from the system for one to work as a pointer, though it makes sense considering actually holding the tablet in one hand and moving a mouse with the other feels pretty unbalanced. While tracking was impressively sharp across my legs, I can't help but feel a more versatile approach would make sense for games where mouse controls are only preferable every so often.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a delight at first touch. I much prefer the softer feel over the textured surface of the original and it's a lot more streamlined overall - far less bulky, way more comfortable. I did notice today, however, that the thumbsticks have a fairly high deadzone to them. Trying to refine my aim in Cyberpunk 2077 was a little cumbersome (though it's notably much better on the Joy-Con themselves).
Display
So far, I've had a peer at the difference between the Nintendo Switch OLED's panel and that of the Switch 2. The jump from an OLED screen to an LED is noticeable.
In side-by-side comparisons of Pokemon Violet, the OLED presented brighter yellows and greens much better, with a more vivid picture overall and a punchier feel. By comparison, the Nintendo Switch 2 darkens these tones slightly.
I had a proper look at the role HDR is playing today and it's surprising. There seems to be something going awry with this implementation. It's a lot more noticeable in handheld mode, and more in Cyberpunk 2077 than Breath of the Wild (that I've seen so far), but it seems to be washing out a lot of the image in brighter scenes. Compared with the Asus ROG Ally, picture does come across a little blown out - an effect quickly rectified by turning the HDR feature off.
UI
I haven't learned too much about the home screen and UI today that we didn't already know. This is pretty much the same deal as you'll find on the original, barring some GameChat functionality and slicker highlighting across the main screen.
I'm delving into those settings a lot more over the course of the next few days, though, and I've already spotted some mouse sensitivity and A/B mapping options I'm excited to try out.
Performance
My initial testing has centered around Cyberpunk 2077. This is, I expect, the Nintendo Switch 2's biggest challenge at launch. A blockbuster Triple-A that put the PS4 through its paces back in the day, CD Projekt Red's massive open world is looking pretty sweet on the new system.
No, you're not getting next-gen graphics as we know them. As I've learned today, PS5 still holds the upper hand against the Nintendo Switch when it comes to textures and distance rendering in docked mode. There's some pop-in, I noticed considerable blurring for a few seconds before new objects and images could render their focus, and that upscaler has brought its own ghost-lines to the party. However, it's Cyberpunk 2077 running remarkably smoothly on a slimline handheld - with commendable ray tracing to boot.
Upgrades to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild reveal an impressive amount of detail in smaller objects and a far more polished experience overall. Between sharper character models and clearer rendering in the distance, things are looking pretty sweet in both handheld and docked mode. Nothing's stuttered so far, and those load times have been reduced dramatically.
I've had a brief dabble in Mario Kart World, though I covered it pretty extensively in my preview. This is still the best place to see the Nintendo Switch 2's 120Hz refresh rate in action, with a super slick presentation and vastly improved distance rendering compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
I did, however, stumble upon some bad news. I see why Nintendo has been fairly vague about the free updates it's bringing to original Nintendo Switch games. From my initial testing, it looks like these titles still run at 720p in handheld mode - even if they were capable of docked 1080p in the previous generation.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe maintained this lower resolution on the Nintendo Switch 2 and even looked a little worse for being pictured on a higher resolution display. That's a blow to anyone hoping to make the most of new hardware when catching up on Ninty's back catalog, especially considering launch day isn't exactly awash with new-hardware exclusives.
You'll get about the same battery life at 50% screen brightness
I've just done another Breath of the Wild battery run, and it looks like that screen brightness doesn't change your runtime too much. I managed two hours and 49 minutes from top to bottom, just nine minutes more than with that screen blaring in full.
The top port charges at roughly the same speed
I've just charged up the Nintendo Switch 2 from the top port and it took two hours and twenty minutes, a little longer than the bottom port (two hours and nine minutes) but generally about the same speed.
PSA: You can toggle HDR for 'compatible games only'
I've just noticed that the Display Settings menu allows you to only use HDR when the game itself is compatible, which goes a long way in keeping the games not supporting the feature looking good. There's definitely still something up with the way HDR is running in games that do support it, though.
I've noticed a slight whine from the Switch 2
I could only hear it late last night when it was quieter, but there was a definite whine to the system when I was playing Breath of the Wild NS2 Edition. It's not there during less demanding processes, on the home screen and playing original Nintendo Switch games for example, but it is loud enough to be noticeable when everything else is silent.
We're back up to 100%
It took two hours and nine minutes, but we're back to 100% charge - that's actually lower than the three-hour estimates we saw before launch. This was completed on the supplied Nintendo Switch 2 power cable while the handheld was in sleep mode.
2 hours and 40 minutes on Breath of the Wild NS2 Edition
That's just over the bottom line of what Nintendo expects its handheld to achieve, and not quite up to the standard set by the Nintendo Switch OLED. That was at full brightness (without auto-brightness switched on), so there's definitely some wiggle room on those numbers as well.
That's a little raw, while it's certainly lasting a lot longer than more power-hungry devices like the Asus ROG Ally Nintendo has produced more battery-efficient handhelds in the past. I'll pop it on the charger and see how long it takes to get back up to full capacity.
It's Friday night and I'm down to party
And by party I mean fully charge the Nintendo Switch 2 and see how long it takes to get to 0% on Breath of the Wild. I've got four hours until Keighley starts throwing new games into my eyeballs (you can keep up with our Summer Games Fest live coverage if you're curious)- I wonder whether the Switch 2 can hold out.
I just heard the Switch 2's spatial audio for the first time
I'm investigating handheld resolution in Tears of the Kingdom (it's looking pretty sweet) and I think I just heard the Switch 2's new 3D spatial audio kicking in for the first time. It's surprisingly realistic, my first instinct was to look down to my right to see what was making that slight clicking noise only to realize there was an enemy on a slightly lower platform to me in-game.
Spinning the camera around a burning lantern reveals just how sophisticated this audio tech is. It's not going to beat one of the best gaming headsets for precision, but it's certainly a worthwhile upgrade.
My webcam works with Nintendo Switch 2
It's actually very easy to find a camera that works with the Nintendo Switch 2. I've been tinkering around with Nintendo's official model today and it's fine - everything looks a little washed out but it's a quick lens to get you into the action with your friends with little faff. I've also tested the system with my Logitech StreamCam and everything works just as well. It doesn't quite have the integration to do Nintendo's neat face tracking features in GameChat but it gets the job done.
That's excellent news if you've held off on buying a new camera for your system. If you have a webcam already it's well worth checking to see if it's compatible.
The system allows this pretty easily. Simply plug in your camera and head to the System Settings. Under 'Controllers & Accessories' you'll find an option to Test USB Camera.
The Joy-Con work much better than a wireless mouse
I've been hopping around Cyberpunk 2077 with both the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX (the best gaming mouse I've tested yet) and the Joy-Con 2 mouse sensor at my disposal, and there's a clear winner. While things do vary slightly by mouse and game, all the wireless pointers I've tested so far carry a little more jitter and a much slower response time than the official Joy-Con.
That's not to say Nintendo has produced a better mouse than Logitech. Put them side by side on a PC and it would be laughable, but there seems to be some limitations of Ninty's dock or handheld that keep these rodents from performing at their best. My best guess is a considerably restricted amount of power / bandwidth running from these USB-A ports compared to a PC, paired with Nintendo's hardware having to do a lot more work to recognize the input than Windows would.
We've got full mouse and keyboard support on Cyberpunk 2077
That wireless mouse support also extends over to Cyberpunk 2077, though there's still a little input lag in here. Not only that, but I've been able to get an Asus keyboard working for a full mouse and keyboard setup as well. Cyberpunk 2077 supports the Joy-Con mouse sensor, but there was nothing suggesting these extra accessories would work in the menus - could be a good sign for future support?
There's one caveat here. The dock didn't want to talk to the 2.4GHz receiver I usually use with my keyboard. Instead, I had to fully wire it in for it to be recognized.
USB mice can be used, but not all of them
Here's where I'm at with mouse testing right now. Some USB-A (and even USB-C) mice are running on the Nintendo Switch 2 (I'm using Nobunaga's Ambition Awakening to test) - but not all the mice I've tried have registered fully.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse are both functioning, while I get a notification that mouse controls have been switched but no actual input from others. So far this is the case with the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless, Razer Pro Click V2 and Glorious Model O 2 Mini. I'm not too sure what would cause the discrepancy if all mice are running over a 2.4GHz receiver.
It's impressiive that Nobunaga's Ambition quickly identifies mouse input and hands the pointer priority, but I've also noticed that the system slows that DPI right down. I have the Alienware Pro Wireless set to my usual 3,200 but it's still dragging across the screen.
The Nintendo Switch 2 does recognize the difference when the DPI is swapped on the mouse itself, which I was worried about initially. However, it doesn't look like a direct representation of that tracking on-screen. This could be software or hardware, I'll need to test across more games with the same kind of support to know for sure.
Speaking of Genki...
The brand's new Nintendo Switch 2 "Sleeper Case" has just turned up at my door. I know this is a Nintendo Switch 2 review, but let's crack it open and see what we've got.
That zip is very stiff, I feel like I'm about to break the small threaded attachment up top when I'm opening it and I have to hold down the main case to actually get enough leverage to pull. It does feel sturdy, though I'm not sure about the 'virtually indestructible' claims made on the box. There's two hard plates underneath the felt top, but they still flex fairly wide.
Everything feels nice and sturdy inside, though, with ample space for game cards. 18 slots puts it well above most original Nintendo Switch cases.
RIP the Genki Covert Dock
One of my absolute favorite Nintendo Switch accessories has made its way to the previous-generation graveyard. The Genki Covert Dock is a small plug adapter that makes for a perfect travel companion - just plug it into the handheld's USB-C port, connect an HDMI and you're playing on any screen you find.
I've just tested it with the Switch 2 and... nothing. The handheld charges just fine, but that HDMI output is completely dead.
I've noticed it takes a little while to fully wake up
I've found myself repeatedly pressing the A button before the Nintendo Switch 2 actually registers it when waking up from sleep mode. I've tried again on the Switch OLED and the issue doesn't seem to be historical, I can immediately dive into the previous generation while the Switch 2 take a second or so. Hopefully this can be patched out with future updates, though.
Back for round three
Good morning! I'm back for another day of testing. First up, I'm going to have a better look at those mouse controls before diving into the world of extra accessories. I've got the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera here, as well as the Logitech StreamCam to test compatibility - I'll be using them to take GameChat out for a spin as well.
I'm docking the Nintendo Switch 2 for the night
It's been a busy launch day, but I've got a better idea of how the Nintendo Switch 2 handles its HDR now and have thoroughly enjoyed playing in 4K docked mode across available titles. It's still early days, but the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a surprisingly competent handheld - even if its biggest draw isn't raw power. It's beaten the Asus ROG Ally with its smooth motion and power handling, even if some objects (particularly faces) still look a little dated. It's stood firm against the PS5 as well, offering just as smooth a gameplay experience while dropping ray tracing sophistication a little.
The Pro Controller has a particularly high dead zone
I've been runnin and gunnin in Cyberpunk tonight, and the deadzone of the Pro Controller's thumbsticks immediately made itself apparent. This is a particularly large zone, with no movement for a considerable portion of each push and pull.
It's not ideal for finer tuned gameplay, and it's taken me a little while to get used to.
By contrast, the Joy-Con thumbsticks are just that little bit more sensitive. I'm having a better time aiming and adjusting that aim in smaller movements with these sticks, which is interesting considering this was all the other way around in the previous generation.
Loading times make a big difference
I first noticed this when playing through Breath of the Wild this afternoon. Loading times have seen a marked improvement in the Nintendo Switch 2. I had time to check my phone when that loading screen popped up on the Nintendo Switch OLED, now I can barely take a sip of a drink.
No, the Nintendo Switch 2 cannot keep up with the PS5
But nobody was expecting it to.
It costs the same as a PS5, and if you're only looking for docked play it's not the best choice overall.
Everything lacks that final touch of sharpness in docked mode compared to the PS5. Faces, textures, and longer-distance details are slightly less detailed. But this isn't the full story.
This is still all very impressive. We're talking about the difference between a slimline handheld that has far more functionality than the PS5 and measures in at a fraction of the size to boot.
I'm still impressed with the overall fidelity on even a mid-range 4K display. Lighting maintains its definition and reflections are well balanced, even if they can't quite keep up with the nuances of the PS5 or PS5 Pro.
Screenshots are actually much easier now
Something I've noticed while comparing the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch OLED today is just how much easier it is to get screenshots off your device now.
On the original console I have to open up a QR code for every image so that it can download to my phone. Now, those captures are automatically uploaded to my Nintendo account and I can find them all on my phone whenever I need them.
It's not going to dramatically improve quality of life for most of us, but it's a nice touch.
Initial 4K performance is looking strong
I've been moving back and forth between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the Nintendo Switch 2 (though it's taken a lot of account jimmying), and there are real enhancements on offer here. Everything feels fresher and more modern, to the extent that I was a little sad I'd been running my most recent playthrough in such low quality for so long.
The most noticeable difference I've seen, though, is the grass. At a lower resolution, the blades under Link's feet feel more like a green blobby mass. Here, I can easily see the ground parting itself beneath our hero's feet, with far greater detail overall.
Even though those textures look the same in general, as I mentioned earlier, they appear far sharper here. Even smaller particle effects are running better - rain feels more full-bodied and natural than the tiny flecks of white floating across the screen of the original.
There's still some HDR washing when docked, but it's far less noticeable
I've been zipping across Hyrule in the upgraded Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and first had to check out that HDR situation. The good news is there's much less evidence of fading here.
I've also just found out that the Nintendo Switch 2 only captures at 1080p, rather than the system's full 4K. That means my screenshots below aren't particularly reflective of what I've seen so far on the system. In real life, there's a noticeable bump in clarity both close up and far away - though the textures themselves don't seem to have received too much polish from the upgrade.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Upgrade pack just installed
That was pretty easy, though just watch out if you already have Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pass. The big old 'Buy now' button is still there even though you'll receive this upgrade for free as part of your subscription. Look instead for a Nintendo Switch Online icon in the left corner, which will start your free download.
I've been reminded how awkward this dock is
The Nintendo Switch 2 dock features a fully removable panel at the back, like that of the Switch OLED. In setting it up in my own living room for the first time just now, though, it's apparent the design isn't quite as good this time around.
That back panel is quite easy to remove, but it's pretty tough to get back on. There are a series of pegs that need to align and click into place in a particularly tight area and balancing the top and the bottom is a challenge.
My advice is to work your way up from the bottom, clicking everything in as you do.
The biggest thing I've learned today so far? Turn HDR off
I've been a little disappointed by performance of the Nintendo Switch 2's HDR today so far, and things are much improved when the setting is completely switched off. I've tested across Cyberpunk 2077 and Mario Kart World so far, and the issue is definitely far more noticeable in brighter scenes but it's still a hitch in this display's plan.
I'm about to set up for 4K docked testing in the games that support it, so we'll see how it fares on the big screen.
That seems to be the end of that comparison for now
The Asus ROG Ally lasted around an hour and a half before its battery ultimately died (anecdotally, the Nintendo Switch 2 is still at around 67%). That can't be taken as a pure battery test, though - I've had both systems running different settings, sometimes sleeping, and sometimes sending screenshots during that time. It is a good indicator of how well the Switch 2 can hold its juice when faced with larger games though, much better than sturdier handheld PC builds.
For reference, here's that same scene with HDR switched off
It's not quite as bright, but the colors are far more realistic and inviting. I personally prefer this over Cyberpunk 2077 with the system's HDR on.
The Asus ROG Ally has taken the lead
Two things I've noticed from driving around on the Nintendo Switch 2. Number one, that HDR needs a little fine-tuning.
The Ally has far punchier visuals overall, whereas the Switch 2 (yes, it looks like HDR is maintained in system screenshots) appears washed out. I'm leaning towards the Ally's visual offerings here, and it seems to two systems are neck and neck in long distance rendering as well.
Below are the same screenshots across both the ROG Ally and the Nintendo Switch 2, zoomed to 150%. Background objects are still very low resolution, and there's about the same amount of detail available between the two systems.
However, the HDR effect on Nintendo Switch 2 is adding an extra wash of brightness over the top of the picture, which leaves it feeling less inviting overall.
Number two, the Nintendo Switch 2's motion handling performs far better than the Ally's. I've mentioned those screen tears and framerate drops before, but it's far more pronounced when flying through these initial street scenes and it's going to hurt even more when we're in Night City proper. The Nintendo Switch 2 is holding up much better.
Steam Deck settings
I've had to bump the Ally down to Steam Deck settings to let those frames catch up with driving in Cyberpunk 2077, but the impact to visual quality doesn't seem to be that drastic compared to the Nintendo Switch 2. This is still much smoother on Ninty's handheld, there's some considerable tearing and the odd judder on the Ally - but things are starting to look more comparable.
The ROG Ally crashed when I benchmarked it, but it seems to have pushed an update through?
The entire system shut down when I tried to run an RT Low benchmark, but that did mean a quick update pulled through - one that definitely wasn't there was I was polishing everything up for this test. Since then, I've noticed a marked increase in performance on the Ally.
It's still choppier than the Nintendo Switch 2 and there are more tears when moving the camera, but lighting is more dynamic and textures have that extra sharpness still. Darting around this first area as a Nomad, I have noticed a few framerate drops here and there - faster movement is throwing the Ally off whereas the Switch 2 remains silky smooth.
So far, the win goes to Nintendo
I've booted up fresh saves on both the Asus ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch 2, and the Switch is flying. The Ally automatically put me at an RT Low setting, which proved far too much to handle without a power cable connected. I've got the device set to its 25W Turbo mode, but we're looking at portable play here and without extra juice the device is struggling.
So far, I've made it just beyond the character creator with both and movement is smooth on Nintendo Switch 2, while the Ally is stuttering hard. I'm going to bump those graphical settings way down on Asus's device and see if we fare any better. That means the Switch 2 has already won if you're looking for on-the-go ray tracing.
It's not all bad news for Asus, though. I have noticed that images appear a little crisper on this PC's display. The Switch 2 has dropped a few textures here and there to get everything running smoothly and it's showing - particularly around faces.
Good morning Nintendo fans!
I'm back and setting up for another day of testing. Yesterday was a blur of handheld gameplay, and I'm back for more today. I've currently got both the Switch 2 and Asus ROG Ally playing Cyberpunk so we'll see how they both fair first.
One quick round of Mario Kart and I'm off to bed
One does not simply get a Nintendo Switch 2 and not play Mario Kart World on day one. I've had a sturdy introduction to this free-roaming world over the last few preview events, but the screen's fantastic motion handling, gorgeous HDR, and improved distance rendering are still impressive even in my own living room. Everything feels just a little more free here, with zippy corners and more minute character movements given more space to breathe than they did on the Nintendo Switch OLED.
That concludes my first day of Nintendo Switch 2 testing, but I'll be up bright and early tomorrow to get some 4K gameplay in and keep pushing mashing those buttons.
Tabletop mode still puts pressure on the lower port
In the process of testing those mouse controls, I've also stumbled across a design flaw that seems to have stuck around since the original Switch days.
Yes, being able to connect my SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds (wireless earbuds with a small USB-C 2.4GHz receiver) and keep my system connected to power is a massive benefit. However, standing the tablet up in tabletop mode still requires the lower port to be left free. As it is, the tablet's weight is currently being supported on the receiver itself - which is a recipe for port worry.
Thankfully, this is less of a concern with the Nintendo Switch 2. After all, you can always just hook up a headset via Bluetooth connection and the top port now means that power remains connected while in tabletop mode.
You need to disconnect both controllers to use the mouse sensor
I've been playing Cyberpunk 2077 with mouse controls for a little while, and I was a little surprised to see that both controllers need to be disconnected from the tablet itself for the feature to be used. That means I can't quickly swap control schemes when in handheld mode, though it does make sense considering you'll need to set the device on its stand to comfortably balance everything.
This is the first time I've used the mouse sensor in a real-world setting. Yes, I've used it on tables at Nintendo preview events - but that's a very different environment to some late-night Cyberpunk on the couch.
Propping the Switch 2 up on the side and using my leg as a mouse pad, the experience was pretty slick. The sensor maintains tracking across fabric folds in my trousers, and even manouvres fairly smoothly without its skates (the toppers in the box feature a smoother gliding surface). It's not going to have you trading in an esports gaming mouse any time soon, and I did need to stretch my hand out after some more intense aiming moments, but it's certainly workable in everyday play.
Cyberpunk 2077 so far: the Switch 2 isn't a miracle worker, but it's a tasty upgrade
I've come from playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the MSI Raider A18 HX, a $5,609.99 RTX 5090 configuration of the 4K gaming laptop no less. I was spoilt in that instance, but even though the Nintendo Switch 2 couldn't even dream of offering the same kind of graphical prowess I can't help but feel impressed.
I'm just under an hour in, playing in handheld mode and without mouse controls, and yes - I'm seeing some tell-tale DLSS ghosting signs, but they've only jumped out at me once. Textures can take a second to fully render as I get closer, but they're looking pretty clean when they need to. Ray tracing is far less sophisticated than you'll find on a PC or PS5, murkier than both and slightly less responsive with distance.
I've had no judders so far, so noticeable framerate slowdowns, and smooth motion even in wilder camera sweeps. Considering this is running on a handheld system that's keeping its thermals under control, that's pretty sweet.
Cyberpunk 2077 has downloaded
It's time to dive into Night City on the Nintendo Switch 2. I'm keeping my testing to handheld mode tonight and jumping deeper into 4K docked territory tomorrow, with the PS5, Asus ROG Ally, and a gaming laptop in tow.
Give me some time to get through the opener and I'll return with screenshots.
I might have some bad news for original Switch 1 games
Most of the games that actually made the most of the Nintendo Switch's 1080p docking capabilities have received patch updates ahead of the Switch 2's release. Many were hopeful that these updates would unlock full 1080p gameplay (previously reserved for docking) in handheld mode.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one such game, but I'm sorry to say it doesn't look like we've got 1080p performance on the device's own screen here. This is a 720p image that, actually, looks a little worse when stretched out across the Nintendo Switch 2's larger FHD panel.
Below, the first image (Link) was captured on a Nintendo Switch 2, while the second is from the Nintendo Switch OLED (Yoshi)
Side by side in real life, the Switch OLED's 720p panel keeps things a little crisper whereas those edges are somewhat blurred on the new release. I'm going to keep testing across different releases, but at the moment that's a tough blow, considering how few Nintendo Switch 2 games we're actually getting at launch.
We've got just over an hour on the Cyberpunk 2077 download
This is going to be my first real test, Cyberpunk 2077 is a massive game and the fact it's been squeezed onto a handheld this small is impressive by itself. That download time has been teetering around the one hour mark for around 15 minutes now, so in the meantime I'm going to have a look at some Nintendo Switch 1 games, without patches, to see if they run in full resolution.
I'm back, and I'm transferring save data
I've got two Nintendo Switch systems on the go at the moment, but because I still want to be able to run each at the same time for comparisons I can't fully wipe my old model. The process for transferring save data is pretty easy, taking less than five minutes on the whole.
It's all done through the Data Management menu in Settings, and both systems walk you through the entire process together. You will need to keep them close by, though, so if you're trading your old device in you'll want to upload everything to the cloud first.
I’m just on my way back from the studio to do some deeper testing at home, but in the meantime here are some quick answers to questions I’m seeing online at the moment.
Yes, the mouse function does work on the home screen. It works quite well actually. While I’m yet to get the eshop up and running, I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work the same on Ninty’s download store.
Yes, mouse sensitivity is customisable in the system’s menu - though there are only three levels to choose from right now.
I was expecting a much larger fan on this dock
I'd never peered into the actual Nintendo Switch 2 dock before today, preview events tend to have them locked away. However, removing the outer shell on the back has surprised me. I was expecting a much larger fan area tucked away around those port connections, but there's a good amount of empty space in this chassis.
We have lift-off
We've got Pokemon Sword up and running on the Nintendo Switch 2 so it's time to take a look at that display. There is a noticeable drop in vibrancy compared to the Switch OLED, which I'll be taking a closer look at later on in my testing. The yellow on that Pokemon logo, for example, appears more gold on the new device whereas it's a much brighter effect on the OLED. The same goes for the green on the field below. Blue tones aren't affected so much, but brighter colors are appearing slightly dulled on the new panel.
And it's stalled
I'll chalk it up to some awkward server activity, but my updates have just crashed out. These are most likely teething problems, but it's going to take a little more time than I had hoped to get the Nintendo Switch 2 fully up and running.
That's a lot of updates
If you were planning on getting straight into your games as soon as you unbox the handheld, you might be disappointed. We've plugged Pokemon Sword in and we're now being faced with a hefty update time. Things seem to be jittering all over the place - it's either going to take an hour or 15 minutes per game.
If you've got a lot of update-able titles in your collection, you might need to sit back and relax before properly getting into the new generation.
I've just opened up the cart slot for the first time
And I wasn't expecting this.
The process is more of a pull than on the original device, which opens its lid with a slightly creaky flip upwards. This time, there's a whole additional piece in play, a large piece of metal folding over the top of each game card. The action of actually opening up this tray now takes place from the back of the handheld as well, with a much smoother motion overall.
Everything feels far sturdier here - I'm not worried about breaking off a piece of the handheld every time I add a game.
Feels like home
Nintendo isn't doing anything new with the homescreen, but everything has seen an extra polish. Game icons are softened with round corners, compared to the harsher squares of the original, and the circular lighting around each selected icon blooms with a more vibrant purple color.
No, there's no themes here - I was half hoping for a launch day surprise from Nintendo in that department. For now, we're stuck with plain backgrounds only.
There's also a new icon at the bottom for GameChat, as well as the Virtual Game Cards and GameShare buttons now available on the original Nintendo Switch as well.
This is a fairly similar experience to the previous device, though. The only difference I've noted so far is that individual clicks sound a little deeper and the tone changes when moving between the three horizontal menus now rise in a far more satisfying manner.
Let's boot it up
I've docked the handheld and we're off to the races with first time setup.
The whole process takes about two minutes, and you'll need to undock the device just after you start. However, it's pretty painless.
First we get a lesson on controllers and the different attachment styles, then it's straight into choosing an icon and setting a name. Zip through any additional accounts you want to add, have a gander at parental controls and finally we're treated to a jolly little jingle and a zippy Switch 2 animation.
Now I'm at a blank, but very recognizable home screen.
Thumbsticks
The original Joy-Con thumbsticks have never been my favorite, but the Switch 2 iteration is tighter, smoother, and significantly larger. The biggest difference I'm feeling between the two right now is right at the edge of that extension. I can feel the original gamepad's individual notches around the outer edge of the stick itself, whereas everything's buttery smooth here.
That's going to make for far more comfortable movement overall, everything feels almost cushioned by comparison.
This is still a rubber topper, but it's got much larger bumpers around the edge and a softer feel overall. I've only jiggled it around so far, but I can already feel slightly more purchase with my thumb, which could hopefully clear up some of those precision issues I've been slamming Ninty for over the years.
First impressions
This is a serious brick of a device, weighing a lot more than I remember from my preview days. It's just as slick in the hands, though, with a fantastically cool matte finish and a real heft behind its form factor. That's all while feeling like a slimmer device than the Switch OLED (it's not actually, it's just a lot better looking).
Having it in my own space now, it's only just occurring to me that the soft-touch finish could be more prone to scratches than before. It feels like the kind of plastic that will quickly show those smaller surface nicks and bruises, though I'll have to fully field test before I can say for sure.
It definitely feels like a more expensive device than the original Switch OLED, and I'm surprised how good the controls feel in my hands this time around as well.
I've just noticed something while putting the Joy-Con on the Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time
You can connect them backwards and upside down.
That's an odd decision, I can't believe there's any real gameplay benefits to playing with your controller upside down - and it could lead to more frustration than it's worth in the longer run. Sure, you'll always see which way up your screen is - but I haven't switched this bad boy on yet. I only knew from the hinge placement.
I'm definitely checking whether they actually work in different orientations once we get this thing up and running.
Onto the main event
I've torn open that box and everything's here, huzzah!
It's a slick unboxing experience for those who cherish these initial moments with their consoles. First up you'll find those all-important Joy-Con, with the tablet nestled neatly underneath. Then we get into the dock. Video Producer Hal Dimond says it gives "big wireless router energy", and I'm not disputing that. It's much chunkier than the original and the plastic chassis doesn't help dispel its modem vibes.
These back buttons feel slick
I've opened up the Switch 2 Pro Controller so far and immediately noticed something I didn't quite appreciate during my preview time. These back buttons feel amazing.
They're a little softer and lighter than I'm used to, but there's still a satisfying clack to each press. Moving the thumbsticks around in-hand, there could be some threat of accidental presses due to that shorter stop, but overall I'm a fan of this feel initially.
Here we go!
It's been a long old wait, but we're breaking into the Nintendo Switch 2 box right now - stay tuned as we get all the bits and pieces out for the first time. I'm expecting things will look fairly similar to the original releases - the box looks to be about the same size as the Nintendo Switch OLED was when all packaged up. We already know there's a dock, Joy-Con grip, cables, controllers, and the tablet itself inside the box, now we've got to get them out in person.
