'I've had a Nintendo Switch 2 for weeks - here's why I think it's worth it'
I've been trying out the Switch 2 since it came out - and I have some thoughts for those on the fence
I've been playing with the Nintendo Switch 2 for a few weeks now, and it's everything I wanted from the console.
The original Nintendo Switch was showing its age for a while. Slow and suffering hardware meant that players and even developers could only do so much with the old console.
I've had the Nintendo Switch 2 since it was released, and it has everything that I wanted from the original console. For gamers who have been on the fence, you would be silly not to grab it when it is in stock.
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The original Nintendo Switch was hugely popular and a massive commercial success, and for good reason. It provided a casual experience for gamers who enjoyed Mario, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing without needing to spend tons on large game consoles like the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X.
Bridging that gap between casual video game fans was one of the big successes with the Switch—and now the Switch 2 comes with a bigger screen, smoother interface, and better overall aesthetics.
Even better, right?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is available directly from Nintendo. Shoppers have to log into their Nintendo account to grab the console - and be warned, it's one console per account.
Little is better than nothing
Well, Nintendo has shown how a little goes a long way with the new design. The Switch 2 comes with an upgraded 7.9-inch screen compared to the OLED's 7-inch screen. It's a 13 per cent increase in size, including the screen and new Joy-Cons.
For those who enjoyed the compact size on the Switch, it might feel massive in the hands. One thing that I worried about with the Switch 2 was how it would feel in handheld mode.
The good news is Nintendo has managed to keep the original Switch feel without making it that much heavier. In hand, the Switch 2 is around 530 grams, compared to the 420 grams of the OLED Switch, which is available to buy at Amazon.
In hand, that weight increase doesn't feel huge, but I have noticed how it makes the Switch 2 a more considered handheld experience when I'm out and about. For some, the Switch 2 might be a bit too big and bulky, so it's worth trying if you can get a demo console at Currys.
The screen is an LCD, which was disappointing. OLED screens are far better when it comes to power consumption and deeper colours.
Nintendo's decision to gatekeep this for a later version (which is definitely coming) is slightly annoying as an early adopter. Despite this, Nintendo has managed to make the screen look gorgeous with a 1080p resolution, which is a big bump.
Favourite Switch 2 feature
My favourite part of the console is the new Joy-Con system. And my oh my, Nintendo has managed to absolutely crack this. The new Joy-Con system used magnets that clip them to the side with a satisfying 'click' when they attach. It's so satisfying to say the least, especially from someone who enjoyed sliding the old Switch Joy-Con controllers into the console.
To detach the console, the new Joy-Con controllers use a large side button which pushes away from the magnetic connection - another satisfying addition - but I did notice how slightly awkward they are to push when holding the console in handheld mode.
Coming onto the software and interface, Nintendo hasn't changed much, except the new, faster internals of the Switch 2 make the console feel smoother, faster and once again, a much more satisfying experience. No more lag when you load up the Nintendo Shop on the console - yippee!
The best thing about the Switch 2 is how much better games look, feel and play. I've been playing the Switch 2 edition of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - and it has been spectacular to play. Smoother framerate and an upgraded resolution mean the game has finally reached its full potential, and it becomes a better game to play because of it.
Free updates to the console are also a massively welcome addition, meaning some of your favourite games look and play better, for free. The upgraded hardware on the Switch 2 now means there's also a much bigger game library, like Cyberpunk: 2077 and others were not possible on the original Switch.
It's not all perfect with the Switch 2
Let's move on to the things I don't like now. The Switch 2 introduced mouse controls for the console in an attempt to broaden its appeal—and honestly, I've not been a big fan.
Trying them out, they feel fine, but as a man with big hands, they feel awkward compared to a real mouse, and I feel like I have to grip them tightly to control them. It feels like a tacked-on idea with the device because, let's be honest, who is actually going to use these as a mouse?
Then comes Gamechat. Nintendo has finally reached the 21st Century and allows people to chat to each other while playing games. Gamechat is a welcome addition, but it still feels like Nintendo is catching up to social interaction in video games when the likes of Discord have cracked it years ago.
There's also the battery life. It's not the best. On some games, it lasted around 2 and a half hours, which is poor, so make sure you have a charger with you. I'm hoping this gets an upgrade later on with future console releases and a potential OLED addition to the screen.
So the big question: Is the Switch 2 worth the £400 price tag?
Personally, yes. As a person who was getting annoyed by the original Switch because of its lacklustre hardware and screen, the Switch 2 is the Switch Pro in many areas, with just enough changes to warrant the Switch 2 title.
Better games, better hardware, better screen and better experience with the console - a big thumbs up.