The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived—and just getting hold of one felt like a boss fight. With preorders devoured and retail stock vanishing in minutes, it took a full week of online stalking and in-store pleading before I managed to snag a unit. But after 48 hours of solid hands-on time, the verdict is in: this is the long-awaited glow-up the Switch desperately needed.
On the surface, the Switch 2 doesn’t revolutionise the formula. Instead, it perfects it. A larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen that now supports 120Hz makes handheld play a visual treat, and the internals—beefed up with faster processing and DLSS support—ensure smoother, snappier performance whether docked or on the go. The transition between modes remains seamless, but the improvements to both are palpable. And yes, the new dock no longer resembles a small kitchen appliance.
Out of the box, the hardware feels significantly more premium. The console itself is huge—almost iPad mini-sized—but carries noticeable heft at 534g with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached. Those new controllers deserve their own round of applause: sleeker, matte-finished, and sporting a magnetic click-in system that feels leagues ahead of the original’s janky rails. The HD Rumble 2 is superb—detailed, precise, and shockingly immersive. One blue shell in Mario Kart World and you’ll understand (and a separate review for that groundbreaking title is imminent).
Battery life varies from 2 to 6.5 hours depending on usage, but even in performance-heavy sessions, I found the console held its charge admirably. And let’s take a moment for quality-of-life tweaks: a USB-C port now on the top means you can charge in tabletop mode without acrobatics, the kickstand is sturdier and adjustable, and the redesigned dock allows easy cable access without disassembly. Just be ready to buy a new microSD Express card, as your old microSD card won't work here.
Setting up the Switch 2 was a breeze—the easiest Nintendo onboarding I’ve ever experienced. My old data transferred over without fuss, and the familiar UI was a warm, if slightly underwhelming, return. While the overall interface is nearly identical to the original Switch, the eShop has finally received the upgrade fans have begged for: it’s fast, responsive, and doesn’t feel like browsing on a potato.
Handheld mode is where the Switch 2 truly shines. That 120Hz refresh rate, combined with the sharper 1080p screen, brings games to life with buttery smoothness. Docked mode does output up to 4K at 60fps with HDR, and you’ll get a calibration prompt on connection, but there’s no HDMI 2.1 support—so no 120Hz or VRR on high-end TVs. Spatial audio exists, but Dolby Atmos is a no-show, and the audio upgrades only apply in handheld mode.
Accessibility has improved significantly, at least in intent. Nintendo finally offers features like text-to-speech, magnification, and high-contrast modes. The catch? None of them are accessible during the setup phase, and system-wide coverage is patchy—most glaringly absent in the eShop.
A few early disappointments persist. The console still doesn’t support major streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video at launch, and even YouTube remains MIA. For players hoping this would become a true all-in-one media machine, that’s a major shortfall. Of course, these are apps that could be added at a later date, but it would have been nice to see them available on day one.
But what Nintendo has done is focus on what matters most to its core audience: games. GameChat, a first for the company, finally allows quick muting or hopping into voice chats with the dedicated button. It's well implemented, responsive, and long overdue.
At £399, the Switch 2 feels like a bold step forward, not just in tech but in philosophy. It’s not trying to become a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X. It’s doubling down on the experience only Nintendo can offer: one of inventive hardware, joyful design, and moments of pure magic. This isn’t just a sequel to the Switch—it’s a maturing of its DNA. Flaws aside, and they are minor flaws, it's an essential purchase for Nintendo fans.
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