Getting hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2 feels remarkably familiar, yet distinctly improved. While the line between console generations can feel increasingly blurred these days, Nintendo’s latest keeps the core formula we know and love, just making it bigger and better. It’s not a total revolution for Nintendo’s portable gaming, but it’s definitely a welcome step up.
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After spending a solid weekend playing games like Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, and Street Fighter 6, the key takeaways are clear: transitioning your game library is finally painless, bigger games run noticeably smoother, and small hardware tweaks make a surprising difference in how it feels to play. Going back to the original Switch feels tough after experiencing the upgrades.
Seamlessly Stepping Up
One of the most player-friendly trends in modern gaming is how your entire digital life – your games, saves, and even online accounts – follows you when you upgrade to new hardware. This hasn’t always been Nintendo’s strong suit, often requiring players to start fresh. Thankfully, they’ve nailed it with the Switch 2.
Logging in with my Nintendo account and transferring everything from my older OLED Switch took about 15 minutes. Everything was right where I left it, including accounts for games like Fortnite. Older games just worked. While this might seem basic, it’s a significant improvement for Nintendo and makes the upgrade process genuinely seamless.
Big Games Get a Boost (and Bigger Files)
A major promise of the Switch 2 is its ability to handle more demanding games, especially large open-world titles, thanks to its beefed-up hardware. I tested this out by diving into Cyberpunk 2077. While it doesn’t match the visual fidelity of high-end PCs, PlayStation, or Xbox consoles (check out our reviews of the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S for comparison), it still looks and runs surprisingly well.
Whether docked on a TV or playing handheld, I didn’t encounter major performance issues. The visuals are softer in portable mode, with the occasional blurry texture on things like in-game billboards, but the gameplay itself remained smooth.
The trade-off for running bigger games is, well, bigger game files. Cyberpunk 2077 is nearly 60GB, Street Fighter 6 clocks in at 49.2GB, and Fortnite is 37.8GB. While still smaller than the massive file sizes often seen on a PS5, this means you’ll likely need to manage your console’s storage more actively than before to fit your library.
Hardware Feels Familiar, But Refined
The overall size increase – a slightly bigger screen and a bit more weight – hasn’t been an issue in my testing. I spent hours playing Mario Kart World outside and didn’t feel any discomfort beyond the usual thumb soreness from intense gaming sessions. My 12-year-old also found it comfortable after playing the updated Pokémon Violet for an extended period.
The magnetic Joy-Con controllers for the new Nintendo Switch, shown attached to the device.
The Joy-Cons Just Feel Good
Functionally, the new Joy-Con controllers are very similar to the originals, although I’m still getting used to the placement of the new GameChat button (I keep hitting it instead of Home!). But the most satisfying change is the new magnetic attachment system. Snapping the controllers onto the Switch 2 or the controller grip feels incredibly solid and satisfying. There’s also a chunky button on the back that just feels good to press while you’re waiting for games to load.
Sharing Screenshots is Actually Easy Now
For those of us who love capturing and sharing moments from our games – whether it’s a cool view in No Man’s Sky or, as I found myself doing, documenting the quirky public transportation in the Mushroom Kingdom – the improved screenshot sharing is fantastic. Previously, you had to scan two QR codes. Now, it’s a simple upload button that sends them directly to the Switch mobile app, much like how it works on the PS5. This is a small quality-of-life update but a huge win for content sharing.
Updated Games Look and Play Better
While the launch lineup isn’t filled with major Switch 2 exclusives, many existing games have received updates to take advantage of the new hardware. My colleagues have already highlighted how much better classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Fortnite perform. I can confirm both are solid improvements; I even played through Fortnite‘s latest live event on the Switch 2 without a hitch.
I’ve also spent a lot of time revisiting No Man’s Sky. On the original Switch, it ran, but it was significantly slower and less visually appealing than on other platforms. On the Switch 2, while still not the absolute best-looking version, it runs and looks great, even in portable mode. Being able to get lost in that vast universe again, knowing I can take it anywhere, is a huge plus.
The Verdict So Far
The Nintendo Switch 2 lives up to its name – it’s definitely a Switch, just upgraded. The improvements in performance, the seamless transition for your existing library, and small but impactful hardware refinements like the magnetic Joy-Cons make it a compelling evolution. It might not be a radical departure, but it’s a comfortable, more powerful version of a console many already love, making it harder than ever to put down.
What do you think of the Switch 2’s changes? Interested in upgrading? Explore our other coverage on the Nintendo Switch and the world of gaming.
