At a recent event in New York, I had the exciting opportunity to get some hands-on time with the new Nintendo Switch 2, and while it felt somewhat familiar, it also brought some unique experiences to the table. Even though the hardware itself poked my interest, it’s the lineup of games that truly fired up my excitement.
To be clear, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Switch 2—it’s quite a solid piece of tech priced at $450. Yet, as always with gaming consoles, their prowess is determined by the games crafted by both Nintendo and third-party developers.
The Switch 2 marks a clear evolution of Nintendo’s long-standing approach to gaming. Although my time with the device was limited to a few early games, it was enough to leave me eager for more. Considering its price, I might need to start saving up.
### Hardware Overview
First off, let’s talk about the striking hardware. The Joy-Con 2 controllers and the system sport a slick black matte finish, making quite the first impression. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with controllers attached, the system feels heftier than I would anticipate for a Switch, but with its larger 7.9-inch display, the trade-off feels justified. Even then, it’s still lighter compared to some of the heavy-duty handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck OLED.
A notable visual design choice is the overall lack of vibrant colors—apart from some neon highlights around the joysticks and beneath the Joy-Cons. Traditionally, Nintendo has embraced colorful designs, but hey, I owned the black GameCube, so I can adjust. Plus, variant colors are almost certainly just a matter of time.
Regarding build functionality, detaching the Joy-Cons is a breeze thanks to the well-placed release buttons on each side. Most demo units had their systems shielded from view, but the one I did tinker with featured a satisfying click when connecting or disconnecting the controllers, ensuring they stay firmly in place during gameplay.
The controllers themselves have seen improvements. They’re longer, which fits more comfortably in my hands despite their continued slimness. The control sticks appear to be akin to the original Joy-Cons, as there was no mention of the anticipated “hall effect” technology. During short demos, there wasn’t a tangible difference felt from the old sticks, though longer play sessions might reveal more.
The new kickstand is worlds apart from the original’s flimsy design. This time, it’s broad and stable, allowing for adjustable positioning akin to the stands found on premium devices. Perfect for leisurely airplane gaming.
The display is where magic happens. Although it isn’t an OLED, its 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 120Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10 support make games like Mario Kart World pop with vibrant colors and clarity.
As for the new dock, it now includes a space for a cooling fan, yet it doubles functionally with the present Switch dock, keeping things familiar.
### System Specs
Under the hood, the Switch 2 is driven by a custom Nvidia processor with support for DLSS and ray tracing, packing a punch for serious gaming power. The console includes a 256GB internal storage that’s expandable using microSD Express cards up to a whopping 2TB. With networking enhancements like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and dock-based Ethernet connectivity, it covers all bases. It even supports stereo sound and has an integrated microphone with noise cancellation.
### Exploration into Mouse Controls
Nintendo is inching towards the PC gaming experience with their new mouse control system. The updated Joy-Con controllers feature sensors that, combined with accelerometers and gyroscopes, allow them to function as mice. Although there’s some nostalgia at play—calling back to peripherals like the 1992 SNES mouse—it shows Nintendo’s willingness to bring fresh limbs into their gaming repertoire.
Testing them out with Metroid Prime 4 beyond was a mixed experience. While the mouse controls offered precision, the overall design had me switching back to traditional controls for comfort. However, Civilization VII felt at home with these controls, and options to program quick actions on secondary controllers might further enhance this.
With Drag x Drive standing out with its unique gameplay akin to Rocket League meets robotic wheelchair basketball, using both “mice” simultaneously presented a novel challenge, albeit one that could tire your arms before a joystick mode arrives.
Despite the comfort concerns and required setup, it’s clear that, with the right game and environment, these new controls could revolutionize how we approach gameplay on consoles.
### Graphics and Performance Options
The Switch 2 blows expectations with its impressive capability to output 4K visuals at 60fps when docked, while handheld mode supports 1080p at 120fps—a welcome upgrade for couch gaming sessions. Games like Metroid Prime 4 showcase customizable performance modes, and developers have the potential to fine-tune games to balance graphical fidelity and performance.
### Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera
The Pro Controller is a welcome accessory that brings enhanced functionality, while the new Nintendo Camera, though intended for Game Chat, adds an interactive facet by letting players insert themselves into certain games. But it could spark mixed reactions due to technical limitations in its current state.
### Games Showcase
Ultimately, the games are where the Switch 2 shines. With titles like Mario Kart World launching right off the bat, coupled with modes like Knockout Tour, it’s a spectacle. The increased player count, diverse environments, and an extensive character roster kept me entertained. Other notable games included Cyberpunk 2077, Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, and the nostalgic addition of GameCube classics.
While there were other demos on display, including hotly anticipated titles like Civilization VII, the palpable excitement in the room was undeniable. As we edge toward release day, the gaming community surely has plenty to look forward to with Nintendo’s latest creation.
