Nintendo Switch 2: This is what the first reports say

This week, Nintendo announced the most important information about Switch 2 and the first media has also been given the opportunity to try out the new console. And they said that – an overview.

The verge

Andrew Webster from The verge found that the “somewhat bigger and a little better” approach made the Switch 2 a remarkable difference to the eight -year -old console design. He estimated the larger 7.9-inch screen (compared to 6.2-inch in the original) and noted that the device felt more stable without the joy-cons connected. Webster was impressed that games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza brought the improved hardware to the fore through larger environments and technical features such as destructible terrain.

The Verge tested the new Joy-Con mouse functionality with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and found that despite the initially “somewhat strange” feeling, it was possible in a precise target. He admitted that some Switch 2 functions could only be gimmicks at the end, but it was of the opinion that Nintendo’s first thrust on Games effectively demonstrated the potential improvements of the console. Nintendo presents the Switch 2 in detail in the overview trailer

Ars Technica

Kyle Orland from Ars Technica described the Switch 2 as “more switch in every respect”, noting that the console was about 34 percent heavier than the original, but still 17 percent lighter than Valves Steam Deck. He praised the “luxurious” 7.9-inch screen with full 1080p resolution, HDR colors and variable image rates of up to 120 fps and the enlarged joy-cons that better fit into the hands of adults.

On the other hand, it was skeptical about the new mouse mode, since the narrow edge of the Joy-Con was uncomfortable and it should be difficult for players in the living room to use them effectively. Orland liked the Knockout Tour mode of Mario Kart World, in which the last four drivers leave at each section limit until there are only four left. He called it “exciting” and estimated that “the reward for good games is to play more”.

VGC

Andy Robinson from VGC found that the Switch 2 is an impressive improvement compared to the original console, and praised the high-quality haptics of the hardware with the larger joy cons and the razor-sharp user interface. He particularly liked Mario Kart World, where he particularly emphasized the increased number of players (24 vs. 12) and the approach of a more open world inspired by Forza Horizon.

Robinson emphasized that games from third-party providers such as Split Fiction, Street Fighter 6 and Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 without the compromises typical of Switch ports were convincing versions. While the new mouse control function was implemented well, the VGC editor wondered whether it was revolutionary enough and said that Nintendo had to do more to convince console that the console was more than just a better switch.

Polygon

Russ Frushtick from Polygon concentrated on the ergonomic improvements of the Switch 2: he estimated the larger screen area and came to the conclusion that the larger Joy-Con 2-controllers noticeably reduce the load on the loads during longer game sessions. FrushTick also emphasized improvements in the use of a single Joy-Con for multiplayer games, in which the buttons and sticks are no longer closely related.

The polygon author mentioned that the Switch 2 still has ergonomic restrictions in comparison to a dedicated pro controller. FrushTick was disappointed that Nintendo had not completely solved the ergonomic challenges of the console after eight years, and noted that the necessary design compromises, so that Joy-Cons work in several configurations, probably impaired comfort.

Eurogamer

Tom Phillips from Eurogamer found that the Switch 2 for Nintendo is a convincing step forward while the hybrid concept is retained. He was particularly impressed by the open landscape of Mario Kart World and described it as a “dramatic revolution” for the series. He also praised the destructible environments of Donkey Kong Bananza, which demonstrated the increased computing power of the console. Phillips noted that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Modes with 120 FPS/1080p or (in the Dock) offers 60 FPS/4K quality – a premiere for Nintendo.

Phillips was less convinced of the experimental mouse functionality of the Switch 2, especially in games such as Drag X Drive, which Phillips found it somewhat substanceless. He estimated that the Switch 2 screen, although it is not OLED, but LCD, is a significant improvement to its predecessor and “much closer to the sharpness of the switch oled” is than expected. The reviewer came to the conclusion that the Switch 2 does not reinvent the wheel, but offers sensible improvements both inside and outside.

The Guardian

Chris Godfrey from The Guardian found that the Switch 2 is a significant but gradual improvement compared to the previous model. He was particularly impressed by the new Kart Tour mode of Mario Kart World, which he referred to as “Mario Kart in Battle Royale mode”, in which the four worst drivers leave every checkpoint.

The Guardian journalist emphasized the pragmatic improvements of the Switch 2 and mentioned that it feels more stable in handheld mode, but is not much more difficult, with a screen that “bangs”, even though it is LCD instead of OLED. Godfrey also confirmed the improved durability of the joy-cons and the more convenient buttons. However, he also asked himself whether Nintendo could convince his already huge existing user base (150 million switch units sold) to switch to a “pretty similar” new console model in the current climate of economic uncertainty.

Technical data from the Nintendo Switch 2

Joshua Bato