The Nintendo Switch franchise is back with a fresh new console, and after years of whispers, leaks, and hype, the Switch 2 is finally real – and playable. It’s aiming to be a sleek, premium upgrade to the beloved original, with some smart quality-of-life improvements and a few weird but charming Nintendo-style quirks. It’s a bit pricey and definitely more grown-up in feel, but it still captures that classic hybrid magic. Here’s what we thought after going hands-on.

Screen, Performance, and First Impressions

Let’s kick things off with the screen, since it’s the part you’ll be staring at the most – unless you somehow never play in handheld mode, which, let’s be honest, would be strange. The Switch 2 doesn’t have an OLED screen at launch, which might disappoint some people, but it’s got a sharp 1080p LCD display that honestly looks great. It’s a big step up from the original Switch’s 720p panel, especially when you’re holding it up close. Colours are bright, games run smoothly, and overall, it feels like a solid compromise to keep costs somewhat in check.

Docked mode is where things really pop. The Switch 2 supports up to 4K resolution and HDR (though not both at the same time), and some titles can run at up to 120FPS. Games like Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, and Metroid Prime 4 look noticeably sharper and smoother. There’s no stutter during those chaotic fire-heavy scenes that used to bring the original Switch to its knees. The new dock even has a built-in fan to help keep things running cool when the action gets intense. We’re slightly wary of the 2 to 6.5 hour battery estimate for handheld play, but given the performance, it kind of tracks.

Build Quality and Hardware Feel

One of the biggest surprises was just how much better the Switch 2 feels in your hands. The original Switch sometimes felt like a toy – a cool toy, but still a bit cheap. Switch 2? This thing feels like real tech. It’s sturdier, weightier, and the Joy-Con 2 snap into place much more securely. No more wobbly controllers or dodgy kickstand that snaps off if you look at it funny. The buttons are a bit bigger now, still satisfyingly clicky, but softer to the touch. Even the d-pad feels like it’s finally ready for proper 2D games again.

We did notice that Nintendo hasn’t confirmed whether the Joy-Con 2 sticks are Hall-effect (the kind that help avoid drift), which is a bit annoying. But they feel smooth and responsive, and after dozens of satisfying click-ons and pop-offs, we’re feeling good about them. They attach magnetically now – a decision that had us a bit skeptical at first – but they’re surprisingly solid.

Mouse Mode, Microphone, and Quirky Add-ons

This is where Nintendo gets weird in the best way. The Switch 2 introduces a “mouse mode” for some games, where you turn the Joy-Con sideways and use it like a mouse on a smooth surface. Sounds strange, but it actually works pretty well. The shoulder buttons give a little haptic “click” when pressed, and the aiming felt super precise in games like Metroid Prime 4. Sure, it’s occasionally awkward – the Joy-Con 2 is a little narrow for mouse use – but it’s creative and fun in that classic Nintendo way.

There’s also a built-in microphone, which we mostly tested by yelling into it during a Mario Party minigame. It’s meant more for casual chat between friends, and while we didn’t get a proper voice call test, it’s a cool addition. The Pro Controller now has a headphone jack (finally), and programmable back buttons, which is great for custom setups. There’s also a new camera accessory sold separately, which can place your face into games like Mario Party – goofy and gimmicky, but surprisingly fun.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Let’s be real – £450 is a steep price for a Nintendo console, especially when you factor in an £80 Mario Kart World or spring for the £500 bundle. The original Switch was cheaper, had a killer Zelda game at launch, and rode the wave of pandemic-fueled gaming nostalgia. But the Switch 2 is aiming higher – this is a more premium bit of kit.

That said, it genuinely feels like a better version of something great. Games look better. It plays better. The hardware is slicker, more reliable, and packed with smart improvements. If you’re a long-time Nintendo fan, it’s going to be hard to resist. And for newcomers or folks still clinging to their day-one Switch – this is a big, meaningful upgrade that’ll probably last you a good few years.

The price might slow down mass adoption at first, especially for families or casual players. But if you’re ready to dive in, the Switch 2 looks set to deliver another era of classic Nintendo magic – just with a bit more polish and power.

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