Get an in-depth hands-on look at the new Nintendo Switch 2. Bigger screen, better Joy-Cons, 4K support, and exciting new social features make it a major upgrade over the original.
It’s finally here—Nintendo has unveiled the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, and after spending some hands-on time with it in New York City, it’s clear this is more than just a simple refresh. Nearly a decade after the original Switch launched in 2017, Nintendo has introduced meaningful upgrades across the board. Let’s break down what’s new, what’s improved, and what’s still up in the air.
A Bigger and Better Display
The first thing you’ll notice about the Switch 2 is its size. While it retains the same thickness as the original, the overall footprint is larger. That space is put to good use with a significantly upgraded 7.9-inch LCD display, up from the original 6.2 inches. It now boasts a 1080p resolution and variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, which makes everything from gameplay to the user interface feel noticeably smoother. It also supports HDR, adding vibrant color and contrast, though it’s not an OLED panel—so inky blacks and battery-saving advantages will have to wait for a future OLED version.
Improved Kickstand and Port Placement
Like the OLED model, the Switch 2 includes a full-width kickstand, making tabletop gaming more stable. Nintendo also repositioned the charging port to the top, making it easier to charge while playing in tabletop mode. This new placement also works well with USB-C accessories, which play a bigger role this time around.
All-New Joy-Cons
One of the most significant updates comes with the redesigned Joy-Cons. They’re larger and more ergonomic, with bigger thumbsticks and a new “C” button dedicated to Game Chat. Instead of sliding onto rails, they now attach magnetically to the console. The magnetic connection feels strong and satisfying, with a clever release mechanism that ensures the Joy-Cons stay secure but are easy to detach when needed.
A standout feature is the SR and SL buttons, now larger and made from steel, giving the Joy-Cons a solid feel. There’s also a durability concern to watch—visible pins on the console where the Joy-Cons connect could be prone to bending, especially in households with younger users.
Haptics have also been upgraded. The new HD Rumble 2 is more precise and stronger, delivering a more immersive experience. Plus, each Joy-Con can now function as a mouse thanks to a small optical sensor on the side. This opens up creative control schemes for certain games, like the wheelchair basketball demo and a golf game shown during the hands-on.
Expanded Storage and Faster Performance
The Switch 2 bumps internal storage from 32GB to a much more generous 256GB, finally addressing one of the biggest limitations of the original. That added space will be crucial, as new titles for the console are expected to be larger in file size due to higher resolution textures and more complex assets.
There’s still microSD support too—though it now requires microSD Express cards. Brands like Lexar are already prepping compatible 1TB cards, ensuring there’s room for a growing digital library.
4K Output and an Active Dock
The dock for the Switch 2 now supports 4K output to TVs, a big win for home gamers. It even includes a fan to manage heat during high-performance gaming sessions. While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed exact specs like CPU or RAM, it’s clear that some level of DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is being used for upscaling to 4K.
Social Features and Game Sharing
Nintendo has leaned heavily into social gaming with the Switch 2. The new “C” button launches Game Chat, allowing players to voice chat or even screen share with friends playing on other Switch 2 consoles. Video chat also becomes possible with the new Switch 2 Camera accessory, which connects via the top USB-C port or directly to the dock. It can remove your background and overlay your face next to gameplay footage—a fun touch that brings friends even closer during online play.
In addition, a new feature called GameShare lets up to three other players join a local session without owning or installing the game. One console acts as the host, and everyone else can jump in seamlessly—perfect for parties or group hangouts.
Backward Compatibility and Game Types
The Switch 2 will support three types of games:
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Native Switch 2 Titles – These will take full advantage of the new hardware, offering better graphics and new control schemes.
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Compatible Switch 1 Games – Some existing games will run on the new console, though they may not benefit from performance enhancements.
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Remastered Switch 1 Games – Updated versions of older games optimized for the Switch 2, available at a reduced price rather than full cost.
Pricing and Accessories
The base model of the Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449. While this is higher than the original’s launch price of $299, the upgrades and inflation over nearly ten years make the increase understandable. Accessories include:
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Switch 2 Camera – $50
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Switch 2 Pro Controller – $80, featuring new back buttons, headphone jack, and the Game Chat button.
However, the price of games may raise some eyebrows. Switch 2 titles are expected to cost around $80 digitally and $90 physically. For comparison, top-tier games like NBA 2K25 are $70 on the PS5. Nintendo is also charging for a demo title called Welcome Tour, which introduces users to the console’s features. Unlike Astro’s Playroom on the PS5, which came free, this demo costs $10 to $20—a questionable decision that may limit its reach.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to one of the best-selling consoles ever. With a larger screen, 120Hz refresh rate, upgraded Joy-Cons, 4K support, expanded storage, and new social features, it’s a clear leap forward. While pricing on games and accessories may be steep, the overall package feels well thought out. There’s still more to learn—like full hardware specs and battery life—but first impressions are promising. If you loved the original Switch, the sequel is already looking like a must-have.
