The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, but is it a meaningful upgrade over the original? What are the key differences? Do your existing Switch games run better on the new hardware? Find the answers to these questions and more in our detailed review.
Nintendo Switch 2 Review: A Closer Look
The Evolution of a Hybrid Console
Having spent two weeks with the Nintendo Switch 2, we can confirm it has big shoes to fill. The original Switch was a genre-defining hybrid and a global sensation, so successful that it popularized the home-console-meets-handheld concept and inspired numerous competitors. It seamlessly bridged the gap between TV and on-the-go play, letting gamers transition from the living room to the commute without interruption.
Expectations for a successor were sky-high from the moment the first model launched. Rumors ran rampant. Some predicted a dual-screen design inspired by the Nintendo DS. Others speculated the dock would contain the main computing power, with a detachable tablet for portable use.
In reality, the Switch 2 refines the proven formula with thoughtful upgrades. But are the controllers more comfortable? Have the notorious Joy-Con issues been resolved? Is the performance with legacy games truly better? We've put the console through its paces for over a week. We've charged it, tested it in every mode from docked to handheld, and even given it a few gentle "stress tests" to see how it improves upon the original.
Switch 2 Design and Ergonomics
At first glance, the Nintendo Switch 2 feels comfortably familiar—its iconic form factor, silhouette, and button layout are unmistakably "Switch." However, picking it up reveals a significantly different device. The smooth matte finish feels more premium, and the overall unit has a substantial, heavier feel.
Comparing it to past Nintendo portables highlights its scale. The New 3DS XL, for instance, was a lightweight champion at roughly 336 grams (about 0.74 lbs). The Switch 2 with its attached Joy-Con 2 controllers weighs a solid 534 grams (about 1.18 lbs).
The comparison to the Wii U GamePad is telling. That controller was considered bulky in 2012, weighing 491 grams (about 1.08 lbs). While some found it comfortable, it was merely an accessory for a home console. The Switch 2, in contrast, packs full console power into a sleeker, standalone portable design.
Versus the original Switch (approximately 398 grams or 0.88 lbs with Joy-Cons), the Switch 2 is notably larger and heavier—about half an inch taller and over an inch wider. Yet, it remains far lighter than many modern handheld PCs like the Steam Deck.
Despite its size, the Switch 2 is surprisingly comfortable to hold. The matte body sits nicely in your palms, and the extra weight gives it a more solid, premium feel compared to the slightly hollow, plastic feel of its predecessor.
A welcome improvement is the sturdier kickstand, replacing the original's flimsy leg. This new, wider U-shaped design provides stable support for tabletop gaming. The I/O layout is also smarter, now featuring two USB-C ports (top and bottom) for convenient charging in any orientation. The redesigned dock adds an Ethernet port and enhanced cooling ventilation.
The original Switch was never truly pocketable, and the larger Switch 2 continues that trend. Even with the Joy-Cons detached, the main unit is too large for most small bags or compartments.
This is before adding any protective case, which will increase the bulk. The device is quite durable—there are stress tests showing the screen can withstand significant impact—but why risk your $450 investment? Since you won't be carrying it in a pocket, a good case is essential for protecting the screen from scratches from keys or other items in your bag.
Note that Nintendo applies a thin protective film to the screen out of the box, but it scratches easily and isn't meant for removal. We strongly recommend applying a proper tempered glass screen protector immediately. It's a small investment for peace of mind when transporting your valuable new handheld.
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