I've spent the past two weeks diving deep into the Nintendo Switch 2, searching for the perfect handheld gaming console for travel. Having tried alternatives like the Lenovo Legion and the ROG Ally X without much success due to frustrations with Windows, I briefly owned a Switch OLED before my kids took permanent ownership. So, when the Switch 2 launched, it seemed like the ideal choice, particularly with some intriguing new AAA titles hitting its game library. Here’s my hands-on experience after two weeks with the Nintendo Switch 2.
First Impressions and Specs
From the moment I unboxed the Switch 2, excitement was high. The console boasts notable upgrades from its predecessors:
- Display: A 7.9” LCD screen with a 1080p resolution, HDR10, and Variable Refresh Rate support up to 120Hz. Although it’s not OLED, the screen is noticeably larger than previous models.
- Storage and RAM: 256GB internal storage, significantly more than the previous 64GB, plus an increase from 4GB to 12GB RAM.
- Ports: A new top-mounted USB-C port for accessories and charging, and a bottom dock supporting 4K 60Hz or 1440p 120Hz output.
- Joycons: Larger, magnetically attached Joycons with a new optical sensor feature, though still susceptible to stick drift due to the lack of Hall Effect controllers.
Hardware Considerations
The Switch 2 has stirred some controversy, with debates about it being more of a "Switch Pro" rather than a true next-gen console. Concerns include the absence of an OLED screen and premium-priced games, which some gamers feel unsure about. While I love the new magnetic Joycon attachments for their convenience, there’s noticeable flex, especially when holding the device one-handed, raising concerns about long-term durability.
Design and Build Quality
Nintendo has delivered an impressive build with a premium soft-touch finish. Key elements include:
- Buttons and Ports: Everything feels intuitively placed, from the recessed power button and volume controls to the top USB-C and headphone jack.
- Cooling and Audio: Effective heat dissipation via a large grill and notably improved speakers.
- Kickstand and Storage Expansion: The adjustable kickstand is robust, with easy access to a MicroSD slot supporting up to 1TB expansion.
Setup and Initial Experience
Setting up was straightforward, despite minor hiccups transferring from my old Switch. However, digital downloads are frustratingly slow, potentially due to server overload at launch. It took over a day to download just three games.
Accessories
Initially, I bought the official Nintendo case and screen protector, but soon realised third-party options like the TomToc case and tempered glass protectors offer better protection and ease of use.
Battery Life and Power Banks
Battery life is moderate at around two hours of heavy play. Carrying portable power banks like those from UGreen (20,000mAh or 25,000mAh) is essential for extended gaming sessions during travel.
Gaming Experience
Cross-platform compatibility and progression are crucial for someone juggling consoles and a powerful gaming PC. Despite premium pricing (e.g., Cyberpunk at £60 versus significantly cheaper PC versions), the Switch 2 games library is expanding impressively.
Notably, while physical game cartridges now primarily serve as digital download licenses, buying games online directly through Nintendo often proves cheaper and more convenient.
A significant issue for me was accidentally creating multiple Fortnite accounts, which required establishing an entirely separate profile on the Switch to play with friends.
Social Gaming and Controls
Nintendo continues to excel at bringing people together. Mario Kart sessions with family remain enjoyable, although investing in a Pro Controller is recommended for comfortable gaming when docked.
Dock and Graphics
Docking significantly enhances graphical performance, utilizing higher power draws to deliver better visuals at up to 4K 60Hz or 1440p at 120Hz. This flexibility allows enjoying superior graphics on a larger OLED TV.
Backwards Compatibility
An impressive 15,000-plus games are backwards compatible, with only one known incompatibility. Some older games even offer graphical upgrades or smoother gameplay experiences.
The Real Challenge: Time
Ultimately, Nintendo’s greatest competitor isn’t Sony or Microsoft—it's the player's available time. While the tech specs of the Switch 2 won’t win hardware battles, its strength lies in convenience and joy. The ability to quickly pick up and play makes gaming accessible in a busy life filled with family and work commitments.
The Nintendo Switch 2 may lack OLED technology and optimal battery life, but its true value lies in providing easy-to-access, joy-filled gaming sessions that fit effortlessly into daily life. It's about the joy it brings, more than the technical specs it offers.
In conclusion, when considering the Nintendo Switch 2, think beyond hardware capabilities. Reflect instead on the last time a piece of technology truly brought joy into your life, because that joy—rather than raw power—is what genuinely matters.
