All You Need To Know About The Nintendo Switch 2
Since it redefined gaming in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has proved perennially popular. So, with its long-overdue shake-up, it’s all about evolution rather than revolution. Their approach with the Nintendo Switch 2 seems to have worked: in the first few days, more than 3.5 million consoles flew off the shelves in its first four days, making it the best-selling start in Nintendo’s history.
What we have is a device that’s largely faithful to the design and play of the original, but with key upgrades and tweaks to make it even better. For example, the display is bigger, and it has a new chip that means faster processing. It offers more nifty features, like video chat and game-sharing. And it’s still a heavenly hybrid that can be played as a handheld, or with a dock to connect it to your television.
But 2025, the PC handheld market is crowded, so Nintendo can’t rest on its laurels. Is the Switch 2 worth it? Arguably yes, especially if you don’t have a PC handheld. If you’ve already got one, it could still be tempting. Read on to find out the full details of this modernised fan favourite.
Games
It’s a killer piece of hardware, but the real reason to go for a Nintendo Switch 2 is the range of games, like Mario Kart World, Animal Crossing, Pokémon and Zelda. Lots of existing games have been updated to support the Switch 2 (some of these are paid upgrades). Games that are new to the Switch are on the horizon too – a new shiny Donkey King is arriving in July, and games that were on other platforms will now be Switch 2-compatible – like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6 and Yakuza 0. Others, like Fortnite and No Man’s Sky, are a much better gaming experience on the Switch 2.
If you don’t want to fork out for every single game, that’s what GameShare is for. This feature allows you to play multiplayer games with nearby people who also have a Switch (either the original or new one). It’s quite a seamless experience and encourages gaming to be a social experience.
GameChat
One of the most lauded upgrades to the Switch 2 is GameChat, a feature that allows in-video game chat – you’ll just need a USB webcam to get going.
The console
One of the most notable improvements in the Switch 2 is the size – it’s now a welcome 7.9-inch screen, up from 6.2 inches. It’s a dream for clearer play. Although it’s moved from an OLED screen to an LCD screen, it’s still sharp enough. The handheld screen has a 1920 x 1080 resolution, with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Its 4k capabilities are for when it’s docked and connected to a TV, but be warned that only a few games support this.
The Joy-Cons, the device controllers, have had an upgrade too. They’re suitably heftier, and clip onto the console via magnets, rather than the fiddly rail design.
Tech spec
Thanks to its new Nvidia chip, custom-made for the Switch 2, you can expect more processing power and smoother play than with the original console. It also has a second USB-C port, designed for connecting a webcam, but it’s also useful as an extra charging point.
The console’s bigger screen and faster processing speeds means that battery isn’t an improvement from the first generation. Nintendo say it will last between 2 to 6.5 hours, but realistically, it’s likely to be under 4. You’ll notice the sound is on point – it offers surround sound, and you get full lossless surround sound if you use compatible headphones or TV.
The internal storage has increased to 256GB, which is highly needed – each game can take around 60GB of storage, so a new (and pricey) microSD Express card may come in handy if you have a big games collection.
Price
The device itself costs £395.99. But really, you’ll need extras on top of that: a subscription to Switch Online – which allows you to play online and use GameChat – starts at £17.99 a year for individuals, or £31.49 for a family.
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