Games

Published on June 5th, 2025 | by Andrew Bistak

Nintendo Switch 2 Review (NS2 Console Review)

Score

Summary: The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a true next-gen Home for Nintendo!

4.5

Home run!

The highly anticipated next-gen console from Nintendo has finally arrived (5-June-2025) and needless to say, we’re excited to dive into what promises to be a major leap forward in hybrid gaming. Under the hood of the Nintendo Switch 2 is a custom NVIDIA chip with 256GB of storage plus a large 7.9-inch capacitive touch LCD screen with HDR10 support and a VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) up to 120Hz.

So, whether you’re playing on the go or docked for 4K gameplay at 60 frames per second on your TV, the visuals are an evolutionary leap from the original Switch and with the upgraded performance, it can now offer the same games as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X with some small caveats of course.

Also supporting this next-gen console are the innovative magnetically attachable and slightly larger Joy-Con 2 controllers that also doubles as a mouse (perfect for shooters) to offer new ways to play games on Nintendo’s new console. Nintendo have also introduced GameChat with a dedicated C Button that when pressed, allows you to share your screen while chatting to your friends.

To take this feature to a new level, you can connect the NS2 Camera or a USB-C compatible camera to the console for live video chats. In relation to the GameChat feature, this will eventually require a Nintendo Online account, however for now it will be free to users until 31-March-2026. If you do have an online account, it will give you access to classic Nintendo GameCube titles with a new virtual coat of graphical paint. And if you have a gamer younger than 16, parents can lock the GameChat feature.

Powered by USB-C, Nintendo also includes two ports on the bottom and top of the console which ensures the cable doesn’t get in the way when in handheld or tablet mode. In tablet mode, you can easily adjust the stand to your preferred angle that adds to how you can play the console and is perfect for holidays.

What about the price? The entry level pack retails for $699AUD (June 2025) that comes with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R), Joy-Con 2 Grip, Joy-Con 2 Straps, Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable (*), Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter and a USB-C Charging Cable. For an extra $70, you can purchase the Mario Kart World Bundle which comes the latest Mario Kart game that provides an amazing and speed fueled taster to the NS2 and all the fun you would expect from a game from this series.

(*) A compatible TV is required for this feature

Is the price justified? Originally, I felt that the price was too high, however for its portable power and new features that allows you to play games such as Cyberpunk 2077 (which runs amazingly well) or Hogwarts Legacy to the eagerly anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza, it is actually well-priced and considering that the original Nintendo Switch console was released in Australia on 3-March-2017, it has given gamers over 8-years of console fun and is still relevant. As a fun fact, the original Nintendo Switch cost $469AUD and if you apply the inflation rate of 1.290, it works out at today’s cost of $605.41. So the Nintendo Switch 2 is in actual fact just $95 more and considering the components inside, that’s some serious value.

Unboxing Gallery

And the launch games?

Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACE
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Deltarune
Fast Fusion
Fortnite
Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition
Hogwarts Legacy
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Mario Kart World
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Sonic x Shadow Generations
Split Fiction
Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster
Survival Kids
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

With more games to come later this month, the initial line-up does have some great titles such as Mario Kart World and of course Cyberpunk 2077. Mario Kart World not only celebrates the classic core of this gaming series but it looks gorgeous on the Switch 2 with its crystal-clear graphics and colours that literally pop. Then you have Cyberpunk 2077 and yes, I was dubious about this title on the NS2 but CD Projekt Red have really hit this port out of the park with its exceptional graphics that more importantly plays perfectly as well.

If you’re new to the Nintendo universe, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, while no PlayStation Astro creates an interactive and virtual tour of their latest console. As you explore the various components of the NS2 and its peripherals, you’ll be offered mini-games, tech demos and information kiosks with key features surrounding the HD Rumble 2, the new Joy-Cons with their “mouse” and an interactive exploration of its processing power. Sure, it’s a little cliche and sterile and feels a tad corporate but it actually does a decent job at highlighting the new Nintendo Switch 2.

Supporting your gaming experience is the overall design of NS2 and although it’s similar to the original Switch, it feels great and the larger Joy-Cons (116mm x 14.4mm x 30.7mm at 66 grams) adds to the experience as it feels more gamery if such a word exists. Speaking of joy-cons, they magnetically attach to the console and snap into the sides of the NS2 very well which is a noticeable improvement from its older sibling as it feels considerably sturdier.

Also supporting your Switch 2 experience is a built-in accelerometer, gyroscope and mouse sensor located in each Joy-Con 2 controller plus HD Rumble 2 to provide immersive gaming vibration. Then you have the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller that transforms your Switch into that bigger console experience on your TV that is more akin to the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.

In terms of dimensions, the console measures at a very comfortable 272 × 116 × 13.9 mm with a weight of just 535 grams that makes it perfect for those longer than long gaming sessions. My only slight gripe with the console is that the power button is right next to the volume buttons on the left top and my fingers often turn it into sleep mode as opposed to lowering the volume

Even though the 7.9″ display is LED opposed to OLED, text and graphics are super sharp and with the inclusion of HDR (High Dynamic Range) at 1080p, this really enhances the gaming worlds that you visit and on a compatible TV, it’s pure next visuals with 4K (3840 x 2160). On TV mode, the console also supports 120 fps when 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440 resolutions are selected. Further, audio in handheld and tablet mode is fantastic and Nintendo have included spatial 3D sound that well, sounds phenomenal with the right wired via the 3.5mm audio port or Bluetooth headset and the inbuilt speakers crystal clear as well. The NS2 also outputs linear PCM 5.1 audio!

There are also two slots on the Switch 2 that include a Game Card Slot and also a microSD Express card. There is some controversy on the microSD Express Card system but this was required in order for faster loading times and potentially smoother gameplay. Battery life is between 2 to 6.5 hours depending on what game you are playing and how much power it is utilising and to charge, a totally flat console will be fully charged in around 3-hours. As to the joy-cons, Nintendo states up to 20-hours and a charging time of 3.5 hours. Nintendo also employs a feature popular on smartphones like the Google Pixel, where you can stop your Switch 2 from charging to 100% that in turn will expand the longevity of the battery.

Nintendo also includes virtual game cards. Virtual game cards offer players a seamless way to handle their digital game collection. Imagine being able to play your favorite titles on two different consoles, or even share games with friends and family! The virtual game card menu provides a clear overview of all digital games purchased with your Nintendo Account, making it effortless to load them onto your console. Once a game is loaded via its virtual card, it’s playable even without an internet connection, and anyone using that console can enjoy the game. What’s more, digital games can be easily lent and borrowed among members of the same Nintendo Account family group through local wireless communication.

The Setup

Setting up the NS2 is a breeze and to commence the setup, you need to connect the power adapter and power on the console. This will then take you through a wizard, including transferring information from your Nintendo Switch but the whole process was quite fast. This will also connect to your Wi-Fi and if you purchased the Mario Kart World bundle, you need to redeem your gaming code.

Setup Gallery

Once set up, the UI of the NS2 is almost identical to the previous console which makes navigating a breeze for fans and easy for newcomers to master. There are of course some new menu items such as GameChat and the Virtual Game Card but largely it remains similar. Under settings, there are a myriad of new options to fine tune the console from the visuals to enabling accessibility options. Navigating the UI is also fast as are loading the games thanks to the high-speed internal storage.

Games… games and more games! The Nintendo Switch 2 successfully delivers an impressive next-gen console experience that creates the perfect hybrid device for both portable gaming and TV gaming. Undeniably, it is quite powerful and the first game I had to test was Cyberpunk 2077. In handheld mode, the game looks absolutely gorgeous and runs phenomenally well. Having played this on the PS5 and the PS5 Pro, CD Projekt RED should be commended on porting this game to this, “portable” console. Then you have the docked mode and again, it looks and plays flawless on the NS2. What does this mean? It means that with the right optimisation, titles that appear on the PS5 and XSX should also be available on this console with no inexcusable ports.

Next up? Mario Kart World is a must have game for this console and this series has never looked this visually good, colourful and sharp. Like Cyberpunk 2077, Mario Kart World showcases the power of the NS2 as this game introduces a sprawling world with interconnected courses spanning diverse environments like plains, cities and volcanoes, allowing players to race beyond traditional tracks. Key new features include heated 24-driver Grand Prix competitions and the challenging Knockout Tour mode, alongside a “Free Roam” option for exploration. New characters, vehicles and power-ups really mixes up the gameplay of this classic and 33-year old series, so Kudos to the developers for not only paying homage to the previous titles but adding next-gen mechanics.

If you’re looking for a fighter, Street Fighter 6 delivers an impressive fighting experience, capitalizing on the console’s enhanced power to provide crisp visuals and mostly fluid 60fps gameplay in its core Fighting Ground and Battle Hub modes, essential for competitive play. While the immersive World Tour single-player campaign notably runs at 30fps with some visual compromises, the game truly shines in handheld mode where its vibrant aesthetic and responsive combat feel perfectly suited for on-the-go brawling. However when matched with the Pro Controller, it delivers that true fighting experience as each hit that lands is a satisfying experience.

As you can see, the Switch 2 is off to a great start and Nintendo have delivered the promises. Sure, there’s been talk that the price tag is too high, however with the rise of inflation, it actually is not and then there’s the talk of stick drift on the Joy-Cons… which we have not experienced and even on the original, this was never an issue for myself or our staff. I did however have some Wi-Fi 6 issues on launch day, however this issue is now a moot point and so far, it’s been very smooth sailing for a new console.

The not so Final Thoughts?

The Nintendo Switch 2 console is jam packed with features and some interesting new gameplay modes such as the Joy-Con mouse which will increase the scope of what games can be played on this new machine. While it may not be as powerful as the PS5 or XSX, it is still a very powerful console but more importantly, it is a hybrid next-gen console and whether you’re playing it in handheld mode or TV, the experience works flawlessly and with the improved performance and graphical capabilities, the Nintendo Switch 2 has aimed high and so far delivered.

Editorial: Review in Progress

Official Nintendo Switch 2 Specifications, including accessories