Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Is It Worth Buying?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, but does it justify an upgrade from the original? What sets it apart, and how do existing Switch games run on the new hardware? Find the answers to these questions and more in our detailed review.

Nintendo Switch 2 Review

The Evolution of a Hybrid Console

Two weeks have passed since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Following up on a console that defined a generation is no easy task. The original Switch was a global phenomenon, popularizing the hybrid concept to the point where competitors rushed to emulate it. It seamlessly bridged home console and handheld gaming, allowing players to transition from the TV to on-the-go play without interruption.

Expectations for its successor were sky-high, with rumors swirling almost immediately after the first model's release. Some predicted a dual-screen design inspired by the Nintendo DS, while others envisioned a dock with standalone console power.

In reality, the Switch 2 remains faithful to its core concept while introducing meaningful improvements. Are the controllers more comfortable? Have the notorious Joy-Con issues been resolved? Do games perform better? After over a week of testing—charging it, using it in handheld and docked modes, and even giving it a gentle drop test—we have the answers on how it stacks up against the original.

Switch 2: Design and Ergonomics

At first glance, the Nintendo Switch 2 feels familiar—its shape, profile, and button layout are unmistakably "Switch." But pick it up, and the differences become clear. The matte finish feels smoother and more premium, and the device has a noticeable heft.

Compared to past Nintendo handhelds, the Switch 2 is substantially larger. The New 3DS XL, for example, weighed a light 336 grams (0.74 lbs), while the Switch 2 with its attached Joy-Con 2 controllers tips the scales at 534 grams (1.18 lbs).

The comparison to the Wii U GamePad is also telling. Though criticized in 2012 for its bulk, the GamePad weighed 491 grams (1.08 lbs) and was merely a controller, not a standalone system. The Switch 2 packs more powerful hardware into a slimmer form factor.

Next to the original Switch (398 grams or 0.88 lbs with Joy-Cons), the Switch 2 is both taller and wider, with a more substantial feel in the hands. Still, it remains lighter than many competing handhelds 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 solid, premium feel compared to the lighter, more plastic-like original.

Thankfully, the flimsy kickstand from the first model is gone. It's been replaced with a sturdy, U-shaped stand that's perfect for tabletop play. The port layout has been upgraded too, now featuring two USB-C ports (top and bottom) for greater convenience when the kickstand is in use. The redesigned dock also adds Ethernet support and improved cooling.

The original Switch wasn't exactly pocket-friendly, and the larger Switch 2 continues that trend. Even with the Joy-Cons detached, it's too big for most small bags or compartments.

This is before adding a protective case, which will increase the bulk further. While the console is quite durable (as demonstrated in stress tests), it's wise not to tempt fate with a $450 device. You won't be carrying it in your pocket, but a good case will protect the screen from scratches when it's in your bag.

Nintendo includes a thin protective film on the screen, but it scratches easily. Since the company advises against removing it, your best bet is to apply a tempered glass screen protector right away. It's a simple precaution for keeping your sizable new handheld in pristine condition.