I got my hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 last week, and after countless hours testing every launch title, I’m left with mixed feelings about Nintendo’s newest console. The sleek device promises substantial upgrades, but is it worth the $450 price tag when it launches on June 5, 2025? Let’s dive into my experience with this highly anticipated gaming system.
A premium redesign that feels all grown up
The Nintendo Switch 2 immediately feels more sophisticated than its predecessor. The larger 7.9-inch LCD display with HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate makes games pop with vibrant colors and smooth motion. “The Switch 2 screen is crisp, bright, and vivid – enhanced by the new inclusion of HDR support,” notes one expert reviewer from GamesRadar.
Gone is the toy-like feel of the original Switch. This console means business with a premium build quality that feels substantial in your hands. The larger kickstand is also a massive improvement, offering stable support during tabletop play.
Joy-Con 2: Bigger, better, mouse-ier?
The redesigned Joy-Cons represent one of the most significant hardware changes. They’re larger, more ergonomic, and feature buttons that are better positioned for adult hands. As one Nintendo developer explained, “We redesigned everything from scratch for Joy-Con 2… compared to the Joy-Con controllers for Switch, the control sticks are larger and more durable, with smoother movement.”
Perhaps the most interesting innovation is the new mouse functionality. This isn’t just a gimmick—it actually works surprisingly well in games like strategy titles and creative apps, offering precision that traditional controllers can’t match.
Performance boost: Is it enough?
Powered by a custom Nvidia chip, the Switch 2 delivers 4K resolution when docked and significantly smoother performance across all games. Playing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at 120 FPS was genuinely impressive, showcasing what this hardware can do.
The question remains: does this performance jump justify the upgrade? If you’re coming from the original Switch, absolutely. From the OLED model? The decision becomes more complex, especially when considering whether the visual enhancements truly enhance gameplay.
What about those nagging concerns?
Two issues remain unaddressed in my testing:
- Joy-Con drift potential with the new controllers
- Battery life (approximately 2-6.5 hours) that feels inadequate for a 2025 device
- The $450 price point, which feels steep for many casual gamers
As one Digital Trends reviewer noted, “While Nintendo is taking its engineering seriously here, there are still questions about stick drift and battery life that need answers.”
Launch titles: Quality over quantity
The game lineup features impressive titles like Mario Kart World and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, alongside third-party offerings including Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Each showcases the console’s enhanced capabilities, though the library size at launch feels somewhat limited.
The backward compatibility with the original Switch library helps mitigate this issue, giving players immediate access to thousands of games while waiting for new releases.
Is the Switch 2 worth your money?
After extensive testing with technology that represents a significant leap forward, I believe the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a compelling experience that justifies its existence. The hardware improvements, particularly the display quality and performance boost, create genuinely better gaming experiences.
However, the value proposition depends entirely on your current setup and gaming habits. For dedicated Nintendo fans or those with aging original Switch consoles, this represents a worthwhile upgrade. For casual players or recent OLED purchasers, you might want to wait for a price drop or more exclusive titles.
Like transitioning to new technology, the Switch 2 requires an investment but rewards you with meaningful improvements. The question isn’t whether it’s good—it’s whether it’s the right time for you to make the jump.