Upgrades Or Just Hype
Everyone's talking about the Switch 2, but the real question is: does it live up to the buzz? There’s no shortage of improvements, but some flaws are still tagging along. It’s a console that tries to do better but doesn’t always succeed. If you’re confused, too, we’re here with ten reasons that might make the upgrade feel worth it—and ten that say “not yet.”
Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On & First Impressions! by SpawnPoiint
1. Load Times
Booting up games like Tears of the Kingdom now takes seconds, not half a minute. Thanks to the Switch 2’s upgraded custom Nvidia chipset and internal SSD, users see a major cut in load times across menus and gameplay.
2. Battery Life
The original Switch’s successor holds up much better. With optimizations to both internal components and system management, the Switch 2 reaches up to 9 hours on a full charge. That’s clearly ahead of the launch unit’s more limited 6.5-hour ceiling.
Nintendo Switch 2 Impressions: One Big Asterisk! by Marques Brownlee
3. Larger LCD With HDR
A 7.9-inch LCD replaces the OLED, but it’s no downgrade. This panel supports 1080p resolution, HDR10, and 120Hz VRR to bring smoother gameplay and richer contrast to handheld mode. The bigger screen makes visuals more vivid and gameplay more fluid than ever before.
Hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2 by The Verge
4. Joy-Con Grip
Controller fatigue sneaks up during long play sessions. This updated Joy-Con design quietly addresses that with a curved back and anti-slip texture. It doesn’t advertise itself as a redesign, but side-by-side tests with the original show a noticeable ergonomic improvement even for larger hands and longer fingers.
Nintendo Switch 2 Impressions: One Big Asterisk! by Marques Brownlee
5. Backward Compatibility Support
Backward compatibility isn’t always a given, but Nintendo confirmed it early. Physical cartridges and digital purchases from the original Switch ecosystem carry over to save users from rebuilding libraries. It’s a move that shows a rare commitment to continuity in a market that usually thrives on obsolescence.
Nintendo Switch 2 Impressions: One Big Asterisk! by Marques Brownlee
6. Storage Options
Storage was a quiet frustration in the original Switch. The sequel bumps internal space to 256 GB and retains support for microSD cards up to 2 TB. For gamers juggling Xenoblade, Metroid, and third-party titles, this change finally matches modern game file demands.
7. Online Features
Nintendo’s online system has lagged behind Sony and Microsoft for years. While still evolving, the Switch 2 shows signs of catching up with faster downloads and more stable voice connectivity via app integration. It's far less frustrating than the previous generation’s online structure.
8. 4K Docked Resolution
At launch, the Switch 2 can output up to 4K resolution in docked mode. That’s a major shift from the 1080p cap of its predecessor. Games are noticeably sharper on larger displays, and third-party ports benefit most. Dynamic scaling also improves visual quality.
Nintendo Switch 2 Impressions: One Big Asterisk! by Marques Brownlee
9. Exclusive Game Titles
Mario Kart World drops on June 5, 2025, as a true Switch 2 exclusive and early system seller. While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gets an enhanced edition, it’s still cross-platform. Meanwhile, third-party exclusives like Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Hyrule Warriors: Reclaiming Era round out the early catalog.
Nintendo Switch 2 Impressions: One Big Asterisk! by Marques Brownlee
10. Streamlined User Interface
The Switch 2 introduces a more modern user interface with better folder organization, faster transitions, and customizable layouts. Yes, the original UI was simple; this version balances that clarity with efficiency. It’s especially noticeable when managing larger libraries and digital downloads.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On & First Impressions! by SpawnPoiint
For all the progress, a few familiar frustrations and fresh missteps still linger. Here's where the Switch 2 starts to lose its edge.
1. Higher Retail Price
Jumping nearly $100 above the original’s launch cost, the Switch 2 enters a price tier closer to the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. While added features help justify some of the increase, the value feels thin for those who only play casually or already own a functional first-gen model.
2. Limited Launch Games
Launch lineups make or break early adopters’ excitement. Although the Switch 2 has a few exclusives, it largely leans on ports and cross-gen releases. Many heavy hitters remain months away. The wait between big drops could feel longer than expected.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On & First Impressions! by SpawnPoiint
3. Fragile Build Quality
Even with new features, the physical shell still feels vulnerable. Teardowns and early drop tests reveal that the screen and Joy-Con rails remain susceptible to cracks and flexing. Nintendo prioritized sleekness over sturdiness again, which may leave clumsy users investing early in third-party protection.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On & First Impressions! by SpawnPoiint
4. Clunky Bluetooth Audio Support
Bluetooth audio is technically supported, but it’s far from seamless. Users often face pairing issues or connection drops, especially with non-Nintendo headsets. The system still lacks native low-latency optimization, leading many to rely on USB dongles or third-party adapters for lag-free audio during gameplay.
5. Third-Party Support
Big names like Ubisoft and Capcom have promised titles, but many AAA developers are cautious. Some studios cite hardware limitations or a fragmented user base as reasons for delay. Until broader third-party adoption happens, the library risks leaning too heavily on Nintendo’s IP.
6. Joy-Con Drift Returns
Despite minor structural changes, early reports from teardown specialists and repair shops confirm a familiar issue: stick drift. This recurring flaw plagued the first Switch and seems unresolved. Without a complete analog stick redesign, long-term durability remains questionable, especially in handheld mode.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On & First Impressions! by SpawnPoiint
7. Limited Voice Chat Integration
GameChat adds on-device voice and video chat through a new “C” button. However, it’s gated behind Nintendo Switch Online and only works with friends. Some titles still route players through the companion app. Compared to PS5 and Xbox, the setup feels clunky and lacks game-agnostic integration.
8. Poor Cloud Save System
Save data remains partly locked behind a subscription paywall. What’s even worse? Not every game supports cloud saving, even in the new generation. Titles like Pokémon and Animal Crossing impose limits on complicating backup and transfer options. It’s quite a weak spot in Nintendo’s ecosystem.
9. Minimal Dock Upgrade
The dock now supports 4K output with HDR and includes a built-in cooling fan, both welcome additions. Yet, the base model still skips an Ethernet port, which is reserved for premium versions. No internal storage or processing enhancements are confirmed, which keeps it functionally limited.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On & First Impressions! by SpawnPoiint
10. Limited Native Streaming Support
The Switch 2 lacks built-in Twitch or YouTube streaming integration, a feature now standard on rival platforms. Capturing gameplay requires third-party hardware or post-recording uploads. This limitation continues to distance Nintendo from the growing live-streaming culture that other consoles now support out of the box.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On & First Impressions! by SpawnPoiint
