What the community says - different opinions than expected: Nintendo Switch 2 - bigger, faster and more social - but is that enough?

Nintendo has done what it does best again – taken a beloved formula, added some fresh ingredients, mixed it with nostalgia, and packaged it into a new console that promises more, faster, and more beautiful. The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially here, and it brings with it a whole host of upgrades that are meant to meet the demands of modern gamers – a bigger screen, more powerful hardware, better Joy-Cons, and even a camera for sharing your gameplay moments live. But does all of this really mean it’s a must-have upgrade?

At a time when competing consoles have long since crossed the 4K threshold and offer near-photorealistic graphics, Nintendo still relies on the charm of playability, accessibility, and innovation that you won't find anywhere else. The Switch 2 attempts to find a new balance between old and new, between the couch at home and the bus ride, between parents playing Mario Kart with their kids and hardcore gamers wanting to get their hands on Cyberpunk.

So let's ask ourselves: is the Switch 2 really the magical upgrade we've been waiting for since 2017? Or is it just a cosmetic fix - until the OLED version arrives? Below, we break down everything you need to know.

First impressions: bigger screen, better Joy-Cons, and a few surprises

The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially out today, and it brings a number of improvements. Some of the most notable include:

• Larger 7.9-inch screen with 1080p resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, providing a better visual experience.
• New Joy-Con 2 controllers with magnetic attachment and the ability to use it as a mouse, which opens up new gaming possibilities.
• Improved performance with upgraded graphics, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, allowing for faster loading and smoother gameplay.

The console also supports GameChat, a feature that allows up to 12 players to communicate simultaneously while playing, and GameShare, which allows you to share games with friends.

Gaming experience: familiar games with a new shine

At the release of the Switch 2, there are almost 30 games available, among which the following stand out:

• Mario Kart World: a new version of the popular racing game with an open world and the ability to play with up to 24 players at the same time.
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom: remastered versions with improved graphics and performance.
• Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy: popular third-party games optimized for Switch 2.

In addition, it is also available Nintendo Switch Online, which provides access to classic games from previous generations of consoles such as the GameCube, N64, and Sega Genesis.

Cons: Battery and Price – Nintendo Switch 2

Despite its many improvements, the Switch 2 also has a few drawbacks:

• Battery life It is comparable to the original Switch, which means about 2 hours of gameplay at full capacity.
• The price is higher than its predecessor, as the base console costs 449 $, and the Mario Kart World bundle costs 499 $. (comparable euros)

Additionally, some users report longer charging times and increased weight of the console, which may affect comfort during extended gaming sessions.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pros and Cons: What Users and Critics Say

Advantages (Pros):

• A display that impresses: The larger 7.9-inch display with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is the biggest step forward for many. As it says Polygon, "the visual experience is now finally on par with modern consoles."
• New Joy-Cons: The magnetic attachment, larger buttons, better grip and haptics impressed both reviewers and gamers. The Verge mentions that "playing in handheld mode is now truly comfortable, even for longer sessions."
• GameChat and GameShare: The new social functionality, which allows for communication and sharing of gameplay, is surprisingly welcome for many. Parents.com He compares it to the Discord experience on console.
• Greater power: With 12GB of RAM and a faster processor, games load faster, run smoother, and support higher resolutions. Pocket Tactics reports that Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 is "finally playable as it deserves to be."

Cons:

• Battery life: One of the biggest criticisms – “just 2 hours playing demanding games is disappointing,” he says The Washington PostEspecially compared to the previous generation OLED version.
• Price: With a price tag of 449 $ for the base model and 499 $ for the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle, the console isn't cheap. The Guardian warns that "it's the most expensive Nintendo console ever - without an OLED screen!" (comparable euros) - 522 euros on Amazon
• Weight and size: Some users have expressed concerns about the increased weight and larger dimensions, which may affect portability - one of the key advantages of the original Switch.
• Incomplete software at release: The missing tutorial, delayed access to digital games (like Mario Kart World), and the need for an immediate "day-one" update package all mar the first impression. Polygon He adds that "although the hardware is ready, the software is still catching up."

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a technically impressive upgrade, but it's not without its compromises. It's ideal for new users and enthusiasts, while more conservative gamers may want to wait for the (certainly upcoming) OLED version.

Conclusion: is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth the upgrade?

Nintendo Switch 2 brings a number of improvements that are sure to delight new users and those looking for a better gaming experience. A larger screen, improved controllers, and new features like GameChat and GameShare are welcome additions.

However, for existing owners Nintendo Switch 2 The upgrade may not be necessary, as the improvements are mostly evolutionary in nature. But if you want the best that Nintendo currently has to offer and are willing to accept the higher price and shorter battery life, the Switch 2 is definitely worth considering.