Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Is It Worth Buying?
Hands-On With Nintendo's Next-Gen Console
After eight years since the original Switch launched, Nintendo's Switch 2 arrives with significant upgrades – but does it justify the £400 price? Having tested the console for 72 hours with demanding titles like Cyberpunk and Mario Kart World, I'll break down exactly what's changed. The new model features a 7.9-inch 120Hz display, 12GB RAM, and Nvidia DLSS upscaling – hardware that pushes it toward PS4-level performance. Yet key questions linger about battery life, screen technology, and whether existing Switch owners should upgrade.
Key Technical Upgrades and Performance
Nintendo's biggest leap comes internally: a custom Nvidia chip with 12GB RAM enables features previously impossible on Switch. The new DLSS AI upscaling dynamically enhances resolution and frame rates, which I observed firsthand in Cyberpunk. Docked mode delivered 1080p/60fps in performance mode – a stark improvement over the original Switch's capabilities. Ray tracing support exists, though few launch titles utilize it.
The 7.9-inch LCD screen (60% larger than original) hits 450 nits brightness with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh. During testing, HDR implementation added depth in Mario Kart World, though colors appeared less vibrant versus OLED competitors like Steam Deck. Variable refresh rate and auto low-latency modes ensure smooth gameplay, but black levels show typical LCD limitations – grays instead of true blacks.
Battery results mirrored Nintendo's claims: Exactly 3 hours playing Zelda at 50% brightness. Expect 2.5–4 hours for graphically intensive games.
Practical User Experience and New Features
Physical refinements make the Switch 2 noticeably more ergonomic. Joy-Con "Twos" are larger, addressing hand-cramp complaints from the original model. Their hidden innovation is an optical sensor enabling mouse-like control – a game-changer for shooters. In Cyberpunk, sliding the right controller on a desk provided precision aiming impossible with analog sticks alone.
The redesigned dock includes USB-C charging and streamlined game-card access. While the kickstand is more robust, the console's increased size (without textured grips) may necessitate third-party cases for extended handheld sessions.
The bundled game chat camera offers novelty but limited utility. Its 480p resolution delivers pixelated video during testing, though the physical shutter enhances privacy. Functionality ties into specific games like Switch 2 Welcome Tour – which frustratingly requires the camera to complete.
Upgrade Value Compared to Alternatives
Is the Switch 2 worth £400? Consider these factors:
- Existing Switch OLED owners: The upgrades are iterative, not revolutionary. You gain performance but lose OLED's perfect blacks.
- New buyers: Justifies the price with future-proofed specs, especially DLSS support that will extend relevance as developers optimize games.
- Versus handheld PCs: Steam Deck offers OLED brilliance and PC game access, but misses Nintendo's exclusives and refined portability.
Three launch limitations hurt value:
- Only one major exclusive (Mario Kart World)
- No OLED display despite premium price
- Essential accessories (Pro Controller) sold separately
Actionable Recommendations:
- Buy now if you prioritize playing Mario Kart World immediately or lack any Switch model
- Wait for Black Friday if you own a Switch OLED – more exclusives and bundles may emerge
- Consider Steam Deck OLED if Nintendo exclusives aren't essential and you value display quality
The Bottom Line
The Switch 2 delivers meaningful power and screen improvements but stumbles as a must-have upgrade. Its £400 cost feels steep without more exclusives or OLED visuals. Nintendo's trademark magic shines in novel Joy-Con functionality and social features, yet third-party support will dictate long-term success. If you're still using the 2017 Switch, this is a worthy evolution. For others, waiting for compelling software and potential revisions seems prudent.
What's your biggest hesitation about buying the Switch 2? Share your thoughts below!
