Nintendo’s new console, the Switch 2, reviewed by a family

The Switch 1 is one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time. It didn’t just launch a new hardware category — a portable device you can play in your hands or dock to a TV — it also became Nintendo’s top-selling console here in Aotearoa.

It had an astonishing run, but eight years after its launch, Nintendo’s bold upstart had started to resemble a tired old grandparent.

It was never the most powerful machine, and in recent years, you could almost hear it wheezing for relevance. The hybrid category it had pioneered had since exploded. A successor was clearly needed.

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First impressions are strong. It looks and feels premium, with a satisfyingly pleasant matte texture in hand. Unlike its predecessor, which shipped with now-iconic red and blue detachable Joy-Con controllers, Switch 2 comes in any colour you like, as long as it's black. Still, there are subtle nods to its lineage. The red and blue accents on its control sticks lend a spot of nostalgia to its sleek, modern design.

It’s also surprisingly large, absolutely dwarfing its predecessor. With its striking 7.9-inch, 1080p LCD touch screen and larger analog control sticks and buttons, it's as if the console has chomped down a Super Mushroom from Super Mario Bros.

That extra size carries extra weight. My first thought was how the kids would handle it, and we’ll hear from them in a moment, but personally, I’ve found it fine. Still, it is a shame Nintendo didn’t take the opportunity to refine the device’s ergonomics. More curve in the grips wouldn’t have gone amiss.

One of my surprise favourite things is the larger and more durable built-in kickstand. I barely used the one on the Switch 1; the flimsy little flap never inspired much confidence. But here it’s a sturdy beast. I’ve found myself regularly detaching the new and improved magnetic Joy-Con’s and using the console in its tabletop screen mode.

Getting set up was a breeze. Much like updating to a new phone, I simply placed my old Switch beside the new one and everything automagically transferred over. Quick, easy and painless.

Thanks to the increased horsepower under the hood, the menus are noticeably snappier and responsive. The E-Shop, Nintendo’s digital storefront, has also received a much-needed power-up, finally delivering a fast shopping experience.

One potential pain point is Nintendo’s move to the new microSD Express card format for increased storage. These offer blazing speed, but are more expensive than standard microSD cards, currently around $90 for 256 GB. This should become less of an issue as the format becomes more common and offers a degree of future-proofing. In the meantime, Nintendo has boosted the Switch 2’s internal storage from 32GB to 256GB, offering plenty of space before storage becomes a concern.

Battery life in handheld mode is nothing to shout about. It varies depending on what you’re playing, with demanding games offering around 2 and a half hours of playtime before needing a recharge. This is fairly standard for powerful handheld controllers, but I’d hoped Nintendo might have worked some of their patented magic to eek out a little extra juice.

The launch line-up is light, but Nintendo has a steady roster of heavy hitters on the way. For now, the biggie is Mario Kart World, which is included in a discounted console bundle. It looks fantastic on the new hardware and has been a total blast. While I've found the much-ballyhooed open world bare-bones, the kids have loved it. However, the new Knockout mode is a complete win. This pits you against 23 rivals in an online elimination-style race that is manic, frantic fun.

Pleasingly, most of the Switch 1 library is compatible, and the Switch 2’s added power breathes new life into these older titles. Nintendo has even released free HD upgrade packs for selected titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Less pleasingly, the upgrade packs for flagship titles The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and TLoZ: Tears of the Kingdom cost $20 each — unless you’re a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber, in which case they’re free. The subscription also includes online play and a generous library of classic NES, SNES, GameBoy Advance and GameCube games. A treat for retro gamer enthusiasts.

All of this makes upgrading from the original Switch to the Switch 2 a no-brainer. That said, there’s no need to rush. Mario Kart World is wildly fun, but waiting for a few more major Nintendo titles isn’t the worst idea. At $869.95 for the MKW bundle, or $799.95 without the wacky racer, it isn’t exactly an impulse purchase.

For what you’re getting, this is a fair price and is considerably cheaper than rival PC handheld hybrids. Nevertheless, it’s still a lot of clams. Especially if you’re not already invested in the Nintendo ecosystem. However, you can feel Nintendo’s signature quality the moment you pick it up.

The Switch 2 feels fresh and modern, and full of promise. It’s easy and, more importantly, fun to play. There’s also peace of mind knowing this is a device that is going to be supported for many years to come.

Nintendo has a well-earned reputation for going wild with innovation when launching new hardware. Heck, the working code name for 2006’s globe-conquering Nintendo Wii was ‘Revolution’. This time, they’ve played it remarkably and uncharacteristically safe. This is a console as evolution, not revolution. And, I couldn’t be happier.

The Switch 2 is exactly what I hoped for and exactly what you want from a sequel. More of the same, but better. And that is exactly what you get.

Now let’s see what the kids think.

Poppy, 10-years-old

What do you like about Switch 2?

I like how it has a bigger screen and better graphics.

What's the best thing about it?

I love how, even when you connect it to the TV, it's got better graphics. And I like how Mario Kart World comes with new characters and all the updates on it.

Do you find Switch 2 easy to hold, even though it’s bigger than Switch 1?

I think it's easy to hold. Switch 1 is really tight, but with the bigger one, I just find it easier.

What's the worst thing about it?

I don't think there is a worst thing. I don't know, that's a tough one. The battery could be better.

What do you think about the new Joy-Cons?

What are Joy-Cons?

They're the little controllers that you can snap off.

Oh yeah. I like how they're magnets. But when you first told me they were magnets, I got confused because I couldn't take them off like magnets. You have to press the little button. I like them better because they're easier to put in. I can never find the thing to click it into on Switch 1.

Do you think the Switch 2 is a good upgrade or not a good upgrade?

Yes. I think lots of people would like it.

What's your favourite game on the Switch 2?

Definitely Mario Kart World because I like how you can get those lunch bag things, and then it changes your character.

How many stars out of five do you give it?

Five.

Oscar, 7-years-old

What's the best thing you like about the Switch 2?

The new games and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrades.

What do you like about the new games and the upgrades?

I like that they got rid of the fuzziness.

And what else?

That they made Mario Kart World.

What do you like about Mario Kart World?

They added new power-ups.

What about the new modes?

I like the driving one, where you just drive around.

Do you like the bigger size of the Switch 2?

I like it. I like that I can see a bigger screen.

Do you mind that it's heavier to hold?

I don't mind.

Is it hard for you to hold because it's bigger?

No. Kind of. But I still like it.

What do you think about the bigger controls?

Good.

Do you like the new Joy-Cons?

Mm-hmm.

What's your favourite game on the Switch 2?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild upgraded, because that's also my favourite on the Switch 1.

How many stars out of five do you give it?

Five.