Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Incremental Upgrade or True Successor?

With the Switch 2, Nintendo aims to extend the legacy of its most successful console. Launched on June 5, the new model introduces technological improvements, but the question remains: is this the leap fans were waiting for, or simply an incremental step forward?

Core Concept Remains Unchanged

The hybrid design that defined the original Switch is still the centerpiece. Players can seamlessly switch between handheld and TV mode using the dock. The Joy-Con controllers now attach via magnets, making multiplayer sessions easier and more reliable.

Data migration from the original Switch is straightforward, taking about ten minutes. Games are re-downloaded in the background, and compatibility is broad: most Switch 1 titles run smoothly, and accessories like the Pro Controller remain supported.

Improved Technology: 4K, 120 FPS, and Ray Tracing

The Switch 2 introduces notable hardware upgrades. A slightly larger LCD screen offers Full HD resolution (1920×1080), while TV mode supports 4K output. Depending on the game, refresh rates can reach up to 120 FPS, with ray tracing enhancing reflections and lighting effects.

The larger screen also translates into bigger controllers, addressing complaints from adult gamers about the small size of previous Joy-Cons. Performance improvements are evident in faster loading times and a smoother eShop experience.

Game Chat: Nintendo Steps Into the Online Age

For the first time, Nintendo has embraced integrated online communication. The new Game Chat feature, activated via the “C” button, allows voice chat with friends. A USB-C camera accessory expands this to video chat.

Registration requires a mobile phone number. While currently free, Nintendo has announced that from March 31, 2026, Game Chat will be tied to a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership, starting at €20 per year.

Video Conferencing for Gamers

Voice quality is comparable to mainstream conferencing apps, with effective noise filtering and automatic transcription. However, conversations are temporarily recorded on both consoles. If reported, Nintendo reviews the last three minutes to assess inappropriate behavior—a move that raises both safety and privacy considerations.

Hardware Limitations

Despite improvements, the Switch 2 is not a powerhouse. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 run, but visuals fall short compared to other platforms. Still, anticipation is high for AAA releases such as Call of Duty and EA Sports FC to expand the library.

Mario Kart World: The Big Launch Title

The flagship release is Mario Kart World, one of 25 launch titles. It retains the familiar arcade racing style but introduces an open world where tracks blend naturally into the environment. New characters, including a penguin and a cow, add variety.

The Knockout Tour mode pits 24 players against each other in a long race, eliminating the bottom four after each stage. While innovative, the open world outside races feels underdeveloped, offering only minor coin challenges.

Conclusion: Worth It for Hardcore Fans?

At €470 for the console alone—or €510 bundled with Mario Kart World—the Switch 2 is a costly investment. The game itself costs €80 digitally or €90 physically, with the Pro Controller priced at €90. For casual players, waiting until Christmas may bring discounts and a broader game library.

Ultimately, the Switch 2 is an incremental upgrade rather than a revolutionary leap. It is best suited for dedicated fans eager to dive into Mario Kart World and upcoming titles like Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17) and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond (2025). For others, the original Switch still offers plenty of value until the new generation matures.