I’ve tracked Nintendo hardware reveals since the SNES days, so when the Switch 2 landed on June 5, 2025, I was equal parts thrilled and skeptical. Finally, Nintendo’s hybrid console ticks off three long-time fan wish list staples: more graphical horsepower, a sharper display and modern storage. But after spending launch weekend with it, I’m left asking—is this premium price actually justified?
The new 7.9″ Full HD panel is noticeably brighter and crisper than the original Switch. HDR adds vivid highlights to color-rich first-party titles, and DLSS upscaling smooths framerate drops when the GPU is under heavy load. Docked, the Switch 2 finally joins the big-budget console discussion with a 4K output option—no more stretching a 720p image to modern TVs. Load times feel markedly shorter, especially for cartridge-based games that offload initial assets directly onto the internal SSD.
From the moment you boot up, Nintendo makes it clear: physical carts still rely on downloads. The “Game Key Wards” system forces most games to write data onto internal storage, and cartridges now hold less than 10 percent of their install footprint. That means collectors or anyone on a capped data plan will soon run out of room—256 GB won’t hold a full library without swapping or upgrading to a microSD Express card (sold separately).
Most original Switch games run on the new hardware, but not every title made the cut. Classics like 1-2 Switch and Labo kits are conspicuously absent, and many re-releases charge a small “upgrade” fee—typically €10–€20—to unlock enhancements. If you’ve already shelled out for digital editions, be prepared to pay again for high-res textures or improved performance.
At nearly €470 for the base unit, Nintendo has comfortably closed the gap with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S hardware. But unlike its competitors, Switch 2 leans into portability, so it needs a stronger battery, sturdier design and brighter screen—all of which come at a cost. Factor in €79–€89 for new physical releases or €69–€79 digitally, and the grand total quickly balloons.
If you’ve been waiting for Nintendo to embrace budget-friendly pricing, keep waiting—this is very much positioned as a premium platform. Throw in microSD cards, Game Key Ward fees and occasional paid upgrades for enhanced editions, and your wallet will notice the weight.
On the plus side, magnetic Joy-Cons ditch the old rail wobble and even perform as a mouse in select menus. Integrated, system-level voice chat and straightforward game streaming mean you won’t need to juggle smartphone apps. Battery life hovers around 4–5 hours under heavy load, and the redesigned kickstand feels more stable for tabletop play. Small gripes remain—Joy-Con drift hasn’t vanished entirely, and the new USB-C dock runs a little warm—but these are welcome refinements overall.
Nintendo opened doors with high-profile first-party titles like Mario Kart World and Zelda remasters, paired alongside big third-party draws including Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate. It’s an enticing roster for long-time fans and newcomers alike. That said, more experimental peripherals—think Ring Fit Adventure or the original Labo—aren’t fully supported at launch, dashing hopes for creative hardware integrations immediately out of the box.
Switch 2 is undeniably a leap forward. The display, performance and storage upgrades position it as a next-gen hybrid in a way the original never could. Yet the steep entry price, additional upgrade fees and patchy backward compatibility make it a cautious buy. If you live and breathe Nintendo, budget is no object and you crave that handheld/docked versatility, you’ll find plenty to love. If you’re watching every euro, you may want to wait for bundles, sales or a price drop before taking the plunge.
Get access to exclusive strategies, hidden tips, and pro-level insights that we don't share publicly.
Ultimate Gaming Strategy Guide + Weekly Pro Tips