Hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2: Enhanced Size, Speed, and New Mouse Controls

The Nintendo Switch 2 may seem reminiscent of its predecessor, but it captures a unique vibe of its own. At a hands-on showcase in New York, I got the opportunity to test out the next iteration of Nintendo’s best-selling console. Although what thrilled me most were the games, the hardware itself did leave quite an impression.

The Switch 2 has a lot going for it. Priced at $450, this console is ready to transition from handheld to full-on gaming setup at your leisure. At the end of the day, however, its success largely hinges on the offerings by Nintendo and the third-party developers creating games for it.

This console is undeniably a sequel, yet it’s also a step forward in representing Nintendo’s evolving vision in the gaming world. The brief time I spent diving into some early titles left me eager for more. It’s probably high time to start saving up.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware

First impressions? The matte black finish on the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the system itself is quite striking. It carries a little more heft, weighing in at 1.18 pounds with the controllers attached, primarily due to its larger 7.9-inch screen. Despite being on the heavier side, it’s still lighter than other gaming PCs, like the Steam Deck OLED.

One thing that stands out is the minimalist color scheme. The vibrant neon hues around the joysticks are a nod to past designs but without the splash of color we usually associate with Nintendo. Their last attempt at a more intense design, the GameCube, offered several color options, including black, which I actually owned, so perhaps we’ll see more variations in the future.

Attaching and detaching the Joy-Cons is simple with the release buttons on each side. During my session, I mostly saw the system docked, but I did get to try connecting the controllers myself. The click mechanism felt secure, and while I wouldn’t recommend yanking them forcefully, accidental disconnects seem unlikely.

The updated design of the Joy-Cons feels more ergonomic, as the increased length fits more comfortably in hand, although the difference might not be dramatic for all users. The control sticks have been reimagined for smoother, broader movements, although details regarding hall effect sensors weren’t discussed. In brief gameplay snippets, the sticks felt similar, but a more extensive session is needed to fully assess their evolution.

A massive leap forward is the upgraded kickstand. Unlike the flimsy original, this one offers a more robust and flexible angle adjustment, perfect for setting it stable on an airplane tray.

Visually, the biggest upgrade is the new display. While not OLED, this LCD screen flaunts a 1920 x 1080 resolution, equipped with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10 support. Titles like Mario Kart World looked brilliant. Although some might gripe about it not being OLED, I didn’t feel its absence. Still, I’m intrigued to see how other titles perform on the device since many were demoed on TVs.

The dock’s redesign was visible in one setup that included the Nintendo Switch 2 camera. It’s a beefier piece, housing a cooling fan, but its overall functionality remains similar to its predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs

The system packs a custom Nvidia processor boasting DLSS and hardware ray-tracing capabilities. It features a 7.9-inch, 1920 x 1080p touchscreen with HDR10 and 120 Hz VRR support. With 256GB of UFS storage, expandable via microSD Express cards, networking options like Wi-Fi 6, and a suite of ports and accessories, including stereo speakers and a mic with noise cancellation, the spec sheet is impressive. The battery is claimed to last 2-6.5 hours, depending on use, priced at $449.99, and $499.99 with a Mario Kart World bundle, set to release on June 5, 2025.

Mouse controls

Although Nintendo has maintained a reputation for user-friendly consoles, there are hints of PC gaming influence creeping into the Switch. A notable feature pertains to the Joy-Con 2 controllers acting as mice due to integrated sensors complemented by accelerometers and gyroscopes. During the demo, I was keen to see how modern-day mouse functionality felt on a Nintendo device, reminiscent of the SNES mouse of 1992. Wrist straps with little mouse skates offer smoother scrolling.

Initially, these additions seemed promising, particularly in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. I found I could aim more precisely using the Joy-Con in mouse mode than with traditional controls. However, extended use caused discomfort, leading me to revert to the standard controller setup.

Conversely, the experience with Civilization VII’s Switch 2 version was vastly improved. The game’s deliberate pacing made the mouse mode a natural fit. I particularly appreciated the simplicity, using just a single Joy-Con, though adding programable quick actions would be an enhancement.

A surprise hit might be Drag x Drive, combining Rocket League’s excitement with imaginative wheelchair basketball using robots. Maneuvering each mouse to control wheels was unique, and I speculate if this creativity could influence new PC gaming dynamics.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition was shown with a Pro controller, and developers have confirmed mouse compatibility is on the cards. I’m looking forward to seeing how that integrates smoothly.

Yet, practical uses for the Joy-Cons as mice may be limited. While PC gamers are accustomed to desks, console players often game from couches, making it hard to adapt mouse mode to coffee tables or similar setups. For now, developers’ support for this feature remains to be seen.

Nintendo’s setup with mouse pads and various chairs might signal where they’d like this to head, but it’s still quite experimental.

Resolution options and quality modes

With expanded choices in resolution settings, the Switch 2 caters more to enthusiasts. Previously, the original Switch offered a 720p display (sometimes dialing down to 540p) and could output at 1080p when docked. The Switch 2 extends these capabilities and aligns with the trend set by Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

When docked, it can reach 4K at up to 60 fps, and lower resolutions like 1080p or 1440p can push a 120 Hz variable refresh rate. In handheld or tabletop mode, the screen supports 1080p at 120 fps. Frequent gamers should see a big upgrade here.

Specific games, such as Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, feature selectable quality and performance modes. During my hands-on time, Nintendo explained the precise settings for Metroid Prime 4 while docked, showcasing it in 1080p at 120 fps performance mode, merging high frame rates with a smooth gaming experience. As far as graphics performance, the only additional info came from developers of Civilization VII, who are aiming for 1080p at 60 fps, aligning with the game genre’s needs.

Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera

The Pro Controller priced at $79.99, along with Nintendo’s $49.99 camera, expands the system’s accessories. The Pro Controller resembles its predecessor but with clickier buttons. It has two rear buttons you can map to face controls though they weren’t demonstrated in action. The new C button on the right Joy-Con 2 ties into the Switch 2’s Game Chat feature.

Nintendo’s camera, potentially polarizing, supports Game Chat and can insert your image into games like Mario Party Jamboree, though the green screen effect isn’t seamless. USB-C camera compatibility suggests flexibility, so keeping a Logitech StreamCam handy might be wise.

Game notes

Nintendo certainly unveiled a captivating lineup of games. Known for system sellers, they’re starting strong with Mario Kart World, set to be a massive hit given Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s stellar performance on the Switch. Some highlights include:

Mario Kart World
This exciting game stole the show. Although precise fps wasn’t disclosed, my guess is near 90. Visually and play-wise, the game shone both on TVs and the Switch’s HDR screen. The Knockout Tour mode was exhilarating, challenging competitors by eliminating racers at specific checkpoints.

The sheer scale of 24-player races adds grandeur, and the varied maps demonstrated the Switch 2’s capabilities. Character selection includes familiar faces and newbies like Mariachi Waluigi, promising endless fun.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Launching on Switch 2, the game underscores the console’s power, although the demo’s rough edges hinted at needed optimizations. While options for performance and quality modes exist, the demo didn’t clarify which was active.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Encouraging user engagement, the Tour game, while charming, isn’t free. Its playful nature and educational mini-games like frame rate guessing proved intriguing, but it’s hard to justify a purchase when something similar could have been a bundled bonus like Astro’s Playroom for PS5.

Donkey Kong Bananza
Busting through the environment brings immense satisfaction. This title showcases the console’s prowess in depicting destructible settings, and numerous collectibles will entice completionists. A robot companion joining DK was intriguing, yet Nintendo stayed mum on details.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Continuing its celebrated legacy, the sequel runs smoothly, utilizing 1080p and 120 fps. It supports both standard and mouse modes, offering flexibility, and the demo impressed enough to warrant future playthroughs.

Drag x Drive
Fusing Rocket League and basketball mechanics, this energetic title has potential. The unique control scheme felt novel yet physically challenging, urging developers to add an alternative control system for broader appeal.

Nintendo Classics: GameCube
Including beloved titles from Soul Calibur II to F-Zero GX, the classics resonate well, paired with a suitable controller (though lacking rumble). This library, accessible through Nintendo Switch Online plus an Expansion Pack, is promising, featuring Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Mario Strikers.

Other hits were featured, including Civilization VII, Hades 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, and Kirby and the Forgotten World—new for Switch 2.

As Nintendo forges ahead, the Switch 2 seems poised to blend nostalgia with innovation, inviting both loyal fans and new players into its gaming world.