You Asked: Your biggest Switch 2 questions, answered

On today's episode of You Asked: What's the best TV for your shiny new Switch 2 and how does the screen compare to the OLED model we loved? We break down the top TV picks, answer your biggest Switch 2 questions, and share early hands-on impressions from launch week.
Best TV for the Switch 2?
Jose asks: What's gonna be the TV to couple with the Switch 2? Samsung S90D?
Jose, thanks for answering part of the question for me. Yes, the Samsung S90D is a great option. Its QD-OLED panel—offered at 55, 65, and 77 inches—combined with all the bright color combinations we get from the likes of Switch games will make for a beautiful gaming experience.
But there are some important things to note about the Switch 2. If you're in the market for a new TV to pair with your shiny new toy, it's easy to get gassed up and potentially overspend.
While the Switch 2 does support 4K gaming and some games will support faster refresh rates, it's not going to need the same hardware that's necessary to get the best out of a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
4K, 60 frames per second gaming from the Switch 2 should only need HDMI 2.0 to support it. So no stressing if your TV lacks the HDMI 2.1 ports found on the top-tier models. And the higher refresh rates that the Switch 2 hits with some games will only be available at lower resolutions—again, supported by HDMI 2.0.
Long story short: if you've seen us preview, review, or debate a TV on this channel, since we primarily cover the top models, it's going to be great with the Switch 2.
But given how full of rich, crazy colors video games can be, yeah, a QD-OLED TV would be my top pick. Doesn't even need to be a top model. The S90D you mentioned is great and on a good sale right now. The 2025 S85F from Samsung comes with a QD-OLED panel at 55 and 65 inches as well, though it's not as bright as Samsung's OLED models higher up the line.
If it's not QD-OLED and you want to save a little from the top-tier TVs, LG's C-series models are great gaming TVs that deliver when it comes to punchy colors and brightness that's improved each year.
And for those of us that don't need—or have the budget for—OLED, TCL and Hisense have a number of great Mini LED options that come in right around and often under $1,000. We reviewed the TCL QM6K and were pretty blown away by what it offered for the money. Each year they're getting better and better in terms of brightness, if that's what you want out of your gaming TV.
More answers to your Switch 2 questions with Giovanni
We got our Switch test unit on Wednesday morning. We're still testing it and we plan to do a full review, but we don't want to rush it. There's a lot to dig into with this console, so I decided to do this video to get some pressing questions out of the way and give you our initial impressions.
Before we got the console last week, we did a full-day preview event where we got hands-on with it. We went through the system settings, did game chat—all of that. So I've tested a significant amount of it so far, which puts me in a good position to answer some of the questions you've sent in.
Is Joy-Con mouse control a gimmick?
Corey asks: Is the mouse functionality of the Joy-Con usable, or is it more of a gimmick without a keyboard?
That is a fantastic question. I want to start with that because it's kind of the most surprising thing about the console. When they announced the mouse function, I genuinely—I'll be honest—thought it seemed like one of those old Nintendo gimmicks that wouldn't go very far. I think we're all used to that by now, right?
3D on the 3DS was supposed to be huge. Motion controls, the Wii U gamepad—Nintendo developed a couple of games for it, but no other third party bites and that's kind of it. I figured that would be the case here too. Mouse controls in a game like Dragon Drive, and then they fade away.
But I've spent a significant amount of time with the mouse controls, and I'll be honest—they are way better than you're probably expecting. What makes them great?
First, they're pinpoint accurate. You'll be blown away when you move the little foot slide on the bottom of your Joy-Con. It moves like an actual mouse. It even works on your pants—I demoed it on my jeans and it slid smoothly.
Second, they're multifunctional. You can use them to control the home screen and menus just like a computer mouse—and it works incredibly well. And it's easy to forget: you can use two at once. That opens up new kinds of experiences that aren't even possible on PC.
In Bravely Default Remaster, there's a rhythm mini-game where you control a line with both Joy-Cons. In Dragon Drive, you can control two wheels on a wheelchair and use the gyroscope to shoot a basket—all in one smooth motion. That's a uniquely Nintendo thing.
So, is it usable without a keyboard? Yes, because the experiences are built around the two-Joy-Con setup. You won't need a keyboard. Not every game will be compatible—especially ones originally designed for mouse and keyboard—but many are already being mapped for controller use.
I even played Civilization 7 with the Joy-Cons and it worked really well. You just move the mouse and click—no keyboard necessary. So no, not just a gimmick. It's genuinely useful and could shape future Switch experiences.
What might be a gimmick is the two-mouse setup. I don't expect a ton of games like Dragon Drive, but I do see potential for shooters, strategy games, and other creative uses. It's cool tech—and it works.
Will games run better on Switch 2?
@rmo9808 asks: Will games get a performance boost? Aside from the ones explicitly stated. Perhaps not a bump 1080p 60 fps but a 10 fps bump here and there
Great question. The answer is yes, but it's on a case-by-case basis.
Nintendo's Bill Tritton confirmed in April that games will get natural boosts from the new hardware. Expect faster loading times, maybe slightly better resolution and smoother frame rates. But how much improvement you'll see depends entirely on the developer.
If a game has a dedicated Switch 2 version—like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet—you'll see big upgrades. We previewed that and it looks significantly better: denser environments, smoother performance, and sharper visuals. If you didn't like the art style, that won't change—but the technical side is much improved.
Other games will likely see small boosts, but don't expect miracles unless they're optimized specifically for Switch 2.
How does the Switch 2 screen stack up against the beloved OLED version?
Corey and @FairyKid64 both asked a question I've been hearing a lot since April: how does the new screen compare to the Switch OLED display?
It's a great question—because when they first announced this thing, I thought, Man, I love my Switch OLED. I love my Steam Deck OLED too.
That OLED screen really ruined the original Switch for me. Once you see those vibrant colors, the original display looks washed out and dull. I'm happy to report that while the Switch 2 doesn't use OLED, its screen is still very good. It's way better than the original Switch.
Why? The tech has evolved significantly since 2017. LCD tech today is miles ahead of what it was when the first Switch launched. This new display is much more capable. For starters, it supports VRR and has a 120Hz refresh rate—something the Switch OLED can't even come close to.
In my testing so far, I've seen vibrant colors and strong contrast—things that the original Switch sorely lacked. Next to the OLED, that old screen has this sort of white film you can't unsee. That's not the case here. The difference isn't as drastic, but it's a meaningful upgrade.
I'll need more time with side-by-side comparisons and different games, but my early impressions are positive. I think you'll be happy with it.
What about USB-C and third-party accessories?
Kenneth Chung asks: Comparing Switch 2 to the original; with the additional USB slot what third party accessories could we confidently use?
Great question. There's still a lot of testing to do, but here's what we know.
Nintendo has confirmed that certain accessories will work—like the GameCube adapter made for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You should be able to plug it in and go, no issues. But beyond that, things get more complicated.
The USB port on the Switch 2 does support non-Nintendo devices, including webcams. If you go into the settings, you'll find an option to test connected cameras. So yes, you can plug in a USB camera, run a test, and confirm it works.
That said, compatibility will vary wildly depending on the brand and type of device. Not every webcam is guaranteed to work. Nintendo hasn't confirmed much, and I certainly don't own every webcam to test. But I expect most will work fine.
I also plan to test XR glasses—specifically Lenovo's Legion glasses—as a potential second screen. These already work with phones and Steam Decks, so there's no reason they shouldn't work here. But again, we need to test more.
We've started some initial testing, but there's a lot more to do before the full review. So far, things are looking promising.
Battery life at full performance?
We've also been getting questions about battery life—especially when playing at 1080p and 120fps. That's something I can't answer definitively yet. First, I need a game that can even run at those specs, and we're not seeing many at launch.
Nintendo's estimates suggest battery life could drop to 2 to 2.5 hours when pushing the system hard, especially if you've got game chat running with multiple players. That seems realistic. Once we've done more testing, I'll be able to say for sure.
What accessories are worth buying on day one?
Jake asks: Recommendations for screen protectors and other accessories?
Great question—and yes, there are already tons of options, both first- and third-party.
Let's start with the official Nintendo Pro Controller. I've used it, and I think it's fantastic. If you want a more traditional gamepad, it's the best option out there right now. The added back buttons and built-in audio jack are nice bonuses.
For screen protectors, Nintendo is offering a carrying case bundle that includes one. That's probably your best bang for your buck if you're looking to grab a few essentials all at once.
Now, one third-party product I can already recommend is the dbrand Kill Switch—their first official case for the Switch 2. If you know dbrand's Steam Deck case, you'll recognize the quality.
It comes with a lot of stuff:
A screen protector
A snap-on protective case
A back cover that works with the kickstand
A game card holder for travel
Ergonomic Joy-Con grips (with removable design)
A dock adapter so you can keep the case on while docked
It's a pretty full-featured kit and feels like a solid option out of the gate.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

WIRED

17 minutes ago

• WIRED

If You're a Sucker For Sticky Notes, the Poppin Sticky Memo Ball Is Art

If a messy desk is a sign of genius, I might be one of the smartest people out there. Everywhere I've worked, whether in an office or my own house, I've begun with the purest of intentions to keep my desk clean and clutter-free, only to weigh the time and energy cost of constantly putting things away just to pull them out again the next day. Spoiler alert: Most of the time, it isn't worth it. One of the biggest, ahem, sticking points in my decluttering process is the sheer number of sticky notes I use. Classic Post-It brand notes, sticky notes shaped like flowers, novelty pads, tape flags—all have a place in my office supply arsenal. I write everything by hand, with a pen. And I mean everything. Not only in my paper planner but also on the sticky notes I have in nearly every room of my house. I have them in the kitchen, in my nightstand, in the car. And I always will, as it's been scientifically proven that writing things down boosts learning and memory, since writing by hand activates more wide-ranging connections in the brain. I love my Notes app as much as anyone else, but if I type something into it that I need to do in the future, I not only have to remember that I did so but also hope I titled it with something searchable. If I write it down on a sticky note, I will not only remember, but I can stick it exactly where I know I'll see it. Doctor's office unexpectedly calling while I'm in another room? Sticky note. Reminder for my husband who's still asleep and doesn't have his phone set to silent, so I can't text him? Sticky note. Sticky notes for my kid. Sticky notes for my friends. Sticky notes in my car, in my garage … It's an infallible system. However, the worst offender of sticky note detritus is by far my workstation. If I receive any kind of actionable instruction, whether it's in a meeting, an email, a Slack message, or via a phone call, it's immediately written down on a sticky note and slapped on my planner or, if longer-range, pinned to the wall above my desk, which is lined with felt bulletin board wall tiles from Amazon and currently looks like the pelt of a disappointing piñata. However, I hadn't really thought much about what those notepads were doing for my space visually until I saw the Poppin' Sticky Memo Ball, the 4.5-inch dodecahedron that looks something like a girly soccer ball but is actually a desk ornament you can put to use. This is the sticky note stack made into decor. Back to School Photograph: Kat Merck The Sticky Memo Ball originated not in a boardroom at 3M, nor in the brains of Romy and Michelle, but at Rochester Institute of Technology. Each year, the STEM-focused school holds a design initiative called Metaproject, pairing companies with RIT students to create products focusing on the theme 'Design Is One,' the official philosophy of the school's Vignelli Center for Design Studies. (Named in honor of Italian designers Lella and Massimo Vignelli, the latter of whom is known for his modernist designs incorporating geometric shapes.)

Vogue

17 minutes ago

• Vogue

Selena Gomez Is Back in Her Bangs Era

Welcome back to Team Bangs, Selena Gomez. After a dalliance with slightly longer lengths, a brief escapade into blonde, and some variations on the bob (the lob and the puffed variety), the pop star and Rare Beauty founder has settled on her summertime hair refresh. Her longtime makeup artist Hung Vanngo dropped the first picture on his Instagram yesterday (June 21). Her new haircut was done by another go-to Gomez glam team member, Orlando Pita. (Who also often works with Julianne Moore, Sofia Coppola, and Anne Hathaway on their refined, elegant styles.) Photo: Instagram (@hungvanngo) Of recent, Gomez had been wearing her hair in a grown out bob, hitting just below her shoulders. She often sticks to a middle parting, and has been styling it in slicked back buns and high ponytails for the last few months. This time, her new cut features wolf cut-esque choppy layers, with the shagginess from her natural curls providing lots of volume and texture to graze the top of her collarbones. The bangs fall thickly across her brows, but have been cut into to resist any density, and to keep them easy in the summer heat. It's an easily replicable cut, light and breezy for this time of year and requiring little maintenance. Selena Gomez is no stranger to the bob, which has become somewhat of a signature look for her red carpet appearances. There was a soft and waved bob worn at the American French Film Festival, a glamorous old Hollywood bob for the Golden Globes, and a more experimental wet-look, flipped bob at the 4th Academy Museum Gala last year. A longtime fan of the bob, Selena Gomez JB Lacroix BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Selena Gomez attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) Karwai Tang Bangs, too, have called Gomez back time and time again. Last year, she debuted some '70s style curtain bangs that hit below the brow. On other occasions, she switched it up to a more messy, piecey fringe that looks great with up-dos, face-framing Brigitte Bardot-esque bangs, and a casual curly set. A beauty mogul, Gomez is a serial re-inventor unafraid of the style switch up, whether that's a statement lip or total hair transformation. Anadolu/Getty Images Photo: Courtesy of Selena Gomez/@selenagomez For Selena Gomez and her glam team, the bob + bangs combo is limitless.

Washington Post

21 minutes ago

• Washington Post

Would you hail a 'robotaxi'? Musk bets cabs will give Tesla a lift after boycotts and sales plunge

NEW YORK — Elon Musk promised in 2019 that driverless Tesla 'robotaxis' would be on the road 'next year,' but it didn't happen. A year later, he promised to deliver them the next year, but that didn't happen either. Despite the empty pledges the promises kept coming. Last year in January, Musk said, 'Next year for sure, we'll have over a million robotaxis.' Would you settle for 10 or 12? Musk appears to be on the verge of making his robotaxi vision a reality with a test run of a small squad of self-driving cabs in Austin, Texas, starting Sunday. Reaching a million may take a year or more, however, although the billionaire should be able to expand the service this year if the Austin demo is a success. The stakes couldn't be higher, nor the challenges. While Musk was making those 'next year' promises, rival Waymo was busy deploying driverless taxis in Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin and other cities by using a different technology that allowed it to get to market faster. It just completed its 10 millionth paid ride. Boycotts related to Musk's politics have tanked Tesla's sales. Rival electric vehicle makers with newly competitive models have stolen market share. And investors are on edge after a $150 billion stock wipeout when Musk picked a social media fight with a U.S. president overseeing federal car regulators who could make the robotaxi rollout much more difficult. The stock has recovered somewhat after Musk said he regretted some of his remarks. Tesla shareholders have stood by Musk over the years because he's defied the odds by building a successful standalone electric vehicle company — self-driving car promises aside — and making them a lot of money in the process. A decade ago, Tesla shares traded for around $18. The shares closed Friday at $322. Musk says the Austin test will begin modestly enough, with just 10 or 12 vehicles picking up passengers in a limited area. But then it will quickly ramp up and spread to other cities, eventually reaching hundreds of thousands if not a million vehicles next year. Some Musk watchers on Wall Street are skeptical. 'How quickly can he expand the fleet?' asks Garrett Nelson, an analyst at CFRA. 'We're talking maybe a dozen vehicles initially. It's very small.' Morningstar's Seth Goldstein says Musk is being classic Musk: Promising too much, too quickly. 'When anyone in Austin can download the app and use a robotaxi, that will be a success, but I don't think that will happen until 2028,' he says. 'Testing is going to take a while.' Musk's tendency to push up the stock high with a bit of hyperbole is well known among investors. In 2018, he told Tesla stockholders he had 'funding secured' to buy all their shares at a massive premium and take the company private. But he not only lacked a written commitment from financiers, according to federal stock regulators who fined him , he hadn't discussed the loan amount or other details with them. More recently, Musk told CNBC in May that Tesla was experiencing a 'major rebound' in demand. A week later an auto trade group in Europe announced sales had plunged by half . Musk has come under fire for allegedly exaggerating the ability of the system used for its cars to drive themselves, starting with the name. Full Self-Driving is a misnomer. The system still requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road because they may need to intervene and take control at any moment. Federal highway safety regulators opened an investigation into FSD last year after several accidents, and the Department of Justice has conducted its own probe, though the status of that is not known. Tesla has also faced lawsuits over the feature, some resulting in settlements, other dismissed. In one case, a judge ruled against the plaintiffs but only because they hadn't proved Musk 'knowingly' made false statements. Musk says the robotaxis will be running on an improved version of Full Self-Driving and the cabs will be safe. He also says the service will be able to expand rapidly around the country. His secret weapon: Millions of Tesla owners now on the roads. He says an over-the-air software update will soon allow them to turn their cars into driverless cabs and start a side business while stuck at the office for eight hours or on vacation for a week. 'Instead of having your car sit in the parking lot, your car could be earning money,' Musk said earlier this year, calling it an Airbnb model for cars. 'You will be able to add or subtract your car to the fleet.' Musk says Tesla also can move fast to deploy taxis now because of his decision to rely only on cameras for the cars to navigate, unlike Waymo, which has gone a more expensive route by supplementing its cameras with lasers and radar. 'Tesla will have, I don't know,' Musk mused in an conference call with investors, '99% market share or something ridiculous.' Given Waymo's head start and potential competition from Amazon and others, dominating the driverless market to that extent could be a reach. But Dan Ives, a Wedbush Securities analyst and big Musk fan, says this time Musk may actually pull it off because of Tesla's ability to scale up quickly. And even skeptics like Morningstar's Goldstein acknowledge that Musk occasionally does gets things right, and spectacularly so. He upended the car industry by getting people to buy expensive electric vehicles, brought his Starlink satellite internet service to rural areas and, more recently, performed a gee-whiz trick of landing an unmanned SpaceX rocket on a platform back on earth. 'Maybe his timelines aren't realistic,' Goldstein says, 'but he can develop futuristic technology products.'