Latest news with #Joy-Cons
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Forget Joy-Cons — this $20 accessory brings PS5/Xbox controller support to the Switch 2
A few years ago, with the release of Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch, I made the decision to finally stop using Joy-Cons. Because if I wasn't in handheld mode, Nintendo's half-palm-sized controllers just weren't performing well enough to get stuff done. Rather than buying an official Pro controller, or some other licensed gamepad, I opted for something a little different. 8BitDo's USB Wireless Adapter 2 lets Switch owners use just about any Bluetooth controller they like —including ones built for Xbox or PlayStation consoles. I'm happy to confirm that the adapter also works with the Nintendo Switch 2 — but you will need to do a little bit of tinkering to get it working. Thankfully, it takes less than 5 minutes to sort out. I've made no secret that I struggle with Joy-Cons. They hurt my hands over extended periods of time, and even the Switch 2's larger controllers haven't really fixed that problem. In fact, they seem to have made the whole thing worse. Get your non-Nintendo controllers running on the Switch 2 with 8BitDo's second generation USB Wireless Adapter. Normally costing just $20, but with 5% off if you tick the coupon box, it's the perfect way to get Xbox, PlayStation or other kinds of controllers running on your new console. The 8BitDo adapter meant that I was able to avoid this problem on the first Switch, at least when it was in TV mode. All you needed to do was plug it into the dock, pair it with a new console, and make sure one particular toggle was switched on in the settings. In my case, I had an Xbox controller paired to the adapter and was able to use it to play all my favorite Switch games. All with the comfort of a controller that was designed for actual human hands, and didn't feel like it was built with complete disregard for ergonomics. The only downside was that Nintendo and Microsoft reversed their lettered buttons. So hitting A on the Xbox button is actually telling the Switch you hit B — which can cause issues. I've been primarily playing with Xbox controllers for the better part of 24 years, and believe me that muscle memory is rather hard to override. Oh, and there's no home or capture buttons, because those are unique to Switch controllers. Unless you're using something like the Xbox Elite Controller or Dualsense Edge, there just aren't enough buttons to account for them. Still, I'll take the occasional mis-pressed button over cramping hands any day. So imagine my disappointment when I plugged the adapter into my Switch 2, and found that it didn't work. I wasn't keen on having to buy a new Switch 2-friendly adapter, or a different controller. But thankfully, the solution was much easier on my wallet. While there are plenty of Switch 1 accessories that work with Switch 2, it should be no surprise that not everything does. Fortunately, 8BitDo seems to have anticipated this, and released a new firmware update for the USB Wireless Adapter that upgraded the dongle with Switch 2 support. All it requires is 8BitDo's own upgrade tool (available on Windows and macOS). Download the tool, plug in the adapter and the software should automatically recognize it and check for updates. In my case the Windows tool picked up that my adapter was on version 1.04, and that v1.09 was available. Installing that update took about a minute, at which point the adapter was ready to go. The only thing you need to do on your Switch is head into the Controllers menu in Settings and activate Pro Controller Wired Communication. This means the Switch 2 recognizes the 8BitDo adapter as a wired controller, regardless of the fact it's connecting to a wireless controller. Plug the adapter into one of the Switch 2 dock's USB ports, and if your system is like mine it should recognize the new controller right away. Though checking the Change Grip/Order menu is worth doing to make sure it's set as the primary controller. 8BitDo has a huge list of controllers that are compatible with the 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2. That includes all of 8BitDo's Bluetooth controllers, PlayStations 3 through 5, the Switch Pro Controllers, Wiimotes, the Wii U Pro, Xbox Series X|S and Bluetooth Xbox One controllers. The latter distinction is particularly important, because Xbox didn't add Bluetooth to any controller until the launch of the Xbox One S. So your launch-era Xbox One controller won't work here. The adapter also isn't exclusive to Switch consoles, and you can plug it into other devices as well, including Windows, Mac, the Steam Deck and Raspberry Pi devices. That way you can use whatever controller you like, not just the ones that are officially supported by the platform you're gaming on. So long Joy-Cons! We'll only be back if we need mouse controls or want to play in handheld mode.
Tom's Guide
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Nintendo Switch 2 — 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
We went from anxiously waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch this month to the console now being out for over a week. While Nintendo Switch 2 restocks haven't exactly been hard to come by, 3.5 million units have already been sold. The console is a hit, and like those millions of people, I've been spending time with Nintendo's latest system. Thanks to the Switch 2's stronger specs, games look fantastic and run smoother. The Switch 2 isn't comparable to a PS5 Slim or Xbox Series X performance-wise, but Nintendo's system can run graphically demanding games that its predecessor couldn't. And though Switch 2 isn't a complete redesign of the previous console, quality-of-life changes such as bigger Joy-Cons and a stronger kickstand make a big difference. I wouldn't consider myself the biggest Nintendo fan, but it's hard to deny that the Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the best handheld gaming consoles out there. And while I think the system is great at what it does, it's not perfect. It's certainly not ideal for everyone, even if it's a must-have for certain folks. So which camp will you fall in? Here are 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo Switch 2 takes what worked about its best-selling predecessor and makes impactful upgrades across the board. From the excellent, and noticeably larger, 7.9-inch display to the more powerful internal specs, the Switch 2 is a full leap forward and the best hybrid console you can buy. Note that the system is currently sold out, so keep an eye on our Nintendo Switch 2 restock page for updates! The Switch 2 hasn't received a huge design overhaul. At a glance, you might even mistake it for the original Nintendo Switch. However, the differences become hard to ignore the instant you pick up the device. The 7.9-inch display appears huge next to the original Switch's 6.2-inch panel. The smaller bezels also help in this regard. Despite being an LCD, games look bright and colorful on the 1080p panel and run smoothly thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. I primarily play in docked mode, but I don't mind occasionally playing in handheld mode. That's because the Switch 2 is larger and heavier than its predecessor. That might be a con for some, but for me, it makes the system feel as premium as a Steam Deck OLED or an Asus ROG Ally X. It's a joy simply holding this system. I'm still not the biggest fan of Joy-Cons, but the controllers are much easier to use since they're larger than the original versions. I like how they magnetically snap on and off with a simple press of a button, instead of the annoying rail system the previous Joy-Cons utilized. The Switch 2's design makes it feel less like a toy and more like a serious piece of tech. That said, the console still retains that classic Nintendo charm that even non-Nintendo fans like me appreciate. One of the main reasons I eventually stopped playing the original Switch was because of its disappointing gaming performance. I regularly play games at 60 frames per second or much higher, so being forced to play at 30 fps wasn't fun. Thankfully, the Switch 2 games I've played so far run like a dream. The system features a custom Nvidia chip that has the company's DLSS upscaling technology. Though Nintendo hasn't disclosed this chip's core count or what generation it belongs to, it's powerful enough to run graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6 without the system exploding. Generally speaking, the Switch 2 has power comparable to a PS4 or Xbox One. In docked mode, the Switch 2 can hit up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at 60 frames per second. It also supports 120 fps when 1920x1080 or 2560x1440 resolutions are selected. The system supports HDR10 and a 1920x1080 resolution in tabletop mode and handheld mode. Original Switch games look atrocious on my 55-inch 4K OLED TV, but it's a different story with Switch 2. Sure, games like Yakuza 0 and Cyberpunk 2077 look a tad fuzzier compared to their PS5 counterparts since they're being upscaled from 1080p instead of 1800p, but they're not a complete eyesore. Switch 2-enhanced games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also look phenomenal, which is something I can't say about the original Switch 1 version of that title. For the best performance and resolution, docked mode is the best way to go. But whether it's docked or in your hands, games look and run fantastically on Nintendo's new system. Nintendo is late to the party when it comes to basic game chat features that the PS5 and Xbox Series X have had since 2020. But I won't give Nintendo too much grief about this since it's better to get a feature late than not at all. And for what it offers, the company's GameChat is pretty darn good. As its name suggests, GameChat lets you talk with friends while playing games. This feature enables voice chat, screen sharing, and even video chat via a compatible USB camera. You can have up to 12 players in a voice chat session, and up to four can share their screens or participate in video calls. I used the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for GameChat, and this peripheral works nicely for the feature. Within GameChat's options, you can choose between showing everything the camera captures or just your head. It does the latter with reasonably accurate face tracking. If there are multiple people in the room with you, it'll track everyone's face, which can be beneficial for local multiplayer sessions. For your background, you can show what's on your game screen, which is good if you're playing a different game than others in the chat. I don't like that the game's fps is sub-30, but your in-camera frames per second does at least stay at a steady 30. The only drawback for GameChat is that it's locked behind a Nintendo Switch Online account. However, being subscribed gives you access to game libraries from the NES and SNES for the standard tier ($19 per year) and GameCube and Sega Genesis for the Expansion Pack ($49 per year). I probably won't use GameChat all that often, but having access to classics like Super Mario World and Killer Instinct will keep me subscribing. GameChat can basically be a nice bonus. I'm not too concerned about the Switch 2's battery life since I almost exclusively play in docked mode. However, if you mostly play in handheld or tabletop mode, you're going to be disappointed with the Switch 2's battery life. We couldn't perform our standard battery life test on the Switch 2. Because of that, the testing we performed is purely anecdotal and our results might differ from what you experience. That said, many of us at Tom's Guide have the system and we're all seeing relatively similar results. On average, the Switch 2 lasts about 2.5 hours when playing demanding games. That's far less than the 5 hours of play time we got on the Switch OLED, but a little better than the 2 hours I got from the Steam Deck OLED. Given the Switch 2's short battery life, I suggest bringing your Switch 2's AC adapter if you're on the road. Mario Kart World is a bona fide system seller since it packs so much content. It's a good thing that this game can potentially keep you occupied for months because right now, it's one of two true Switch 2 exclusives. For the most part, Switch 2 launch games consist of third-party games like some of the ones I mentioned above. That's not necessarily bad, but when you consider many of these titles have been available for years on other platforms and might be cheaper, these games might not be must-haves. There are some enhanced first-party games, such as Switch 2 editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. These games look and run better than ever, but you might not want to replay them if you're looking for brand-new experiences. The Switch 2 exclusive Donkey Kong Bananza arrives on July 17, and Metroid Prime 4 will surely be the best on the new system when it launches later this year. But for the moment, you might want to wait on buying the new system until Switch 2 has a more robust library of exclusives. The last reason you might want to skip the Nintendo Switch 2 is because of its asking price. Right now, the Switch 2 costs $449 for the base system or $499 for the Mario Kart World bundle. That's not exactly cheap, especially when you consider that the entry-level Steam Deck costs $399 and has access to a wider library of games. And as I said, there aren't many Switch 2 exclusives available at the moment. While the Switch 2's cost is arguably justifiable since it's the only system that can (legally) play first-party Nintendo games, its asking price is hard to swallow. The Nintendo Switch 2 isn't revolutionary, but it's a welcome upgrade over its predecessor. Whether in docked or handheld mode, it delivers rock-solid gaming performance for both first- and third-party games. It's an impressive piece of tech that's worth considering. As great as Switch 2 is, though, its upgrades might not be compelling for all current Switch users. The system is also rather expensive, especially when compared to an entry-level Steam Deck. Because of that, you might want to hold off on buying one for now.
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Nintendo Switch 2 review – does everything the Switch does, but better
The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and after using it for almost every waking minute for the last week, I think I'm finally ready to talk about my thoughts and feelings. After a week of constant gaming, chatting and Mario Kart-ing, the Nintendo Switch 2 is undoubtedly a superb handheld console, but do you really need one? Nintendo hasn't reinvented the wheel with the Nintendo Switch 2, and it's easy to see why, considering the original Nintendo Switch is one of the best-selling consoles of all time. Instead, it has stuck with a similar-ish design with the focus of improving, refining, and updating everything people loved about the original. Although my first impressions of the new console were positive, it's time to delve into the details after spending an entire week doing little else but using it. The Nintendo Switch successor costs £395.99 in the UK and $449.99 in the US, which is just above the price of the non-OLED Steam Deck (oops, I mentioned the O word already) and a lot more than the Xbox Series S. It is priced below current-gen consoles, the Xbox Series X and PS5, but not by much. This is not a value console for the masses; instead, it's something else entirely. Bigger, faster, stronger Gone is the 6.2-inch 720p, 60Hz display, replaced by a gorgeous and modern 7.9-inch 1080p, 120Hz display, which is also HDR compatible. And, there's a new dock too, with new active cooling and the ability to output in glorious 4K at 60fps. Gone are the sliding, wobbly and freakishly small Joy-Cons, replaced by strong, magnetic and bigger Joy-Cons, which can also be used as a mouse in compatible games. You also get 256GB of internal storage – up from the measly 32GB in the original and 64GB with the Nintendo Switch OLED – as well as a new kickstand, an additional USB-C port, new speakers with 3D spatial audio and a new C button, for its new Game Chat feature. Despite its bigger size and being over 100g heavier than the Switch OLED, it still feels really comfortable to use, even when gaming for hours at a time. You definitely feel the extra weight, don't get me wrong, but it's not enough for it to feel cumbersome or induce any extra fatigue, as it's still some 100g lighter than the Steam Deck. The black, matte finish combined with the extra weight gives it a real premium feel, too. The new magnetic Joy Cons are much improved, with the larger size being much more suitable for adult hands, and the bumper SL and SR buttons feel better than they did on the original. They're still not great, by any means, but they are certainly better. I also really like the fact that they can double up as a mouse, as even when scrolling through the device menus, it feels pretty tight, and in Cyberpunk 2077 firefights, it allows you to get the fine control that you simply can't get with the joysticks. I'm not sure it'll take off, so we'll have to see which other games feature support for it, but giving players another way to play their favourite games can only be a good thing. What isn't good is the joysticks themselves, which are very similar to their predecessors, notably foregoing Hall effect. The bad news continues because, in a recent teardown, iFixit revealed that, "despite Nintendo claiming they have been 'redesigned from the ground up,' the joysticks are using the same old potentiometer tech. There's no sign of Hall effect or TMR sensors." It also declared that "Unless Nintendo is using some miracle new material on those resistive tracks, or the change in size magically solves it, the best fix is going to come from third-party options." To make things a bit frustrating, due to the amount of adhesive used, they're also more difficult to repair than the Switch Joy-Cons, with iFixit giving the Switch 2 an overall repairability rating of just 3/10. Now, there's a simple reason why Nintendo didn't go with Hall effect, and that's because the new magnetic attachment mechanism may interfere with the magnets in the sensors. But iFixit also states Nintendo could've used Tunnelling Magnetoresistance sensors, or TMR for short, which are less susceptible to magnetic interference. Although it probably would have come at an extra cost to the device, it would have been a worthwhile investment for a lot of players. Long story short, Joystick drift is still, and will continue to be, a thing. That's a massive disappointment. Onto the new button, the C button, which launches the new Game Chat feature – this allows chats, the ability to play with your friends and hear them in real time and with the USB-C camera (sold separately, of course), you can do this while showing your face too. Testing the Game Chat experience out, I was pretty impressed with the experience overall because despite the mic not having particularly good clarity, it delivered a decent experience even when standing a few meters away from the console, and for families and friends around sofas, it's more than good enough. There's also Game Share (via Game Chat), which you can only do on the Switch 2. This allows you to share your game with up to four people in the chat group, even if they don't own it, which is pretty cool! One thing that's a bit weird to me is that, as an additional security measure, text message verification is required to set up GameChat. It uses the phone number registered to your Nintendo Account. GameChat is free until March 31st, 2026. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required. Finally, Nintendo has performance in mind Now onto performance, and, as you would expect from a Nintendo console, performance has been pretty great out of the box. Games like Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077 and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) look sharp, bright, and really, very colourful on the new display. It really is in a different league compared to its predecessor and, in my opinion, it clearly rivals more PC -like handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck or the Lenovo Legion Go S. Tears of the Kingdom and Zelda: Breath of the Wild ran fine on the original Switch and the OLED, but on the Switch 2, it's a transformative experience. The 60fps (unfortunately capped 60fps) in both handheld and docked feels superb, as do the 4K visuals when hooked up to a TV. If you loved these games half as much as I did, you simply need to experience them on this console. With the new HDR-capable display, previously pitch-black areas suddenly become much more alive and bright, giving Tears of the Kingdom specifically, a new lease of life. Mario Kart World, as you'd expect for a launch title, runs like a dream. It looks super sharp, particularly in 4K, with super vibrant colours and flawless, smooth performance. And then there are third-party games. The fact that Cyberpunk 2077 can run, and run well, on this console is a monumental step into the unknown for Nintendo, but exciting for all of us, because it opens up support for potential huge AAA gaming franchises to launch on this console, when historically, Nintendo couldn't (or wouldn't) support them. FromSoftware already confirmed during the Nintendo Direct back in March that Elden Ring is coming to Switch 2 in 2025, then there's its Switch 2 exclusive (yes, a Switch 2 exclusive from FromSoftware) The Duskbloods, coming in 2026. And, don't forget, Microsoft has already pledged, back in 2023, to delivering Call of Duty on Nintendo platforms, and although the recent Black Ops 7 reveal failed to namecheck the Switch 2, a source has told Eurogamer that the team is "committed" to bringing the Call of Duty series to Nintendo. A new era And I think that's what Nintendo is going for. It's bold, and it's certainly a change in direction from what is a very traditional company, but the increased performance from this console means that this device is not what the Switch was; it's not a value console in its own little category that just supported Nintendo games and a few select third-party titles. This is a console that is firmly competing against the Steam Deck, against the new ROG Xbox Ally, and whenever PlayStation gets a move on, it'll be a competitor for its handheld, too. But what Nintendo has is Nintendo games, and that offering, when paired with third-party AAA titles that can run at a similar performance level, is unique. No one else can match that, which will make the next few years very interesting indeed. Ok, let's talk about the screen. The LCD screen might only be LCD, but it is a huge step up from its predecessor. But it does have its limitations. It's HDR compatible, but the screen can only generate 450 nits of brightness, which just isn't enough for a full, vibrant HDR experience. It's okay for me, and probably is for most people, but those who are passionate about HDR content will say it's not true HDR, and they are right. It's also pretty reflective, more so than on the original Switch, which makes playing it on public transport or outside trickier. And then there's the big one: why isn't it OLED? I think it's pretty obvious why there's no OLED, and that's the price. This console is already near as makes no difference £400, if Nintendo had gone with an OLED, what price would the Switch 2 have been? £450? £475? It's an expensive console as it is, particularly by Nintendo standards, with the original Switch being the value gaming console at just £279.99 or $299.99, the Switch 2 is not in that category anymore, and an OLED screen at launch may have made this console even more out of reach for more people. Don't get me wrong, I really would have liked an OLED screen, but in this economy, I can see why they haven't yet, and realistically, the general public won't be too bothered either. Battery life was also pretty much as you'd expect. Nintendo says the Switch 2 will last between 2 and 6 and a half hours depending on the software and this was pretty spot on, with Cyberpunk 2077 running for a good 2 hours and 20 minutes or so, and Mario Kart World reaching well into three hours. This is notably worse than the Switch, but that's the price we'll have to pay for enhanced visuals, higher frames and a bigger, brighter screen. It's also on par, if not slightly better, than some of the handhelds in the same price category. Is it essential? So, should you buy one? We'll do you one better by telling you exactly what you're getting when it falls into your lap – the Switch 2 is significantly better than the original Switch, in every possible and conceivable way, perhaps apart from its Joy-Con controllers. It's still a Switch, but now with legendary tier-gear, a maxed-out skill tree and ready to face elite bosses. Nintendo hasn't tried anything wild, revolutionary or out of the ordinary with the Switch 2 when considering the wider gaming landscape, but can you really criticise for that? There have been plenty of risks that haven't worked for Nintendo: the Wii U's gimmicky GamePad, the Virtual Boy's eye-straining 3D graphics, and, controversially, the GameCube's proprietary mini-DVDs didn't exactly take off either. Right now, if there are games you want to play on Switch 2, like Mario Kart World, Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, or even Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with updated visuals and a higher frame rate, buying this console will allow you to experience these games like never before. And if you play Nintendo games traditionally but want to experience third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction, Hitman World of Assassination, Civ 7, Survival Kids, Yakuza 0, and Street Fighter 6 alongside the Nintendo games you know and love, with the majority of Switch games being backwards compatible, now you can. Having only had a week to test the device, I've not managed to try as much of the Switch back catalogue as I'd like, and it's something I'll be putting time into, but the games I have played have performed without a hitch. If there are no games you feel compelled to play on Switch 2, you probably don't truly need one right now. But considering its performance potential and what it could deliver in future, not just with Nintendo titles, but third-party ones too, the Switch 2 should become an essential purchase in the months and years to come. Is it essential right now, though? That's a question only you can answer, but there's no denying that it is better in every measurable way. Apart from those joysticks, that is.
Tom's Guide
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Fix the Nintendo Switch 2's biggest design flaw with less than $100 worth of audio gear
I love my new Nintendo Switch 2. The Joy-Cons are more comfortable than the last pair, the 4K TV mode looks amazing on my Samsung S95D, and the top-mounted USB-C charging port allows me to keep my console juiced up while I play in bed with the Switch planted in a pillow. My chosen playing position raises a new issue, however. The speakers are mounted on the bottom, leaving me with muffled audio. The speakers are 'just ok' at the best of times, but now they were next-to-impossible to hear. Enter, then, some of my favorite ways to make my Nintendo Switch 2 sound excellent in handheld mode — and they can all be had for under $100. Nintendo's implementation of Bluetooth might be one of the best of the current crop of consoles. Unlike the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the Switch 2 can connect to any pair of Bluetooth headphones and play game audio wirelessly. This, in my mind at least, is a game changer. You can buy some of the best wireless headphones for under $100, and that means you won't have a dongle awkwardly dangling from the USB-C or headphone port. Even if your preferred headphones don't natively support spatial audio, there's a virtual 360-degree audio option in the Switch 2's settings menu. I found it worked very well as I fought monsters in Rune Factory and raced Peach in Mario Kart World. There are a couple of restrictions. You can't seem to use the mic in your headphones as a headset mic, and if you're a little further away from the switch while wearing your headphones, the connection can get spotty. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. But given the Switch 2's built-in mic is actually really, really good and you're rarely going to be that far from your Switch, these aren't going to cause you any massive issues. Here's how to connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones to your Nintendo Switch 2. The Moondrop Edge are a cheaper pair of headphones, but they feature some great sound quality and decent ANC. They are really comfortable as well, and their style matches the Switch. You can find them for under $100, and they easily connect to your Switch 2 over Bluetooth. Of course, sometimes you don't want to wear a pair of headphones while gaming, and thankfully it's just as easy to pair a Bluetooth speaker as it is to pair some headphones. Using the same connection method as Bluetooth headphones, you can hook up one of the best Bluetooth speakers for a massive jump in sound quality over the Switch's standard speakers. There are some audio-based caveats here, though. The only downsides here are that you'll miss out on the Switch 2's virtual surround sound, and you might find it weird that the game sound comes from somewhere that's not your Switch 2. I found I got over the latter point fairly quickly, though, and the virtual surround was never good enough for me to miss it when it was gone. It's easy to get connected, and it's a great way to get some better sound if you just don't like the thin sound of the Switch 2's internal speakers. This $90 Bluetooth speaker is a great, relatively inexpensive way to make your Switch sound even better. You can even connect two together with a handy button on the speaker for stereo sound while playing. It connects to the switch super easily over Bluetooth. Circumventing the speakers with a pair of headphones or a Bluetooth speaker will definitely result in better sound. But a DAC will be the ultimate upgrade. The DAC I used is actually the Chord Mojo 2, which sets you back more than the system itself. It connects to the USB-C port of the Switch, and then amplifies and improves the audio signal that it then sends to a pair of wired headphones. You don't have to spend the $650 to get the Chord Mojo 2, although you do have to be careful with compatibility. We're still in the early days of Switch 2, and extensive DAC testing hasn't yet taken place. Neither has Nintendo given us a definitive list of DACs that connect to the Switch. I found this Reddit thread helpful when finding out what DACs to use with the Switch 2. The list is small at the moment, although there are likely plenty out there that currently work with the Switch 2. Using the Mojo 2 was completely straightforward — the Switch 2 even recognized it, named it, and then relinquished volume control. I turned off virtual headphone surround for greater compatibility, and then enjoyed excellent sound over my favorite wired headphones; models that wouldn't have sounded anywhere near as good if I just used the system's standard headphone output. Is this for everyone? No, but you can get fairly cheap DACs that will improve the sound of any headphones you plug in. This is a great, cheap dongle DAC that will upgrade the sound of your Switch when you want to use some wired headphones. It connects over either USB-C port on the Switch, so you can still use it if you've got the Switch buried into a pillow (like me), or if it's sitting on its folding stand.
Tom's Guide
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I spent an entire weekend playing the Nintendo Switch 2 — these 5 features really stand out
I've been eagerly waiting to try the Nintendo Switch 2, and after spending an entire weekend with it, I'm genuinely impressed by what Nintendo has accomplished. While some critics argue the company played things too safe with this upgrade, my experience suggests there's more here than meets the eye. The improvements might not seem revolutionary on paper, but they add up to something that feels significantly better to actually use. The visual upgrades are striking, the controllers feel more solid, and some requested features have made their debut. These five features stood out most during my weekend with the console, showing why the Switch 2 feels like a meaningful step forward, even if it doesn't completely reinvent the game. The visual improvements are striking once you see them in action. Docked games can hit 4K resolution, while handheld mode runs at 1080p — a noticeable step up from the original's 720p screen that honestly feels pretty dated now. The higher frame rates really stood out to me, too. Games now run at 120 frames per second in both modes, making everything feel noticeably smoother and more responsive. It's really obvious when you're playing fast-paced titles where quick movements matter. There's also a HDR feature. Mario Kart feels transformed on this hardware. Track details that were muddy or washed out on the original now have real depth and clarity, and the improved visuals more immersive than I remember. Nintendo seems to have fixed the original Joy-Con's biggest problem: those wobbly connections that made you constantly worry about drift and disconnection. To attach your Joy-Cons, simply hold them close and the magnet locks them in place with a satisfying click that tells you they're secure. I used to get hand cramps after about an hour of playing in handheld mode on the original Switch. Those tiny controllers just weren't designed for adult hands. The new Joy-Cons are noticeably bigger and feel much more substantial in your grip. Each controller can even be used as a mouse in compatible games, which opens up some interesting possibilities for strategy titles and indie games that were awkward to control before. Long gone are the days of simultaneously FaceTiming and playing Mario Party, or using the Nintendo Switch online app during multiplayer gaming sessions. GameChat is Nintendo's new voice communication feature, accessed through the "C" button on the controllers. Once you've pressed C, the Game Chat menu will be opened and you'll be able to initiate voice or video chats with your friends — as long as they also have a Switch 2. The system lets you chat with up to 12 people or stream gameplay to friends, using just the console's built-in microphone and TV speakers. Nintendo has overhauled the notoriously sluggish e-shop experience, and the difference is night and day. Gone are the painful load times and confusing navigation that plagued the original Switch's digital storefront. Access the new e-shop by pressing the home button and selecting the redesigned store icon. The difference is immediately noticeable. After years of dealing with the original's sluggish store, browsing the e-shop felt seamless and was actually enjoyable instead of being a test of patience. GameShare is one of the more interesting new features that lets you share select digital games with friends for cooperative play. Nintendo has confirmed six titles that work with GameShare so far, including Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Party Jamboree. The feature creates new ways to play together without everyone needing to own the same games, though it's limited to compatible titles and has some built-in restrictions. It's a clever approach that feels distinctly Nintendo in how it prioritizes social gaming. Now you've learned how to set up parental controls on Nintendo Switch 2, why not take a look at our other useful Switch 2 guides? We have how to connect Nintendo Switch 2 to your TV or monitor, how to transfer data from Nintendo Switch to Switch 2, and how to set up parental controls on Nintendo Switch 2. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
