Latest news with #JoyCon
Geeky Gadgets
13 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Original Switch: Everything You Need to Know
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a notable evolution in gaming hardware, offering a range of improvements over the original Switch and Switch OLED. With advancements in display resolution, performance, and user experience, it aims to enhance the hybrid gaming experience. However, challenges such as reduced battery life and the unresolved issue of joystick drift temper the excitement. This comparison video from ZONEofTECH explores the key upgrades and limitations of the Nintendo Switch 2 to help you determine whether it's worth the investment. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build Quality The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a refined design that balances aesthetics with functionality. While maintaining the familiar form factor of its predecessor, the Switch 2 incorporates several enhancements: A larger 7.9-inch screen that increases viewing space without adding bulk to the device. Raised power and volume buttons for easier accessibility during gameplay. An improved kickstand offering greater stability for tabletop gaming sessions. Rubberized feet at the base to prevent slipping on various surfaces. Dual USB-C ports, expanding compatibility with modern gaming accessories and peripherals. These updates make the Switch 2 more versatile and user-friendly, appealing to both new users and long-time fans. However, the overall design remains consistent with the original, making sure familiarity for existing Switch owners. Joy-Con Improvements The Joy-Con controllers have been updated to improve comfort and functionality, addressing some of the feedback from previous models. Key changes include: A magnetic attachment system that simplifies connection and detachment. Larger buttons and a more ergonomic design, making extended gaming sessions more comfortable. Enhanced haptic feedback for a more immersive and precise tactile experience. Despite these upgrades, the joystick mechanism remains unchanged, leaving concerns about joystick drift unresolved. This persistent issue may frustrate users who have experienced it with earlier Joy-Con models, limiting the appeal of the otherwise improved design. Display Enhancements The display is one of the most significant upgrades in the Nintendo Switch 2, delivering a sharper and more responsive gaming experience. Key features include: A 1080p LCD screen, a noticeable improvement over the 720p resolution of earlier models. A variable 120Hz refresh rate, making sure smoother gameplay in fast-paced titles. Brighter and more vibrant colors, enhancing the visual appeal of games. While the plastic screen remains prone to scratches and lacks the deep blacks of OLED technology, the overall display quality is a substantial improvement, particularly for handheld gaming enthusiasts. These enhancements make the Switch 2 a more compelling option for players who prioritize visual clarity and responsiveness. Audio and Storage The Nintendo Switch 2 addresses modern gaming demands with upgrades to its audio and storage capabilities. These improvements include: Louder and clearer speakers, enhancing the handheld and tabletop gaming experience. 256GB of internal storage, doubling the capacity of the original Switch OLED. Support for microSD Express cards, allowing faster data transfer and accommodating larger game files. These enhancements cater to gamers with extensive libraries or those who value high-quality audio during gameplay. The expanded storage and faster data transfer options also make the console better suited for digital downloads and larger game installations. Dock and Performance The docked gaming experience has been significantly enhanced, positioning the Switch 2 as a more capable home console. Notable upgrades include: A built-in cooling fan to maintain stable performance during graphically intensive gameplay. 4K resolution support for compatible games, delivering sharper visuals on larger displays. HDR support, offering richer colors and improved contrast in supported titles. These features make the Switch 2 a strong contender for gamers who value high-quality visuals in a home gaming setup. The improved dock ensures that the console can handle demanding games without compromising performance or overheating. Software and User Interface The software and user interface of the Nintendo Switch 2 have been refined to provide a smoother and more intuitive experience. Key updates include: Faster navigation and improved responsiveness, reducing delays during menu interactions. Integrated voice chat and gameplay sharing, catering to the growing demand for social and collaborative gaming. These updates enhance the console's versatility, appealing to both casual players and competitive gamers. The addition of social features makes the Switch 2 more aligned with modern gaming trends, emphasizing connectivity and ease of use. Game Performance The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers noticeable improvements in game performance, breathing new life into existing titles while showcasing its potential with new releases. Highlights include: Older games, such as 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' now running at 60 frames per second for smoother gameplay. Enhanced resolution and graphics for popular titles like 'Fortnite' and 'Cyberpunk.' Native Switch 2 games, such as 'Mario Kart World,' demonstrating modest graphical improvements and optimized performance. While the performance upgrades are impressive, the graphical enhancements for new titles remain incremental rather than new. Nevertheless, the faster load times and improved frame rates significantly enhance the overall gaming experience. Battery Life One of the most notable trade-offs with the Nintendo Switch 2 is its reduced battery life. Intensive gaming sessions can drain the battery in just 1.5 to 2 hours, a significant decline compared to earlier models. For less demanding games, battery life extends slightly but remains a concern for gamers who frequently play on the go. This limitation may impact the console's portability, particularly for users who prioritize extended handheld gaming sessions. Final Thoughts The Nintendo Switch 2 offers meaningful upgrades in display quality, performance, and usability, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking a more advanced console. Its larger screen, improved Joy-Cons, and enhanced graphics elevate the gaming experience, particularly for those upgrading from the original Switch. However, the reduced battery life and unresolved joystick drift issues may deter some users. Ultimately, the Switch 2 strikes a balance between innovation and familiarity, solidifying its place as a worthy successor in the Nintendo Switch lineup. Whether it's the right choice for you depends on how much you value its improvements over the trade-offs. Uncover more insights about Nintendo Switch 2 in previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: ZONEofTECH Filed Under: Gaming News, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Verge
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
A handy charger for every Switch Joy-Con you own is just $20
A company named Fastsnail has won the race when it comes to making a Joy-Con charging accessory that's better than Nintendo's and any other third-party maker. Its charging dock can charge the Joy-Con for the original Switch and for the Switch 2. Each charging port can accommodate either the rail-based charging connector of the Switch, or the proprietary connector of the Switch 2 model (it's not magnetized; the Joy-Con 2's charging port fits onto the dock's connector). Compared to Nintendo's $30 Joy-Con charger, which can only charge two Switch 1 controllers at a time, this is a smarter purchase. Normally $24.99, it's now $19.99 at Amazon. I've had my hands on this charger recently, and it works as advertised. It includes a USB-C to USB-A cable for plugging into your Switch's dock. The LEDs indicate when a connected Joy-Con is charging (by turning orange) or not in need of a charge (by showing a blue light). A touch-activated button switches the Fastsnail charging dock on or off. I've noticed that the dock's bright blue LEDs will turn on by themselves sometimes without Joy-Con attached, so keep that in mind if you intend to use it in the same room you sleep in. Other great deals for your Monday Vizio makes a 2.1 sound system (model SV210M-0808) that includes a 30-inch soundbar with rounded edges and a wireless subwoofer. If you're looking for an affordable way to improve your TV's sound, this one's for you. Originally $169.99, this sound system is $85.99 at multiple retailers including Best Buy and eBay. It's sleek, albeit limited in terms of function and ports. It supports HDMI eARC, allowing it to receive uncompressed audio over HDMI from your TV, but that's the only input on this soundbar, and it doesn't include a remote. Instead, you can control it with the Vizio mobile app, or program your TV remote. This model includes QuickFit brackets that make it easy to mount to the bottom of select Vizio TV models. The HP Victus is the company's budget gaming laptop lineup, and it's usually a great model to look for a deal on. There are numerous configurations, and at least one of them is usually selling at a steep discount. Today's pick is at Best Buy on a 15.6-inch model that has a 144Hz 1080p screen, AMD's Ryzen 7 7445HS processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, an Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics chip, and a 512GB SSD. Originally $899.99, this laptop is $699.99 right now. That's a great price for a first gaming laptop. If either the RAM or SSD storage amounts (or both) are giving you pause, both specs can be upgraded on the cheap. This video can show you how. Nvidia's GeForce Now is a stellar cloud game streaming service if you have PC games you'd like to play on-the-go. The service gives you access to a powerful virtual PC, and you can control the stream through a number of devices, including an iPad, a laptop, and a Steam Deck. Through July 6th, you can get 40 percent off a six-month subscription to its mid-tier Performance service, which provides ad-free 1440p resolution gameplay, short queue times, and ray tracing in games that support it. Normally $49.99, the subscription is $29.99.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Nintendo Switch 2 Console Review
Well, it's finally time. The Nintendo Switch 2 has landed after months of rumours, leaks, and speculations, and I'm here to put Nintendo's iteration of their hybrid console through its paces for a definitive answer on whether it is a worthy successor to Nintendo's best-selling (single-screen) platform. To better organise and make this review easy to digest, I will break down the Switch 2 review into separate sections, highlighting key areas of importance for those looking to quickly glean information regarding Nintendo's latest and greatest. Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2's beating heart features the next iteration of the Nvidia Tegra processor, featuring an 8-core ARM CPU and an Ampere GPU with 1536 CUDA cores, which in layman's terms translates to a significant upgrade in graphical and processing prowess when compared to the Tegra X1 found in the original Switch. Taking advantage of the more powerful hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2 features a comparatively massive 7.9' IPS LCD screen with HDR10 certification and, most importantly of all, VRR (variable refresh rate) upwards of 120 Hz in portable or tabletop mode. To complement the larger screen, the Nintendo Switch 2 features larger Joy-Con controllers, measuring 4.57 inches tall, 0.56 inches wide, and 1.2 inches thick. When used as a single controller, they feel much more robust in the hand. When attached to the Switch 2, they provide a premium, ergonomic feel—even without grips or third-party accessories. As for the overall look and feel of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans can expect a design language more in line with the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Like the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, it features a smooth matte finish that gives the console a more refined, yet familiar, appearance. This design consistency also extends to other first-party accessories, such as the camera. The included dock for the Nintendo Switch 2 has also undergone a design overhaul, featuring a more rounded look and a large base with substantial rubber feet that almost give it the appearance of a computer modem or digital set-top box, culminating in what feels like a less flimsy and solid dock for your media cabinet or living space. Unlike the launch unit or OLED Nintendo Switch, which featured a lot of unnecessary plastic and took up a large footprint, the Nintendo Switch 2 dock justifies its size by including a fan that actively cools the system when docked, a crucial feature as the Nintendo Switch 2 runs at a much higher clock speed when played on an external display. In terms of IO, however, the Nintendo Switch 2 dock is similar, offering two USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet jack, HDMI, and a USB-C AC adapter port. The Nintendo Switch 2 tablet features two USB-C ports, with the new top connector designed for use with the Game Chat camera or other third-party options or as a means to charge your device when used in tabletop mode. Finally, on the topic of the camera, the Nintendo Switch 2 camera measures in at roughly 5' off the base, featuring a full HD 1080p camera with a privacy filter for when not in use and a single USB-C style connection cable. Outside of the increased computing and graphical prowess of the Nintendo Switch 2, one of the most substantial additions to Nintendo's latest hybrid console comes in the form of the Joy-Con 2 Mouse controls, which become active when oriented on its side against a flat surface (or your leg, but more on that later). Like the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 box includes optional but recommended Joy-Con 2 straps that add height to the Joy-Con 2, in addition to two smooth PTFE-like materials typically found under most modern laser mice that help with better traction on most flat surfaces. In practice, regardless of whether the Joy-Con 2 straps are attached or not, I found using the mouse mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 to be surprisingly competent compared to using a traditional mouse on a PC. Moreover, mouse-oriented controls also felt very intuitive and natural, even on surfaces like my thigh or the bed. Although my actual game time with the mouse was limited to the Welcome Tour game, the mini-games on offer that utilised the mouse all felt fluid and easy to grasp. In other words, I can easily envision a future in which titles like WarioWare, Mario Maker, and even Animal Crossing can benefit from having that extra degree of finer control afforded by a mouse, with the potential for PC games and RTS titles also taking advantage of the mouse-centric controls. Circling back to the Joy-Con 2 controllers themselves, when compared to the original Joy-Con hardware's feature set, the Joy-Con 2 controllers include a richer HD Rumble 2 driver that delivers more nuanced and granular feedback. They also introduce the ability to reproduce sound by altering the pitch of the driver—an addition that could offer unique possibilities in future first-party titles. The most significant improvement, however, is that the Joy-Con 2 controllers are noticeably larger to accommodate the Nintendo Switch 2's 7.9-inch display. Additionally, one of the more welcome quality-of-life improvements on the Joy-Con 2 controllers is a new magnetic locking mechanism. This makes snapping the controllers on and off the Switch 2 more intuitive compared to the older rail system, which could wear down over time. Unfortunately, the sticks in the Joy-Con 2 controllers appear to be similar to those in the previous generation. They do not feature hall-effect or TMR-style actuators, which may become an issue over time. For now, though, the sticks on the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 feel solid and maintain the high build quality typically expected from OEM Nintendo products. The inclusion of the C-button is the universal Game Chat button, found on both the Joy-Con 2's and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller 2. With the added horsepower of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has upped its party infrastructure up a notch with the inclusion of the system-level Game Chat feature. Regardless of the software being played, users on Nintendo Switch 2 can now start a party or join up with friends and chat, stream their games and even remotely play selective titles via a feature reminiscent of the Nintendo DS/3DS download and play option, which let user engage in multiplayer sessions with only one instance of the game. The Nintendo Switch 2's camera provides a decent viewing experience with low enough latency, allowing you to still actively engage with friends in a Game Chat session without it feeling like you've stepped back into the days of MSN Messenger or Skype. Sadly, the same really can't be said about watching multiple game streams, which appear very choppy and in a much lower resolution than ideal, making it hard to discern fine detail or read small text, making the feature feel more like a fun background element to have on while you chat with friends than anything watchable for long periods. One feature Nintendo wanted to highlight for reviewers was the Nintendo Switch 2's built-in microphone, which is integrated into the tablet and designed to function from a distance when the device is docked. Nintendo has gone above and beyond to eliminate background noise and isolate the active voice of Game Chat participants. In my session with Nintendo PR, this mostly held true, though one participant was difficult to understand due to room ambience, which muffled their voice slightly. Still, for most casual gaming sessions, Game Chat seems like a safe and effective way to connect with others, which feels very much in line with Nintendo's approach. Remote play, or game sharing via Game Chat, thankfully ups the framerate and resolution considerably, making the game-sharing experience enjoyable for those joining the host. However, the overall resolution is still severely limited due to being restricted to the Game Chat screen, which is maybe a 720p or lower window within the surrounding Game Chat feeds. Still, being able to jump into another friend's copy of games like Super Mario 3D World is a nice step forward for Nintendo and a big win for casual gamers. One element of the Nintendo Switch 2 that I was eagerly anticipating was its VRR or variable refresh rate capable 120hz screen, which, in essence, allows the Switch 2 in portable play to output and match varying or unstable framerates within a game without causing screen tearing or discernable judder (slowdown), while also proving gameplay experiences up to 120fps. Currently, the only 120fps experience on offer is relegated to a demo within Welcome Tour. However, 60fps gaming feels fantastic on Nintendo Switch 2 and is a transformative experience for some older, legacy titles. Sadly, due to hardware restrictions imposed by the handshake required when passing video via the Nintendo Switch 2's USB-C to HDMI interface, VRR support is only available in portable mode. This means that future titles, particularly those that are graphically intensive or CPU-bound, may suffer on the big screen due to unstable framerates. Knowing Nintendo, however, first-party offerings will most likely utilise the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware to its fullest, eliminating the need for the VRR range as a fallback for unstable or choppy performance. Outside of the high refresh rate and VRR capabilities, one area where the Nintendo Switch 2 falls short is its HDR performance—a feature that, at this stage, feels more like a promise for future iterations of the hardware. While the LCD screen is suitable for its intended purpose, it struggles to deliver the necessary contrast for proper HDR. This becomes especially noticeable in darker scenes, where colours often appear washed out or overly bright, creating an artificial or overexposed look. In games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, this results in a less immersive visual experience, highlighting the limitations of current display technology. HDR, when played on my 120Hz LG OLED, does quite a bit better but still ultimately comes off feeling a bit underwhelming, lacking the punch or true contrast found in other HDR games available on different platforms. It is still early days, however, meaning Nintendo has plenty of time to improve its HDR output in future titles as the system matures. In terms of battery when in handheld or tabletop play, the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like a bit of a downgrade, with my average tests resulting in 2 and a half to a little over three hours from playing a selection of games, with heavier titles like Mario Kart resulting in numbers closer to the 2-hour mark. Finally, enjoying the Nintendo Switch 2 in tabletop mode feels better than ever, thanks to the newly designed 'U' shaped metal kickstand, which offers a much more solid feeling degree of movement and stability on hard surfaces, although perhaps not as nice as the OLED's solid kickstand. I'll just come out and say it: There isn't a whole lot to play that truly takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware outside of Mario Kart, which will undoubtedly be a system seller. At the very least, the growing number of backwards compatible legacy Switch games on Switch 2 that have a boost in performance is growing, and even select, unpatched titles seem to benefit when played on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Starting with the games that have day-one patches, of course, have seen a significant boost in fidelity when played on the Nintendo Switch 2. Games like Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, and all the Zelda games, for example, feel like borderline new games thanks to the boost to 60fps and bump in resolution. Pokémon, in particular, feels like a game I actually want to play through now, as both Scarlet and Violet suffered greatly from sub-30FPS on legacy hardware, on top of muddy and low-resolution textures and a poor draw distance, to only name a few of the significant issues. On Switch 2, the game appears to maintain a locked 60fps, and the higher resolution provides an overall cleaner image, eliminating aliasing and stair-stepping on specific objects in the terrain, such as grass and buildings in the distance. Sadly, the textures haven't (understandably) been touched, so they often appear worse due to the level of clarity afforded by the overall bump in resolution. Many legacy Nintendo Switch games have also seen an upgrade simply by being played on Switch 2 hardware, regardless of whether a patch is applied. Games like Bayonetta 3 and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle both now run at a locked 60 FPS, with the latter seeing an increase from an unlocked 30 FPS. In other words, most legacy Switch 1 games that have had an unlocked FPS cap should see an immediate upgrade on Switch 2 hardware. Conversely, some games are more of a mixed bag, such as Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, which currently does not offer a native Switch 2 patch but benefits from being a locked 30FPS experience, which is a marked improvement from the unstable performance on legacy hardware, but at the cost of a truly ugly and low res looking presentation when played in portable mode, due to the game rendering at sub 720p on the Nintendo Switch 2's 1080p panel, making it best fit for TV play. As someone who still prefers physical media over digital downloads, the way Nintendo is handling physical cartridges for the Switch 2 is a bit concerning. Chiefly, the divide between cartridges that have the full game ROM written to the card versus Game Keycard cartridges, which only contain a key or license that allows the user to download the said game digitally. Of course, flash storage-based media can be expensive, but unlike the Switch 1, which offers several different SKUs for games to ship on, the Switch 2 seemingly only has one option: a digital keycard or the full ROM inside the box, making it harder to justify smaller games to be shipped as full game releases and not keycards. Finally, the Nintendo Switch 2 launched with the exclusive addition of GameCube titles to the NSO library of classic Nintendo games, which currently offers Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX, and the original GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The small but solid selection of games all run as expected in both portable and docked modes, with in-game assets looking razor sharp in HD. Meanwhile, 2D elements, such as HUDs and UI graphics, remain true to their early 2000s output, resulting in some noticeably jarring but understandable discrepancies. Certain games also include native 16:9 support, which looks and runs great. Nintendo GameCube controller support also works well on the Switch 2, including both the NSO store-exclusive GameCube controller and legacy gamepads via the USB GameCube controller adapter, outside of system-level features due to the lack of dedicated buttons on legacy controllers. Nintendo arguably kick-started the hybrid console/portable PC revolution with the release of the original Nintendo Switch in 2017. The landscape is significantly different now, with players expecting more power from their on-the-go experiences. The Nintendo Switch 2 has the potential to deliver experiences that eclipse what was possible on Nintendo platforms, thanks to the power of DLSS and, of course, Nintendo's stellar art direction and game design chops. As it stands, it is currently still too early to tell how third parties will embrace the Switch 2 and what games that utilize potentially more tasking engines like Unreal Engine 5 will fair on Nintendo's newly minted successor, but for those wanting the best Nintendo has to offer can rest assured in knowing the Switch 2 will follow the torch the lit by its predecessor as the system continues to mature.
Winnipeg Free Press
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Review: Switch 2 a significant upgrade, but the extra muscle comes at a cost
TORONTO – Nintendo bet big on innovation when it launched the Switch in 2017. Able to transform seamlessly from a home console to a handheld gaming device, and with an attractive price point, the video game system became a hit. According to Nintendo, the Switch has sold more than 152 million units as of March 31, making it the third-highest-selling console of all time. Eight years later, Nintendo has released the Switch's long-awaited successor. The Switch 2 doesn't break any ground, but packs a lot of extra power — at a price — while retaining what the original did well. Iteration, rather than innovation. With a couple of notable exceptions, the look and feel of the Switch 2 is fundamentally unchanged. The newer system boasts a significantly bigger screen when in handheld mode — 7.9 inches for the Switch 2 compared to 6.2 inches for the original — and the larger, more robust Joy Con controllers use an improved magnetic system when being attached to the sides of the unit. The biggest changes are under the hood, with a more powerful processor and the ability to play games in 4K resolution when the unit is docked and hooked up to a television. While necessary for being able to handle the more resource-intensive games slated for the Switch 2, the upgrade in hardware means a noticeable performance boost when running original Switch games. The extra muscle, however, comes at a cost. The Switch 2 retails at a hefty $630, a roughly 57-per-cent increase over the launch price of the original Switch. The increases don't stop with the hardware. 'Mario Kart World,' the big draw in the Switch 2's initial lineup of games, is listed at just under $110, about a $20 increase over the average price of a new Triple-A game for the Switch. The price tag is softened somewhat with the option to buy a $700 bundle that includes the system and the new 'Mario Kart' game. In fairness, gaming has become a more expensive hobby across the board. In November, Sony launched the PlayStation 5 Pro console, a modest improvement over the original PS5, with the whopping price tag of $960. Those big numbers, however, do not seem to be deterring enthusiasts from opening their wallets. Demand for the Switch 2 has outstripped supply, with Canadian gamers wanting to get their hands on the system lined up at launch parties across the country when it went on sale at midnight ET on June 5. Nintendo said in a recent press release that the Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units worldwide over its first four days, making it the company's fastest-selling console. The Switch 2 is almost completely backwards compatible with the Switch, with most games and controllers working on the new system without issue. A significant exception, however, comes in storage. The Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards for extended storage, which are considerably more expensive than the standard microSD cards compatible with the Switch. This is mitigated somewhat by a far more generous 256 gigabytes of internal storage (224 GB more than the original Switch), but still bad news for any Switch users hoping to use expensive large-capacity microSD cards with the new system. Nintendo has also built improvements to its online experience into the Switch 2. The right Joy Con has an extra button that launches a 'Game Chat' feature that allows communication with friends through a built in microphone, which can be upgraded to a video chat with a USB camera sold separately. The feature is free until March 21, 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required (prices for individual memberships range from $25 to $64 annually). Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. With a new 'Mario Kart' game headlining the lineup of launch titles, Nintendo once again leveraged its array of blockbuster intellectual properties to sell a new system out of the gate. There is no other place to go to play in the immensely popular 'Super Mario' and 'Legend of Zelda' universes. But when it comes to third-party support, Nintendo's less powerful systems have lagged behind Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox units for some time. That could be changing. One of the best games at launch is a port of the resource-intensive game 'Cyberpunk 2077.' The Switch 2 version performs very well in both docked and undocked modes, serving as an example of what the new console is capable of. And there are more intriguing ports on the way, including the 2022 megahit 'Elden Ring.' The Switch 2's draw will undoubtedly be its catalogue of exclusive games, and it's unlikely to become the third-party console of choice for high-end technophiles who are looking for top frame rates and peak graphical performance. But if Nintendo has closed the gap to the point where the differences in performance are less noticeable to the average gamer, then it will have gone a long way to neutralizing the original Switch's main disadvantage. A Switch 2 was loaned to The Canadian Press for review. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Review: Switch 2 a significant upgrade, but the extra muscle comes at a cost
TORONTO — Nintendo bet big on innovation when it launched the Switch in 2017. Able to transform seamlessly from a home console to a handheld gaming device, and with an attractive price point, the video game system became a hit. According to Nintendo, the Switch has sold more than 152 million units as of March 31, making it the third-highest-selling console of all time. Eight years later, Nintendo has released the Switch's long-awaited successor. The Switch 2 doesn't break any ground, but packs a lot of extra power — at a price — while retaining what the original did well. Iteration, rather than innovation. With a couple of notable exceptions, the look and feel of the Switch 2 is fundamentally unchanged. The newer system boasts a significantly bigger screen when in handheld mode — 7.9 inches for the Switch 2 compared to 6.2 inches for the original — and the larger, more robust Joy Con controllers use an improved magnetic system when being attached to the sides of the unit. The biggest changes are under the hood, with a more powerful processor and the ability to play games in 4K resolution when the unit is docked and hooked up to a television. While necessary for being able to handle the more resource-intensive games slated for the Switch 2, the upgrade in hardware means a noticeable performance boost when running original Switch games. The extra muscle, however, comes at a cost. The Switch 2 retails at a hefty $630, a roughly 57-per-cent increase over the launch price of the original Switch. The increases don't stop with the hardware. "Mario Kart World," the big draw in the Switch 2's initial lineup of games, is listed at just under $110, about a $20 increase over the average price of a new Triple-A game for the Switch. The price tag is softened somewhat with the option to buy a $700 bundle that includes the system and the new "Mario Kart" game. In fairness, gaming has become a more expensive hobby across the board. In November, Sony launched the PlayStation 5 Pro console, a modest improvement over the original PS5, with the whopping price tag of $960. Those big numbers, however, do not seem to be deterring enthusiasts from opening their wallets. Demand for the Switch 2 has outstripped supply, with Canadian gamers wanting to get their hands on the system lined up at launch parties across the country when it went on sale at midnight ET on June 5. Nintendo said in a recent press release that the Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units worldwide over its first four days, making it the company's fastest-selling console. The Switch 2 is almost completely backwards compatible with the Switch, with most games and controllers working on the new system without issue. A significant exception, however, comes in storage. The Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards for extended storage, which are considerably more expensive than the standard microSD cards compatible with the Switch. This is mitigated somewhat by a far more generous 256 gigabytes of internal storage (224 GB more than the original Switch), but still bad news for any Switch users hoping to use expensive large-capacity microSD cards with the new system. Nintendo has also built improvements to its online experience into the Switch 2. The right Joy Con has an extra button that launches a "Game Chat" feature that allows communication with friends through a built in microphone, which can be upgraded to a video chat with a USB camera sold separately. The feature is free until March 21, 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required (prices for individual memberships range from $25 to $64 annually). With a new "Mario Kart" game headlining the lineup of launch titles, Nintendo once again leveraged its array of blockbuster intellectual properties to sell a new system out of the gate. There is no other place to go to play in the immensely popular "Super Mario" and "Legend of Zelda" universes. But when it comes to third-party support, Nintendo's less powerful systems have lagged behind Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox units for some time. That could be changing. One of the best games at launch is a port of the resource-intensive game "Cyberpunk 2077." The Switch 2 version performs very well in both docked and undocked modes, serving as an example of what the new console is capable of. And there are more intriguing ports on the way, including the 2022 megahit "Elden Ring." The Switch 2's draw will undoubtedly be its catalogue of exclusive games, and it's unlikely to become the third-party console of choice for high-end technophiles who are looking for top frame rates and peak graphical performance. But if Nintendo has closed the gap to the point where the differences in performance are less noticeable to the average gamer, then it will have gone a long way to neutralizing the original Switch's main disadvantage. A Switch 2 was loaned to The Canadian Press for review. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025. Curtis Withers, The Canadian Press
