When the original Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it changed how people thought about consoles. Play it on the TV, take it on the bus, hand off a Joy-Con at a party, the hybrid model defined an entire generation. Eight years later, the Switch 2 arrives with bigger ambitions: better performance, sharper visuals, new control options, and a push to keep Nintendo competitive in a crowded market. After putting it through its paces, it’s clear this console is a strong step forward, even if some old weaknesses linger.

I’ve spent the past week putting the Nintendo Switch 2 through its paces, both docked on my TV and in handheld mode, and it’s clear Nintendo has made some big improvements while also carrying over a few frustrating flaws. Here’s what stood out to me as I tested the system.

Design and Build

The Switch 2 felt immediately familiar when I unboxed it, but the changes jumped out once I started using it. The new 7.9-inch screen gives games a lot more breathing room, and the magnetic Joy-Con connection feels much smoother than sliding them into rails. I also like the addition of the new “C” button, which came in handy for quick chat functions in multiplayer.

That said, I really felt the weight during long handheld sessions. At just over 500 grams, it isn’t unbearably heavy, but the flat edges dug into my hands after about an hour of play. I found myself taking breaks just to give my fingers a rest. I was hoping Nintendo would add some sort of ergonomic grip, and its absence is noticeable.

Display and Audio

When I switched to handheld mode, the 1080p resolution made an immediate difference. Text looked sharper, and games like Tears of the Kingdom felt less blurry compared to the first Switch. Docking the console and playing in 4K on my TV looked good too, but it still doesn’t hit the same visual punch I get from my PS5.

The biggest disappointment for me was the display choice. I’m used to the OLED panel on my Switch OLED, and going back to LCD felt like a downgrade. Colors didn’t pop as much, and the contrast was weaker, especially in darker games. I also tested Bluetooth audio with my wireless earbuds, and the half-second lag was impossible to ignore in rhythm and action games. I quickly went back to wired headphones.

Performance

Performance is where I noticed the biggest leap. I tested Cyberpunk 2077 on the original Switch, and it was borderline unplayable. On the Switch 2, it ran far smoother, with textures loading faster and frame rates holding steady. Tears of the Kingdom also looked crisper, and I didn’t get nearly as many frame drops in heavy combat areas.

Still, it doesn’t match my PS5 or even the Steam Deck in raw horsepower. The Switch 2 feels like a big upgrade if you’re coming from the first Switch, but it’s not a true generational leap compared to other consoles.

Battery Life

Battery life was one of the first things I stress-tested. Playing Tears of the Kingdom at high brightness, I got just under two and a half hours before the battery died. Lighter games stretched that closer to four hours, but that’s still short for a portable system. I timed the recharge, and it took just over two hours to get back to full.

For someone like me who plays a lot in handheld mode, especially while traveling, this was the most frustrating limitation. I had to keep a charger or power bank nearby at all times.

Games and Compatibility

One thing I appreciated was how seamless it was to bring over my existing library. I popped in Breath of the Wild and immediately noticed sharper visuals and smoother performance. Some games even got Switch 2 editions with noticeable improvements, which made me want to revisit old favorites.

At launch, I tried Mario Kart World, and it’s a blast, though it feels more like a refinement than a revolution. I’m also keeping an eye on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which looks like it will really push the new hardware. For now, though, the lineup feels a little light on brand-new must-have titles.

Verdict

After testing the Switch 2 for a week, I’d call it a worthy upgrade. The performance jump is real, the hybrid concept is still unmatched, and backward compatibility adds value right out of the box. But I kept bumping into the same issues: the battery life, the lack of ergonomic grips, and the weaker LCD screen.

If you already love the Switch and want better visuals and performance, the Switch 2 delivers. Just don’t expect it to solve every problem or compete with the raw power of other consoles. For me, it’s a console I’ve enjoyed playing, but one that still leaves room for improvement.

Overall Score: 8.6 out of 10