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

Checking out the Nintendo Switch 2 at an exclusive event in New York was like catching up with an old friend who’s changed just enough to surprise you. I had the chance to be among the first to try this much-anticipated successor to Nintendo’s beloved console, and I’m buzzing with anticipation. Sure, the excitement largely stems from the games rather than the hardware itself, but that’s not to say the device is lacking.

Let’s be clear—the Switch 2 is a good looker. But its appeal, priced at a hefty $450, hinges on the quality of titles churned out by Nintendo and third-party developers. In many ways, this new version is a sequel to the original Switch, but it’s clear Nintendo has been tinkering with its gaming philosophy. After just a few hours immersed in its early games, I’m eager to see more. Better start saving those pennies, folks.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware

First impressions often count, and the Switch 2’s sleek black matte finish on the updated Joy-Con controllers and the system itself definitely makes one. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with controllers attached, it feels slightly heavier than I anticipated but not egregiously so. The 7.9-inch screen, a bit larger than its predecessor’s, is worth the added weight. Notably, it’s still lighter than hefty competitors like the Steam Deck OLED, which tips the scales at 1.41 pounds.

Admittedly, the predominantly monochrome color scheme diverges from Nintendo’s usual bold palette. Previous attempts at cool, like the GameCube, offered quirky indigo and orange alongside the traditional black. But I was a fan of the black GameCube, so this is no deal-breaker for me. I’d wager we’ll see more color variants soon enough.

The Joy-Cons detach with ease; a simple button press does the trick. I didn’t spend much time snapping these on and off during my limited playtime, but from what I did test, they seem sturdily anchored. I wouldn’t tug or twist them the wrong way on purpose, but I’m not anxious about them accidentally coming loose.

The new design of the controllers is a win for comfort, too. They’re longer and still pleasantly thin, although those already accustomed to the original might not notice a huge difference. A noteworthy point about the controls, though, is their sticks. They appear to operate with a potentiometer style like the first-gen Joy-Cons. During a media roundtable, Nintendo’s developers assured us these have been entirely revamped for smoother maneuvering, although I didn’t catch anything about hall effect sensors—something some enthusiasts were hoping for. In my quick demos, they felt pretty familiar, and I’ll need extended play to truly assess any changes.

On a practical note, the new kickstand is a massive upgrade from the original Switch’s flimsy attempt. Now, it features a more robust, adjustable stand, making it feasible for usage even on an airplane tray table.

The headline improvement? The display, hands down. While some may lament the lack of OLED, the new LCD screen, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a 120 Hz variable refresh rate with HDR10 support, is no slouch. Mario Kart World looked stunning on it. In my short hands-on, I didn’t miss OLED, but further testing on the system’s games will be telling, especially since most demos were set up on big-screen TVs.

The dock, seen in just one setup with the Nintendo Switch 2 camera, is bulkier, making space for a cooling fan but otherwise seems functionally similar to the previous dock version.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs

The specs of this console are quite promising:

• CPU and GPU: Custom Nvidia processor, supporting DLSS and hardware ray tracing.
• Display: 7.9-inch, 1920 x 1080p touch screen, supporting HDR10 and 120 Hz VRR.
• Storage: 256GB (UFS), with the possibility of expanding via microSD Express cards up to 2TB.
• Networking: Built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, with wired Ethernet available through the dock.
• Audio & Mic: Comes with stereo speakers and a mono microphone enhanced with noise cancellation.
• Ports:
  • Console: Includes 2x USB Type-C, 3.5 mm audio jack, and slots for game cards and microSD Express cards.
  • Dock: Features 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, HDMI, and Ethernet jack.
• Battery Life: Estimated at 2 to 6.5 hours according to Nintendo.
• Price Tag: $449.99, or $499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World.
• Release Date: Slated for June 5, 2025.

Mouse Controls

In Nintendo’s world, simplicity reigns supreme, but a swipe of PC gaming influences is creeping into the Switch. Each Joy-Con 2 contains sensors alongside accelerometers and gyroscopes, enabling them to double as mice. Curious to test this out, I dived into Nintendo’s showcase with this unique feature in mind. The Joy-Con straps even include little additions to facilitate smoother scrolling.

The experience was a mixed bag. In Metroid Prime 4 Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, switching between standard controls and mouse mode was eye-opening. It allowed precise aim with Samus Aran’s iconic arm cannon, although the revised Joy-Cons aren’t physically much thicker. By the end of this demo, fatigue nudged me back to the traditional setup.

Civilization VII played nicely with the mouse controls, feeling comparable to a PC experience. Slower-paced and relaxed, it only needed one Joy-Con, though I would’ve appreciated some extra functionality from the additional controller.

Drag x Drive shifted controls to another level, using both Joy-Cons as dual mice in a cross between Rocket League and wheelchair basketball. It’s an unusual concept that might even inspire similar innovations in the PC gaming arena. A joystick mode could be beneficial for extended play, but the strategy depth was impressive, with bonus points for trick shots and air play.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition was tested with a Pro controller, yet its developer, CD Projekt Red, is keen to implement mouse support—another intriguing development to keep an eye on.

The practicality of using Joy-Cons as mice long-term is a question mark. While I game on PCs at my desk, I’d typically opt for couch play with a console, presenting possible ergonomics issues. Nintendo’s emphasis on offering supportive hardware, like mouse mats and adjustable desks, might hint at a future emphasis on this mode.

Resolution Options and Quality Modes

The Switch 2 also taps into more refined settings seen in contemporary gaming consoles. The original Switch provided limited scalability with resolutions toggling up to 1080p when docked, but this sequel has refined these to appeal to tech-savvy users. This is standard now in high-end consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

Dock the Switch 2, and it outputs at a stunning 4K, 60 frames per second. Opt down to 1080p or 1440p, and you gain a buttery smooth 120 Hz with variable refresh rates. Similarly, its built-in display sported marvelously responsive performance, cranking up to 120 fps at 1080p. That’s quite a leap forward.

Games on the platform can also let you tweak these settings. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition proudly offers a quality/performance mode switch. During the showcase, it played fluidly at docked 1080p in a blistering 120 fps. Coincidentally, the high frame rate combined with mouse option evoked a Nintendo version of a PC game vibe.

Civilization VII’s developers noted a target of 1080p and 60 fps, which seems more than suitable for its style of play.

Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera

Nintendo is expanding its accessory lineup with a $79.99 Pro Controller and a $49.99 camera. The Pro Controller is similar to its predecessor, featuring notably clicky buttons and two mappable rear buttons—although I hadn’t yet seen these in action. The right Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller both have a C button, facilitating the new Game Chat integration.

The camera could prove divisive; it’s geared towards Game Chat use but has versatility, like incorporating players’ faces into games. I tried it in Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. The experience was amusing if slightly plagued with rough green-screen effects.

Nintendo’s website mentions compatibility with any USB-C camera, so it’s a flexible, if not optional, add-on.

Game Notes

Did I mention the games lineup blew me away? Nintendo’s first-party offerings always pack a punch, and one heavy hitter, Mario Kart World, is setting the stage for success from launch day. Reminiscent of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s star power on the original Switch, several standouts promise riveting gameplay.

Mario Kart World: The crown jewel of Nintendo’s showcase, this game captivated us, potentially hitting around 90 fps, although details remained vague. It dazzled on both TVs and the handheld’s vibrant HDR screen. Racing was thrilling, especially with the Knockout Tour mode, pushing competitors through rounds based on milestones, eliminating players with each one reached. The rapid fill-up of spots encouraged a blend of strategy and raw skill.

Racing with 24 competitors was exhilarating, and varied off-road tracks highlighted the Switch 2’s capabilities. The character roster offers delightful options, featuring costumes like Mariachi Waluigi and quirky guest characters like a cow.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: Announced for the Switch 2, this felt like a bold move. Yet, some graphical glitches and rough textures were visible during the demo. CD Projekt Red showcases both performance and quality modes; hopefully, further optimization will reveal the full potential.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: This mix of tutorials and mini-games flaunted new system features, albeit tagged with a price. A game guessing frame rates isn’t compelling enough for payment, but could have been a charming freebie, akin to Astro’s Playroom on PlayStation 5.

Donkey Kong Bananza: Unleash your inner cathartic beast through Donkey Kong in a game channeling pure destructiveness. The environments crumbled pleasingly, and exploration unveiled surprises beneath each island. It’s packed with collectibles, a treat for the completionist crowd. Nintendo hinted at an intriguing robot companion but remained tight-lipped about further details.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Finally, this highly-anticipated first-person shooter delivered powerfully. It dressed smoothly in 1080p glory at 120 fps. Despite feeling unoptimized specifically for mouse mode, it entertained sufficiently in both control methods.

Drag x Drive: Marrying Rocket League mechanics with mouse mode brought delightful novelty. Although space limitations hindered mouse movement for extended sessions, in-depth strategies featuring trick shots and strategic play held strong appeal.

Nintendo Classics: GameCube: As for nostalgia, iconic games like Soul Calibur II and F-Zero GX performed perfectly in demo mode. Although lacking rumble feedback might be a minor drawback, getting hands on classics, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, under the new Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack, enhances the library significantly.

Other highlights featured in the game lineup were Civilization VII, Hades 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, and Kirby and the Forgotten World — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Nintendo seems poised to create another chapter in its storied console legacy, combining robust hardware with a promising slate of engaging software.