Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Quick Verdict on the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a thoughtful upgrade focused on everyday fun, not raw power. The sharper 7.9″ 1080p HDR LCD, refined Joy-Cons, smoother performance, and better online experience make a real difference. It’s perfect for families, local co-op, and Nintendo fans. If you skipped the original Switch, this is the place to start. If you only play docked and crave PS5-level visuals, look elsewhere.

Pros: sharper screen; faster and smoother UI; improved Joy-Cons; great family features; backwards compatibility

Cons: still LCD (not OLED); not a power rival to PS5/PC handhelds; dips possible in demanding third-party games

Below one of Family Visions most experienced colleagues Chas talks you through the Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

What’s in the Box

• Switch 2 console with 7.9″ LCD display
• Redesigned Joy-Cons (larger, more ergonomic, premium matte finish)
• New rounded dock (4K-ready output, integrated cooling, Ethernet support)
• USB charger and HDMI cable
• Joy-Con grip
• Paperwork and quick-start guide

Right away, it feels more premium than the original model

 

What’s New (Beyond a Visual Refresh)

A Sharper, Smoother Screen

The Switch 2 moves to a 7.9″ Full HD LCD with 1080p resolution, HDR10, and VRR up to 120Hz. Text is crisper. Colours pop more. Motion looks smoother. However, it’s still LCD, not OLED. So blacks aren’t as deep, and motion clarity isn’t “pixel-perfect”. Even so, the resolution bump plus HDR makes a clear, day-to-day improvement.

Faster Loads and Snappier Menu’s

There’s a newer chip under the hood. Games load faster. Frame rates are more stable. Menus feel fluid, and the Nintendo eShop no longer drags. It’s not chasing PS5 or a gaming PC. But it makes Nintendo titles feel better everywhere—handheld and docked. Expect performance to dip in some very demanding third-party games or at very high refresh targets.

 

Joy-cons, Refined

The Joy-Cons are a big quality-of-life win. They’re more ergonomic, with larger sticks and buttons, and a much improved rail/click mechanism. Input response feels tighter and more confident.

 

Pointer Mode (Wii-like, but Cleaner)

A new mouse-style pointer helps with menu navigation and supported games. It’s especially handy for puzzle or creative titles. It may also help with accessibility. Developers now have a new input mode to play with, which could lead to inventive control schemes.

 

Backwards Compatibility

Most Switch (gen 1) games work straight away. Your existing library carries over, so your favourites get faster loads, steadier performance, and a sharper display.

 

Who it is the Perfect Choice For

Nintendo Switch 2 is not just a great choice for the seasoned gamer but also serves well as a family entertainment system. We believe it’s a great choice for:

• Families and shared homes: dock it to the TV, then grab it for the school run or long drives
• Local multiplayer lovers: split Joy-Cons for instant two-player fun (Mario Kart nights are effortless)
• Nintendo fans: Zelda, Mario, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing all benefit from the new hardware
• First-timers: if you missed the first Switch, this is the best entry now

 

Where it Really Shines

Portability

This is its superpower; sofa, train, car, bed—it fits your day. The dock is great; however, handheld mode is the heart of the experience.

 

Game Library Quality

Nintendo’s first-party catalogue remains the main reason to buy. Games are polished and age-appropriate with less noise from ads and micro-transactions than you’ll find elsewhere.

 

Ease of Use

Turn it on, tap your game, and you’re playing in seconds. No drivers, no fiddly PC or annoying updates providing a minimal friction experience.

 

Connectivity and Online Play

Voice/chat and online features feel much better than the first edition. Furthermore, playing with friends is smoother and more reliable.

 

Set-up and Buying Tips

1) Add Storage Early

You get 256GB onboard; digital games fill that quickly. Add a microSD card; even 128GB helps a lot.

 

2) Use Parental Controls

Nintendo’s parental controls are excellent. Manage screen time, restrict content, and even pause the system remotely via the app.

 

3) Consider Payment Options

Some retailers offer interest-free finance; this helps for birthdays and Christmas.

If standard finance is tricky, look for retailers who assess your full circumstances

 

4) Pick the Right Starter Games

For families and younger players, start with Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, or Super Mario Bros.

These are friendly, timeless, and great in co-op

 

5) Choose Smart Accessories

Handheld user? get a protective travel case.

TV gamer? consider a second controller for couch multiplayer.

 

6) Know the Screen Trade-off

The LCD is brighter and smoother with HDR and VRR.

However, it won’t match OLED for inky blacks; if you come from an OLED phone or TV, set expectations accordingly.

 

What it’s Not (Setting Expectations)

• Not a PS5 or high-end PC; do not expect ultra-realistic graphics
• Not a Steam Deck; you won’t tweak settings, install mods, or deal with PC complexity
• These trade-offs are fine; the Switch 2 focuses on simplicity, flexibility, and family-friendly fun

 

should you upgrade from the original switch?

Upgrade if you want:

• A sharper 1080p screen with HDR/VRR
• Faster loading, snappier UI, steadier frame rates
• Refined Joy-Cons and a better online experience

wait if you:

• Mainly play docked and feel happy with your current setup
• Prioritise cutting-edge visuals above all else

 

new to switch?

This is the best place to jump in

 

Key Specs Snapshot

• Display: 7.9″ 1080p LCD, HDR10, VRR up to 120Hz
• Storage: 256GB internal, microSD expansion
• Controllers: redesigned Joy-Cons with improved rails and larger inputs
• Dock: rounded design, 4K-ready output, integrated cooling, Ethernet support
• Compatibility: supports most Switch (gen 1) titles

 

Quick Comparisons

Switch 2 vs Switch (gen 1)

Screen: 1080p HDR/VRR vs 720p—sharper and smoother

Performance: faster loads, steadier frames, snappier menus

Controls: more ergonomic Joy-Cons with better rails

Online: noticeably improved experience

 

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck

Ease: Switch wins—no tinkering, just play

Power/flexibility: Deck wins—PC library, mods, settings

Family focus: Switch wins—local co-op and stronger parental controls

 

Switch 2 vs Ps5 and Xbox

Graphics power: PS5/Xbox win

Portability and co-op ease: Switch wins

Nintendo exclusives: only on Switch

 

Final Verdict

The Nintendo Switch 2 doubles down on what made the original special. It is more polished, more portable, and more pleasant to use every day. It will not wow spec hunters; however, it delights families and Nintendo fans with a sharper screen, smoother performance, and simple, joyful play. If that’s what you value, the upgrade is absolutely worth it.