Hands-On with the Nintendo Switch 2: Enhanced Size, Speed, and Mouse Functionality

The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a touch of the familiar, yet introduces elements that make it distinguishably different. During a hands-on event in New York, I got the chance to be among the first to test out the successor to Nintendo’s most beloved console. While there was plenty to be excited about, much of my enthusiasm stemmed from the games rather than the new hardware itself.

Don’t get me wrong—the Switch 2 is impressive on its own. However, its success really depends on the compelling games developed by Nintendo and third-party creators for this $450 hybrid of a console and handheld device.

Even though the Switch 2 is indeed a sequel, it’s also a clear evolution of Nintendo’s gaming philosophy. The hours I spent with some early game titles left me eager to dive deeper into this system—I’d better start saving now.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware

The elegant black matte finish on the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the main system strikes a great first impression. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with the controllers attached, it’s a little heftier than previous models, but the vibrant 7.9-inch display justifies this increase. (For reference, it’s still lighter than popular handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck OLED, which tips the scales at 1.41 pounds.)

While the understated color scheme, with its neon red and orange accents, seems a little un-Nintendo-like (especially considering past colorful endeavors like the GameCube’s indigo and orange editions), I do have a soft spot as my own GameCube was the black model. Plus, I reckon there’ll be more color variations down the line.

The Joy-Cons detach with the press of buttons on each side, and though I didn’t get to practice reconnecting them extensively, the ones I did try felt securely fastened. I’m confident there’s no risk of them accidentally coming off during intense gameplay.

These slightly longer controllers fit my hands more comfortably than the originals. Even though they might not look much thicker, the added length offers a subtle, yet noticeable improvement in comfort.

In terms of the control sticks, the developers mentioned that they’ve revamped them for larger and smoother movements. However, I didn’t notice a monumental difference in the short demos. Yet, I suspect more playtime will reveal the nuanced improvements.

The improved kickstand is a breath of fresh air compared to the flimsy one on the original Switch. Now, it’s bigger and more stable, allowing for versatile angling. I can definitely envision it being convenient for in-flight gaming sessions.

The new display is arguably the most significant leap away from the original Switch. It might not be OLED, which some might see as a regression from the OLED Switch model, but it offers a 1920 x 1080 resolution with an impressive 120 Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10 support. The games I played on it, notably Mario Kart World, looked fantastic. Although many demos were displayed on TVs, I’m eager to explore more titles on this updated screen.

As for the dock, it resembles the older model but feels bulkier to accommodate a fan for cooling. The addition suggests changes made beneath its surface might enhance the overall gaming experience.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally and you’ll find details like:

• CPU and GPU: Proprietary Nvidia processor with DLSS and ray-tracing capabilities.
• Display: A 7.9-inch 1080p touchscreen enhanced with HDR10 and 120 Hz refresh rate.
• Storage: Offers 256GB with microSD Express expansion up to 2TB.
• Networking: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and includes a wired Ethernet option via the dock.
• Battery Life: Rough estimates between 2 to 6.5 hours.
• Price and Release: Priced at $449.99 or $499.99 with a Mario Kart World bundle, set to release on June 5, 2025.

Mouse Controls

Nintendo’s known for its game-first consoles that emphasize simplicity, yet with the Switch 2, they introduce some PC gaming elements. Each Joy-Con 2 doubles as a mouse, thanks to built-in sensors, combining with accelerometers and gyroscopes to offer PC-like control. This might not seem groundbreaking yet, but during the demonstration of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, I found the mouse functionality surprisingly precise compared to the traditional joystick and motion control combination.

Conversely, Civilization VII took great advantage of the mouse mode, making strategic gameplay feel fluid and reminiscent of PC gaming. However, I longed for more customizable options using both controllers.

In a surprising twist, Drag x Drive—a game combining Rocket League with elements of robotic wheelchair basketball—introduced an intriguing use of the dual-mouse setup. It’s an interesting concept that could inspire new PC game mechanics, though I found myself hoping for joystick controls after a while.

Resolution Options and Quality Modes

The Switch 2, following the trail blazed by consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, now taps into the enthusiast market by offering a range of resolution and quality modes. It supports output to 4K at a maximum of 60 frames per second while docked, and the option to upscale to 120 Hz at 1080p or 1440p when using a compatible display.

Undocked, the 1080p screen can run at 120 fps, emphasizing that even handheld commutes received a significant graphics bump.

And, it’s not just the system that offers these options—the games do too. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, for instance, offers both quality and performance modes. During the event, it was explicitly running at docked 1080p 120fps, combining high frame rate with mouse options for a unique experience.

Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera

Nintendo’s releasing a $79.99 Pro Controller alongside a $49.99 camera. The Pro Controller outshines its predecessor with crisper button clicks and two programmable rear buttons, adding flexibility to the control scheme.

Meanwhile, the Nintendo Camera, primarily for Game Chat or adding facial likeness in games, like Mario Party Jamboree, provided amusement but needs some finesse with its green screen effect. Thankfully, any compatible USB-C camera can be used in its place, making it accessible.

Game Notes

It’s not all about hardware. Nintendo put on quite the display for its new games.

Mario Kart World quickly stole the show with its electrifying speed, innovative Knockout Tour mode, and a staggering 24-player experience on the biggest maps ever. Characters in quirky outfits and unexpected guest appearances added extra charm.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition deserves mention—it’s ambitious for the Switch 2, though it requires further polish as the demo appeared slightly rough. Performance and quality modes promise improvements, but optimization is key.

Other notable mentions include Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, displaying breathtaking visuals at buttery 120 fps, and Drag x Drive, a potential cult favorite blending competitive gameplay and mouse control innovation.

All in all, the Nintendo Switch 2 seems poised to continue Nintendo’s legacy of delightful gaming experiences with a modern twist. From its enhanced hardware to its surprising venture into enthusiast features, it’s clear that Nintendo is aiming to keep gamers engaged, whether on the couch or on the go.