The Nintendo Switch 2 arrived in 2025 as a pivotal moment for the gaming industry. While competitors like Xbox and PlayStation were well into their current console generations with incremental updates, Nintendo launched a significant hardware refresh that quickly dominated industry conversations. Despite early concerns about potential tariffs and pricing, the Switch 2 hit shelves at the expected $450, and after six months on the market, it’s time to assess whether it lives up to the hype.
Hardware: A Solid Foundation
The hardware itself is a clear step forward. Nintendo delivered a console that addresses key shortcomings of the original Switch, offering a noticeable performance boost and a more comfortable handheld experience for a wider range of users. The inclusion of a built-in Ethernet port in the dock is a welcome addition for online gamers. The new Joy-Con controllers, while still not perfect (particularly the lack of a dedicated D-pad), are improved, and the Pro Controller remains a reliable choice, though it lacks substantial innovation.
However, the display is a mixed bag. While boasting 1080p/120Hz resolution and HDR support on paper, the real-world performance falls short. Colors appear washed out, and the HDR implementation feels artificial. Despite this, the overall speed and efficiency of the Switch 2 are undeniable. Menu navigation and game loading times are significantly faster than the previous generation.
New Features: Hit or Miss
Nintendo introduced several new features, some more impactful than others. Mouse support via Joy-Cons is a niche addition that hasn’t yet found a compelling use case, while webcam integration feels largely gimmicky. The standout feature is GameChat, Nintendo’s first attempt at console-level cross-game voice chat. The setup is simple, and the microphone quality is surprisingly good, but the lack of a killer app keeps it from being essential.
Game Library: Solid, Not Spectacular
The launch lineup has been solid, if not groundbreaking. While it didn’t reach the heights of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (a fluke success driven by unique circumstances), the Switch 2’s initial offerings surpass the typically mediocre launches of other consoles. Titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza provide strong experiences, and the upgraded versions of existing games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are noticeable improvements.
Some titles failed to resonate (Drag x Drive, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders ), but overall, the selection is competitive when compared to the launch lineups of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
Backwards Compatibility: A Hidden Strength
The Switch 2’s most underrated feature is its ability to enhance older Switch titles. Many games run better on the new hardware without requiring paid upgrades. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Splatoon 3 receive performance boosts, and some games, like the 3D platformer Bakeru, become playable on the new console without any patches. This backwards compatibility is a major selling point for existing Switch owners.
Looking Ahead
After six months, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers on its promise of a better gaming experience. The hardware is mostly excellent, and while the new features are mixed, the game library has been more good than bad. With major first-party franchises like Mario and Zelda still years away from their next entries, Nintendo must continue releasing compelling content to maintain momentum.
The Switch 2 is a strong foundation for the next era of Nintendo gaming. If the company can maintain a steady stream of quality releases, the console will continue to thrive well into the future.
