Hands-On with the Nintendo Switch 2: Enhanced Performance, Larger Design, and New Mouse Controls

The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t stray too far from what we’ve come to love, but it has its own unique flavor. During an exclusive hands-on event in New York, I had the opportunity to try out this highly-anticipated successor to Nintendo’s iconic console. While the new games caught my attention more than the hardware itself, there’s plenty to be excited about for this new chapter in Nintendo’s gaming lineup.

Now, don’t get me wrong, the Switch 2 is a solid piece of technology. Priced at $450, this versatile console impressively transitions from handheld to home console. Its true magic, however, will depend on the games crafted by Nintendo and its third-party partners.

The Switch 2 feels like a sophisticated sequel, an evolution of the gaming philosophy Nintendo has championed for years. My initial experience with its games was so captivating that I’m already planning to budget for it.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware

First off, the sleek, black matte finish on the Joy-Con 2 controllers and console is striking right out of the gate. Even though it’s a tad heavier than its predecessor at roughly 1.18 pounds with the Joy-Cons attached, the payoff comes in the form of a generous, vibrant 7.9-inch display. That’s still lighter than comparable gaming handhelds, like the Steam Deck OLED, which tips the scales at 1.41 pounds.

There’s a pared-down aesthetic this time, with only the bright neon red and orange accents around the controls to remind you of classic Nintendo flair. Some might miss the colorful nostalgia of past consoles, but it’s only a matter of time before we see more colorful variants.

Removing those Joy-Cons is a breeze thanks to convenient release buttons on the sides. Although my time trying them on was brief, the secure click reassures me these won’t easily detach during intense sessions.

The elongated controllers are a welcomed change, fitting comfortably in hand and offering a design update for a more natural gaming grip, despite minimal changes in thickness. Nintendo claims subtle improvements to the control sticks, with a redesign aimed at enhancing movement fluidity. Although without “hall effect” technology, the sticks promise improved durability and performance, but we’ll need more time to verify these enhancements fully.

A major enhancement is the revamped kickstand. Unlike its shaky predecessor, this robust design supports a full range of angles, perfect for tabletop gaming on flights and elsewhere.

When you’re not engaging with the hardware, you’ll notice perhaps the biggest improvement: the display. Though it isn’t OLED, this sharper LCD screen delivers a 1080p resolution with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10. It elevates games like Mario Kart World to stunning levels of visual clarity. Honestly, I wasn’t missing OLED’s deeper blacks during my playtests; the screen had enough punch to stand out.

As for the dock, imagine a bulked-up version from the original Switch, now with integrated cooling solutions and compatibility with a new Nintendo camera. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but enhances the system’s functional elegance.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs

Let’s dive into the specs that allow the magic to happen:

• CPU and GPU: A custom Nvidia processor that supports DLSS and hardware-accelerated ray tracing powers the underbelly of this beast.
• Display: Packs a punch with a 7.9-inch, 1920 x 1080p touch screen, complete with HDR10 and 120 Hz VRR.
• Storage: Comes with 256GB of UFS storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD Express.
• Networking: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and dock-based Ethernet connectivity.
• Audio and Ports: Stereo speakers, a mono microphone with noise cancellation, and an assortment of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and more.
• Battery Life: Ranges from 2 to 6.5 hours based on rough estimates from Nintendo.
• Price and Release: Priced at $449.99, or $499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World, hitting shelves on June 5, 2025.

Mouse Controls

Nintendo remains laser-focused on intuitive user experiences, and it seems there’s a nod to PC gaming influences in the Switch 2. The Joy-Con 2 controllers double as mice thanks to built-in sensors. In my exploration of the games on show, I tested these mouse controls, something we haven’t seen from Nintendo since the SNES days. The accompanying wrist straps were fitted with "mouse skates," making motion smoother.

For titles like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, you can seamlessly switch between traditional control and mouse mode. The latter allows for precise aiming, although prolonged use gave me wrist fatigue during longer demos. Conversely, playing Civilization VII felt very akin to a PC gaming experience, benefiting from slower gameplay more suited to mouse use.

The intriguing game, Drag x Drive, takes mouse inputs to a wild new level by allowing simultaneous control of two mice, steering what feels like a Rocket League-meets-robot-sports hybrid. It’s unique for sure but begs the question of practicality and longevity of such a control scheme.

Meanwhile, popular games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition are embracing these control enhancements, broadening the possibilities for player interaction and preference.

Resolution and Performance

Switching gears to graphical prowess, the Switch 2 offers impressive customization much like its console competitors. Gamers can output in true 4K at 60 fps when docked, with options for lower resolutions like 1080p or 1440p enabling 120 Hz play.

There’s plenty of flexibility here, as the built-in screen also supports 1080p at up to 120 fps in handheld or tabletop modes, presenting a substantial upgrade for handheld enthusiasts.

Games are also offering fans a chance to balance between quality and performance, in line with recent industry trends. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond was shown off in a fluid docked 1080p at an impressive 120 fps, highlighting how systems might deliver more PC-like performance.

Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera

Complementing the gaming experience are additional accessories like the $79.99 Pro Controller and the $49.99 camera. Familiar yet refined, the Pro Controller offers rear programmable paddles for added customization in gameplay. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Camera caters to in-game videoconferencing and AR experiences, albeit with mixed results. Fortunately, a range of third-party USB-C cameras will fill this niche too.

Game Highlights

Of course, where would a Nintendo console be without its famed game library? A few notable titles set to ignite gamers’ imaginations include:

• Mario Kart World: Boasting breathtaking graphics and exciting races, this game’s new Knockout Tour mode is a standout, turning competition into an elimination marathon.

• Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: With sleek visuals and smooth performance, it holds promise for mouse mode enhancement, but still delivers an excellent traditional experience.

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: Though the demo showed some rough edges, this presence on the Switch 2 signals a robust gaming future, if optimized well.

In addition, titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Drag x Drive showcase the Switch 2’s creative potential, thanks to its expanded hardware and game design capabilities.

In short, the Nintendo Switch 2 is on a promising path to reshape the gaming landscape. With its blend of hardware upgrades, versatile gameplay options, and an impressive lineup of games, it seems poised to delight fans and newcomers alike.