REVIEW: Is the new NINTENDO SWITCH 2 worth it?

Released on June 5th, let's check out all the details of Nintendo Switch 2, the new video game from Nintendo. And we have a lot to talk about, such as the design, screen, performance, the new Joy-Cons, launch games and special functions like GameChat and the camera that you will be able to use. Find out what has changed, what has improved and what still needs to evolve in this complete analysis of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Design

Starting with the design of the Switch 2, it doesn't stray too far from what already existed in the first device, being a little bigger, but, curiously, not appearing to be that much heavier. Another important detail is that the grip has become firmer and more anatomical through the new Joy-Cons. The material also feels more premium, with a texture that's more pleasant to the touch, especially in handheld mode. 

Additionally, the rear support — previously just a small flap — is now wider and firmer, offering much more stability when playing with the console resting on the table. The new base has also been improved: it has an internal ventilation system, which helps to keep the temperature controlled during use, in addition to having a more refined look, combining well with environments such as the living room.

The console's base, or dock, is more robust and increases the resolution of games when they are in TV mode. The console protrudes slightly above it, displaying a little more screen than the first Switch. A resource that Nintendo can be used in the future to display notifications in addition to the battery level that is already seen.

Joy-Con 2

The detachable controls, now titled “Joy-Con 2”, have a new connection with the video game, firmer and more organic, made with magnets, different from the rail fittings of the first Switch. They are bigger due to the larger screen and are now also more comfortable in large hands, not making gameplay tiring.

About their fit in Switch 2, CLICK has become more enjoyable and easier to perform. Just bring your fingers closer together Joy-Cons 2 of the new device so that they fit together magnetically, without generating that wobble that existed in the previous video game and which gave the impression of being a little loose. Unclipping has also become easier: the buttons that release the Joy-Cons 2 are larger. By pressing and pulling them to the side, they are released easily.

The button layout remains almost the same here, with only the addition of the GameChat on the right Joy-Con, a new function that we will explain below. The SL and SR buttons, which are on the inside of the controls, are now much larger and more protruding, improving the ergonomics of playing with them lying down. 

In addition, the Joy-Con 2 have a new feature: you can use them as a mouse. In this new way of playing, the user can use each of the controls lying horizontally, on any surface, to interact with the games in new ways. For example, it is possible to use the control in mouse mode to aim with your character in shooting games like Splatoon or use them in new minigames Mario Party Jamboree (read our review). Although the new feature is very well implemented, we will need to wait a little longer to know if, in fact, this new mechanic will be well used by future titles from Nintendo and other companies.

Pro Control

The new Pro Controller do Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel — and maybe that's a good thing. It keeps the look and feel that gamers are already familiar with, with small tweaks that focus more on refinement than innovation. The grip is still comfortable, the buttons are responsive, and the construction feels solid and feels good to play for hours on end. 

Still, if you already have the previous controller, you may wonder: is it worth the change? The truth is that since the old controller works well with the Switch 2, the gains are subtle and perhaps not worth the investment. For those who play with the console in TV mode and do not have the Pro Control of the first Nintendo Switch, however, this control is almost mandatory, as it provides more precision and comfort than the new Joy-Con.

Fabric

On the screen, the Nintendo Switch 2 now measures 7,9 inches, compared to 6,2 inches on the previous standard model and 7 inches on the OLED version. Although it does not use OLED technology, the Switch 2's LCD screen has a resolution of FullHD or 1920×1080 pixels — in contrast to the HD screen of the first Switch — and has a wide range of colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, support for VRR and HDR10, providing sharp and vibrant images during portable use.  

The visual experience also changes considerably when connecting the console to the base, enabling access to 4K resolution at 60 FPS in compatible games and TVs, further increasing graphic quality.

Audio

O Nintendo Switch 2 It also brings important improvements to the sound system. The speakers continue to use stereo standard, but now have an independent speaker structure, which provides clearer and more natural sound quality. The volume has been improved compared to the previous model, allowing for more powerful audio during portable use. In addition, the device has 3D audio, even without the use of headphones, ensuring greater immersion in games that use this feature. 

The sound output via HDMI this time supports linear PCM 5.1 audio, which also benefits those who play in TV mode with a compatible system. It is worth noting that the new Pro Controller do Nintendo Switch 2 It also received a headphone input, making it easier to connect the peripheral when the video game is docked on the base.

System and Interface

Among the aspects of the initial menu of Nintendo Switch 2, it has not undergone major changes, ensuring a certain familiarity for users accustomed to the old system. Some new colors and features that did not exist before were added, such as the app for the GameChat, settings in the album app for sharing images and videos, as well as other minor settings that are exclusive to Switch 2.

The sounds of use have been completely changed, creating a unique identity for the new device. Classic sounds for opening an app, closing and accessing a game, as well as turning on the console are all different, so that the user knows that it is a new video game. Everything is part of a sensitive and immersive experience, which accustoms the player to understanding the ecosystem they are handling.

access to eShop is now instantaneous. In fact, there is no longer that classic loading screen. The menus within the store are more fluid and interactive. However, it lacks that “Nintendo effect” of having music or a little game when accessing it. However, as the proposal of Switch is to always prioritize functionality, this update follows the same line.

Hardware and performance

O Nintendo Switch 2 came to solve some performance problems that not even the Nintendo managed to overcome at the end of the previous generation. Games with framerate issues, which were too heavy to deliver what the device was intended to do from the beginning, are now receiving improvements. This is mainly due to the console's new hardware set, which now has a custom chip from Nvidia more modern than the old Tegra used in the first Switch.

Some titles received a new version, subtitled “Switch 2 Edition", as breath of the wild, Tears of the Kingdom and Fantasy Life. The upgrade, which improves the user experience and adds some extras, can also be purchased by those who already own the original game, only needing to purchase the additional enhancement pack in the eShop for each game mentioned. Even so, we found in our tests that, regardless of the updates and new versions, games from the first Switch, which do not have the version in the second, simply run better on the new device without stuttering or drops in the frame rate.

But at the same time, not everything is rosy in this transition, as users are discovering performance flaws in some specific games. Pikmin 3 Deluxe (read our review) is crashing on the new console and even crashing and turning off the video game at times, showing that there are still points that have not been reviewed by Nintendo in terms of backward compatibility.

Memory and storage

O Nintendo Switch 2 It comes with 256GB of internal memory. This is a huge improvement compared to the 64GB of the OLED version and the 32GB of the traditional Switch version. Especially considering that new games take up much more space than those on the previous console. Mario Kart World, for example, uses 21GB of that space, so we can imagine the size of a future Xenoblade or one Zelda.

In addition to the internal memory, the Switch 2 maintains the use of traditional cartridges, now with some important changes. The Game Cards continue to be based on flash memory, but the new model's unique cartridges have a small marking on the back and are red, making them easier to identify. They are not compatible with the Switch original, although the Switch 2 offer backward compatibility with most older cartridges. Another new feature is that the Game Cards now support up to 64GB, double the previous capacity, and have faster read speeds, helping to reduce game loading times.

And there is also support for memory cards, but the Switch 2 will only accept the new microSD Express standard, which is faster but also more expensive. 

Regarding the transfer of games from Switch old for the Switch 2, The system is simple and intuitive. All your account information, such as preferences, purchased games and saves, are carried over to the new console, allowing you to load them again.

Connectivity

Now, as for connectivity, there are two USB-C ports on the device. The lower one — which already existed on the 1 — is used for charging and connecting it to the base. The upper one can also be used for charging and connecting peripherals. The console also maintains the 3,5mm headphone port, compatible with headphones with a microphone (CTIA standard), although the Nintendo does not guarantee compatibility with all models available on the market. 

In terms of networking, the Nintendo Switch 2 supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring faster and more stable connections, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for headphones and accessories. And for those who play with the console docked, the base includes an HDMI output and LAN input with support for wired connection, ideal for more stable online games. All of this ensures a more fluid user experience, both in Portable Mode and in TV Mode.

Battery

The battery is perhaps a disappointing point when it comes to its duration. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a battery life of 2 to 6h30 of gameplay. In other words, it lasts about 2 hours less than the Nintendo OLED Switch, depending on usage. Remember that this may vary depending on the screen lighting and even the game being played, but it is a worsening either way. 

The new console comes with a 5.220 mAh lithium-ion battery — larger than the 4.310 mAh of the traditional Switch and the OLED model, and well above the 3.570 mAh of the Switch Lite — but even with this capacity, the new, more powerful hardware requires more energy, which affects the final autonomy.

GameChat

It's time for us to describe the GameChat, new native conversation feature of Nintendo Switch 2 which aims to facilitate interaction with friends.

It all starts by clicking the native GameChat button on the right Joy-Con 2. Through this button, or through the system menu, and after configuring the feature on the device, you can chat with up to 12 friends directly. Simply select the friend you want to chat with via call and the device will make a call, establishing a connection with the user so you can chat while playing. 

This feature doesn't just work during online gaming sessions. You can call your friends at any time, even while they're playing different games. There's also the option to share your screen, so everyone can see what you're playing. The frame rate of this broadcast is lower than expected, but it's still a great feature for interacting with friends.

The chat audio is clear and without any hiccups or interruptions, the connection is solid and the conversation flows smoothly. The device's native microphone has noise cancellation and only picks up voices, eliminating external noises, which makes communication between users easier. During the conversation, the game audio is lower, preventing you from having to shout or speak louder.

Nintendo Camera

Another new feature that can be used during the chat is the new camera, which can be purchased separately. With it, you and up to three friends can have video chats, and you can also use it to capture your face and use it in some games, such as in the game itself. Mario Kart World, released with the device, or in games that receive improvements, such as Mario Party Jamboree, where your image can be transformed into an icon. 

The camera delivers good image quality, with native 1080p and a wide capture angle, allowing more people in the same room to appear sharing their faces. While the video quality is good, the colors may not be as vivid, but the low-light performance is surprising, working well even with ambient lighting.

The chat settings allow you to highlight the camera, highlight the game screen, or simply hide any other image and focus only on what you are playing, giving you the option of just listening to your friends. There are several screen settings for the user to choose the best way to play.

O GameChat is available to all owners of a Nintendo Switch 2 until March 31, 2026, regardless of whether they have a subscription or not on the Nintendo Switch Online. After that, you will need to join the program to use the service.

GameShare

Another great novelty of Nintendo Switch 2 is GameShare, which makes it possible to share the game session online or locally with other users who do not own the same game. Owners of Nintendo DS know this feature as Download Play and players of PlayStation 4 and 5 like Shareplay, then, is not exactly something totally new. Sharing can even be done with devices Nintendo Switch 1, but only a few select games are available for your use at the moment.

Price and availability

O Nintendo Switch 2 can be officially purchased in the national model, distributed by Nintendo Brazil, in selected stores, such as Amazon, with a suggested price starting at R$4.499, version with just the console, or R$4.799 in the bundle with Mario Kart World. However, at the time of writing this analysis, the video game had seen a price increase of around R$6.180,00.

Some physical stores, such as Lojas Americanas, are also offering the device for in-person sales. The device's stock is unstable, which reflects the high global sales, with devices selling out easily. However, new batches are expected to appear in the coming weeks and there is an expectation that the price will stabilize.

Technical specifications

See below the specifications of Nintendo Switch 2:

Verdict: Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it?

O Nintendo Switch 2 arrives with clear improvements to the console and accessories, such as the new Joy-Con 2 more comfortable and the option of Nintendo Camera for video calls. The overall experience is smoother, with a responsive interface, better image quality, and last-gen games running better, without framerate drops.

About the games, the lineup launch date is a bit modest, but titles like Mario Kart World show the console's potential, and there are good expectations for major releases in 2025. Nintendo also has news like Splatoon Raiders, which promise to attract fans.

So, if you are passionate about the company's franchises and don't want to miss any of the upcoming releases or if you are attracted by the hybrid proposal of being able to play in portable mode and on TV in a single device, this console is for you. The video game is promising, it has the seal of quality Nintendo and it looks like it will be a great platform for gaming in the coming years.

This was our analysis of the Nintendo Switch 2. What do you think of the console so far? Let us know in the comments!

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Sources: Nintendo [1] [2] [3]

Text review done by Jaime Ninice on 28/06/2025