Let me preface this by saying I’m hyped. The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a great console, and after spending time with it on a couple of occasions, I’m convinced this is the next step forward for Nintendo.
The Switch 2 feels a bit more like the ‘Switch Pro’ — which is fine — it’s still a full generational leap. The upgrades are meaningful, the performance improvements are noticeable, and overall, it feels like a polished refinement of what made the original Switch such an icon. It’s priced around $700 — which may deter some — but has Nintendo justified that cost?
Recently Nintendo invited me to their headquarters in Melbourne to get closer to the Switch 2 ahead of its launch.
Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2
Nintendo has refined both the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller, and I could tell the difference immediately:
- Pro Controller – Feels fantastic, with enhanced haptics and two programmable buttons for more flexibility. I can’t really describe the texture of it — just take my word. It’s great.
- Joy-Con 2 – Slightly larger, making them much more comfortable in handheld mode, especially for long play sessions.
The magnet-based Joy-Con attachment system adds an extra layer of premium feel — no more awkwardly sliding them in like before. I’m obsessed with the magnetic release button!
Haptic feedback offers another level of immersion; vibrations in both the Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller have been significantly improved on.
I got to experience 45 minutes or so of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which highlights many of the controller’s new features, including how the haptics operate. Hearing the Joy-Con 2 create sounds with vibrations — like the chime of collecting a coin — was a standout.
READ MORE: Every Game Confirmed For Nintendo Switch 2
Performance — A Noticeable Step Forward
Nintendo has finally embraced its version of next-gen performance. It’s not the latest and greatest technology by any means — I’ve coined it Nintendo next-gen and that’s all we could ask for.
- 120Hz support – games like Mario Kart World and Metroid Prime 4 look and feel incredibly smooth.
- HDR and VRR – improved visuals, offering a higher-quality experience on TVs. Handheld mode also looks fantastic, despite the Switch 2 having an LCD screen.
- Loading Times – it feels refreshing to jump between characters in Mario Kart World within seconds. Don’t expect PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S levels of speed, but it is a huge improvement compared to the original Switch.
The Home Screen — Almost Unchanged, But Functional
While I didn’t get hands-on time with the new UI, a short demonstration of the Home Screen was played at the Melbourne event. Booting up the Switch 2, the home screen looks incredibly familiar. Nintendo has kept the same clean and straightforward layout, but there are new additions:
- Game Chat – For voice and video chatting with friends in some games.
- News – A hub for console and game updates, similar to the original Switch.
- Game Share – A new feature for sharing games with your friends. Nintendo has shared a guide on how this works over on their website.
- Gallery – Where all your screenshots and game clips live. The latest update to the console and Nintendo app enables sharing screenshots and clips in a more accessible way (gaming journos rejoice).
- Controls & Storage – There’s also quick access to settings for controllers, settings and system storage. No big changes here.
Mouse controls have even been added for navigating the menus. Nintendo is seemingly trying to bridge handheld and console-style gaming with PC. Nintendo has also confirmed you can use a standard USB computer mouse with the Switch 2 as well.
Game Chat & Camera — Niche But Nice
Game Chat is going to be great for multiplayer, especially in Knockout Mode for Mario Kart World (which I’ve played and can’t wait to play more). If you’ve got a Nintendo Switch 2 camera set up you’ll be able to see other players’ faces in larger races — it’s a nice touch.
The camera retails for about $65, which isn’t too bad. That said, the quality is no better than the webcam on your laptop.
As for voice chat, the microphone placement on the system makes me wonder how well voice quality will hold up when playing docked. We’ll wait and see…
The Nintendo Switch 2 — Final Thoughts
After everything I’ve played, the Switch 2 feels like the upgrade I wanted — even if it doesn’t reinvent the formula. It’s premium, smooth, and powerful, while still maintaining the core hybrid experience that made the original console so special.
Tomorrow, the real test begins — how will it hold up in long-term play? For now, I’m excited, impressed, and ready to dive in properly.
It’s unfortunate that Mario Kart World and Welcome Tour are the only first-party titles at launch. Donkey Kong Bananza is still another month away — let’s hope more great titles follow.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches around the world on June 5th. It retails for around $700 AUD.
