Hardened Up Properly
Alright then, let’s get straight to the point. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a more robust, durable device compared to the original plastic gadget we received back in the day. The display has evolved into a legitimate 7.9-inch panel that genuinely feels like glass, rather than that flimsy clear plastic you’d associate with a budget calculator. Not much buzz about that elsewhere, so you’re hearing it first on GadgetLad, mate.
But don’t start celebrating just yet. Even though it seems like better materials, I noticed some scratches, and that was just on the opening day of the London showcase. I suspect they reused the same battered devices from the Paris event, so they’ve endured more pokes and prods than a sausage roll at a vegan protest. Still, a screen protector wouldn’t go amiss if you tend to toss your console into a backpack with your gym gear.
Additional Ports & Openings, Just What We Needed
There’s now a second USB-C port at the top, which is great for charging or using accessories while it’s docked or set up in tabletop mode. They’ve also introduced new speaker grilles and additional ventilation, suggesting this device might run hotter than a night out in the Bigg Market. Fortunately, the entire body feels more solid—thicker plastic, a reinforced card slot, and even that signature sparkle us Geordies appreciate in our flashy aftershaves.
Kickstand Comeback
Remember that weak kickstand that would snap if you so much as looked at it askance? That’s history now. The new one is a sleek piece of engineering—metal, extending the full length of the back, and it stays in place better than your granddad after a few pints. It’s slightly lighter than the OLED variant’s full backplate but performs admirably at any angle. The new Switch 2 is overall heavier, though, weighing in at 534 grams in handheld mode, which is roughly 27% heavier than its predecessor. Still lighter than a ROG Ally, though, that clumsy contraption.
Visual Treat Without the OLED
Now here’s where Nintendo pulled a sneaky move. There’s no OLED screen on this one. We’re back to LCD. Boo, hiss, right? Not quite. Contrary to what your cousin who spends all day on Reddit might believe, the display is actually vibrant. It doesn’t have OLED’s extreme contrast, but it’s laminated, eliminating air gaps and cutting down on reflectivity. Colors popped, blacks appeared decent, and thankfully I didn’t notice any light bleed that made me want to claw my eyes out.
Still, a mini-LED would have been a brilliant compromise, but likely would have hiked the price. And Nintendo isn’t keen on spending cash when they can sell you old Mario titles for the fifth time.
Rails or Magnets – Joy-Con Acrobatics
Joy-Cons received a comprehensive upgrade too, mate. They’re larger, more comfortable, and now they connect using magnets instead of those flimsy rails that made you feel like they would break off every time. You slide them in, and the magnets engage with a satisfying ‘click’. It’s like enchantment, but with magnets. And possibly some sort of Japanese magic.
They hold securely enough that I’d trust lifting my Switch 2 with just one Joy-Con—though I’m not tossing it around during burpees, mind. That said, there’s still a bit of movement once attached. Aye, there’s still some annoyance there. Nintendo giveth and Nintendo wiggles, it seems.
Performance: Choosing Favorites
Let’s discuss games—the entire reason for this endeavor. Over 40 titles displayed during Nintendo’s Direct, and I dived into 17 of them at the event. Mario Kart World stood out like a glowstick at a goth gathering. It runs smoothly, looks superb (HDR, 60fps), and now includes open-world elements. Wall riding, rail grinding, and 24-player races. It’s absurd in the best possible way.
Metroid Prime 4 & Donkey Kong Adventure – Almost Mint
Metroid Prime 4 is introducing Mouse Mode, allowing you to aim with precision instead of spraying like a toddler with a Super Soaker. It’s incredibly tight, can run up to 120fps, and looks fantastic. Donkey Kong’s making his return in pants this time (finally), with a new game resembling Super Mario Odyssey but featuring more bananas. Gameplay is enjoyable, terrain is destructible, but it does lag a bit.
Still, both titles are progressing nicely. Switch 2 might finally elevate Nintendo into the genuine gaming big leagues—just took them about a decade.
Classic Games, Fresh Finish
Zelda’s back and smoother than a post-leg day protein shake. Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have been remastered and now run at 60fps. They look fantastic, but you’ll need to shell out again for the full versions. And no, you won’t get DLC included with the full-price versions. Pay up, peasant.
Cyberpunk 2077 even made an appearance! It ran surprisingly well, though it dropped below the promised 40fps a few times. CDPR claims they’ll polish it more before launch. Fingers crossed, yeah?
Controller Antics
Nintendo has introduced Mouse Mode, a feature no one requested but is oddly clever. You flip the Joy-Cons sideways, strap them in, and use them like a mouse on a smooth surface. It’s decent in titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Civ VII, but using them this way for an extended period feels like grasping a pencil with oven mitts.
Pro Controller Gets a Refresh
They’ve also updated the Pro Controller. It looks nearly identical, but now features rear GL and GR buttons, a headphone jack, and a mysterious new ‘C’ button linked to Nintendo’s new GameChat thing. Unless you care about waking your console with the Home button, the old Pro Controller still holds up.
New GameCube Controller, Because Nostalgia Sells
Indeed, Nintendo’s now selling a new GameCube controller to attract the nostalgia crowd. It’s spot-on to the original, complete with authentic analogue shoulders, yet incorporates new buttons and USB-C charging. It’s bundled with the new GameCube virtual console on Switch 2, which is absolutely delightful if you grew up on Wind Waker and Smash Bros.
Conclusion: “It’s Not Just a Fresh Coat, Mate”
If you anticipated the Switch 2 to be merely a glossy Switch with a new emblem—think again. It’s as sturdy as can be, better crafted, and features enough improvements to feel like a legitimate next-gen Nintendo product—even without the OLED screen (RIP).
Is it flawless? Nah. There’s still Joy-Con wiggle, the LCD choice will irritate the purists, and you’ll be shelling out tenner after tenner on remasters. But is it thrilling? Absolutely.
Keep your eyes open for the full review once I get my hands on a retail unit. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Jack Russell to walk and biceps to work on.
—GadgetLad
