Hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2: Enhanced Size, Speed, and Mouse Integration

At a recent event in New York, I had the rare opportunity to get my hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, a highly anticipated successor to one of Nintendo’s most beloved consoles. While this new device feels familiar, it also introduces a fresh experience that has left me buzzing with excitement—thanks, in large part, to the new games in its lineup.

Just to be clear, the hardware of the Switch 2 is impressive, sitting at a price point of $450. However, like any gaming console, its true worth will be determined by the games that Nintendo and other developers bring to life on this new platform. This latest offering from Nintendo is definitely a sequel, yet it stands as an evolution of their gaming philosophy. After spending a few hours exploring its features, I can’t wait to dive back into what the Switch 2 has to offer. Time to start saving!

Let’s talk about the hardware first. The moment you see the new Joy-Con 2 controllers and console with their sleek black matte finish, you’re sure to be impressed. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds when the Joy-Con 2 controllers are attached, it’s marginally heavier than I’d anticipated. But the payoff is a larger 7.9-inch display that feels just right—and for those keeping track, it still manages to be more lightweight than some handheld gaming PCs, like the 1.41-pound Steam Deck OLED.

The Switch 2 is veering away from Nintendo’s traditional bright color scheme, sticking primarily to black and subtle neon highlights around the joysticks and beneath the Joy-Cons. This might not scream ‘Nintendo’ at first glance, but who knows what color variants the future might hold? For now, it’s a design I can embrace, especially since my old GameCube was black as well.

The Joy-Cons, as expected, detach with ease thanks to the release buttons on either side. I didn’t spend too much time fiddling with attaching and detaching them because most demos had the console tucked away, but in the brief moment I tried, the click was satisfyingly robust. I’m confident that these controllers aren’t coming off accidentally.

The new Joy-Cons fit the hand better, thanks to their increased length, even if they’re still quite slim. I found them more comfortable than the original ones, though I’m not sure if the difference will be game-changing for most users.

As for the control sticks? They’re still relying on the potentiometer-style technology from before, although Nintendo claims a complete redesign accommodates larger, smoother motions. Despite the lack of “hall effect” magic, I reckon a longer gaming session will reveal more about the improvements.

Kicking things up a notch, the new kickstand is a massive upgrade from the flimsy, almost symbolic original. This one extends to a wide, stable stand with adjustable angles—a practical enhancement that I could actually use on an airplane tray without fear of toppling.

Moving on to the display: while it’s not OLED—some might consider it a step down from the OLED Switch model—it comes with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 120 Hz variable refresh rate, and HDR10 support. Mario Kart World looked phenomenal on it. I can’t complain about the lack of OLED based on my first impressions, though more extensive gameplay will paint a clearer picture.

Regarding the dock, I only saw it in action once, cozying up with the Nintendo Switch 2 camera. It’s noticeably bulkier to fit its cooling fan, but seems functionally similar to the existing dock.

Now, diving into the Switch 2’s specs: it features a custom Nvidia processor with DLSS and hardware ray tracing capabilities, a 7.9-inch touch display, and 256GB of storage expandable with microSD Express cards. It supports Wi-Fi 6, and includes a range of ports. Battery life spans 2 to 6.5 hours depending on usage. It’s priced at $449.99, or $499.99 for a bundle with Mario Kart World, and set for release on June 5, 2025.

A cool new feature is the mouse control integrated into the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which now can function as mice by using sensors combined with accelerometers and gyroscopes. The concept intrigued me, taking me back to the days of the SNES mouse. Some games offered the option to switch between using the Joy-Cons as a controller or a mouse, and I found the precision for certain tasks improved drastically with mouse control, albeit with slight discomfort in prolonged use.

During my test, Drag x Drive offered a unique gameplay blend reminiscent of Rocket League meets wheelchair basketball with the use of both Joy-Cons in mouse mode. While innovative, the method was physically demanding, and I wondered if traditional controls might eventually be an option.

Resolution and performance settings on the Switch 2 are tailored for enthusiasts, providing a variety of graphical tweaks similar to what we see on more powerful consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. So far, games like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond offer both quality and performance modes, allowing you to choose what suits you best.

Nintendo is not stopping at the console alone, releasing new accessories such as a Pro Controller and a Nintendo Camera. Their Pro Controller is built for comfortable gameplay, while the camera is best utilized in social and interactive contexts, although the green screen effect could use some refinement.

There’s also an impressive array of games lined up. Titles like Mario Kart World are pushing boundaries with dynamic modes such as Knockout Tour. Other breathtaking games highlighted included Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, and unique indie-styled experiences like Drag x Drive. Nostalgia fans can squeal with the inclusion of Nintendo Classics: GameCube games like Soul Calibur II and F-Zero GX.

Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 heralds a bright future, merging beloved features from its predecessor with bold innovations. Whether for those keen on hardware or hungry for new games, this system seems poised to continue Nintendo’s legacy of remarkable gaming experiences.