Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Do You Need It? No. Do You Want It? Absolutely.

Release date of the Switch 2: June 24, 2025

As a tech enthusiast with little free time but a great curiosity for new gadgets, I was sure: The Nintendo Switch 2 is not for me. I have the Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5, the original Switch, even the Steam Deck – all sitting on the shelf. And time to play? Almost nonexistent. So I consciously ignored the pre-order phase. “I don’t need this,” I thought.

And then everything changed

The launch hype was hard to miss: Social media was buzzing, Reddit was practically exploding with first impressions, and suddenly a friend of mine had the Switch 2 in hand – just like that. And then: “Let’s play Mario Kart World!” I hesitated. Briefly. Then searched. It was officially sold out on Amazon, but somehow Google led me to a hidden product link – bam, ordered the Switch 2 in the Mario Kart bundle. For a proud €509. I was on vacation. Had the console delivered to a relative. And when I got back, the package was there. And I thought: Alright, let’s see what this is all about…

First Impression: The Switch Has Grown Up

After a month of use, I can say: The Switch 2 is a massive upgrade from the first Switch – at least in terms of appearance. Bigger, heavier, higher quality. The device feels significantly better in hand, but (and this is unfortunately not a small “but”) still not perfect for my hands. I ordered a case for €10 to improve ergonomics. It helped – but a hand cramp is still likely after 30 minutes of mobile gaming. For me, the Pro Controller on the TV remains the much more comfortable option.

Larger Screen: Small Step, Big Impact

The new screen is only a few centimeters larger, but the difference is noticeable. Especially when gaming on the go, the experience feels airier, more modern, and simply more enjoyable. It seems as if you are seeing “more game” – even if it’s not objectively much more. The larger screen is definitely one of those small but significant improvements that make everyday use of the Switch 2 more pleasant.

Magnetic Joy-Cons: Great First Impression

Another highlight is the new magnetic attachment system of the Joy-Cons. The first docking experience is a real wow moment: it clicks softly, precisely, almost luxuriously – a far cry from the mechanical snap of the original Switch. However, it must be said: This wow effect fades quickly. After just a few days, it simply feels “normal” – solid, yes, but nothing you’d still talk about after the third time. Nevertheless: a step in the right direction.

Accessories: Old Controllers, New Disappointment

What really annoyed me: My existing Pro Controllers from the first Switch generation can no longer turn on the Switch 2. This means: Anyone who wants to start the new Switch comfortably from the sofa needs the new Pro Controller 2 – for a hefty €90. And in my opinion, that is completely excessive. I already have two functioning Pro Controllers at home – I certainly won’t buy a new one just to turn on the console.
My solution: I either always have the Joy-Cons ready to start the Switch 2 in the dock, or I just get up and press the button directly on the console. It sounds trivial, but it just feels wrong to have to pay so much for a simple comfort feature. For me, this is more of a step backward than a step forward in the ecosystem.

Technically Solid – But Not a Game Changer

In terms of performance, the Switch 2 still lags behind the competition. The menu runs smoothly, the operation is finally without stutters, but it is not a powerhouse. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 run surprisingly well – better than on the Steam Deck, especially regarding readability and performance – but it is still no comparison to the “big” consoles.

Games: Three Highlights. Nothing More.

I’m being honest: The game lineup is currently painfully thin. Three titles have truly brought me joy so far:

Mario Kart World

Finally a new Mario Kart! After ten years of Mario Kart 8 (seemingly on every Nintendo console), I was so ready. The first hours were fun, the tracks nice, but: The open-world mode is annoying. To unlock new tracks, you have to navigate through a semi-open world. That’s a bit too much for a game that is essentially a simple fun racer. Solid, but (not yet) a long-lasting hit like its predecessor.

Cyberpunk 2077

The surprise hit on the Switch 2. Yes, Cyberpunk is well-known – but on the Switch 2, it runs smoothly, sharply, and is easy to read. For me, having already played the game on PC and Steam Deck, it’s a welcome opportunity to finally tackle the game seriously – in portions, of course. Because just like with Witcher 3 or Red Dead Redemption 2, it’s a fantastic world, but there’s little time.

Donkey Kong Bananza

The biggest surprise. A true Nintendo highlight! The game has pure addictive quality, looks great, runs smoothly, and feels like a real reason why you should get the Switch 2 after all. If I hadn’t discovered this game, the Switch 2 might have already collected dust at my place.

Storage and Battery: Pros and Cons

Battery

The battery is a weak point. Two hours of playtime without an additional battery is simply not enough. Those who game on the go will quickly need to reach for a power bank.

Storage

The internal storage is finally larger – but also fills up quickly. Mario Kart World (code only), Witcher 3 (digital for €15) and a few smaller demos – and suddenly half of the storage is gone. I now make sure to only buy games physically when they are truly complete on the cartridge. Unfortunately, that’s no longer a given these days.

Features: Small Highlights, Big Impact?

What’s new otherwise? The operation is buttery smooth, and the operating system finally feels up to date. And a curious feature stands out:

Webcam Support in Multiplayer Mode
A nice gimmick: You can simply plug in an old Logitech camera and you’ll be displayed in the multiplayer game – all without expensive Nintendo accessories. Fun for a round with friends, but probably a feature that will quickly be forgotten.

Conclusion: Too expensive, too early – and yet lovable

The Switch 2 is essentially a luxury product that currently offers too little value. For over €500, you get a solid, attractive, and nicely revamped console – but with a meager game lineup.

If you’re not a hardcore Nintendo fan or don’t necessarily want to play Cyberpunk on the go right away, I would wait a bit before purchasing. The blockbusters are still missing. Donkey Kong Bananza saves a lot, but not everything. Mario Kart World is fine, but not a major hit. And Cyberpunk is more of a bonus than a reason to buy.

I personally do not regret the purchase. I enjoy picking up the first Nintendo exclusives right away. I am looking forward to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in its optimized version. And if a Mario Odyssey 2 really comes out, I am ready.

But: Those who get the Switch 2 only in a year are probably doing everything right – with more games, perhaps even an OLED version, and definitely better deals.

Summary:

Nintendo Switch 2 – an overpriced toy for adults with a tech obsession, which currently makes little sense but offers a lot of fun. Those who already own a Switch 1 can wait patiently. Those who indulge will still enjoy it.