New Nintendo Switch 2 unwrapping exhibit: Developed design takes a significant leap, yet... (implies that there are some issues or limitations with the new design)
Nintendo's New Toy: Switch 2
The day has bloody well arrived, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is unleashed upon the world! It's been a bloody long eight years since the original Switch graced our homes, but damn if that excitement didn't rush back as I popped the box open to reveal the blinking Mario Kart World logo.
Is this a fresh contender for our top gaming console picks? Let's take a gander at my first impressions from the Switch 2 unboxing, setup, and Welcome Tour.
The box is all cardboard except for the plastic bags holding the hardware nitty-gritty. Check out our unboxing video for a peek at the contents. The lines on the Switch 2 and JoyCon 2 controllers are as crisp and clean as a CG render, making them look bloody marvelous in the flesh.
Initial reactions? A sleek, sophisticated device with a professional vibe. Even compared to the lush OLED Switch, it's a discernible leap forward. This refinement extends to the JoyCon 2s' enhanced haptics, turning every screen touch into a luxury experience.
Not every aspect feels top-notch, though. The kickstand feels a tad flimsier than anticipated, and the magnetic attachment of the JoyCons to the console isn't as solid as one might hope. There's a slight wobble, but nothing dreadful. It's a breeze to remove the JoyCons with the release button at the back, though beware, you may accidentally hit it if you're getting frisky in a game.
Transferring data from an old Switch is a cinch, although it demands both devices be plugged into AC power, which ain't perfect, but it's understandable. You can't use an old Switch memory card in the Switch 2, but it'll direct you to the type you need if you want to upgrade the on-board memory beyond the 256GB of built-in space.
The servers are moving at an insane pace, downloading games in a flash. Seeing the arcade version of Ridge Racer take a second to download is a mind-blowing throwback to witnessing the behemoth arcade machine back in 1993.
The UI, unfortunately, is disappointingly similar to the original Switch. If you've ever transferred stuff to a new iPhone, it's a bit like that - it looks newer but feels the same as you remember.
The screen may not be OLED, but it gives the old OLED model a run for its money, looking bright, vibrant, and super crisp thanks to its improved 1080p display. The audio quality also seems richer, and it's not just the screen that's bigger. With the JoyCon 2s attached, the unit looks vast but doesn't feel anywhere near as bulky as a Steam Deck.
It's reasonably comfortable to hold, but the bottom corners of the handheld unit do have noticeable corners that dig into your palms. They're not sharp, but they could be more rounded.
Kicking off the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, the JoyCon 2's new mouse control function works surprisingly well, even with your leg serving as a mouse pad. Innovations and neat touches keep popping up, so stay tuned for our full Switch 2 review soon.
For a lowdown on today's Switch 2 launch, take a gander at our first impressions of the Switch 2 GameCube games.
Pondering how to scoop up this gadget? Check out our guide to Switch 2 orders, and peep the prices for other consoles beneath.
Gemstone Games
The Switch 2 already sports a tantalizing lineup of titles. Here are some of the standout games you can get your hands on or anxiously await:
Best in Store
- Mario Kart World: A racing game that's taking the Switch 2 world by storm with enhanced graphics and gameplay[2][4].
- Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: An action-adventure game that promises an epic journey within the Zelda series, known for its vast open worlds[2].
- Street Fighter 6: A fighting game with a competitive focus and a diverse roster of characters, available on the Switch 2[2][4].
- Fantasy Life I: The Girl Who Steals Time: A calm RPG with improved graphics and multiple "life classes" for an unhurried experience[1].
- Split Fiction: A beautiful co-op game where you and a pal voyage through each other's stories, offering a challenge[1].
Coming Soon
- Donkey Kong Bananza: An open-world game potentially replacing a 3D Mario game, offering an exhilarating adventure[3][5].
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: An action-adventure game with stunning visuals and challenging gameplay[5].
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A: A new Pokémon installment promising a fresh and exciting experience[5].
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma: A blend of farming simulation and action-RPG elements set in a unique fantasy world[5].
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: a sequel to the Metroid Prime series, hotly anticipated for its immersive sci-fi setting and gameplay[5].
These games cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring there's something for every gaming enthusiast on the Switch 2.
- The layout of the Nintendo Switch 2 is sleek and sophisticated, giving it a professional vibe.
- The crisp and clean lines on the Switch 2 and JoyCon 2 controllers make them appear superb in person.
- The UI of the Switch 2 is unfortunately similar to the original, offering a familiar but updated feel.
- The improved 1080p display on the Switch 2 makes the screen bright, vibrant, and super crisp.
- The new Mouse control function on the JoyCon 2 works surprisingly well, even when used unconventionally.
- The Nintendo Switch 2 is already home to an array of games, including the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
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