Nintendo Switch 2 Review – Is It Worth the Upgrade in 2025?
After eight years, Nintendo finally delivers the long-awaited Switch 2. With a faster processor, sharper display, and redesigned Joy-Con controllers, this handheld-console hybrid aims to keep up with modern AAA games. But is it the upgrade fans have been waiting for? Let’s break it down. Nintendo has officially released the Switch 2, the follow-up to one of the most beloved consoles in gaming history. Since the original launched in 2017, millions of players have enjoyed the hybrid experience of switching between handheld and docked play. Now, in 2025, the question is: does the new Switch 2 deliver enough to justify its higher price and upgraded features?
Key Highlights
Display: 7.9-inch LCD, 1080p, 120Hz refresh rate with HDR10 support
Performance: Powered by Nvidia’s T239 chip, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage
Price: $450 base, or $500 with Mario Kart World bundle
Battery: 2–6.5 hours depending on usage
Weight: 1.18 lbs with Joy-Con 2 attached
✅ Pros
Crisp, high-refresh display for smooth gameplay
Frame generation boosts overall performance
Strong TV mode experience on the dock
Upgraded Joy-Con 2 controllers feel more reliable
Good speakers and immersive sound
Solid battery life for a handheld
❌ Cons
Price feels steep, especially compared to competitors
Still no OLED screen option
Handheld mode can be uncomfortable over long sessions
Demanding titles may struggle in portable play
Performance and Gameplay
In TV mode, the Switch 2 shines — delivering crisp visuals and stable frame rates that rival budget gaming PCs. Frame generation adds an extra layer of smoothness to action-heavy titles. However, in handheld mode, performance dips can appear in graphically intense games, and the comfort level isn’t ideal for marathon sessions.
Display & Audio
The 120Hz LCD panel finally brings fluidity to Nintendo’s handheld lineup. While it’s not OLED, HDR10 helps enhance colors and brightness. Paired with its surprisingly strong built-in speakers, the Switch 2 offers a more cinematic handheld experience.
Joy-Con 2 & Accessories
Nintendo has reworked its iconic Joy-Con controllers. They’re sturdier, less prone to drift, and more responsive in gameplay. The updated dock also adds better stability and faster connectivity, while accessories like straps and grips improve usability.
Battery Life
Expect around 2–6.5 hours depending on the game. Lighter titles like indie platformers go longer, while graphically demanding AAA releases drain the battery quicker. Still, it’s an improvement over the original model.
Value for Money
At $450 ($500 with Mario Kart World), the Switch 2 sits in an awkward space. It’s more expensive than the original, but still cheaper than most handheld gaming PCs. The real value comes if you want Nintendo exclusives and a hybrid console experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Verdict
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a true evolution of the original — faster, sharper, and more powerful. It’s not perfect: no OLED display, high price, and some handheld discomfort. But for Nintendo fans and gamers who want a versatile hybrid console, it’s one of the best handheld gaming devices available in 2025.
Rating: 4 out of 5 – A must-have for Nintendo loyalists, especially if you catch it on sale.
Refined Hybrid Design
The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t dramatically change the formula, but it does feel more polished. The bezels are thinner, the build is sturdier, and the detachable controllers fit more snugly into place. Nintendo has trimmed down the weight, making it easier to hold for long sessions without fatigue.
The dock has also been redesigned with faster USB-C ports and a stronger connection for 4K output. This makes switching from handheld to TV mode seamless and stable, which is exactly what Nintendo fans have been waiting for.
Brighter, Faster Display
One of the biggest upgrades is the 8-inch 1080p LCD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. While Nintendo didn’t go with OLED this time, the increased refresh rate and brighter panel bring a new level of smoothness to handheld gaming. Motion is clearer, and colors are richer than on the original model.
Games like Mario Kart X and Metroid Prime 4 look fantastic in handheld mode, with sharp detail and fluid animation. HDR support also helps boost contrast, giving games a more cinematic feel.
More Power Under the Hood
Inside, the Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia chip, paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. This is a big jump from the first Switch and allows for much faster load times and smoother gameplay across the board.
In TV mode, the system can upscale to 4K at 60fps, while in handheld mode it typically runs games at 1080p with up to 120fps depending on the title. It’s not a direct rival to full-blown gaming PCs or consoles like the PlayStation 5, but it comfortably handles modern AAA titles without breaking a sweat.
Joy-Con 2 and Accessories
Nintendo has completely re-engineered the Joy-Con 2 controllers. They’re slightly larger, with better grips and improved analog sticks designed to eliminate drift issues. The buttons feel more tactile, and the overall build quality is a big improvement over the originals.
Alongside the Joy-Con, Nintendo introduced new accessories: a Pro Grip, improved charging dock, and VR-compatible straps for future mixed-reality experiences. These extras make the Switch 2 more versatile than ever.
Audio and Battery Life
The sound system has also been upgraded with Dolby Atmos support through both the built-in speakers and compatible headphones. Music and sound effects are fuller, adding immersion to handheld gaming.
Battery life ranges between 4 and 8 hours depending on the game and refresh rate settings. For indie titles, you’ll see closer to the upper limit, while graphically heavy games will drain it faster. Still, it’s a noticeable improvement over the original Switch.
Price and Value
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches at $499 for the base version and $549 for a bundle that includes a major first-party game. This price may feel steep, but considering the upgraded hardware and features, it’s competitive compared to handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally.
The real question is whether you play enough Nintendo exclusives to justify the investment. If you’re excited for upcoming releases like Pokémon Eclipse, Mario Galaxy 3, or The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Time, the Switch 2 is the best way to experience them.
Final Verdict
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a confident step forward for Nintendo. With a sharper display, faster performance, redesigned controllers, and better battery life, it’s easily the most refined hybrid console to date. It may not satisfy gamers looking for ultra-high-end specs, but for fans of Nintendo’s ecosystem, it’s a must-have upgrade.
Rating: 4.5/5 – A premium hybrid console that blends portability and performance better than ever.