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Wondering how the Switch 2 stacks up against the original Switch? Millions of gamers are asking the same question.
Nintendo has just released its latest hybrid home console/handheld, and you may be curious about what sets it apart from its predecessor.
After spending hours playing with the Switch 2 and upcoming games like Mario Kart World and Metroid Prime 4, I was impressed with the new console but had a few concerns. Let’s take a closer look.
Switch 2 offers a more premium experience
Starting with the hardware, the Switch 2 feels like a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor. The larger 7.9-inch 1080p display with HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate is a notable improvement over the original 6.2-inch 720p screen. The Joy-Cons also feel more robust, making them more comfortable to use. Nintendo has managed to maintain a balance between premium feel and comfort with the Switch 2, making it a pleasure to hold and play with.
Switch 2 boasts enhanced performance
The Switch 2 is noticeably more powerful than its predecessor, delivering smooth gameplay experiences with games like Mario Kart World and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While it may not be as powerful as a handheld PS5, the Switch 2 can handle games at 4K resolution or 120 frames per second, offering an impressive visual experience.
Switch 2 introduces mouse support with Joy-Cons
A new feature of the Switch 2 is the ability to use Joy-Cons as computer mice. While it may not be a feature used by everyone, it works seamlessly and offers a unique gameplay experience, especially in games like Metroid Prime 4. The responsive controls and smooth transition between mouse and traditional controls make this feature a welcome addition to the Switch 2.
Switch 2 Features: GameChat and More
First announced back at the Direct in April, one of the Switch 2’s defining features is GameChat. This is basically Discord, but with some Nintendo seasoning. Up to 12 people can be in a room yapping it up at a time, and up to four people can stream a very choppy-looking live feed of their gameplay to everyone else. I’ve tried a bit of this already, and I can confirm it at least works. GameChat is designed to be used with an open mic attached to the Switch 2 itself, and it does a pretty good job of eliminating unwanted background noise, in my brief experience. However, you can also just use a headset, if you like.
Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Battery Life Comparison
Here is the start of the bad news when comparing the Switch 2 and Switch 1. More horsepower and a better display also mean more drain on battery, which was confirmed by Nintendo, via Kotaku. (Womp, womp.) It has an approximate battery life of 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on what you’re playing on it. Compare that to the Switch OLED, which can range from 4.5 to 9 hours, and it’s not looking so hot for the new console. Again, this is something that was impossible to test prior to launch, so we’ll need to find out for sure now that the console is actually out. But don’t expect amazing battery life from Switch 2.
Switch 2 Price Tag: Heavier on the Wallet
This is the worst news about Switch 2: It costs $450 to start. There’s also a $500 model bundled with Mario Kart World, which actually looks like the more enticing deal because Nintendo has gone wild with game prices this time around. Mario Kart World is a shocking $80 on its own and Donkey Kong: Bananza is $70. There’s also a little minigame collection meant to be a tech demo for the console that is, for reasons I cannot fathom, a paid download. Combine all of that with the fact that upgraded “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” versions of old games will come with a price tag for the upgrade, and it feels like Nintendo is nickel-and-diming us a little bit.
