Nintendo Switch 2: An ambitious console sparking excitement (and a few doubts) 🎮

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After months of rumors, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled, with a release date set for June 5, 2025. As the successor to a console that redefined portable gaming, this new iteration promises major improvements: a larger screen, better performance, and innovative features. While excitement is in the air, some observers are already pointing to a few concerns. So, is the Switch 2 ready to win over gamers’ hearts—or is it at risk of falling short?

A modernized design and reinvented Joy-Cons 🧲

Nintendo took feedback seriously when it came to the original Joy-Cons. The new controllers, dubbed Joy-Con 2, attach to the console using a robust magnetic system. This innovation not only enhances durability but also introduces a « mouse mode, » ideal for strategy games or first-person shooters. The analog sticks have been enlarged for added precision, and the SL/SR buttons are now more ergonomic.

Photo : © Nintendo

The console itself features a 7.9-inch Full HD (1080p) LCD screen with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. This technological leap delivers a visual experience far superior to the OLED Switch. However, some purists lament the lack of an OLED panel on this model, which they consider more vibrant.

Photo : © Nintendo

Impressive technical performance🚀

The Switch 2 is powered by a custom processor developed in partnership with NVIDIA, offering graphics performance on par with some current-gen home consoles. In docked mode, it can output 4K resolution at 60 fps with HDR10 support, while handheld mode remains smooth and powerful in Full HD.

Storage-wise, the console boasts 256 GB of internal memory (expandable via microSD Express), a clear improvement over the original’s modest 32 GB. Wi-Fi 6 compatibility ensures faster downloads and more stable online gameplay.

Photo : © Nintendo

But not everything is perfect: some analysts fear that the performance boost could come at the cost of reduced battery life in handheld mode. Despite a battery touted as « optimized, » many worry that the Full HD screen and power-hungry processor may limit portable playtime to just 4–5 hours.

Enhanced audiovisual immersion 🔊

Nintendo is also banking on sensory immersion. The console features 3D spatial audio, delivering a richer and more immersive sound experience through its stereo speakers or a compatible headset. Visually, games benefit from a broader color gamut and improved clarity thanks to HDR10 in docked mode.

Still, some gamers criticize the absence of technologies like Dolby Atmos or VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which are already standard on some competing consoles.

Exclusive games and backward compatibility: the best of both worlds? 🕹️

The Switch 2 will launch with several major exclusive titles, including Mario Kart World, which introduces semi-open-world tracks and spectacular aerial transformations. Other anticipated games include The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Eternity and Metroid Prime Rebirth.

Good news: the console is fully backward compatible with all physical and digital games from the original Switch. Some titles will even receive automatic graphical upgrades thanks to the new hardware. But this backward compatibility comes at a price: according to several third-party developers, it could limit the console’s ability to fully leverage its new technical capabilities.

Concerns over pricing and market positioning 💰

One of the most debated points remains the price: at $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 is among the most expensive handheld consoles on the market. While the price tag reflects its technological innovations, it could deter buyers used to Nintendo’s traditionally competitive pricing.

Moreover, some experts are questioning Nintendo’s overall strategy amid rising competition from handheld PCs like the Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally. These devices often offer a far larger PC game library and greater raw power.

Finally, despite its many strengths, some fear that Nintendo hasn’t innovated enough to justify a full generational leap. The lack of a robust cloud service or a major OS overhaul are recurring criticisms from skeptics.

The Nintendo Switch 2 undeniably marks a technological step forward for Nintendo, promising an immersive and versatile gaming experience. But with its high price, debatable technical choices, and fierce handheld competition, it still has to prove it can replicate its predecessor’s phenomenal success.

What about you? 🤔
Does the Switch 2 have you dreaming, or do you think Nintendo could have gone further? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🎤 👇