Nintendo Switch 2: A worthwhile upgrade, just not a big leap

A smart upgrade with better graphics and faster load times, but its weaker battery, LCD screen, and high price suit hardcore fans more than casual players.

- BY LAURA PIPPIG

The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5 and aims to win over both longtime fans and newcomers.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, Nintendo has opted to modernize the familiar concept of the original Switch.

With significantly better hardware and detailed improvements, the Switch 2 feels like a thoughtful upgrade. But much like the PlayStation 5 Pro, the big question remains: Is it worth it, and who is it really for? We break it down in our review.

A BIG BOOST IN PERFORMANCE

This time around, Nintendo installed more powerful hardware in the Nintendo Switch 2. Together with Nvidia, Nintendo installed a specially customized processor and GPU, which together deliver around ten times more power than the original Nintendo Switch.

Both old and new titles benefit from this and now run more smoothly and with shorter loading times, even if not always at 60 fps. While titles such as Mario Kart World definitely reach the golden frame rate mark, other titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 are even more demanding, which means they tend to run at 30 to 40 FPS.

However, the fact that Cyberpunk runs so well on the Switch 2 is a success in itself. And even with games like Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the higher FPS figures work wonders to significantly enhance the gaming experience.

The use of DLSS plays a large part in making such performance possible on the Switch 2. Nvidia's upscaling technology (fave.co/46ygBnu) can generate more frame rates with the help of Al. While image artifacts do occur from time to time as a result of the Al calculation, these usually occur in the background and aren't noticeable.