NINTENDO SWITCH 2 PREVIEW - IT'S REAL, IT'S FAST & IT'S FINALLY BUILT FOR THE MODERN GAMER

The Nintendo Switch 2 may look familiar, but under the hood, it's a powerful evolution that surprised us in all the right ways.

- Brendan Frye

This Console Could Be a Game Changer

At an event in New York City, CGMagazine and a range of other journalists from around the world got a chance to have some of the first hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch 2. Set to hit stores on June 5, 2025, it is a serious leap in technology compared to its predecessor. Now, having played a range of games on the new system, I can say the Nintendo Switch 2 is more than a new iteration or minor update; it's a comprehensive overhaul designed to enhance every aspect of the gaming experience, and it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting consoles to come out in the last five years.

The first thing I noticed when I finally got my hands on the console was the new, larger 7.9-inch variable refresh rate LCD screen, offering a 1080p resolution and support for HDR and up to 120 frames per second, significantly improving upon the original Switch's 6.2-inch display. I will say the screen looks stunning, and even though I would have liked to see an OLED display used, the choice Nintendo went with seems to work well and manages to bring the games to life in a way the original system could not manage. Beyond that, the overall Nintendo Switch 2 feels like an enhanced concept with ideas that make it feel more refined in every way.

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are designed with magnetic connectors, allowing them to snap onto the console. They can also function as a mouse in compatible games, enhancing gameplay versatility. It's staggering to think this is all coming to a system that aims to maintain backward compatibility with many existing console titles.