NINTENDO SWITCH 2

CGMagazine

Issue #62 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

A Long Overdue Switch-Up

Well, it's finally time. The Nintendo Switch 2 has landed after months of rumours, leaks, and speculations, and I'm here to put Nintendo's iteration of their hybrid console through its paces for a definitive answer on whether it is a worthy successor to Nintendo's bestselling (single-screen) platform. To better organise and make this review easy to digest, I will break down the Switch 2 review into separate sections, highlighting key areas of importance for those looking to quickly glean information regarding Nintendo's latest and greatest.

Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2's beating heart features the next iteration of the Nvidia Tegra processor, featuring an 8-core ARM CPU and an Ampere GPU with 1536 CUDA cores, which in layman's terms translates to a significant upgrade in graphical and processing prowess when compared to the Tegra X1 found in the original Switch. Taking advantage of the more powerful hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2 features a comparatively massive 7.9" IPS LCD screen with HDR10 certification and, most importantly of all, VRR (variable refresh rate) upwards of 120 Hz in portable or tabletop mode.

To complement the larger screen, the Nintendo Switch 2 features larger Joy-Con controllers, measuring 4.57 inches tall, 0.56 inches wide, and 1.2 inches thick. When used as a single controller, they feel much more robust in the hand. When attached to the Switch 2, they provide a premium, ergonomic feel—even without grips or third-party accessories.

As for the overall look and feel of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans can expect a design language more in line with the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Like the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, it features a smooth matte finish that gives the console a more refined, yet familiar, appearance. This design consistency also extends to other first-party accessories, such as the camera.