2 much heaven

The most potent Nintendo console to date is also the most expensive, but there's a lot more going on inside the Switch 2 than just faster hardware

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That Nintendo was in no hurry to replace its hybrid handheld is hardly a shocker. The original Switch transformed the gaming landscape and went on to be one of the bestselling consoles of all time. But for those of us running out of patience with games that evidently needed a bit more juice, an update couldn't come soon enough.

On first inspection, an update seems to be just what Nintendo has delivered. The Switch 2 is still a touchscreen tablet that'll play console-quality games on a TV while docked; you can then take it on the go as a handheld or detach the Joy-Cons to play in tabletop mode.

Underneath there's now finally enough oomph to play the latest third-party releases. Nintendo has also embraced tech that rivals have long taken for granted, such as HDR and VRR. That goes some way to explaining the high price... but there's still lots of old-school Ninty charm to be found too.

Nights on broad play

Everything has grown to match the 7.9in screen (1), which is bigger than those of both the original Switch and its OLED refresh. Naturally it's a heavier console too, but still lightweight compared to chunky PC-based rivals. The plastics feel that much nicer than before too.

Height fever