We were able to get our hands on the Switch 2, Nintendo's new console. After a whole afternoon playing with it and handling it in every way, here are our first impressions. One detail in particular delighted us.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was presented at length by Nintendo during an online conference. The Kyoto-based company gave its price, 469 euros, its release date, June 5, as well as many technical details. On top of that, many games were shown, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza at the top.
Nintendo invited us to test this brand new console in preview. We were able to play it at length to give you our first impressions. The Switch 2 is exactly what we expected, and that's a great thing.
A bigger screen, but a bit disappointing
The Switch 2 has exactly the same format as the first of the name: a tablet on which two Joy-Con are attached in portable mode, and the ability to put the image on the TV thanks to a dock. No doubt about it, we're home.
Nintendo wants to evolve at the technical level, notably with a more powerful processor (designed by Nvidia) capable of displaying our games in 4K 60 FPS (or 1440p 120 FPS) on the TV and in 1080p 120 FPS on the tablet. A welcome improvement, as the 720p 60 Hz screen of the first Switch was starting to show its limits. Storage has also been increased, to 256 GB. This is better, especially in a world where digital is king.
The console's new screen is the result of its technical improvements. We now have a 7.9-inch, 1080p, 120 Hz, and HDR panel. The only drawback? It's an IPS LCD panel. While the calibration and contrast are good in games, the comparison with the OLED Switch hurts and gives the impression of a step backward. A real shame, especially for almost 500 euros. Another drawback? The screen's edges are still just as wide. We also had some doubts about the almost 8-inch size, but the thinness of the console (13 mm, like the Switch 1) compensates and the machine remains, in our opinion, transportable on a daily basis.
Last technical point: we find the cartridge reader of the Switch 1. Logical, since the two machines use the same format. In fact, it will be possible to relaunch your old games on Switch 2. Nintendo has specified that certain titles, like the two Zelda, will be re-released in Switch 2 Edition with graphical improvements.
A design similar to the Switch 1, but greatly adjusted
Design-wise, Nintendo hasn't shaken up its formula, but that hasn't stopped it from improving it. In portable mode, there's one detail the brand hasn't focused on, but which really delighted us: the new shape of the Joy-Con. More rounded at the palms, they provide greater comfort. It's an adjustment of a few mm, at most, but it could change everything. We all had tingling hands after a few hours of playing on the Switch 1, and with this design choice, this flaw could disappear. A great thing!
We also appreciate the larger triggers of the Joy-Con, therefore better suited to large fingers, and slightly more resistant sticks.The chassis also benefits from a nice improvement, a mix of metal and slightly grainy plastic that is very pleasant. On the other hand, you'll have to settle for gray in terms of color.
Obviously, the stand is back to place the screen in semi-nomadic mode. Goodbye to the small plastic tab of the Switch 1 that would fly off at the slightest shock. The Switch 2 has a metal stand that runs the entire length of the machine. Solid and durable, it is inspired by the one on the Switch OLED. It will be perfect for those who like to play on the train or plane, with the console placed on the tray in front of their seat.
Reinvented Joy-Cons
The real design revolution of the Switch 2 is actually the Joy-Cons. They are no longer clipped to the machine, but magnetized. In fact, there is no longer any need to slide them, since you simply "stick" them to the tablet. This makes handling them much more intuitive and enjoyable.
We were worried that this magnet system would be a bit loose, with the Joy-Cons escaping during a Mario Kart game. Not so! Once in place, a latch locks them in place. No matter how hard you pull, they stay in place. To remove them, you actually have to press a push button located near the triggers. No chance of accidentally activating it, as it is so durable. An ingenious, simple, and effective system, as only Nintendo knows how.
The Joy-Cons have other interesting new features. The most iconic is the C button, which lets you launch Gamechat. Gamechat is a bit like a Teams meeting, but dedicated to video games. You can meet up with friends, film yourself with a camera (sold separately), and stream your game. Unfortunately, we find the button a bit poorly placed. Just below the Home button, it might annoy many people who accidentally press it. In any case, we got fooled several times during our session.
Other new features include larger triggers on the Joy-Con, more practical for "small controller" use, but also the appearance of an optical sensor. This allows you to transform your Joy-Con into a mouse. Ideal for strategy games like Civilization VII or FPS games like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. The party game Jamboree also makes use of this feature. Drag x Drive, a wheelchair basketball game reminiscent of Rocket League, even encourages you to use both Joy-Con as mice, since you have to slide them simultaneously to move. Fun!
For TV gaming, we still have a Joy-Con Grip that remains unchanged from the previous one. The Pro Controller is back, with a revised design. We note the appearance of programmable buttons on the back and the C button for Gamechat. As expected, it is not included with the console. You will have to spend 90 euros to get it. It's expensive!
An exciting console, but reservations about the price
We had a great time with the Switch 2. Nintendo has once again succeeded in creating a design that emphasizes fun and comfort. We also like the little ideas that support the proposition, like the Joy-Con mouse or the well-thought-out magnet system. Yes, the console is attractive. Yes, we had fun and yes, Nintendo knows how to do it.
However, we are doubtful and for one specific reason: the price. 469 euros for an improved Switch 1 with the specifications of a mid-range smartphone is not cheap! We can also point the finger at the price of the games, 90 euros for the physical version. Indecent.
Nintendo is not in the habit of selling its consoles at an exorbitant price. We remember the 250 euros of the Wii in 2006 or more recently, the 329 euros of the Switch 1 (2017). Of course, inflation has affected it, but almost 500 euros is a long way from an accessible and family-friendly console. The more powerful Xbox Series S, for example, is less expensive.
Also read – The Switch 2 is sold at a stratospheric price, is it still a family console?
The Switch was the easy gift, the inexpensive console that parents bought their children for Christmas. With such a price, especially in a complicated economic context, the machine loses a large part of its power of seduction. What's the point of getting a Switch 2 when the PS5, more powerful and with a more extensive game library, is sold at roughly the same price? An incomprehensible decision on the part of Nintendo, even if, it must be said, the machine is tempting.
The Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025, at a price of 469 euros. We will obviously test it when it comes out.
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