Hands-On Preview: Nintendo Switch 2 – Enhanced Size, Speed, and Mouse Support

I recently had the chance to experience the Nintendo Switch 2 during an event in New York, where I was among the first to try out this new system. While the console itself feels like a natural progression from its predecessor, the real excitement comes from the games set to accompany its release.

The Switch 2, priced at $450, inherits the design philosophy of the original but takes it further. The system sports a sleek black matte finish on both the console and its companion Joy-Con 2 controllers. Although it feels a bit heavier than we’d expect from a typical Switch, the trade-off comes in the form of a larger, more captivating 7.9-inch display. This new screen offers a richer gaming experience, even surpassing some of the leading handheld PCs in terms of feel and functionality.

Diving into the hardware, the Joy-Cons maintain their detachable feature with a satisfying click, ensuring they won’t come loose unintentionally. They’re designed slightly longer this time, fitting more naturally in the hand. The sticks appear to stick with the original potentiometer-style design, promising smoother motions but with no groundbreaking changes in technology.

An improved kickstand now supports multiple viewing angles, marking a significant upgrade from the flimsy original version. And the display, though not OLED, boasts impressive specs: a 1080p resolution with a stunning variable refresh rate of 120Hz, plus HDR10 support. It left a strong impression during gameplay, even when most demos were housed on larger TV screens.

The dock hasn’t undergone a massive transformation, retaining much of its predecessor’s functionality, but does include a cooling fan, which is a welcome addition for those longer gaming sessions.

Inside, the Switch 2 runs on a custom Nvidia chip, promising enhanced graphics through DLSS and ray tracing. For storage, you get 256GB on-board, expandable up to 2TB with microSD cards. Connectivity features like Wi-Fi 6 and built-in Ethernet in the dock make online play and downloads a breeze.

One fresh addition to the Joy-Con 2 controllers is their ability to function as a mouse. Between accelerometers and gyroscopes, they offer a tactile PC-like experience. This was put to the test in games like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, where using the Joy-Con akin to a mouse allowed for pinpoint precision, despite some minor ergonomic discomfort over extended periods.

Resolution flexibility is another area where the Switch 2 shines. It supports up to 4K at 60fps when docked, scaling down to a still-impressive 1080p at 120fps for undocked play. This shift mirrors the capabilities seen in recently released consoles.

Nintendo is supplementing its offering with a $79.99 Pro controller and a $49.99 camera, the latter of which can be used both for video chat and to augment some games visually, though its implementation is not yet flawless.

Game-wise, Nintendo showcased a variety of titles that promise to capture players’ imaginations. Highlights included Mario Kart World, a racing triumph with a unique Knockout mode that challenges players through a series of elimination checkpoints. Moreover, longtime fans will revel in return titles like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and a selection from the GameCube era, available via the Nintendo Classics series.

With titles like Cyberpunk 2077 appearing on the Switch 2, the console is certainly appealing to a diverse audience. However, it remains to be seen just how well the system will handle such graphics-intensive games.

Overall, the Switch 2’s hardware improvements, coupled with a compelling lineup of games, position it as a highly anticipated system. Its release on June 5, 2025, can’t come soon enough for gaming enthusiasts looking forward to the future of portable gaming.