The Nintendo Switch 2 launched on 5th June, with the headline launch title Mario Kart World and third party titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Yakuza 0. But what is the console like, and how does it hold up against its competitors?
The Switch 2: What do you get?
The Nintendo Switch 2 will set you back £395.99, and includes the console and the dock. It boasts a larger screen and better processor than the Switch, and 265 GB of storage, which absolutely dwarves the original. It doesn’t have the power of the Xbox Series X or Playstation 5; instead you can expect the kind of performance of a Playstation 4. However, comparing it to the Xbox Series X or the Playstation 5 isn’t exactly fair, because both of these consoles are static.
The Switch’s huge benefit was the fact that it is a hybrid console. If you’re in the middle of saving Princess Peach but you need to get to work, catch a train or sit in a dentist’s waiting room, Mario and his pals can all come along too. The Switch 2 is another hybrid console; you can play it on the go, or dock it to play on a TV screen.
This isn’t as big a deal as it was when the original Switch came out in 2017, because there are numerous handheld computers out there. One of the most popular of these is the Steam Deck, which came out in 2022 and now costs £349.00 if you buy the console without the dock. The battery life on the Switch 2 is somewhere between 2 hours and 6.5 hours, which according to PCGamer out performs the battery life of a Steam Deck. You can also play in up to 4K resolution, which some of the older computer handhelds won’t be able to manage.
Get online with your friends (for £17.99 extra)
One of Nintendo’s big selling points for the Switch 2 is GameChat. This is an online multiplayer chat for you and 11 other Switch 2 owners, where you can chat whilst you play. If you get Nintendo’s camera attachment (this will set you back another £49.99, or you can buy any USB-C camera) then you can video chat with up to four people who can also share their gameplay. However, to access these features you’ll need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership (12 months for £17.99).
So, which should you pick?
Ultimately, this choice comes down to the kind of gamer that you are. For those who aren’t fussed about the hybrid gaming feature, or already have an Xbox X, Playstation 5 or handheld computer, the Switch 2 probably isn’t for you. Whilst it’s got a lot more power behind it than its predecessor, it’s not going to be the console that the latest AAA games launch on.
For indie gamers and Nintendo fans, the Switch 2 will feel like a fantastic upgrade, because almost everything has been improved. Games like Zelda and Mario will only ever be coming to a Nintendo console, so if you're desperate to play the newest Nintendo titles, the Switch 2 is a must. For those still playing the original Switch, it's certainly worth the price tag.
