First Impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 – Worth the Hype?

The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Here — And It's Seriously Cool

Let’s get this out of the way: the Nintendo Switch 2 is really cool.

Not “eh, the specs are decent” cool. Not “sure, it’s a necessary update” cool. I mean magnet-clicking-Joy-Cons cool. Built-in-screen-protector-you-didn’t-know-was-there cool. Oh-wow-this-sound-effect-is-satisfying cool.

As someone who’s sunk an embarrassing number of hours into the original Switch (and the OLED upgrade), I wasn’t sure what I wanted from a Switch sequel. But after spending hands-on time with the Switch 2? Let me tell you, Nintendo gets it.

Bigger in All the Right Ways

The first thing you’ll notice is that the Switch 2 is just… bigger. The screen is bigger. The Joy-Cons are chunkier. Even the buttons feel like they’ve gone through a proper Pokémon evolution.

For folks with large hands or aging gamer wrists (hi, fellow millennials), the ergonomics are a game-changer. It’s basically the size of a Steam Deck now, which feels like Nintendo quietly going, “Okay, okay, we see you, Valve.”

But unlike the chonky Steam Deck, the Switch 2 still feels like a Switch — just upgraded in all the right dimensions.

Joy-Con Magnets = Peak Satisfaction

The snap of removing and reattaching the Joy-Cons is one of the most delightful little interactions on the Switch 2. There’s this magnetic “click” that’s absurdly pleasing — like the rollerball of a high-end pen or the thud of a car door on a luxury SUV.

There’s even a tiny animation when you attach a Joy-Con, and the sound is different depending on which side you're clicking in. Nintendo didn’t need to go this hard, but I’m so glad they did.

And the Joy-Cons themselves? Finally. The buttons are much larger and actually comfortable. There’s a good chance these are the best Joy-Cons Nintendo’s ever made — no wrist strap accessories required to make them feel usable.

Display and Design: The Good, the Goofy

Let’s talk screen. The Switch 2 display is brighter, refreshes faster, and looks noticeably better than its predecessor. It’s not OLED (yet — we’ll get to that), but it’s definitely a leap over the base model. For your average player, this screen is more than enough. But yes, those bezels? Still kinda thicc.

Also: the kickstand evolution continues. The OG Switch kickstand was basically a joke. OLED improved it with a full-metal Surface-style design. The Switch 2 version? A hybrid — still metal, full-width, and totally functional. It’s not quite as premium-feeling as OLED’s, but it gets the job done way better than that OG nub.

Sound Check: Louder, Clearer, Cooler

One of the most underrated upgrades is the audio. The speakers on the Switch 2 are big and they’re loud. Playing on handheld actually sounds good now. Like, watching-Netflix-on-the-plane-and-not-dying-inside good.

Plus, Nintendo leaned into sound design in a fun way. Every menu click, Joy-Con attach, and app switch has a sound effect — and it’s the kind of thoughtful audio feedback that makes the whole experience feel alive.

Built-in Screen Protector? Yup.

There’s a built-in screen protector laminated on the display. It’s subtle — you might not even notice it — but Nintendo says it helps prevent glass shatter if you drop the console.

Feels a bit like something from the Cybertruck playbook, but hey, I’ll take less shrapnel in the event of a fall. You can add another protector on top, but most users probably won’t need to.

Battery Life & Performance: The Unanswered Questions

Battery life is still a bit of a mystery. The unit is heavier and the screen is bigger, but the battery hasn’t gotten that much better. Until we get more long-term use (or take it on a transatlantic flight), it’s hard to say how well it holds up under full gaming load.

Performance-wise, though? A noticeable boost. Games like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet run waaaay smoother, almost shockingly so. Stable 60fps? On a Pokémon game? What year is it?!

We also hear rumors swirling about a Switch 2 OLED version coming later. Given how sweet the current OLED looks, that combo might be the ultimate endgame — if your wallet can survive the price bump.

The Price of Cool

Speaking of which — $449 USD. That’s a lot of rupees, Link. Considering accessories (hello, SD Express cards), potential future OLED versions, and the fact most people already own a Switch? Yeah, it’s steep.

But the quality feels there. The magnets, the audio, the ergonomics — this isn’t a lazy iteration. It feels like Nintendo actually listened.

Land of Geek Rating: 9/10

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the kind of upgrade that doesn’t scream “next-gen,” but whispers “you’re gonna love this” every time you pick it up. It's not perfect, but it nails the small details — and those add up in a big way.

✅ Pros:

• Larger, more ergonomic Joy-Cons — Finally, comfort without attachments
• Crisp, brighter display — Higher refresh rate and vivid visuals
• Excellent sound design — Big, loud speakers and satisfying UI audio
• Magnetic Joy-Con connection — Snappy and surprisingly delightful
• Improved performance — Smoother gameplay, especially on demanding titles

❌ Cons:

• Still big bezels — More screen, but not bezel-less yet
• No OLED (yet) — Waiting on that premium display option
• Pricey — $449 before accessories might sting
• Battery life still uncertain — Bigger body doesn’t mean longer play
• Kickstand is just okay — Better than original, not quite OLED-level

So, is the Nintendo Switch 2 really cool?

Absolutely. It’s not a revolution — it’s a refinement. But it’s the kind of thoughtful upgrade that makes picking it up a joy. Every physical interaction feels more polished. Every feature feels like it was considered.

Yeah, it’s expensive. And yeah, the bezels are still living large. But when a device makes you want to snap Joy-Cons on and off just for the vibes? You know Nintendo nailed something.

Ready to catch more techy takes and console quests? Stick with Land of Geek Magazine — we’ve got your Switch-side covered!

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