Latest news with #console
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
I've tested the Nintendo Switch 2 for over two weeks, and while there are some teething issues, it's a phenomenal upgrade overall
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Nintendo Switch 2: two-minute review After what felt like an eternity of waiting after all the leaks and eventual official announcement back in January 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here. To say the console's had a rough start is an understatement, though, with retail stock difficult to come by at this early stage. This, plus the console's relatively lofty price tag (as well as those of its games), means there are some folks seeking handheld gaming console alternatives. At the time of writing, I've had my Nintendo Switch 2 a couple of weeks, and I've been spending each and every day playing its games and testing the hardware to rate its performance and assess any improvements over the original 2017 console. Despite the lack of ambition and innovation (at least compared to prior consoles like the Wii and Nintendo DS), I think Nintendo has produced an exceptional system here that finally realizes the full potential of the Switch concept. The obvious upgrades, such as support for 4K and 1440p resolutions in docked mode and 120Hz capabilities (both in portable mode and docked on compatible displays) are extremely welcome, and move the Switch 2 a step closer to parity with its more powerful peers in the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. Of course, the Switch 2 doesn't quite have the raw graphical prowess of those Sony and Microsoft-built machines, but it's not a million miles away, as we see with certain Nintendo Switch 2 ports like Street Fighter 6 or Cyberpunk 2077. Other display-oriented modernities are present here, too, such as HDR10 and VRR support (though, confusingly, variable refresh rate is currently only available in handheld play). The former provides juicier contrast and richer colors on compatible displays, while the latter smooths out framerates for more stable performance. Unfortunately, it's fair to say that the Switch 2's launch game line-up is on the slighter side. Mario Kart World is great and an ideal title to have from day one, but a good chunk of launch day games have been ports of original Switch games or ones carried over from other platforms. While it is great to see big hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom rock an extremely solid 4K/60fps on Switch 2, it hasn't been the most fulsome launch if you're coming at it from a strictly first-party point of view. Thankfully, the Switch 2 breathes life into original Switch titles via impressive backwards compatibility. I'll delve more into this in its own section, but I've seen monumental results playing some of my own Switch favorites on the new console – some of which Nintendo itself hasn't even officially mentioned. There are some downsides worth talking about, of course. For one, battery life is sorely lacking in handheld mode and feels like an abject downgrade compared to the original Switch models. I also clocked some very noticeable audio delay with multiple gaming headsets and earbuds via Bluetooth connection. Furthermore, the skeleton of the original Switch is still present in many ways, with an almost identical Home dashboard, a lack of customization, and the ongoing threat of drift prevailing in the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Still, the Switch 2 is an accomplished bit of kit, and one that provides a night and day upgrade over its eight-year-old predecessor. I'm definitely looking forward to its game library expanding, as well as the system itself receiving various quality-of-life upgrades via future firmware updates. Nintendo Switch 2: price and availability The Nintendo Switch 2 went on sale on June 5, 2025. The console by itself costs $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95. There is also an official bundle that packs in a digital copy of Mario Kart World alongside the console for $499.99 / £429.99 / AU$769.95. Some US and UK retailers have also stocked their own bundles, often throwing in an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers or Nintendo Switch Online subscription time, but you can expect to pay a premium for these. Price-wise, though, the Nintendo Switch 2 (while certainly more expensive than its predecessor) falls about in line with similar contemporary handheld gaming devices, including the original Steam Deck ($399 / £349 / AU$649) and the Asus ROG Ally ($549.99 / £449 / AU$999). Premium devices like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally X are even more expensive, positioning the Switch 2 at a relatively mid-range price point among gaming handhelds, but certainly on the more affordable side within the space. In terms of home consoles, the Switch 2 does come in cheaper than the PS5 ($499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95) and lands in the same ballpark as the PS5 Digital Edition ($399.99 / £389.99 / AU$649.95). It's also comparable in price to the Xbox Series X Digital Edition ($449.99 / £429.99 / AU$699). It's also worth noting that Nintendo Switch 2 stock has been an ongoing issue since the pre-order phase. At launch, it's been incredibly difficult to purchase a Switch 2 at retail, and flashes of stock in all major regions come and go in an instant. However, this was also the case with the original Switch and competing systems like the PS5. In both cases, stock became much more plentiful in the months after launch, so I'm hoping the same is true for Nintendo's latest. Nintendo Switch 2: specs Price $429.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95 Weight 1.18lbs / 535g (with Joy-Con 2 attached) Dimensions 10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm Storage capacity 256GB internal Storage expansion microSD Express Connectivity WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth Display Vivid LCD Resolution (docked) Up to 4K Resolution (handheld) Up to 1080p GPU Custom Nvidia processor CPU Custom Nvidia processor Battery life 2-5 hours Ports 2 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack Nintendo Switch 2: design and build quality What's most striking about the Nintendo Switch 2 out of the box is its look and build quality improvements over its predecessor. The console looks distinctly less toy-like, largely helped by an overall sleeker design and the ditching of the original Joy-Con's neon red/blue aesthetic. Some may lament the loss of whimsy, and that's fair enough. But it nonetheless stands out amongst the busy gaming handheld crowd. The Switch 2, despite its increased size, remains impressively slim. In fact, it's just as thin as the original Switch, and importantly, lacks the bulk of the likes of the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally X. This means that even though it is bigger thanks to the larger display size, it remains an eminently portable console. Though I would recommend investing in a carry case if you're planning on taking your Switch 2 out and about. While it's undoubtedly sturdier than the Switch, it's still prone to the same environmental wear and tear of any handheld system. The Switch 2 dock has also seen a size increase, but for good reason. This time, the dock houses an internal fan to help keep the unit cool during lengthy play sessions. Thankfully, the dock is still small enough to fit into even the most compact gaming spaces. Whether that be on a TV stand or your computer desk, or elsewhere, you should have little issue incorporating your Switch 2 into a docked setup. The dock also houses two USB ports, one ethernet port, and a HDMI slot for use on TVs or gaming monitors. As for the handheld itself, there's a lot to go over in terms of design. The unit now houses two USB-C ports - one on the top and the other at the bottom. Next to each port are sets of speakers. At the top, you'll also find the power and volume buttons, as well as the game card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a built-in microphone. The Switch 2's kickstand is a huge improvement. The 2017 model had a simple stub kickstand on one side, which felt extremely rigid. The Switch OLED did widen this design idea, but it wasn't much better overall. On Switch 2, the kickstand has been entirely redesigned. It spans almost the entire length of the handheld and can be rotated to a much greater degree. This allows for greater freedom with how you place your Switch 2 on a surface for tabletop play. Another massive improvement comes in how the Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the handheld. Instead of the original Switch's rigid rail system, the Switch 2 opts for a magnetic connection. As such, the Joy-Con 2 click into place seamlessly and instantaneously. You can also easily pop them back out by pushing in a button housed just underneath the ZL/ZR trigger buttons. One last thing to note is that the Switch 2 is impressively lightweight. At just 1.18lbs (535g), it's only marginally heavier than the original Switch, which was 0.88lbs (399g), and the Switch OLED's 0.93lbs (422g). Admittedly, I was expecting something much heavier before my hands-on preview some months ago, but I remain pleasantly surprised by the Switch 2's slimness. And when compared to the bulkier Steam Deck OLED's 1.41lbs (640g), playing with Switch 2 in bed or on the go is less strenuous overall. Nintendo Switch 2: display Unlike the namesake screen of the Switch OLED, Nintendo has opted for an LCD display for the Switch 2. This may come across as a downgrade on paper, but in reality, the move back to LCD has its own advantages. For one, LCD is less prone to screen burn-in than OLED, allowing for a panel that should last longer. I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2's display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original's 720p LCD screen. Furthermore, Nintendo has still managed to ensure that your games still look crisp and vividly colorful during portable play. Nintendo describes its display as 'Vivid LCD,' and it's an accurate description to say the least. The display supports HDR10, meaning games that support this screen tech (like Super Mario Odyssey and the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond) can be just as eye-poppingly colorful on the handheld as they would be on a larger OLED panel. This 1080p screen also supports VRR (variable refresh rate), helping demanding games maintain a smooth framerate and helping 120Hz-compatible titles meet that target. At launch, there aren't many games that benefit from the Switch 2 screen's 120Hz capability, though Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed to have a 1080p performance mode that targets this high refresh rate. It's bound to look stunning on the handheld that already has a native 1080p resolution. Of course, there will be times when you won't want to make use of HDR10, perhaps in order to save battery or to have a play experience that's less demanding on the eyes. Nintendo has thankfully thought of this, and there are options in the settings menu to disable HDR entirely or to only enable it for true HDR-compatible games. In my testing, I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2's display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original's 720p LCD screen. The jump to 1080p helps both Switch 2 and OG Switch games look incredibly sharp. Even titles that utilize a dynamic resolution in handheld mode - like Bayonetta 3 and Astral Chain - are better able to meet this target thanks to the increased power of the Switch 2. Nintendo Switch 2: user interface and settings The Switch 2's Home dashboard is a disappointment at first glance. In fact, you might not be able to tell it apart from the original console's menu if it weren't for the rounded edges applied to game icons on the Switch 2. It's still aggressively bland, then, and you've still only got the choice between two basic white and black themes, but there have been some key improvements worth talking about. The big thing to make note of is performance. Issues with the glacial input delay are practically nonexistent now, and nowhere is this more apparent than the revamped Nintendo eShop. There's a completely new user interface here, and items are organized much more cleanly and smartly than before. And while, yes, you still won't be escaping the mountains of genAI shovelware when looking through the deals section, I'd still argue that the eShop now is a good deal more responsive than even the PlayStation and Microsoft Stores. Over to System Settings, then, and you'll find much of what was available on the original Switch. On Switch 2, there are plenty more options to take advantage of the hardware's new features. These include setting TV output to 1440p or 4K, fine-tuning HDR, as well as preventing your system from topping up its battery all the way to full in order to help the battery last longer in the years to come. A similar option is common with best iPhones and best Android smartphones, so it's nice to see it here on a portable gaming device. Nintendo Switch 2: audio One important addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 is the implementation of a bespoke surround sound system, supported by the speakers on both the top and bottom of the handheld. What impressed me the most here was the surprising level of audio quality when not using a pair of headphones in handheld mode. The speakers are significantly less tinny than the original Switch (though that did also see an improvement with the OLED model), and they provide surprisingly clear audio for such a compact device. The speakers work great for a wide range of games, whether that's the vast immersive soundscape of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or the infectiously catchy tunes of Splatoon 3. Even older NES and SNES games that are playable via Nintendo Switch Online benefit, with their simpler melodies coming through with great clarity. Bluetooth support is where the Switch 2 falters in the audio department. Don't get me wrong, you're still getting strong surround sound support here. But with the gaming headsets and earbuds I tested - including the RIG 900 Max HS and the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds - there was a very noticeable audio delay of around half a second. This was the case in both docked and handheld modes, though it was certainly more pronounced with the latter. On that note, I'd recommend hooking up a pair of wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack. In this case, I tested my Razer BlackShark V2 headphones, and audio came through crystal clear without a hint of delay. Nintendo Switch 2: Performance Now, overall gaming performance is where the Nintendo Switch 2 really impresses. At least at this early stage in the console's life, the notion of poor framerates and heavily compromised Nintendo Switch ports seems to be a thing of the past. Nintendo's own output has thus far been stellar on this front. Mario Kart World runs at a clean 1440p while docked (1080p on the handheld) at a solid 60 frames per second (fps) at all times. That's especially impressive given the series' shift to a vibrant open world. However, I was even more surprised by some of the console's ports. Street Fighter 6, for example (while slightly worse off in terms of image quality with some noticeable graining), runs superbly at 60fps both online and offline. The marquee single-player World Tour mode does take some hits with battles being locked to 30fps, but that's the only real blemish on this otherwise exceptional port. The one major downside to all this is the Switch 2's shockingly poor battery life. In handheld mode, Nintendo itself estimates that you can get anywhere between two to six and a half hours. However, in all my testing, I simply didn't find this to be the case. Of course, more demanding titles will drain the battery a good deal more, but even with original Switch games, I struggled to get more than three hours at full charge. And yes, that's even after bypassing the bug where the console thinks it's got around 10% less battery life than what it actually has. Even when playing less demanding titles, such as side-scrollers or Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) retro games, battery life struggles. You can, of course, mitigate things by turning down the console's brightness and disabling HDR for certain games, but this does come at the cost of overall image clarity. I'd say, at a push, you can get around five hours tops with less visually demanding games, after testing titles like Hollow Knight, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, and numerous Switch Online classic titles. Heck, even idling on the Home dashboard seems to drain the battery at an alarming clip, so do make sure to keep your console in standby when you're out and about and it's not in use. Nintendo Switch 2: Backwards compatibility Nintendo Switch 2's backwards compatibility is - in a word - excellent. Particularly when it comes to running and playing original Switch games. Firstly, most Switch games at a baseline level benefit from Switch 2's faster internal storage. That means you can expect games to boot and load scenes much faster on average. For example, booting Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition took me from the Home dashboard to the in-game menu in around 4 seconds. Then, from the menu to in-game was roughly 10 seconds. It's a similar story with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which loads into a match in literally less than 3 seconds. Another standout example is Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, which I've already written about as being one of my favorite Switch 2 experiences so far, despite being an original Switch title. In the main story mode, the game transitioned from level selection to loading to gameplay in, again, around 3 or 4 seconds. Many Switch games also benefit from an increase in image quality and overall performance, not just games that have received paid Nintendo Switch 2 Editions. The standout example here is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Most would agree that the original Switch release was a mess, with horrific image quality and choppy animations. On Switch 2, the game has been transformed, rocking a solid 60fps and targeting 4K while docked and 1080p on the handheld. Now, the game's overall art style still does feel a bit flat, but with its key performance issues solved on Switch 2, it's now well worth playing, as it's still a fine Pokémon adventure. Another game that benefits is, again, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. That game originally had an uncapped framerate, meaning the Switch 2 is able to brute force a 60fps performance at all times. Image quality in handheld mode is also sublime, with the game sporting a 1080p output and no longer needing to downsample to 720p to fit the original Switch display. If you know of any other OG Switch titles with uncapped framerates, definitely give them a try on Switch 2, as the results may surprise you. Nintendo Switch 2: Joy-Con 2 Now onto the Switch 2's pack-in controllers - the Joy-Con 2. And again, we find a pretty sizable improvement over the previous model in some ways. Their overall design is much sleeker, and they're slightly rounder than the original Joy-Con controllers. Their larger size also makes them much more comfortable to play with for longer sessions - even when sharing an individual Joy-Con 2 with a pal for co-op play. The big addition here is mouse controls, which are supported by certain titles, including Civilization 7 and Cyberpunk 2077. Mouse controls can also be used to navigate the Switch 2's Home dashboard and Nintendo eShop (though the lack of a scroll wheel does hurt things a little here). It's a very smart implementation, and performance is extremely smooth with no unnecessary acceleration. You can even adjust mouse sensitivity in the System Settings menu and in supported games. It is worth mentioning that there have already been reports of Joy-Con 2 controllers suffering from stick drift, and the sticks themselves appear to have the same design as the originals. This is a huge shame and a big disappointment, as one of my biggest concerns before launch was the lack of improvements in this regard. Nintendo does offer a free repair and replacement service for Joy-Con 2 controllers suffering from stick drift, but I'd obviously prefer a Hall effect solution in order to avoid this issue entirely. Nintendo Switch 2: GameChat Finally, Nintendo has a true party voice chat solution built into one of its consoles. While numerous titles on the original Switch supported voice chat via the official Nintendo Switch Online app, chatting with friends this way was nothing short of awful - often thanks to forced disconnections between matches and low-quality audio. So, is GameChat a decent alternative to the likes of Discord? Well, yes and no. GameChat obviously takes great inspiration from the world's leading group chat software. Audio quality via the Switch 2's built-in mic is surprisingly clear, and headset microphones are also supported. It is objectively a big improvement over Nintendo's prior efforts. The problems come with its implementation. Namely, shrinking the game screen down in order to display your friends' Switch 2 profile icons. This seems needless, especially when not using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory, not to mention the fact that GameChat adds massive black borders around your game screen. Discord already solved this with its simple and effective overlay that maintains image resolution while displaying profile icons off to the side in a semi-transparent manner. Editor's note Good news - the potential issue we identified with GameChat compressing your game's live feed has been accounted for. If you head to the settings within GameChat, you'll see you have two further display options; Extend Main Screen and Fullscreen. The former shrinks the GameChat UI, and the latter removes your friends' icons entirely, instead showing a small overlay in the lower right-hand corner with the name of whoever is currently speaking. GameChat isn't lacking ambition, though, and there are some neat ideas here. For example, being able to see your friends' game screens is a novel idea, and a neat way of translating split-screen play in an online space. The problem, again, is the execution of it. Your friends' displays are rendered at an uncomfortably low framerate, to the point where it can actually be quite distracting. I hope Nintendo continues to improve the GameChat service going forward and flesh it out with more customizable options, because it is a handy thing to have for party chat with friends online, and it does have some neat ideas of its own. But for now, I would still recommend setting up a chat with friends via Discord. Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2? Buy it if... You want a night and day upgrade over the original SwitchSimply put, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the Switch's vision fully realized. An astronomical performance improvement, paired with superb load times and a crisp 1080p display, arguably makes it the definitive gaming handheld. You already have a decent-sized Switch game collectionYour original Switch games play better than ever on Switch 2. While not all benefit from image quality and performance improvements, those that do have never been better. Plus, most games do benefit from the console's snappier load times. You want a handheld gaming device that's genuinely portableWhile larger than the original Switch, it remains just as thin. If you're put off by the bulk of the Steam Deck in particular, then the Switch 2 is an excellent portable alternative if you like to game while out and about. Don't buy it if... You're waiting on more first-party gamesNintendo's own launch roster for the Switch 2 is very slim. If Mario Kart World isn't your bag, and you're not too keen on playing some of these Switch 2 Edition games again, I'd say it's best to hold off until the game library improves. You want a gaming handheld that'll go the distance, battery-wiseThe Switch 2's battery life is incredibly poor. And while battery packs do exist to extend portable playtime, these do have the unfortunate side effect of bulking up the console. If you're a frequent flyer or regularly find yourself on long commutes, the Switch 2's battery life might let you down. Also consider... If the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't quite for you, or if you simply can't find stock for the currently hard-to-get console, here are a couple of alternatives that might better suit your preferences. Nintendo Switch 2 Steam Deck OLED Asus ROG Ally X Price $429.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95 $549 / £479 (around AU$849) $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599 Weight 1.18lbs / 535g 1.41lbs / 640g 1.49lbs / 678g Dimensions 10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9in / 298 x 117 x 49mm 11 x 4.5 x 1.5in / 280.2 x 114 x 37mm Storage capacity 256GB internal 512GB NVMe SSD 1TB M.2 2280 SSD Storage expansion microSD Express microSD microSD Connectivity WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 Display 7.9in Vivid LCD 7.4in OLED 7-inch FHD Resolution 4K docked, 1080p handheld 1080p 1080p CPU Custom Nvidia processor AMD Zen 2 four core 2.4-3.5GHz AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU Custom Nvidia processor AMD RDNA 2 AMD Radeon Graphics Battery life 2-5 hours 2-3 hours Around 8 hours Ports 2 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack 1 x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD 2x USB-C, 1 x combo jack, 1 x SD card reader slot Steam Deck OLEDValve's premium gaming handheld is impressively customizable, supporting your entire Steam library as well as third-party apps and emulators. The OLED screen is a real treat, too. Just be prepared for some Steam games not being perfectly compatible with the handheld, and expect some performance hits for the more demanding titles. Read our full Steam Deck OLED review Asus ROG Ally XA performance powerhouse and decent battery life position the Asus ROG Ally X as a seriously tempting gaming handheld. While still not quite up to spec with gaming laptops and Windows 11 not being the best fit as an operating system, it's nonetheless a superb way to play Steam, Xbox Game Pass, GOG titles, and more. Read our full Asus ROG Ally X review Nintendo Switch OLEDIt does belong to the original Switch family, meaning it's certainly not packing the power of the Switch 2. But still, the OLED is still a worthwhile and more affordable alternative, and packs a gorgeous 7-inch OLED display. Read our full Nintendo Switch OLED review How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 for just over two weeks for this review. In docked mode, I played on a 4K-capable LG CX OLED TV, but I also split my time evenly between docked and handheld play. My picks for controllers during my testing were the Joy-Con 2, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the wireless Nintendo GameCube Controller for use with the new GameCube classics library via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. My testing also involved playing a whole bunch of Switch 2 and original Switch games. These include Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, Yakuza 0: Director's Cut, Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Deltarune, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. I also compared the Switch 2's gaming performance to that of the base PS5 and the Switch OLED. While it does lack the sheer power of the former, it's not too far off the mark as we see with some of the Switch 2's excellent ports. And in the case of the latter, it's no contest, and I found it exceptionally hard to revisit my older Switch especially when the new system is almost fully backwards compatible. For audio, I mostly relied on the Switch 2 handheld's in-built speakers, but tested headset audio with the RIG 900 Max HS, Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, and the Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
My Nintendo Switch 2 Review, After Hours Of Gaming—And How To Find It In Stock
The Nintendo Switch is a longtime fan-favorite handheld gaming console. But it's now eight years old and showing its age. That's a big part of what made the June 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 launch so enticing. The latest portable console from Nintendo adds a slew of new upgrades that on paper would excite any gamer. As the consumer tech editor here at Forbes Vetted and an avid gamer, I put these upgrades to the test, gaming with the new Nintendo Switch 2 over the course of three weeks and racking up 40 hours of playing time. After gaming for 40 hours on the new Nintendo Switch 2, I came away impressed with this successor. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer During testing, I considered the Switch 2's new design and display as well as its performance. I also compared it to the original Nintendo Switch console, which I played on, along with other devices, over the last three years. I considered whether the new upgrades truly made gameplay better and whether the improvements were worth the significant price increase in the new model. Read on for my full Nintendo Switch 2 review. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra | Display: 7.9-inch (1,920 x 1,080) wide color gamut LCD touchscreen with HDR10 support| Battery: 5,220mAh | Dimensions: 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds (with controllers attached) | Storage: 256GB (with microSD slot) Best for: Existing Nintendo fans seeking an upgrade Families, kids and those who enjoy Super Mario and other Nintendo games Handheld gamers looking for a bigger, crisper display and faster gameplay Skip if: The existing Nintendo Switch meets your needs You only play occasional Switch games Right out of the box, I noticed the size of the Nintendo Switch 2. Its display is now 7.9 inches, compared to the 7 inches of its predecessor. This display also now supports HDR, a 4K resolution and can hit 120 frames per second for smoother gameplay. It feels a little heavier to wield, and my hand positions while gripping the console have slightly changed from its predecessor, but it doesn't impact gameplay. The Nintendo Switch 2 (left) is larger than the original Nintendo Switch (right). Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes In addition to display design changes, Nintendo put a lot of effort into its Joy-Con controllers, now called Joy-Con 2s. Gone are the old rail connectors. The handheld gaming controller now uses a magnetic attachment, so they 'click' and lock into place. I'm a fan of this change—it's much easier to add and remove the joystick controllers—but it's not without its flaws. While it's easier to lock the joystick controllers onto the display, I pinched my fingers the second time I tried to lock them back in. I haven't experienced any accidental pinches following this incident, but it's worth noting that for clumsier folks or kids, you want to be mindful of your appendages. Nintendo added a few more smart choices to its design. There are two USB-C ports, one on the bottom and one on the top, so you can charge with one and connect a peripheral like the Viture Pro XR Glasses to another. The kickstand, originally a small piece of plastic to hold up the Switch, now wraps around the lower part of the console and is more adjustable for flexible play. Nintendo Switch 2: Performance And Display Greater Hardware That's Built For Hours Of Fun Under the hood, there's a lot of hardware improvements. In addition to the upgraded LCD display, the joysticks are more fluid with less resistance. As a hypermobile person, I didn't experience problems (most of the time) with the original Switch, but I still appreciate that Nintendo made it easier for me to play without potentially damaging my joints. The Joy-Cons are more responsive during gameplay, and the HDR rumble 2 inside the controllers provides a more immersive gaming experience with a more precise vibration. The new Joy-Con design uses magnetic attachments in lieu of rail connectors. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes But the biggest change I noticed between the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 is how fluid gameplay is. There were moments when I was playing The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom on the old console where the screen would judder and jerk when Zelda walked. The Nintendo Switch 2's upgraded processor and graphics make it so that any kind of lag and juddering vanishes. Display Upgrades Are Hit And Miss Because the LCD display is an upgraded panel, colors look great when playing Mario Kart World, one of the brand's largest game launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. (Donkey Kong Bonanza was just released July 17 for the Nintendo Switch 2, about a month later.) At this time, Nintendo says these new Switch 2 games are compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, but there will come a time in which the hardware requirements will only be met by the Switch 2. I did notice that Mario Kart World works on both, but it's more vivid, more responsive and smoother with the hardware upgrades of the Nintendo Switch 2. Though it's an LCD display, the Nintendo Switch 2 looks very close to a higher-end OLED display. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes Still, it's another design choice that left me impressed. For an LCD display, the new Switch 2 feels uncharacteristically close to an OLED panel. Blacks are nearly as inky as they would be on an OLED display, and I have to commend Nintendo for using a panel that's eerily close to the real OLED deal here. I suspect like its previous iteration, the Nintendo Switch 2 will get an OLED model, but for now, this display makes games look lovely. I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 while I happened to be testing the LG G5 OLED TV as a contender for the best gaming TV; normally, I test console gaming on the 65-inch Amazon Fire Omni TV. Testing across two panels brought up an issue I hadn't expected. When you first place the Nintendo Switch 2 into its dock, the system automatically registers the TV and offers the opportunity to adjust the HDR brightness settings. The HDR adjustments were a miss on the Amazon Fire TV. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes Ideally, you should barely be able to see the symbol on the right side while the left stays visible. I tried to accomplish this on both TVs—and both times, I couldn't pinpoint brightness settings to a satisfactory level. It's hardly noticeable when gaming, and if you're not looking for it, you won't notice it. However, dedicated gamers who thrive on accuracy for color and brightness might bristle at this detail. A New GameChat Designed With Parents In Mind Nintendo added a new button to the Joy-Cons, just under the home button, that opens up GameChat, which allows you to chat with your friends while playing. Confirm your email and phone number before you start chatting, and you can create chats and view them. What I really liked about this feature is that it looks built for parents' peace of mind: You can only chat with your friends, so no strangers. But it also works in that if you just want to game uninterrupted, that's fine, too. I'm a fan. Nintendo Switch 2 Versus The Competition While this isn't the first time Nintendo launched a portable gaming console—I've been playing Nintendo devices since the GameBoy Color—the landscape has changed dramatically in the last three years. MSI, Lenovo, Asus and Valve each launched individual portable gaming console. They all feature ergonomic builds with similarly-sized displays; it's under the hood where you'll see the main differences. Note the USB-C port and the microSD port on the bottom of this Nintendo Switch 2. Also, the new ... More kickstand wraps around the base of the device. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes Most of them use Windows 11 as an operating system, and by proxy, they come with Copilot AI integrations. The biggest exception is the Valve Steam Deck, which opted for a Linux-based OS. That's important: The Steam Deck's design is built for modifications, also called modding, with third-party software. Nintendo focuses only on first-party games, so don't expect to mod any of your games. And, because it uses its own operating system, don't expect any AI integrations. Personally, I'm fine with the closed system and lack of AI, and I see this also being a boon for parents. This is a gaming console that's designed for pure fun, and there's something to be said about that in an age where everything feels like it can do, well, everything. It's also more affordable than the competition, starting at $450 for the Switch 2, while competitors start at $600. That said, if you are a passionate modder, plan to go with a competitor. I do recommend the Valve Steam Deck if that's the route you take. If you just want a gaming console to play your games, then the Nintendo Switch 2 is ideal. Nintendo Switch 2 Verdict Still The King For the price and the hardware upgrades, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a joy. Like any gaming console, there are going to be some quirks, but Nintendo keeps them to a minimum. Odds are they won't interrupt your gameplay. Parents might find that it's a fun way to get the family involved with active games like Super Mario Jamboree . It's also great for gamers who want a light, portable console with access to thousands of games without paying a fortune. It's also worth considering how you play your games and whether or not you want to modify them. If you don't plan to, then the Nintendo Switch should be the portable gaming console that you carry with you. How To Buy The Nintendo Switch 2 Due to demand, the Nintendo Switch 2 is selling out rapidly—often as soon as a retailer restocks (we watched consoles go out of stock while editing this story). The best way to track down those restocks are to sign up for email alerts with these retailers below and to check back frequently. Amazon: You can request an invitation to purchase both the standalone system and the bundle, which includes Mario Kart World, but Amazon won't guarantee you'll receive one. but Amazon won't guarantee you'll receive one. Walmart: The Nintendo Switch 2 has gone in and out of stock on Walmart since the June launch and is currently only for sale at an increased price from third-party sellers. Target: Both the standalone gaming console and game-bundle option is sold out at Target at the moment, but we have seen it available here online and for pickup, including briefly at launch. GameStop: While you can't get it for shipping, you can pick it up in store. Just make sure that your preferred location has it in stock. While you can't get it for shipping, you can pick it up in store. Just make sure that your preferred location has it in stock. Best Buy: While you currently can't order the Nintendo Switch 2 online, Best Buy just restocked the Nintendo Switch 2 in stores July 17 in conjunction with the launch of the new Donkey Kong game. How I Tested The Nintendo Switch 2 I spent over 40 hours with the Nintendo Switch 2. I set it up and transferred all my files from my original Nintendo Switch. I noted the physical differences between the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, including display features, extra ports, Joy-Cons and more. From there, I put the device to the test with hours of gaming. I specifically tested on the following games: The Legend of Zelda : Echoes of Wisdom ; Stardew Valley ; T he Elder Scrolls : Skyrim ; Mario Kart World and many more. During gameplay, I compared my experiences on the Nintendo Switch 2 to the Nintendo Switch to get a sense of how much the under-the-hood hardware had improved. I considered gameplay display quality both in handheld mode and in TV mode. Additionally, I considered gameplay smoothness and looked for juddering, lag and more. I also reviewed the ease of use when removing and adding the Joy-Con 2s, as well as how they performed both attached to the device and connected to the controller. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted team has published dozens of tech and electronic guides that leverage our hands-on testing and research, including gaming stories so you can play for hours with quality peripherals. Consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. Not only is she a home entertainment expert, but she is also a dedicated gamer who has tested many of the top gaming consoles on the market, including the Asus ROG Ally, the Valve Steam Desk and more. has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. Not only is she a home entertainment expert, but she is also a dedicated gamer who has tested many of the top gaming consoles on the market, including the Asus ROG Ally, the Valve Steam Desk and more. When testing portable gaming consoles, Isaacs focuses on aspects of interest to everyone, from folks who just want to play a casual game to serious gamers who want extra features to power their play. When she's not testing the best gaming headsets, she's testing the best gaming TVs, the best 65-inch TVs and the best wireless earbuds. This story was reviewed by Rose Gordon Sala, the deputy editor who oversees both the baby and kids gear and consumer tech teams. She regularly attends trade shows to review the latest toy and tech launches, and also has extensive experience playing on the Nintendo Switch ecosystem with her children, as well as other consoles like the Xbox and the PlayStation5.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Nintendo Switch 2 review: A giant leap for Switch fans, but it comes at a price
Nintendo Switch 2 Price : €470 Website : Where To Buy : Smyths It says something that I managed to keep the Nintendo Switch 2 hidden from the Mario-addicted members of the household for about a week. In the end, the only thing that gave me away was the Switch 2 branding emblazoned across the back of the hand-held console, and some lazy positioning. It wasn't that difficult to conceal. The Switch 2 looks fairly similar to the first generation, with removable JoyCon controllers and a big enough screen that you aren't dependent on the dock mode to get a good look at your games. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't feel like a new console – at least not in the 'wow' factor sense of things. Everything is very familiar, which might be a selling point rather than a negative. It is still a hand-held console with detachable controllers, and it can still be hooked up to the TV to work as a home console. But Nintendo didn't have to reinvent the console. It just needed to make it better. And on that front at least, the company has hit the mark. READ MORE It is more powerful, as you would expect from the second generation. It is slightly bigger too, with the screen expanding from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches. [ Nintendo's Switch 2: Nostalgia is the driving force as gaming fans await heavily hyped console Opens in new window ] The Switch 2 is capable of 4K output too, and at 40 frames per second, although that changes to 1,080p and 120 frames per second while docked. It all depends on the games though, and what they will support. Inside the box you get the console, JoyCon controllers, a grip for the controllers to turn it into a classic controller, the dock, HDMI cable, and power cable and adaptor. You will also get two straps for the JoyCons, which is advisable to use for certain games to increase stability of the controller. The JoyCon controllers are magnetic, rather than simply clipping on. As someone who has accidentally detached the controllers from the original Switch mid-game, the difference is welcome. But there is more interesting technology built in. For example, the optical sensors mean the controllers can be used as mice, opening up the possibilities for playing games that utilise mouse aim. That's where those straps are useful. A gamer plays Mariokart World on the new Nintendo Switch 2 video-game console. Photograph: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images Setting up is quick and relatively painless, although it requires a software update that can take a while. If you are buying this for a child, best to get that one out of the way before you hand it over, or face an epic whinge. The console supports virtual cards, so you can use any downloaded games you might have had for the previous Switch on your new console too. You have more space for those virtual games, with the Switch 2 expanding storage to 256GB, with support for a microSD Express card of up to 2TB. Forget about having to make difficult decisions, at least for a couple of weeks; the Switch 2 has plenty of room. If you have played a Switch previously, the new console will feel familiar. Nintendo has largely stuck with what works with the interface, so don't expect any big redesigns here, unless you want to dig around inside individual apps. One change is the addition of Game Chat, thanks to the Nintendo Switch 2's microphone. You can now chat with up to 11 other people while playing games; add in an optional USB C video camera and you can video chat as you play, plus you can share your screen, even if you aren't playing the same game. It's a handy way to get tips from friends; unfortunately, it only works with the Switch 2, so for some people it will be a while before it is in regular use. [ Can Nintendo's Switch 2 re-energise a stagnant gaming industry? Opens in new window ] The price may be an issue for some people. At just short of €500, the Switch 2 is significantly more expensive than its predecessor, which started at €330 when it launched. So why buy a Switch 2? Aside from the power and graphics boost, one compelling reason: the new games. If you want the new Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, you will need to invest in the Switch 2. Nintendo has no plans to release the new games for its previous console, and expect that to happen more in the future. Good There may not be too many exclusives just yet for the Switch 2, but the previous generation of games is backwards compatible. You can also copy over any virtual cards you have on your Switch to the new console, meaning you have a library ready to go. The new magnetic JoyCons feel more secure than the previous generation too – although that may change with use. Graphics improvements on Switch 2 are noticeable, with Nintendo adding in support for more advanced technology. Bad The screen is a downgrade from that of the Switch OLED. Will you care? Not enough. Battery life is okay, with the official rating at a minimum of two hours and max of 6.5, depending on what game you are playing. That is poorer than its predecessor, which was 4.5 hours to nine hours. However, it will only hit you if you are engaging in long sessions while out and about. Everything else The dock comes with two USB ports, an Ethernet and HDMI connection. The Switch 2 itself adds an extra USB C port, and a usable kickstand. Verdict An upgrade to the original Switch – one that will come into its own as more first-party games are available.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Meet The Rubik's Cube That's Part Console, Part Puzzle, And All Chaos
Behold, the Rubik's WOWCube: the console-puzzle hybrid you never asked for, but must try. Occasionally, a piece of gaming hardware comes along that inevitably makes you gawp. It might be ridiculous, like the Resident Evil chainsaw controller, or frankly unplayable, such as the 'skateboard' for Tony Hawk: Ride. Sometimes, you get an invention you didn't ask for, but you still want to try, like the Rubik's WOWCube. There's a lot to unpack with this one. However, if this Frankenconsole manages to stick the landing and resonate with players on both technical and interactive levels, it could be a real game-changer — even if it's only in specific, self-devised circumstances. The Rubik's WOWCube, developed between Spin Master and Cubios, combines a handheld console with your classic Rubik's Cube — at least, one with only four subdivisions per side, rather than your classic nine. With it, the device aims to deliver a tactile, 3D puzzle experience with the functionality of a console, albeit one where games are played across all six sides. This unusual device features 12 interconnected mini-cubes, each side equipped with digital screens and motion sensors. Players can twist, shake, and spin it to interact with games like Space Invaders, Cut the Rope, and, best of all, 2048 — which in retrospect, feels like it was accidentally built for this — on the cube's weird hardware. It's weird, but it's obviously ggot potential. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Admittedly, on a gaming level, my personal excitement is entirely limited to 2048 right now — I'm a member of the 65536 club, to both my credit and detriment, but Cut the Rope was dull back in my iPhone 3GS days. Still, what's apparent about the WOWCube is the 'art of the possible' that it promises. One major cornerstone of the device is that it's an open platform for developers to create and upload custom apps. Those with a killer idea receive a dedicated SDK and developer portal, allowing indie developers and studios alike to explore physics-based design in three-dimensional space. To top it all off, the Rubik's WOWCube will also be certified by which adds an extra layer of credibility for the device as something that isn't just for entertainment, but as a tool for cognitive development and learning — the type of thing you could see in schools in the months and years after its release. If you already have ideas of what you could do with this, think about how you can adapt a national curriculum around it, because this could be a license to print money. There are also product shots like this showing how you can keep on top of stock prices and the ... More weather, but there's no chance you'd use this for that. In any case, it's only a matter of time before someone figures out how to adapt some other classic games for it. Twisting to turn left or right, or rolling to go straight ahead, would be perfect for Dungeon Master. Hell, there's every reason someone can port DOOM to it — at this point, thanks to the meme, I genuinely think my six-year-old Maltipoo could run DOOM. Pre-orders are open later this year, and test versions are already kicking around in the wild, so it's gonna happen at some point. Check out the official Rubik's WOWCube website if you want to register your interest, or check out the ongoing history of the WOWCube, where you can also learn about why it's called the WOWCube (spoiler alert: it may or may not have been because people 'exclaimed WOW!'). Trust me, I really have to review this one. It's too weird not to — watch this space.
Bloomberg
5 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
GameStop's ‘Staplegate' Switch 2 Fetches $250,000 in Auction
By It could have been a marketing mess. At the release of Nintendo Co. 's new console last month, some GameStop Corp. customers found their devices' screens ruined after an employee forcefully stapled receipts to the boxes. Instead, the video game retailer transformed the blunder into another viral moment by selling one of the damaged units for about 500 times its retail price in a charity auction.
