Nintendo Switch 2 Review: The Upgrade Switch Owners Actually Wanted

The original Switch's biggest limitation was always raw performance — games that had to be scaled down for handheld hardware. Switch 2 targets that directly with a bigger screen and a meaningful power jump.

Who it's for

This is aimed at existing Switch owners who've felt the original's handheld performance and screen limitations, plus new console buyers who want one system that covers handheld, tabletop, and TV play. It's a weaker upgrade case for owners of a Switch OLED who mainly play less-demanding indie titles, since the biggest gains show up most in newer, more demanding games rather than the existing back catalog.

What we liked

• Larger, sharper display makes handheld play genuinely comparable to docked play, unlike the original's noticeable downgrade.
• Backward compatibility with most existing Switch games and many accessories protects the library you've already built.
• Improved Joy-Con attachment feels more secure than the original's rail system, which was a common complaint.

What could be better

• Game prices for new Switch 2 titles run higher than most original Switch releases.
• Battery life during demanding games is shorter than in lighter, less-demanding titles — expect it to vary a lot by game.

Key specs, explained

• Backward compatibility with most original Switch games and many accessories means your existing library and Joy-Cons largely carry over — but check individual game and accessory compatibility lists before assuming everything works, since "most" isn't "all."
• Expandable storage via microSD Express is a faster, different card standard than the original Switch's microSD slot — old microSD cards from your first Switch won't hit the same speeds (and in some cases won't work at all), so budget for new storage.
• Handheld, tabletop, and docked TV modes are the same three-in-one format that made the original popular; the upgrade here is display quality and processing power in each mode, not new modes themselves.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will my old Switch games work? Most physical and digital original Switch games are backward compatible, but it's worth checking Nintendo's compatibility list for any specific older titles or accessories you rely on.

Q: Can I use my old microSD card for storage? Not at full speed — Switch 2 uses the newer microSD Express standard, and older cards may run slower or may not be supported at all, so a new card is generally the safer bet.

Q: Is it worth upgrading from a Switch OLED? It depends on what you play — the gains are most noticeable in newer, graphically demanding titles; if you mostly play older or lighter indie games, the difference will be less dramatic.

Should you buy it?

For anyone still on an original Switch, this addresses the platform's biggest weakness (display and power) while keeping what made it popular in the first place — genuine handheld-to-TV flexibility.

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