A couple of months ago I picked up a Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve never had a Switch, so I grabbed a handful of games and got cracking. It’s a fun console, but I’m left wondering if Switch isn’t for me, mobile gaming isn’t for me, or I just have to give it more time.
Read a review by Alex who is a longer term Switch gamer…
Design
I bought a ROG Ally Extreme and Nintendo Switch 2 on the same day. The ROG Ally got my attention first because I had my Steam library to get through. Despite many disliking the design of the ROG Ally, I had no issue with it – except for the battery.
The Switch 2 is considerably more comfortable to game on. The button layouts are good, even if getting used to Nintendo’s different button priorities is infuriating for me as a former Xbox, current PlayStation 5 and PC gamer.
But the console is light, with a great display and a handy kickstand for gaming on the go. You can detach the controllers for two reasons.
First, if you are solo gaming on the go and want a bit more comfort. It’s completely weird gaming with both hands separately, but you get used to it.
Second, is that both controllers, when detached, can be used as multiplayer controllers. They are a bit small for prolonged play on their own, but it does mean you can play Mario Kart with your travel companion on a flight (tested and confirmed over Christmas).
Performance
What will amaze many is the power of the Switch 2. It’s early days and only going to get more powerful. Now, I’m not convinced that GTA 6 will run on it great when it lands, but I’m able to enjoy a relatively decent Cyberpunk 2077 on it and that game is not light to run. Better still, I am able to play my PC save on my Switch 2 – continuous cross-device saving. Nice.
Because the vast majority of the first Switch back catalogue is compatible with the Switch 2, you have a simply huge games’ database to pick from. What might surprise you (it did me) is that even some older games are quite expensive. However, they run incredibly well (new and retro).
The battery life is respectable too. You’ll usually get the bones of 2 hours out of a relatively light gaming session, but mileage may vary based on how demanding your game is – again, looking at Cyberpunk here.
Playability
This is where I’m struggling and I simply can’t explain it. I’ve added Tony Hawk to my game library and enjoy it. But I’m still just not comfortably playing it on the Switch 2. I struggle to get completely immersed in the console, and I don’t know why.
Granted, Cyberpunk I’ve been playing on PC and enjoying it substantially more than Switch 2. But that game really is a PC game before all else. Tony Hawk is best grabbing my attention, but a lot of the games just aren’t as enjoyable.
But am I the real target audience for the console? Probably not. I’ve been stuck into the original Red Dead Redemption, GTA III and GTA Vice City along with a retro point and click classic Grim Fandango. I’ve tried Zelda, it’s not for me and the LEGO games seem utterly pointless despite my love for LEGO and all the franchises they use.
The multiplayer elements have massive potential, but at 37 it’s rare I have a group of people together where we all say “it’s time for Mario Kart”.
Nintendo not being chill
I’m giving this a dedicated section because I’m irate about it. The Switch 2 is designed for mobile gaming, but you can of course dock your console and play on a TV. The dock is included but is bloody bulky. Not the kind of thing you would travel with.
But why would I travel with it, when I have a regular USB-C dongle with HDMI support.
Well, Nintendo decided not to support all dongles. And yes, it was a very conscious decision by them too.
LTT demonstrated this on YouTube, looking at the technical implementation Nintendo deployed, which shows they simply check if the dongle being connected is one they want to work or not.
This is infuriating that the general consensus is that any dongle should work, if Nintendo just wasn’t being a big evil corporate about it.
Value
As a console, the Switch 2 is a fairly standard price. Between €450 to €500 will get you a Switch 2, sometimes with, sometimes without a game. I’m not overly upset at that price. It’s a new console with a fantastic display and is largely a solid piece of tech (even if I’m yet to fall in love with it).
What kills me is the price of games. €60 to €80 is the standard, and I’m sorry, but on a mobile console when the experience just can’t compete with full size screens, that’s a shocker. I’m not an idiot. I know the game needs development etc regardless of platform, but a lot of the games are ports. I can see Rockstar has a dedicated team working on these free moneymakers of old games coming to the extremely powerful Switch 2 (a matter of time until GTA 5 makes it).
The giveaway here too is Nintendo’s sales. Games dropping to 50% to 90% of the usual cost shows that what you really should pay is attention to when you buy, not just what you buy.
If you’re chasing value, Deku Deals is an absolute must. Here, you’ll find the price history of games and see if it’s worth waiting or not.
Switch 2: The Verdict
While I have yet to fall in love with both the Switch 2 and mobile gaming in general, I couldn’t imagine going on a flight or a holiday without my Switch 2.
The dock situation is absolutely infuriating and the kind of thing that would make me less likely to recommend this, to be totally honest. But I shouldn’t let that cloud my view too much. Probably.
Overall, I think I know the truth. I need to play the Switch 2 more and get used to it. Because it ticks every box that makes a gadget great fantastic. I guess I want this review to be a cautionary tale of setting expectations for anyone who isn’t from Switch background like Alex.
Nintendo Switch 2
Gaming on the go. Powerful
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