The Nintendo Switch 2 release day is finally here, and with it, the reviews are finally coming out. We’ve had to wait until right this minute since Nintendo did not send out early shipments of the console to reviewers, according to VGC. The reason is that important features and updates have only been released on the day of the launch, and it was only now possible to get the full experience and performance of the handheld/console hybrid.

That has meant gamers out there haven’t been able to make an informed decision before buying their console. But considering it’s been hard to pre-order the console as a result of demand, we think many people jumped straight in. Those getting it day one have plenty of Switch 2 titles to look forward to.

Either way, if you are wondering how reviewers are experiencing the new console, we’ve gathered up some of the highlights from a range of them as we expect to see more coming out later or in the coming days as reviewers scramble to put together their thoughts with plenty of testing behind it.

Nintendo Switch 2 review roundup

Let’s dive right into all the reviews available right now.

TechRadar

Since it received the console, TechRadar Gaming has been running a live review on their site. Writing up as they go through the process from setup to playing through the different games.

The setup process is described as easy and straightforward, guiding users through language selection, Wi-Fi connection, a quick tutorial, and Nintendo Account setup. System transfer from an original Switch to the Switch 2 is successful, bringing over software, saves, and screenshots, with software downloading post-transfer.

Even the Nintendo eShop on the Switch 2 is significantly improved, offering a smoother browsing experience, seamless cycling of trailers and screenshots, better organization, and noticeably faster download speeds.

The new Joy-Con 2 grip features magnetic connectors, eliminating the need to slide them in, while the ability to take screenshots and directly upload them to the Nintendo Switch 2 app on a phone is also highlighted. That sounds like it’s a lot easier compared to the Switch One, where you had to share them online or take out the SD card.

When it comes to the gaming aspect, Mario Kart World is visually impressive, features a “Free Roam” mode accessible directly from the main menu with zero load times, and allows for kart/bike sticker customization.

F-Zero GX (via GameCube Classics) runs at a smooth 60fps with native widescreen support and crystal-clear image quality, despite being streamed online. Then, in Street Fighter 6, image quality takes a slight hit (blurrier, subtle film grain), but it runs at a smooth 60fps with very fast load times.

GamesRadar+

GamesRadar+ also has a mix of live and standard reviews going for the Switch 2, with plenty of insights into the design, performance, and features of the new console.

They state the Nintendo Switch 2 offers a refined design, feeling great in hand with a sophisticated matte finish on the Joy-Cons, despite being the same thickness as the original Switch’s OLED model. However, the taller design makes the Joy-Cons only slightly wider, which some users might find still too skinny for extended play. This increased height also creates an awkward reach for the right Joy-Con’s thumbstick and the +/- buttons, potentially posing a challenge for those with smaller hands.

On the upside, the game card hinge has seen a significant upgrade with stronger supports. An unusual design quirk is that the magnetic Joy-Cons can be attached incorrectly (upside down or backward). The dock is also noticeably chunkier than previous versions.

Control improvements are evident in the new thumbsticks, which are larger with a smoother outer edge, offering more precise in-game control due to their padded outer ring and larger grips. When using mouse controls for games like Cyberpunk 2077, both Joy-Cons need to be detached, which is a bit inconvenient, and might not quite live up to the Cyberpunk way of playing the game.

Switch 2 launches with an LED screen (though we do expect an OLED version further down the road, much like the original eventually got). This means the Switch 2’s screen has slightly darker tones compared to the more vivid and punchier colors seen on the OLED Switch 1, as observed in Pokémon Violet. However, the boosted resolution is a significant and welcome upgrade, described as a “game-changer.”

The UI largely mirrors the original Switch, with minor additions such as GameChat functionality and enhanced highlighting. Users will also find new options for mouse sensitivity and A/B mapping in the settings.

In terms of performance, the Switch 2 handles demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 remarkably smoothly for a handheld, even featuring commendable ray tracing, though it doesn’t match the graphics of next-gen consoles. While some pop-in and blurring occur, it’s impressive for a portable device. As for Mario Kart World, it beautifully showcases the 120Hz refresh rate.

However, a notable drawback is that original Switch games, even those capable of 1080p docked on the previous model, appear to run at 720p in handheld mode on the Switch 2, making them look slightly worse on the higher-resolution display.

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware and deals. He is also the primary tester and reviewer at BGFG and PCGuide.