{"id":1540,"date":"2025-06-20T01:50:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T01:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/?p=1540"},"modified":"2025-06-20T01:50:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T01:50:58","slug":"the-nintendo-switch-2-is-the-companys-least-ambitious-console-to-date-but-its-improvements-are-astronomical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/06\/20\/the-nintendo-switch-2-is-the-companys-least-ambitious-console-to-date-but-its-improvements-are-astronomical\/","title":{"rendered":"The Nintendo Switch 2 is the company\u2019s least ambitious console to date, but its improvements are astronomical"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now you\u2019re playing with power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bz2bdAAY64ptLmFDCnYGGk.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verdict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nintendo Switch 2 is an apt name for the company&#8217;s latest console, as it is essentially a more powerful version of its predecessor. What\u2019s impressive, though, is just how much of an improvement over the original Switch it is. With support for 4K and 1440p resolutions as well as 120Hz in both docked and handheld play, Nintendo has successfully played catch-up with other contemporary consoles. Its 1080p vivid LCD screen is also immaculate, displaying titles with a clarity that you rarely see from other gaming handhelds. Battery life is a downgrade, however, and paired with some Bluetooth audio issues and a handful of issues with other features, there are definitely some teething issues at launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>+Premium build<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Gorgeous, vivid 1080p LCD display<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Blissfully smooth UI\/UX<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+A notable step up in game performance from its predecessor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Excellent backward compatibility breathes new life into old games<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>-Terrible handheld battery life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Bluetooth audio has a significant delay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Uninspired user interface<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Tiny launch game roster largely made up of ports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-GameChat is neat, but needs work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Nintendo-1739174-KTR-003\">KTR-003 Battery for Nintendo 3DS N3DS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-two-minute-review\">Nintendo Switch 2: two-minute review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s had a rough start is an understatement, though, with retail stock difficulty to come by at this early stage. This, plus the console\u2019s relatively lofty price tag (as well as those of its games), means there are some folks seeking handheld gaming console alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time of writing, I\u2019ve had my Nintendo Switch 2 a couple of weeks, and I\u2019ve 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 theSwitchconcept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The obvious upgrades, such as support for4Kand 1440p resolutions in docked mode and 120Hz capabilities (both in portable mode and docked on compatible displays) are extremely welcome, and grant the Switch 2 a step closer to parity with its more powerful peers in thePS5andXbox Series Xand S. Of course, the Switch 2 doesn\u2019t quite have the raw graphical prowess of those Sony and Microsoft-built machines, but it\u2019s not a million miles away, as we see with certain Nintendo Switch 2 ports like<em>Street Fighter 6<\/em>or<em>Cyberpunk 2077.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmU72unrQuc8HuNBX4SsN7.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, it\u2019s fair to say that the Switch 2\u2019s launch game line-up is on the slighter side.<em>Mario Kart World<\/em>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<em>The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom<\/em>rock an extremely solid 4K\/60fps on Switch 2, it hasn\u2019t been the most fulsome launch if you\u2019re coming at it from a strictly first-party point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, the Switch 2 breathes life into original Switch titles via impressive backwards compatibility. I\u2019ll delve more into this in its own section, but I\u2019ve seen monumental results playing some of my own Switch favorites on the new console &#8211; some of which Nintendo itself hasn\u2019t even officially mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019m definitely looking forward to its game library expanding, as well as the system itself receiving various quality-of-life upgrades via future firmware updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Nintendo-1739057-HAC-006\">HAC-006 Battery for Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Fits HAC-006 Left Right<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-price-and-availability\">Nintendo Switch 2: price and availability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/usrxtLpm8XX5Fka83CT86F.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nintendo Switch 2 went on sale on June 5, 2025. The console by itself costs $449.99 \/ \u00a3395.99 \/ AU$699.95. There is also an official bundle that packs in a digital copy of<em>MarioKart World<\/em>alongside the console for $499.99 \/ \u00a3429.99 \/ 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 orNintendo Switch Onlinesubscription time, but you can expect to pay a premium for these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \/ \u00a3349 \/ AU$649) and theAsus ROG Ally($549.99 \/ \u00a3449 \/ AU$999). Premium devices like theSteam Deck OLEDandROG Ally Xare 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of home consoles, the Switch 2 does come in cheaper than the PS5 ($499.99 \/ \u00a3479.99 \/ AU$799.95) and lands in the same ballpark as the PS5 Digital Edition ($399.99 \/ \u00a3389.99 \/ AU$649.95). It\u2019s also comparable in price to theXbox Series X Digital Edition($449.99 \/ \u00a3429.99 \/ AU$699).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also worth noting that Nintendo Switch 2 stock has been an ongoing issue since the pre-order phase. At launch, it\u2019s 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\u2019m hoping the same is true for Nintendo\u2019s latest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Nintendo-1738737-CTR-003\">CTR-003 Battery for Nintendo Switch NS Pro Wiiu 3DS 2DS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-specs\">Nintendo Switch 2: specs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Price<\/td><td>$429.99 \/ \u00a3395.99 \/ AU$699.95<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight<\/td><td>1.18lbs \/ 535g (with Joy-Con 2 attached)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dimensions<\/td><td>10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in \/ 272 x 114 x 15mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Storage capacity<\/td><td>256GB internal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Storage expansion<\/td><td>microSD Express<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Connectivity<\/td><td>WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Display<\/td><td>Vivid LCD<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Resolution (docked)<\/td><td>Up to 4K<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Resolution (handheld)<\/td><td>Up to 1080p<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GPU<\/td><td>Custom Nvidia processor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CPU<\/td><td>Custom Nvidia processor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Battery life<\/td><td>2-5 hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ports<\/td><td>2 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nintendo Switch 2: design and build quality<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fuYk85yFB5zVUZo9TdFHPN.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s 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\u2019s neon red\/blue aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some may lament the loss of whimsy, and that\u2019s 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\u2019s just as thin as the original Switch, and importantly, lacks the bulk of the likes of the Steam DeckOLEDand ROG Ally X. This means that even though it is bigger thanks to the larger display size, it remains an eminently portable console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though I would recommend investing in a carry case if you\u2019re planning on taking your Switch 2 out and about. While it\u2019s undoubtedly sturdier than the Switch, it\u2019s still prone to the same environmental wear and tear of any handheld system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8NV7hFv7Qa7WAWvYXHyaUT.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As for the handheld itself, there\u2019s a lot to go over in terms of design. The unit now houses two USB-C ports &#8211; one on the top and the other at the bottom. Next to each port are sets of speakers. At the top, you\u2019ll also find the power and volume buttons, as well as the game card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a built-in microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Switch 2\u2019s kickstand is a huge improvement. The 2017 model had a simple stub kickstand on one side, which felt extremely rigid. TheSwitch OLEDdid widen this design idea, but it wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another massive improvement comes in how the Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the handheld. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One last thing to note is that the Switch 2 is impressively lightweight. At just 1.18lbs (535g), it\u2019s only marginally heavier than the original Switch, which was 0.88lbs (399g), and the Switch OLED\u2019s 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\u2019s slimness. And when compared to the bulkier Steam Deck OLED\u2019s 1.41lbs (640g), playing with Switch 2 in bed or on the go is less strenuous overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-display\">Nintendo Switch 2: display<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mMhHhvjY2rYpD7GRp6n3Uc.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\" width=\"855\" height=\"481\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2\u2019s display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original\u2019s 720p LCD screen.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, Nintendo has still managed to ensure that your games still look crisp and vividly colorful during portable play. Nintendo describes its display as \u2018Vivid LCD,\u2019 and it\u2019s an accurate description to say the least. The display supports HDR10, meaning games that support this screen tech (like<em>Super Mario Odyssey<\/em>and the upcoming<em>Metroid Prime 4: Beyond<\/em>) can be just as eye-poppingly colorful on the handheld as they would be on a larger OLED panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t many games that benefit from the Switch 2 screen\u2019s 120Hz capability, though<em>Metroid Prime 4: Beyond<\/em>is confirmed to have a 1080p performance mode that targets this high refresh rate. It\u2019s bound to look stunning on the handheld that already has a native 1080p resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there will be times when you won\u2019t want to make use of HDR10, perhaps in order to save battery or to have a play experience that\u2019s less demanding on the eyes. Nintendo has thankfully thought of this, and there are options in the settings menu to disableHDRentirely or to only enable it for true HDR-compatible games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my testing, I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2\u2019s display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original\u2019s 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 &#8211; like<em>Bayonetta 3<\/em>and<em>Astral Chain<\/em>&#8211; are better able to meet this target thanks to the increased power of the Switch 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-user-interface-and-settings\">Nintendo Switch 2: user interface and settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KvhBaJwxZa53ssiJTnhojk.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\">The Switch 2\u2019s Home dashboard is a disappointment at first glance. In fact, you might not be able to tell it apart from the original console\u2019s menu if it weren\u2019t for the rounded edges applied to game icons on the Switch 2. It\u2019s still aggressively bland, then, and you\u2019ve still only got the choice between two basic white and black themes, but there have been some key improvements worth talking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s a completely new user interface here, and items are organized much more cleanly and smartly than before. And while, yes, you still won\u2019t be escaping the mountains of genAI shovelware when looking through the deals section, I\u2019d still argue that the eShop now is a good deal more responsive than even the PlayStation andMicrosoftStores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over to System Settings, then, and you\u2019ll find much of what was available on the original Switch. On Switch 2, there are plenty more options to take advantage of the hardware\u2019s 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\u2019s nice to see it here on a portable gaming device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-audio\">Nintendo Switch 2: audio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dt7zyB5n3Tp47E8jMh7H8.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The speakers work great for a wide range of games, whether that\u2019s the vast immersive soundscape of<em>TheLegend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom<\/em>or the infectiously catchy tunes of<em>Splatoon 3<\/em><em>.<\/em>Even older NES and SNES games that are playable via Nintendo Switch Online benefit, with their simpler melodies coming through with great clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bluetooth support is where the Switch 2 falters in the audio department. Don\u2019t get me wrong, you\u2019re still getting strong surround sound support here. But with the gaming headsets and earbuds I tested &#8211; including theRIG 900 Max HSand theNothing Ear (a)earbuds &#8211; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On that note, I\u2019d recommend hooking up a pair of wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack. In this case, I tested myRazer BlackShark V2headphones, and audio came through crystal clear without a hint of delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-performance\">Nintendo Switch 2: Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2eDUy9LZeecMpNDcWC3xcE.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, overall gaming performance is where the Nintendo Switch 2 really impresses. At least at this early stage in the console\u2019s life, the notion of poor framerates and heavily compromised Nintendo Switch ports seems to be a thing of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nintendo\u2019s own output has thus far been stellar on this front.<em>Mario Kart World<\/em>runs at a clean 1440p while docked (1080p on the handheld) at a solid 60 frames per second (fps) at all times. That\u2019s especially impressive given the series\u2019 shift to a vibrant open world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I was even more surprised by some of the console\u2019s ports.<em>Street Fighter 6,<\/em>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\u2019s the only real blemish on this otherwise exceptional port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The one major downside to all this is the Switch 2\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019s even after bypassing the bug where the console thinks it\u2019s got around 10% less battery life than what it actually has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s brightness and disabling HDR for certain games, but this does come at the cost of overall image clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019d say, at a push, you can get around five hours tops with less visually demanding games, after testing titles like<em>Hollow Knight, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S,<\/em>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\u2019re out and about and it\u2019s not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-backwards-compatibility\">Nintendo Switch 2: Backwards compatibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJGvnw6UcCQ4aAFGaoeED.jpg\" alt=\"Switch 2 GameCube Controller\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Nintendo Switch 2\u2019s backwards compatibility is &#8211; in a word &#8211; excellent. Particularly when it comes to running and playing original Switch games. Firstly, most Switch games at a baseline level benefit from Switch 2\u2019s faster internal storage. That means you can expect games to boot and load scenes much faster on average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, booting<em>Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition<\/em>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\u2019s a similar story with<em>Super Smash Bros. Ultimate<\/em><em>,<\/em>which loads into a match in literally less than 3 seconds. Another standout example is<em>Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition,<\/em>which I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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<em>Pok\u00e9mon Scarlet and Violet<\/em><em>.<\/em>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\u2019s overall art style still does feel a bit flat, but with its key performance issues solved on Switch 2, it\u2019s now well worth playing, as it\u2019s still a fine Pok\u00e9mon adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another game that benefits is, again,<em>Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition.<\/em>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-joy-con-2\">Nintendo Switch 2: Joy-Con 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MvTXURjViFPSGcJpd9ByyZ.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now onto the Switch 2\u2019s pack-in controllers &#8211; 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\u2019re slightly rounder than the original Joy-Con controllers. Their larger size also makes them much more comfortable to play with for longer sessions &#8211; even when sharing an individual Joy-Con 2 with a pal for co-op play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The big addition here is mouse controls, which are supported by certain titles, including<em>Civilization 7<\/em>and<em>Cyberpunk 2077<\/em><em>.<\/em>Mouse controls can also be used to navigate the Switch 2\u2019s Home dashboard and Nintendo eShop (though the lack of a scroll wheel does hurt things a little here). It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019d obviously prefer a Hall effect solution in order to avoid this issue entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-nintendo-switch-2-gamechat\">Nintendo Switch 2: GameChat<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8CAeDfti2LiwsdSumrr3ge.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch 2\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &#8211; often thanks to forced disconnections between matches and low-quality audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, is GameChat a decent alternative to the likes of Discord? Well, yes and no. GameChat obviously takes great inspiration from the world\u2019s leading group chat software. Audio quality via the Switch 2\u2019s built-in mic is surprisingly clear, and headset microphones are also supported. It is objectively a big improvement over Nintendo\u2019s prior efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problems come with its implementation. Namely, shrinking the game screen down in order to display your friends\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GameChat isn\u2019t lacking ambition, though, and there are some neat ideas here. For example, being able to see your friends\u2019 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\u2019 displays are rendered at an uncomfortably low framerate, to the point where it can actually be quite distracting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-should-i-buy-the-nintendo-switch-2\">Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buy-it-if-4\">Buy it if&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want a night and day upgrade over the original Switch<br><\/strong>Simply put, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the Switch\u2019s vision fully realized. An astronomical performance improvement, paired with superb load times and a crisp 1080p display, arguably makes it the definitive gaming handheld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You already have a decent-sized Switch game collection<br><\/strong>Your 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\u2019s snappier load times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want a handheld gaming device that\u2019s genuinely portable<br><\/strong>While larger than the original Switch, it remains just as thin. If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"don-t-buy-it-if-4\">Don&#8217;t buy it if&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019re waiting on more first-party games<br><\/strong>Nintendo\u2019s own launch roster for the Switch 2 is very slim. If<em>Mario Kart World<\/em>isn\u2019t your bag, and you\u2019re not too keen on playing some of these Switch 2 Edition games again, I\u2019d say it\u2019s best to hold off until the game library improves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want a gaming handheld that\u2019ll go the distance, battery-wise<br><\/strong>The Switch 2\u2019s 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\u2019re a frequent flyer or regularly find yourself on long commutes, the Switch 2\u2019s battery life might let you down.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Now you\u2019re playing with power Verdict The Nintendo Switch 2 is an apt name for the company&#8217;s latest console, as it is essentially a more powerful version of its predecessor. What\u2019s impressive, though, is just how much of an improvement over the original Switch it is. With support for 4K and 1440p resolutions as well &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/06\/20\/the-nintendo-switch-2-is-the-companys-least-ambitious-console-to-date-but-its-improvements-are-astronomical\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">The Nintendo Switch 2 is the company\u2019s least ambitious console to date, but its improvements are astronomical<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[110],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nintendo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1540"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1541,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540\/revisions\/1541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}