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Jordan Minor’s June 5, 2025 first-day hands-on for PCMag found the Nintendo Switch 2 compelling because it improves the familiar hybrid-console experience: a larger, sharper screen, more comfortable controls, a better tabletop setup, stronger-looking TV output, and useful benefits for many older Switch games. His enthusiasm came with real reservations, especially about battery drain, storage, uneven game compatibility, and game prices. This is a report of Minor’s launch-day experience, not a new independent review or a guarantee about every game today.
What felt better in the first 24 hours
Minor described the Switch 2 as physically larger than the original Switch while retaining a similar thickness. He liked its matte finish, magnetic Joy-Con 2 attachment, improved kickstand, top-mounted USB-C port, and option to use mouse-style controls. Those changes preserve the central appeal of the Switch—playing handheld, on a tabletop, or on a TV—while making the hardware feel more capable and versatile.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The screen was one of the clearest upgrades in his session. Nintendo lists a 7.9-inch, 1920 × 1080 LCD with HDR10 and variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz in its current Switch 2 technical specifications (retrieved October 4, 2026). Minor found it sharp and pleasant to view. It is still an LCD, however: in his comparison, the original Switch OLED delivered more saturated color. And some original Switch games designed for 720p looked softer when enlarged on the Switch 2’s 1080p panel.
On a television, Minor thought the docked image looked notably better. His account is a subjective comparison from one launch-day session, rather than a measured performance test; it supports the practical impression that the new hardware can make the hybrid experience feel more polished without changing how the system is used.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Controls, tabletop play, and GameChat
Joy-Con 2 and older controllers
The Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically, and Minor found the new controls more comfortable. He also discusses the Pro Controller 2 and pairing older controllers, but his article does not establish that every older accessory or control feature works in every situation. Check Nintendo’s current accessory and system guidance for a specific controller before relying on it.
Mouse-style input
Minor highlights mouse control as another input option. It adds flexibility for games designed to use it, but it is not a replacement for conventional controls across the whole library.
USB-C cameras for GameChat
Nintendo says GameChat video can use the separately sold Nintendo Switch 2 camera or a compatible USB-C camera. Compatibility is not universal: Nintendo warns that some cameras may not work as intended and offers a Test USB Camera function in system settings. Minor’s inexpensive generic USB-C camera was recognized during his own test, but its narrower view did not show the whole couch as well as Nintendo’s camera. Treat that as one anecdote, not a promise that a particular webcam will work for you. If you plan to use a third-party camera, test it through the console’s settings; if you do not need video chat, the camera is optional.
Moving an existing Switch library
Minor moved his saves and library during setup and reported having more than 600 games in his own account. That number describes his personal collection, not the size of a typical library. He also reported that a 20 GB Zelda download took less than 20 minutes after download speeds improved. That result depended on his title, account, network, and launch-day conditions; it is not a general download-speed expectation.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Nintendo’s current guidance is that Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital games from the original Switch, while some titles may be unsupported or not fully compatible. Minor’s launch-day tests were mixed: some older games seemed to benefit substantially, some showed no obvious improvement, and a small number he tried had freezes, crashes, or graphical problems. Those observations are a dated snapshot, not a current definitive compatibility list, and launch-day bugs or server slowdowns should not be treated as confirmed conditions now. Check Nintendo’s Switch 2 system and game information and the status of the specific titles you care about; compatibility can vary by game and change with updates.
Battery and storage are the practical trade-offs
Battery life
Nintendo estimates approximately 2–6.5 hours of battery life and says actual runtime depends on the games played, according to its current technical specifications. That is a manufacturer estimate, not a guarantee for every session. Separately, Minor found the battery drained faster than he wanted during his launch-day use. If long stretches away from a charger matter to you, treat battery life as a significant trade-off rather than assuming the larger screen comes with longer playtime.
Storage and old microSD cards
The console has 256 GB of internal storage. Minor said that space began filling quickly even after he doubled capacity with a 256 GB microSD Express card; that is his setup, not a universal recommendation for how much storage every player needs.
For game storage, the card format matters. Nintendo requires microSD Express for Switch 2 game-storage expansion. A standard microSD card used in an original Switch cannot store Switch 2 games; Nintendo says a non-Express card from the older console can be used only to copy screenshots and videos. Check the card label carefully before buying or reusing one.
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Should an original Switch owner upgrade?
The strongest case is for someone who wants the same handheld-and-TV flexibility with a larger, sharper screen, refreshed controls, and the prospect of playing a substantial portion of an existing Switch library on stronger hardware. Minor’s experience suggests that some older games can look or run better, but the results are not uniform and should not substitute for checking your must-play titles.
The case is weaker if you are satisfied with your current screen, prioritize OLED color saturation, need long unplugged sessions, or have a large digital collection but do not want to budget for microSD Express storage. Game prices also concerned Minor, so the hardware upgrade does not by itself resolve the cost of building a new library.
Nintendo lists June 5, 2025 as the Switch 2 release date. Its system page says the console package includes the console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, dock, AC adapter, USB-C charging cable, grip, straps, and HDMI cable. Review the official Nintendo Switch 2 system page for current product details.
Minor’s final verdict was personal and time-specific: “But for me, at this moment, it comes down to this: the Nintendo Switch is one of the best video game consoles of all time, and the Nintendo Switch 2 maintains everything great about it while improving it across the board.” That conclusion captures the appeal of the launch-day experience, while the battery, storage, compatibility, and price concerns remain relevant to an individual buying decision.
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