Kyle Orland’s June 6, 2025, Ars Technica article is a launch-period snapshot of roughly 48 hours with Nintendo Switch 2—not a long-term review. His early impressions point to a larger, sharper screen, new Joy-Con 2 features and better performance in some older games, alongside trade-offs in handheld comfort, battery life and storage. Whether it is worthwhile for an existing Switch owner depends in part on the games and features that matter to them.
What the 48-hour snapshot can—and cannot—tell you
Orland described his article as first impressions while fuller testing was still underway. His comments about comfort, controls and game performance are personal observations from early use, not controlled tests or guarantees of what every player will experience. Nintendo’s technical specifications provide the hardware figures; its compatibility guidance describes support with exceptions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What changes most for an existing Switch owner?
| Consideration | Switch 2 | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7.9-inch LCD, 1920×1080, HDR10 support and VRR up to 120 Hz, according to Nintendo’s US specifications. | The larger, higher-resolution screen is a clear hardware change for handheld play. |
| Handheld weight | Approximately 1.18 pounds with Joy-Con 2 attached, according to Nintendo. | Orland noticed the added weight over the original Switch during longer sessions and said it pressed into his palms. That is his experience, not a universal comfort finding. |
| Battery | Nintendo estimates approximately 2–6.5 hours, depending on the game. | Runtime varies; the range is a manufacturer estimate, not a promise of a particular session length for every title. |
| Internal storage | 256 GB UFS storage, with some space reserved for system use, according to Nintendo. | Large native Switch 2 games can use a substantial share of the available space. |
| Game compatibility | Compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games can be played, but Nintendo notes that some may not be supported or fully compatible. | Check a specific game rather than treating backward compatibility as universal. |
| Controllers and communication | Joy-Con 2 attach magnetically, offer mouse use in compatible games, and the system includes GameChat, according to Nintendo’s launch announcement. | These features matter most if you expect to use supported mouse controls or GameChat. |
How do the Joy-Con 2 controllers feel?
Orland found the magnetic attachment satisfying and said the release lever made detaching the controllers easier. He also found the larger controllers generally more comfortable for adult hands. One drawback in his use: his thumb sometimes nudged the right analog stick while he pressed B.
Mouse mode was less comfortable for him during extended play. The narrow side of the Joy-Con did not support his whole palm, and he suggested a more substantial grip might help. His article does not test or endorse a particular accessory.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 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
What about older Switch games and performance?
Nintendo says Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital Switch games, while warning that some titles may not work or may not be fully compatible. Compatibility for a particular game should be checked rather than assumed.
In his early use, Orland reported that some demanding older games ran much better on Switch 2. He singled out The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which he said ran at 60 fps in his experience. That is an individual launch-period observation, not an official performance guarantee for that game or a general claim about all backward-compatible titles.
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.***
How long does the Switch 2 battery last?
Nintendo’s current US technical specifications estimate approximately 2–6.5 hours of battery life, depending on the game being played. Treat that as the manufacturer’s broad estimate: it does not establish how long a specific game will run under a particular player’s settings or conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much storage do games need, and which cards work?
Nintendo lists 256 GB of built-in UFS storage, some of which is reserved for system use. For game storage expansion, the console supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB. Conventional microSD cards cannot expand game storage; Nintendo says they can be used only to copy screenshots and videos from Nintendo Switch.
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.
Orland cited launch-period examples of 48 GB for Street Fighter 6, nearly 60 GB for Cyberpunk 2077 and 69.2 GB for Split Fiction. These are examples from his June 2025 article, not a comprehensive or current catalog of game sizes. He considered 256 GB sufficient if mainly playing upgraded older Switch games, but needs will vary with a player’s library.
What did Switch 2 cost at launch?
Nintendo announced a June 5, 2025 release and a US suggested retail price of $449.99 in its April 2, 2025 launch announcement. That is historical launch pricing, not a current price quote.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, “Our first impressions after 48 hours with the Switch 2,” June 6, 2025.
- Nintendo US, “Nintendo Switch 2 Tech Specs,” accessed October 8, 2026.
- Nintendo Co., Ltd., “Nintendo Switch 2 to be released on June 5, 2025,” April 2, 2025.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
