At an event in New York City, CGMagazine and a range of other journalists from around the world got a chance to have some of the first hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch 2. Set to hit stores on June 5, 2025, it is a serious leap in technology compared to its predecessor. Now, having played a range of games on the new system, I can say the Nintendo Switch 2 is more than a new iteration or minor update; it’s a comprehensive overhaul designed to enhance every aspect of the gaming experience, and it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting consoles to come out in the last five years.
The first thing I noticed when I finally got my hands on the console was the new, larger 7.9-inch variable refresh rate LCD screen, offering a 1080p resolution and support for HDR and up to 120 frames per second, significantly improving upon the original Switch’s 6.2-inch display. I will say the screen looks stunning, and even though I would have liked to see an OLED display used, the choice Nintendo went with seems to work well and manages to bring the games to life in a way the original system could not manage. Beyond that, the overall Nintendo Switch 2 feels like an enhanced concept with ideas that make it feel more refined in every way.
The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are designed with magnetic connectors, allowing them to snap onto the console. They can also function as a mouse in compatible games, enhancing gameplay versatility. It’s staggering to think this is all coming to a system that aims to maintain backward compatibility with many existing console titles.
“…the overall Nintendo Switch 2 feels like an enhanced concept with ideas that make it feel more refined in every way.”
Beyond that, the new Joy-Cons feel much more robust, ready to take on whatever you can put them through. Hopefully, this means there will be no issues with drift or other troubles, though time will tell on that front. What I can say is they feel fantastic to use, and everything works as you would hope from a new Nintendo system.
The Nintendo Switch 2 now also includes two USB-C ports, one on the top and one on the bottom, facilitating easier charging and connectivity. However, talking to people at the event, it seems only the bottom port can be used for video output, with the top reserved for accessories. This makes sense, as the Nintendo Switch 2 maintains compatibility with all past Nintendo Switch accessories and is said to work with most current webcams on the market. You can also use the new Nintendo accessories, but it seems Big Red is being much more open with its hardware this time around, making it much easier to use the system how you want.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is also joining the current generation with storage, expanding beyond the limited options we saw in the past with a level that should allow it to work with much larger titles out of the box. The internal storage has been increased to 256 GB, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch’s 32 GB, and it supports faster microSD Express cards for additional storage needs.
With all the new hardware updates, the Nintendo Switch 2 is also joining the 4K revolution. The system is now able to output video at up to 4K resolution and support gameplay at 120 frames per second while docked, providing a more immersive experience on compatible TVs. The dock itself features a built-in fan to ensure the system remains cool during extended play sessions. I didn’t get much time with the dock, but judging by the looks of things behind glass, it doesn’t appear much bigger than the current dock, though it now allows for active cooling — something much needed to push the system, as Nintendo demonstrated during the gaming sessions.
“With all the new hardware updates, the Nintendo Switch 2 is also joining the 4K revolution.”
What is even more impressive is the system’s ability to chat with friends while in games. This new online feature allows players to communicate and share their screens with friends in real-time, much like you would on Discord. In fact, it even allows you to stream gameplay or just the main menu of the Switch if you so choose. Sadly, Nintendo was not showing it off in real-time at the event, only showcasing videos to demonstrate what it can do. That being said, I am optimistic, and from the looks of things, it’s a step into the current generation for Nintendo — something I am very happy to see.
As I mentioned above, the feature is accessible via the C button on the Joy-Con 2 controller and includes voice chat capabilities using the system’s built-in microphone. Up to four players can share their screens, and with a compatible USB-C camera, they can also engage in video chats. Initially, GameChat will be available without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until the end of March 2026, after which a subscription will be required.
During my time in NYC, I got to try most of the new library of games. I want to take the time to discuss the new ones in detail, but let’s just say Nintendo Switch 2 buyers will have a large selection at or near launch. From the looks of things, they are all incredibly responsive and showcase the power under the hood.
With titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as enhanced versions of existing games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, there is a range of titles that look to showcase what the new Switch 2 can do. The system will also support games from third-party developers, including EA SPORTS Madden NFL, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Hogwarts Legacy, and Street Fighter 6.
The game that showcases the Nintendo Switch 2 the most is Mario Kart World, and it looks fantastic, serving as a true showcase of what the system can do. The gameplay, visuals, and overall fluidity of the experience were far more impressive than I expected, yet it all makes sense as an evolution of the series. What I like to see is that the game will be part of the Mario Kart World Bundle, priced at $699.99 in Canada. While it is expensive, Nintendo has shown what’s possible with the system, and I am truly impressed.
I have plenty of questions about the new system, but Nintendo is doing all the right things, and the games are a showcase of that. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 9, 2025, in North America. The console will be available in various bundles, including the Mario Kart World Bundle, which includes a download code for the game. With that being the title that showcases what the system can do, it is also the bundle to look for, provided you don’t want to use your older library for the time being.
The Nintendo Switch 2 may look familiar, but under the hood, it’s a powerful evolution that surprised us in all the right ways.
