Hands-On with the Nintendo Switch 2: Enhanced Size, Speed, and New Mouse Controls

The Nintendo Switch 2 brings a sense of familiarity, yet it undeniably offers something fresh. At a New York hands-on event, I had the privilege of being among the first to interact with the successor to Nintendo’s all-time best-selling console. My time with it left me mostly thrilled, though I must admit, my excitement primarily stems from the games themselves rather than the hardware.

Now, don’t get me wrong, the Switch 2 is lovely on its own. However, at $450, this hybrid handheld-console device is solely as compelling as the games crafted by Nintendo and its third-party allies.

This new iteration isn’t just a continuation; it’s a clear evolution reflecting Nintendo’s unique perspective on gaming. After spending a few hours with its early titles, I find myself eager to invest more time (and perhaps save up some money) to dive deeper into the system.

As for the hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2 kicks things off with an impressive first impression, thanks to its sleek black matte finish on both the new Joy-Con 2 controllers and the console itself. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with the Joy-Cons attached, it’s slightly heavier than you’d expect, but the larger 7.9-inch display justifies the bulk. For comparison, that’s still lighter than top-end handheld PCs like the Steam Deck OLED, which weighs about 1.41 pounds.

The muted color scheme may be a departure from Nintendo’s traditionally vibrant palette, with only splashes of neon red and orange to spice things up. Even past ventures into sleekness, like with the GameCube, allowed for some colorful options. Personally, I had a black GameCube, so I’m open to the minimalist aesthetic, though I’m quite sure Nintendo will roll out more color options down the line.

The Joy-Cons detach with a simple press of buttons on either side. Although I didn’t spend much time swapping them in and out (as most demos cleverly hid the system), the click mechanism felt quite robust. While I’m cautious not to tug them deliberately in an unintended direction, accidental disconnections seem unlikely.

These redesigned controllers offer a longer form, fitting better in hand than their predecessors. While still slim, the additional length enhances comfort—a subtle touch that some might not even notice.

When it comes to the control sticks, they appear to use a similar potentiometer-style as the originals. The development team mentioned that the sticks are redesigned for broader, smoother motions. However, the coveted “hall effect” wasn’t mentioned, which might be a bummer for some. In my brief gameplay sessions, they didn’t feel wildly different, but a more extended playtest might reveal the nuances.

One of the more notable upgrades is the kickstand on the Switch 2. Compared to the original tiny, seemingly token effort, the new kickstand is substantial and adjustable to any angle, making it genuinely useful, like on an airplane tray table.

The Switch 2’s most significant advancement, however, might be its display. It’s not OLED, which could be disappointing for some, but the leap to a 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10 support transforms the handheld experience. Mario Kart World, for example, looked incredible on it, and while I didn’t necessarily miss OLED at the moment, the true test will come with more game demos.

The dock keeps things somewhat familiar, being bulkier to house new fans but not fundamentally different from its predecessor. The intriguing part of the demo was witnessing the dock’s pairing with a Nintendo Switch 2 camera.

Under the hood, the Switch 2’s specs reveal a custom Nvidia chip boasting DLSS and ray tracing. It features a large 7.9-inch touch display with HDR10, 120 Hz, and 256GB storage that’s expandable. Connectivity improvements include Wi-Fi 6 and wired Ethernet via the dock, along with stereo speakers, noise-canceling mic, and a premium price tag starting at $449.99, with a bundle option for Mario Kart World at $499.99. Mark your calendars for its release on June 5, 2025.

The Switch’s simplicity and game-centric focus have never been in doubt, but it’s now embracing hints of PC-style gaming with mouse controls. This is where the Joy-Con 2’s sensors, combined with accelerometers and gyroscopes, come into play. Curious about this feature during the showcase, I tested games that effectively turned the Joy-Cons into mice, a throwback to the SNES mouse days.

The results were varied. In Metroid Prime 4 Beyond for the Switch 2, switching from joystick to mouse mode felt surprisingly precise for aiming. However, after some time, the narrow Joy-Con designs made extended gameplay a bit uncomfortable, so I reverted to conventional controls.

Conversely, Civilization VII felt impeccable with mouse mode, akin to its PC versions. The laid-back, strategic pacing was perfect for the mouse feature, despite longing for customizable shortcuts on the second Joy-Con.

One standout in the demo was Drag x Drive, where you juggle two mice simultaneously for an innovative spin on the likes of Rocket League—as if paired with wheelchair basketball and robots. This unusual setup could inspire the PC realm, though I hope for a joystick-friendly option down the line.

On a more traditional note, Cyberpunk 2077′s Switch demonstration used a Pro controller, with promises of future mouse mode integration. This raises the question of accessibility, as lounging on the couch might not pair well with mouse use unless you attempt Nintendo’s novel-but-temporary suggestion of using your pants as a surface.

What excited me further about the Switch 2 was its push toward an enthusiast-friendly offering with resolution and quality modes. Where the original Switch managed 720p, the Switch 2 upscales the experience, allowing up to 4K at 60 fps when docked and offering dynamic options for lower resolutions to hit 120 Hz.

The enhancements extend beyond the hardware. Games now provide customizable graphics settings, like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, with separate quality and performance modes. During Nintendo’s showcase, the game, running at docked 1080p and 120 fps in performance mode, was exceptionally responsive.

Also of note were the peripherals: the $79.99 Pro Controller, boasting mappable rear buttons and enhanced with a C button for Game Chat, and the $49.99 Nintendo Camera aimed at enhancing interactive gameplay and streamlining reactions in games such as Mario Party Jamboree.

Of course, Nintendo’s first-party charm was on full display during the event. Game highlights include Mario Kart World, which introduced the thrilling Knockout Tour mode amidst visually stunning races. With knockout eliminations at racing milestones and a chaotic, laughter-filled roster, it’s poised to drive Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.

Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 showcased the Switch 2’s capability, albeit with some visual polish needed before launch. Meanwhile, other captivating titles such as Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, demonstrated the console’s raw power and enriched game design. Even niche options like Drag x Drive are primed for fan followings.

Increased resolution flexibility, coupled with unique peripherals and beloved franchises, places the Nintendo Switch 2 in an exciting spot. It’s more than just a console—it’s a new chapter in Nintendo’s ongoing legacy of transforming gaming experiences.