The hour-long Nintendo Switch 2 Direct has concluded, packed with details from hardware to software. After years of rumours, we finally have clarity about Nintendo’s next-generation console.
While there’s plenty to discuss, our first impression remains lukewarm. Ambitious pricing, familiar game designs, and questionable features dominate the presentation, leaving us less than enthusiastic. Nevertheless, Nintendo’s powerful brand influence means commercial success remains likely.
Hardware: Familiar Outside, Upgraded Inside
The Switch 2 looks remarkably similar to its predecessor, with only slightly rounder edges. The dock resembles a bread maker, and the hybrid concept remains unchanged – detachable controllers that form a complete gamepad or separate into two.
The colour scheme is a restrained dark grey with red and blue accents.
Internal upgrades are more substantial. The screen grows from 7-inch 720p OLED to 7.9-inch 1080p, very bright LCD with 120Hz refresh rate, higher brightness, and HDR support.
Performance sees significant improvements with upgraded CPU and GPU, seemingly comparable to the Steam Deck. Storage increases to 256GB high-speed SSD, with support for Micro SD Express cards (UK Amazon Scandisk 256 GB costs around £80).
Docked mode outputs 4K at 60Hz, with the dock now featuring a built-in cooling fan. This may widen the performance gap between handheld and TV modes.
Nintendo quietly mentioned that battery capacity increased by 1.2 times, yet hinted battery life might still decrease due to higher power consumption.
Controllers: New Attachments and Peculiar Features
Joy-Cons now attach magnetically rather than via rails, with new rear release buttons and larger control sticks (no mention of drift-resistant Hall Effect technology).
The controllers can function as table-top mouse inputs for certain games – a novel if niche feature.
The most unexpected addition is the C button, activating “Game Chat” – a video conferencing interface showing friends’ gameplay with voice communication. A separate camera accessory lets you include your face – a curious pandemic-era solution arriving years too late.
This feature requires a paid membership after March 2026, suggesting it’s currently in free testing.
Games: Familiar Franchises in New Packaging
Mario Kart World leads the exclusive lineup, adopting an open-world approach with exploration between races.
From Software surprisingly offers The Duskbloods as a Switch 2 exclusive – a multiplayer-focused title with Bloodborne aesthetics, though Hidetaka Miyazaki’s involvement remains unclear.
Donkey Kong Bananza brings the franchise into full 3D, developed by the Super Mario Odyssey team. While promising, it lacks Mario’s universal appeal.
Other exclusives include a Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a Kirby Air Riders, and two head-scratchers: a paid collection of tech demos called Nintendo Switch Tour (and you may have to buy this tour game), and a peculiar 3v3 wheelchair basketball game utilising the new mouse functions.
Third-party support expands with Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, and Cyberpunk 2077. Hollow Knight: Silksong appeared briefly with a 2025 release promise, though its five-second cameo doesn’t inspire confidence after numerous delays.
Compatibility: Three-Tier Approach
Switch 2 offers three game categories: new Switch 2 titles, backwards compatible Switch 1 games (except those requiring IR sensors), and enhanced Switch 2 versions of Switch 1 games.
The enhanced versions typically cost around £8 to upgrade, even for existing owners. Some games with minor enhancements will receive free updates.
Pricing: Confusing and Concerning
The Switch 2’s pricing structure raises eyebrows. A Japan-only version limited to the Japanese language costs roughly £240, while the international version runs about £340.
Game pricing is even more perplexing. Physical copies cost more than digital in many regions, and base prices have increased dramatically – Mario Kart World’s digital version costs $80 USD, with European physical copies reaching 90 euros. The upcoming GTA 6 may towards £100 or even more. This sets a worrying precedent for industry-wide price increases.
Actually, speaking of GTA 6 on Switch 2, our team discussed whether GTA 6 might not come to Switch 2 at launch, or at least not in 2 years’ time. Even then, it would need massive optimisation and content cut work. The game is likely too large for Switch 2’s storage, and combined with external SD and graphical requirements, presents significant challenges.
Some physical games will only include download codes without cartridge data, further diminishing their value.
The Switch 2 launches on June 5th, 2025, at £395.99 GBP standalone or bundled with Mario Kart is £429.00 GBP, effectively pushing consumers toward the bundle.
Our Take: More of the Same at Premium Prices
The Switch 2 Direct presents a conservative evolution rather than a revolution. While hardware upgrades are welcome, the substantial price increases and familiar software lineup fail to generate excitement.
The console avoids major design flaws, and unwanted features can be ignored, but the value proposition remains questionable compared to the original Switch’s groundbreaking appeal.
Despite our reservations, Nintendo’s market influence virtually guarantees commercial success. For many enthusiasts, however, this presentation falls short of justifying an immediate upgrade.