My Review of the Nintendo Switch 2: A Worthwhile Upgrade with a Rocky Start

My Review of the Nintendo Switch 2: A Worthwhile Upgrade with a Rocky Start

As a longtime Nintendo fan, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, and I’m thrilled to say I finally received mine! The launch day was electric, with people forming long lines outside stores across the country, including the GameStop in Staten Island, where I picked up my console. The excitement was palpable as gamers waited for hours, some even braving the midnight release to be among the first to own this next-generation device. However, the joy took an unexpected turn for some, including myself, due to an unusual mishap at the Staten Island GameStop. Despite this hiccup, the Switch 2 has proven to be a bigger, faster, and overall impressive evolution of the original Switch, though it retains a familiar feel. Let’s dive into my experience and the key differences that make this console a standout.

The Launch Day Drama: Staten Island GameStop and the Staple Incident

The hype for the Switch 2 was undeniable, with long lines snaking around the Staten Island GameStop as fans clamored to get their hands on the new console. I was among them, thrilled to be part of the midnight release crowd. But when I opened my box at home, I was shocked to find staple holes puncturing the screen—apparently, store workers had stapled receipts directly onto the packaging, damaging the LCD display. This wasn’t an isolated incident; reports from other customers at the same location highlighted a similar issue, with staples piercing the thin cardboard and plastic wrap to mar the screens. It’s hard to believe a retailer would handle a $450 device so carelessly, and it raises questions about training or packaging design oversight. Thankfully, GameStop quickly stepped in, offering replacements sourced from nearby stores, and I was able to exchange mine without too much delay. While the initial disappointment was real, it didn’t dampen my excitement for long—once I had a pristine unit, the fun began.

The establishment narrative might chalk this up to a rare employee error, but it’s worth questioning why Nintendo’s packaging left the screen so vulnerable. With the console positioned face-up under a flimsy layer, it seems like an avoidable design flaw. Still, the swift resolution by GameStop turned a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience, allowing me to focus on the console itself.

First Impressions: Bigger, Faster, and Familiar

From the moment I held the Switch 2, I noticed its increased size—a nearly two-inch larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen compared to the original’s 6.2-inch 720p display. This upgrade makes games look crisper and more immersive, especially in handheld mode, where small details pop like never before. The speed is another leap forward; loading times are noticeably quicker, and the eShop runs with a fluidity that the original Switch could only dream of. Playing titles like Mario Kart World felt like a revelation, with smoother frame rates and enhanced visuals that outshine the older console’s capabilities.

Yet, despite these improvements, the Switch 2 feels remarkably similar to its predecessor. The core design—handheld with detachable Joy-Cons and a dock for TV play—remains intact, preserving the versatility that made the first Switch a hit. The weight is slightly heavier, which adds a premium feel but might take some getting used to for smaller hands. The Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically, a subtle but satisfying upgrade from the original’s slide mechanism, and the addition of a second USB-C port at the top for charging in tabletop mode is a thoughtful touch. Overall, it’s like a refined version of an old friend—familiar yet fresh.

Key Differences Between the Switch 2 and Original Switch

The differences between the Switch 2 and the original Switch are significant enough to justify the upgrade for dedicated fans, though they’re more evolutionary than revolutionary. Here’s a breakdown based on my hands-on experience:

• Screen and Display: The Switch 2’s 7.9-inch 1080p LCD is a major step up from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p. Colors are more vibrant, and the larger size enhances handheld play, though it lacks the OLED contrast of the Switch OLED model. This trade-off feels minor given the resolution boost.
• Performance and Speed: The Switch 2’s enhanced hardware delivers faster load times and smoother gameplay. Third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077 run reasonably well, a feat impossible on the original, though some games like Hitman: World of Assassination show mixed results in docked mode. The increased horsepower keeps it competitive with modern consoles.
• Controllers and Ports: The Joy-Con 2s feature a magnetic attachment and improved ergonomics, eliminating the wobble issues of the original. The extra USB-C port at the top is a game-changer for charging flexibility, addressing a long-standing complaint about the original’s single-port design.
• Storage and Accessories: The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for expanded storage, a shift from the original’s standard microSD compatibility. This means higher costs (e.g., $72 for 256GB), but it supports faster data transfer—a nod to future-proofing, though options are limited now.
• Features: New additions like GameChat offer integrated voice and screen-sharing, making multiplayer sessions more social. The mouse mode, while niche, works surprisingly well for certain games, adding a unique twist absent in the original.
• Build and Weight: The Switch 2 feels sturdier with a sleeker design, but its added weight (about half a pound more) might not suit everyone. The metal kickstand is a vast improvement, offering better stability for tabletop play.

Gameplay and Long-Term Appeal

After spending hours with the Switch 2, I can confidently say it’s a joy to use. Mario Kart World looks stunning, with sharper tracks and vibrant characters, and the upgraded speakers deliver rich sound even without headphones. The GameChat feature, while not as robust as Discord, is perfect for quick sessions with friends, and the noise-canceling microphone handled background noise impressively. The data transfer process from my old Switch was a bit lengthy, but cloud saves via Nintendo Switch Online made it manageable. For now, the lack of exclusive titles might deter some, but the enhanced library of existing games and upcoming releases like Super Mario Party Jamboree promise a bright future.

Final Thoughts

Despite the rocky start with the Staten Island GameStop staple fiasco, my experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s bigger, faster, and packed with quality-of-life improvements that make it a worthy successor to the original Switch, while retaining the charm that made the first model a household name. The differences—superior screen, enhanced performance, and new features—elevate the experience, though the packaging vulnerability and higher accessory costs are worth noting. For Nintendo fans like me, this is a must-have upgrade, and with GameStop’s quick fix, the launch hiccup didn’t overshadow the console’s potential. While it was bittersweet with memories of me waiting in line in 2017 at ToysRUs at Bayplaza in the Bronx with my dad to purchase the first Nintendo Switch, the experience was worth it now. I’m already looking forward to colored Joy-Cons and more exclusives—here’s to another eight years of Nintendo magic!

---