Nintendo Switch 2 early reviews: Worth the hype? What’s new, what’s missing, and what to expect

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally launched after much anticipation. This follow-up to the original Switch — an eight-year-old global sensation that revolutionised gaming with its hybrid design — continues to bridge the gap between TV and on-the-go play.

While the Switch 2 promises exciting features like 120fps gameplay with VRR support, early reviews and Reddit reactions have been mixed. For example, Tom’s Guide criticized the console for lacking HDMI 2.1 support, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos formats, and the ability to stream movies and shows on the go. One major disappointment is the absence of HDMI 2.1, which, beyond enabling flashy 4K visuals at 120Hz, also offers benefits like dynamic HDR (more on that shortly), improved color accuracy through 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, and uncompressed high-quality audio. So even if you’re not chasing ultra-high performance, missing HDMI 2.1 means losing out on some extra polish.

The Guardian described the Switch 2 more as an upgrade than a groundbreaking new device. PC Mag echoed that sentiment, noting that this is the first time Nintendo has simply added a “2” to a previous console’s name — and that says a lot. The new console is fundamentally similar to its predecessor: a tablet with detachable controllers and a dock, allowing you to play both on the go and on your TV at home.

According to PC Mag, one area where the Switch 2 clearly improves is its screen. It sports a larger 7.9-inch display with a crisp 1080p resolution — double the pixels of the original. Depending on the model you compare it to, it’s about 0.9 to 2.5 inches bigger, and the refresh rate doubles to 120Hz. The screen looks impressive in person.

That said, the reviewer also explained that an LCD panel, so the OLED version of the original Switch still holds the edge in contrast and color depth. OLED screens deliver deeper blacks and typically a wider color range than LCDs. The Switch 2’s LCD is more vibrant than the standard Switch screen, but I didn’t get to compare it side-by-side with the OLED during my demo. Overall, though, it’s a solid display upgrade in nearly every other way.

The reviews have consensus: What’s truly new is the addition of voice chat. The Switch 2’s right Joy-Con features a new C button that activates GameChat, Nintendo’s built-in communication system. Press it, and you can speak with friends in-game via the console’s integrated microphone. This is a feature Microsoft and Sony consoles have had for years, but it’s new for Nintendo — and a much better solution than the awkward smartphone app originally used with the Switch.

As PC Mag points out, Nintendo has traditionally not prioritised raw processing power. The original Switch quickly started to feel outdated compared to competitors, maxing out at 1080p and 60 frames per second when docked. The Switch 2 changes that by supporting up to 4K at 60fps or 1080p at 120fps while docked, depending on the game and settings. This marks Nintendo’s first console capable of 4K resolution or frame rates above 60fps.

The verdict? While the Switch 2 isn’t a complete overhaul, it brings several welcome improvements that enhance the gaming experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. For anyone who loves Nintendo’s unique hybrid approach, it’s a welcome evolution that promises more fun both at home and on the go.