Nintendo Switch 2: An Honest Assessment One Month In
Four weeks and a hundred-plus hours of gameplay later, here's what we can say without reservation about Nintendo's new console.
The Switch 2 has been on shelves for a month. The initial hype has settled, and so have the first disappointments. It's time to take a hard, clear-eyed look.
What Actually Works
The 1080p OLED screen is stunning. The difference from the original Switch is immediate and striking, even in handheld mode. The steady 60fps on first-party exclusives is a complete game-changer. The magnetic Joy-Con have put the drift issue to rest for good.
The Real Disappointments
The launch lineup is thin. Mario Kart 9 and Metroid Prime 4 should have been day-one releases. Nintendo's pricing strategy — a blanket $79 per game — is hard to justify in 2026. And the absence of retro titles on Nintendo Online at launch is baffling.
The Promise Delivered: Portability
In handheld mode, the Switch 2 is hands-down the best portable console ever made. The battery holds up for 4.5 hours on demanding games and 7 hours on indie titles. That's enough for a cross-country flight or a long road trip.
Verdict: buy it if you're a Nintendo fan. Wait it out if you're holding out for a solid third-party catalog before the end of 2026.