Nintendo Switch 2 Review Roundup: Critics and Fans Weigh In on Nintendo’s Next-Gen Console

The Nintendo Switch 2 Review Roundup is here, and the gaming world is buzzing with excitement over Nintendo’s latest hybrid console, released on June 5, 2025. Promising a refined evolution of the original Switch, the Switch 2 has sparked a wave of reviews and reactions from critics and fans alike.

From its upgraded hardware to its familiar yet divisive user interface, this article dives into the highs and lows of the Nintendo Switch 2, includes a brief explainer on its upcoming operating system, and organizes key data in a table.

Whether you’re a die-hard Nintendo fan or a curious gamer, this comprehensive analysis will help you decide if the Switch 2 is worth the hype.

Highlights of the Nintendo Switch 2

• Release Date: June 5, 2025

• Price: $450 (standard), $500 (Mario Kart World bundle)

• Key Upgrades: Magnetic Joy-Cons, larger 8-inch LCD screen, improved performance

• Standout Feature: Innovative mouse control option, though not perfect

• Critic Scores: Averaging 90/100 on Metacritic from 30+ reviews

• Fan Sentiment: Mixed, with praise for hardware but concerns over price and battery life

What Are Critics Saying About the Nintendo Switch 2?

The Nintendo Switch 2 has garnered strong praise for its premium build and thoughtful design improvements. GameSpot calls it “a well-made Switch successor with lots of little thoughtful touches,” highlighting its sturdier, less toy-like feel compared to the original. Eurogamer loves the sleek form factor, noting that the “beautiful glossy screen” makes the original Switch look dated. Kotaku praises the “high-end” tech feel of the console and its vibrant LCD panel, despite not being OLED.

However, not all feedback is glowing. IGN describes it as an “iterative upgrade,” sparking debate among fans who see it as a monumental leap. Game Informer finds it “arguably too safe,” missing the bold innovation Nintendo is known for. Battery life is a common critique, with Eurogamer noting it drains quickly, lasting 2-7 hours depending on usage.

Polygon stands out with high praise, stating the Switch 2 is “closer to the technical cutting edge than Nintendo has been since the GameCube”. The Telegraph boldly claims it’s “the best portable games console you can buy right now”.

What Do Fans Think of the Nintendo Switch 2?

Fan reactions on X reflect a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Users like @Stealth40k call it “a Switch, but better,” praising the fast eShop and easy data transfer. @KirPinkFury raves about the premium feel and stellar Pro Controller, noting the Nintendo Switch app enhances content sharing.

@DatChaosGuy enjoys the mature design and smooth performance of titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

On the flip side, @TRIPSTER0 slams the “subpar” handheld experience, criticizing the LCD screen’s lack of OLED and poor HDR output.

@theo finds the console “too big” and complains about weak WiFi, recommending gamers wait a few months. Price is a recurring concern, with the $450 base price and $500 bundle seen as steep, especially with accessories like the $85 Pro Controller.

How Does the Nintendo Switch 2’s Hardware Perform?

The Switch 2 boasts an 8-inch LCD screen, magnetic Joy-Cons, and a more powerful chipset. CNET highlights the “new tech” feel, with magnetic Joy-Cons making swaps effortless.

TechRadar notes the vivid LCD delivers crisp visuals, though some upscaling fuzziness persists. Laptop Mag reports larger, ergonomic Joy-Cons with improved buttons, but durability concerns linger due to the single-pin connection.

Performance-wise, the console handles upgraded games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Cyberpunk 2077 well, with Eurogamer calling the latter a “marvel” despite minor firefight hiccups. However, @JVindahouse warns the console “heats up a lot” after extended use.

The mouse control feature, a bold addition, divides opinions. IGN finds it “genuinely impressive” but not as smooth as hoped. Fans on X note its potential, predicting more developers will adopt it due to its 100% attach rate.

What’s the Deal with the Nintendo Switch 2’s Operating System?

The Switch 2’s operating system is nearly identical to the original Switch, disappointing some fans hoping for a whimsical overhaul. TechRadar calls the UI “practically identical,” lamenting the lack of Nintendo’s signature charm. However, TechRadar also praises the revamped eShop, noting smoother navigation, faster downloads, and better-organized listings.

An upcoming system update, teased by Nintendo, promises “important features and updates” but details remain scarce. This update, available on launch day, was cited as the reason Nintendo withheld pre-launch review units, suggesting significant enhancements are in store.

Speculation includes potential improvements to GameChat, Nintendo’s new social tool, which Eurogamer praises as a perfect match for Mario Kart World’s Free Roam mode.

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth the Price?

At $450 (or $500 with the Mario Kart World bundle), the Switch 2’s price has sparked debate. CNET advises current Switch owners to wait, citing the lack of early exclusive games and high accessory costs.

Stuff recommends it after 120 hours of use, calling it a streamlined evolution despite one “massive problem” (likely battery life or price).

Critics like Engadget argue the premium experience justifies the cost, stating it has “everything that made the original so great, but now there’s more of it to enjoy”. The Times sees it as a safe but smart evolution, perfect for fans of the original.

Nintendo Switch 2 Review Data Table

Some Closing Thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2

This Nintendo Switch 2 Review Roundup paints a picture of a console that refines what made the original a hit while introducing thoughtful upgrades like magnetic Joy-Cons and a vibrant LCD screen. Critics laud its premium build and performance, but some feel it plays it too safe, lacking the bold innovation Nintendo is known for.

Fans are split, with many loving the mature design but others balking at the price and battery life. The upcoming system update could address some concerns, particularly around the familiar UI and GameChat feature.

For now, the Switch 2 is a strong contender for the best portable console, but whether it’s worth the upgrade depends on your love for Nintendo’s ecosystem and willingness to invest in its future.