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In a gaming world increasingly dominated by powerhouse consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, Nintendo has always taken a unique path prioritising creativity, portability, and family-friendly fun.
Now, with whispers becoming roars, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to redefine the hybrid gaming experience.
This Nintendo Switch 2 review offers a comprehensive look at what we know so far, what to expect, and whether it truly justifies an upgrade especially for UK gamers considering a new investment in Nintendo’s ecosystem.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth the Upgrade?
Nintendo’s strategy has never been about cutting-edge performance. it’s about accessibility, innovation, and experience.
That said, the Switch 2 marks a major leap forward from its predecessor, with several expected upgrades that address long-standing concerns and add premium features:
- Better graphics performance: Leveraging a custom NVIDIA chipset, likely built with DLSS (deep learning super sampling), which boosts performance and visual fidelity, especially when docked.
- Expanded storage: Moving beyond the cramped 32GB or 64GB storage, the Switch 2 could offer 256GB to 512GB, finally giving digital players more breathing room.
- Longer battery life: With up to 11 hours of gameplay, mobile gamers will find this a huge improvement over previous models.
- Upgraded Joy-Cons: A magnetic design that potentially resolves the dreaded Joy-Con drift issue, while also improving comfort and response times.
- Backward compatibility: Retaining your existing Switch game library is a game-changer for value.
For existing Switch OLED users, the value of upgrading might depend on personal priorities. But for those still on the base Switch, or those who skipped it altogether this might be the best time to jump in.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Actually Coming Out?
Although Nintendo hasn’t held a full reveal event yet, all industry signs suggest the Switch 2 is not only real. it’s already in advanced stages of development.
- Developer hands-on reports: Trusted sources like Eurogamer and Bloomberg confirmed that Switch 2 dev kits were shown behind closed doors at Gamescom 2023.
- Retailer leaks: Several UK electronics chains have already listed placeholder entries for “Nintendo hardware – Q4 2024”, suggesting an imminent launch.
- Nintendo’s silence: Consistent with past hardware reveals, Nintendo tends to remain quiet until around six months before launch. Analysts believe an official reveal will come mid-2025.
Release Timeline in the UK
The Switch 2 is expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025, just in time for the holiday season or new-year sales crucial windows in the UK gaming retail market.
What Are the Key Features of the Nintendo Switch 2?
This console is expected to retain its hybrid DNA, but with enough technical upgrades to feel like a proper generational leap.
Display
- 8-inch LCD display, a jump from the 7-inch OLED, but expected to support up to 120Hz refresh rate, bringing smoother action in both docked and handheld modes.
Battery & Power Efficiency
- New chip architecture significantly boosts efficiency. Reports suggest up to 11 hours of battery life, thanks to lower energy consumption.
Joy-Con Redesign
- Magnetic attachment system replaces the slide-rail design, offering:
- Better durability
- Faster response time
- Ergonomic grip
- Possibly eliminating the Joy-Con drift problem altogether
Audio & Interface
- Enhanced stereo sound and adaptive audio levels between docked and portable modes.
- Revamped UI with snappier transitions and more multitasking features.
The design philosophy remains Nintendo at heart fun, flexible, and friendly but now layered with modern tech that finally closes the gap with competitors.
How Does the Nintendo Switch 2 Compete With Other Handheld Consoles in 2025?
With portable gaming heating up in 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t launching into a quiet market. it’s entering a competitive landscape dominated by devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and PlayStation Portal. So, how does it stack up?
| Console | Price (UK) | Screen | Max Output | Game Ecosystem |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | £349–£399 | 8″ LCD | 4K via DLSS (Docked) | Nintendo Exclusives |
| Steam Deck OLED | From £479 | 7.4″ OLED | Up to 4K (via dock) | PC/Steam library |
| ASUS ROG Ally | £699+ | 7″ Full HD | Native 1080p+ | Windows-based PC titles |
| PlayStation Portal | £199 | 8″ LCD | Remote Play only | PS5 streaming only |
Where the Switch 2 Wins?
- Exclusives like Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon
- Hybrid design still unrivalled
- Longer battery life than many PC handhelds
- More affordable entry point than most competitors
The Switch 2 is still the most accessible and versatile console in its class, especially for gamers who prioritise exclusive titles and casual-to-midcore gaming without diving into PC setups.
Will Switch 2 Be as Powerful as Ps5?
Here’s the truth: the Switch 2 won’t match the PlayStation 5’s raw specs, but that’s not the point.
Power Comparison
- PS5: Custom AMD GPU + SSD, high-speed data transfer, ray tracing
- Switch 2: Custom NVIDIA chip, smaller form factor, DLSS for upscaling
The Switch 2 trades sheer power for versatility and portability. But with DLSS and advanced upscaling, Nintendo can achieve stunning visuals without demanding excessive hardware.
Verdict: Not as powerful as PS5, but more than enough to offer a visually rich and fluid experience especially for portable gaming.
What Games Will Be Available on the Nintendo Switch 2?
While Nintendo hasn’t officially released a game list, here’s what’s expected:
Strongly Rumoured or Confirmed Titles
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Time (possible launch title)
- Mario Kart 9: next-gen exclusive
- Metroid Prime 4: re-engineered for new hardware
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A already announced for a 2025 launch
Compatibility
- Switch 2 is highly likely to support all current Switch titles
- Many games will receive next-gen patches for higher resolution and frame rate
Third-Party Support
- Ubisoft, Capcom, Square Enix, and EA are all reportedly developing enhanced ports or exclusives for the platform.
How Long Does the Switch 2 Battery Last?
Battery life is a top priority, especially for portable play:
- Estimated Usage: 9 to 11 hours
- Faster Charging: USB-C fast charging support
- Lower Heat Output: Cooler design for longer sessions
For commuters, students, or casual players on the go this makes a significant difference.
What is the Nintendo Switch 2 Uk Price and is It Justified?
The projected UK pricing is:
- Standard model: ~£349
- Premium/storage bundle: ~£399+
Considering the hardware, this positions the Switch 2 just above Steam Deck pricing and slightly below full PS5/Xbox consoles.
But with:
- Exclusive games
- Next-gen tech
- Better battery, Joy-Cons, and performance
…it offers excellent value for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Should Nintendo Switch Owners Upgrade to Switch 2?
It really comes down to how you use your current Switch:
You Should Upgrade If
- You game regularly (daily or weekly)
- You want better graphics and smoother gameplay
- You’re excited about upcoming exclusives
- You feel held back by battery life or performance
You Might Wait If
- You only play occasionally
- You’re happy with the OLED model
- You want to see first-year reviews before buying
But make no mistake: the Switch 2 represents the future of Nintendo gaming. For enthusiasts, it’s a no-brainer.
Nintendo Switch Generational Comparison
| Feature | Switch | Switch OLED | Switch 2 (Expected) |
| Launch Year | 2017 | 2021 | 2024/2025 |
| Screen | 6.2″ LCD | 7″ OLED | 8″ LCD (120Hz) |
| Max Resolution | 1080p (docked) | 1080p (docked) | 4K (docked via DLSS) |
| Battery Life | 4.5–6.5 hrs | 4.5–9 hrs | Up to 11 hrs |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB | 256–512GB |
| Joy-Cons | Standard rails | Same as original | Magnetic redesign |
| Price (UK) | £259 | £309 | £349–£399 |
How Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Improve the Online Gaming Experience?
Nintendo has historically lagged behind competitors like Xbox and PlayStation when it comes to online infrastructure, but there are strong indications that the Nintendo Switch 2 will finally offer a more polished and responsive online gaming environment.
Anticipated Online Upgrades
- Faster network hardware: Likely support for Wi-Fi 6E, improving download speeds and connection stability, especially during multiplayer matches.
- Updated Nintendo Online Service: A redesigned interface with faster matchmaking, more intuitive friends lists, and possibly improved voice chat integration.
- Cloud saves and cross-platform support: Expected to be more seamless, with less lag and fewer sync issues.
- Improved eShop performance: Faster game browsing and more curated recommendations tailored for Switch 2 users.
New Online Features (Speculated)
- Expansion of retro gaming library through Nintendo Switch Online+ (including GameCube titles)
- Cross-play support with games like Minecraft, Rocket League, and Fortnite
- Dynamic online lobbies and multiplayer rooms for co-op play and tournaments
These changes would make the online multiplayer experience more competitive and community-driven, helping Nintendo compete more directly with Sony and Microsoft’s offerings.
What Parental Controls and Family Features Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Offer?
Nintendo consoles have long been praised for being family-friendly, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to carry that legacy forward with enhanced parental controls and accessibility options.
Family-Friendly Enhancements
- Updated Parental Control App: More granular control over screen time, game access, and online communication.
- Profile-specific settings: Allowing parents to create different rules for each child based on age and gaming habits.
- Time-of-day restrictions: Set gaming limits during school hours, sleep time, or study periods especially useful for UK families managing screen time during term breaks.
- Activity reports: Detailed summaries sent to the Nintendo app, breaking down how each user spends their time.
Accessibility Features
- Text-to-speech and voice navigation for users with visual impairments
- Custom controller remapping for children or players with physical limitations
- Colourblind modes and subtitle customisation in first-party titles
These thoughtful features reflect Nintendo’s commitment to inclusive, family-focused gaming, making the Switch 2 a reliable choice for parents investing in a console their entire household can enjoy.
Conclusion
After a deep dive into this Nintendo Switch 2 review, one thing is clear Nintendo is stepping confidently into the next generation of hybrid gaming.
With significant improvements in performance, battery life, display technology, and game compatibility, the Switch 2 looks set to continue Nintendo’s legacy of innovation while correcting many of the shortcomings of earlier models.
For gamers in the UK, especially those who’ve held off on purchasing the OLED or original model, the Switch 2 offers a future-proof investment.
From potential 4K output and redesigned Joy-Cons to enhanced multiplayer features and broader third-party support, it’s shaping up to be the most well-rounded Nintendo console yet.
FAQs about Nintendo Switch 2 review
Will existing Joy-Cons work with the Switch 2?
Compatibility is expected, though the new magnetic Joy-Cons may be preferred for best experience.
Can you play all Nintendo Switch games on Switch 2?
Yes, backward compatibility is one of the system’s biggest expected features.
Does the Nintendo Switch 2 support cloud gaming?
Likely yes, based on current support for cloud versions of titles like Hitman 3 and Resident Evil Village.
Has Nintendo fixed Joy-Con drift in the new model?
A complete redesign suggests this long-standing issue may finally be resolved.
Can Switch 2 connect to 4K TVs in native resolution?
Yes, via DLSS, the Switch 2 can upscale to 4K in docked mode.
What accessories are launching with the Nintendo Switch 2?
Expect a new dock, Joy-Cons, cases, and a revamped Pro Controller.