Nintendo Switch 2 Preview: Enhanced Size, Speed, and New Mouse Control Feature

As the successor to Nintendo’s famously successful console, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers a fresh yet familiar gaming experience. Attending a hands-on demo in New York, I had the opportunity to try it out and left feeling mostly enthusiastic. However, my excitement was more due to the lineup of games rather than the console itself.

That’s not to say the Switch 2 isn’t impressive. It’s a solid piece of hardware priced at $450, but its allure is tightly linked to the quality of the games developed for it by both Nintendo and third-party creators.

In essence, the Switch 2 is a continuation of Nintendo’s gaming philosophy, yet it brings with it its own unique evolution. The few hours I spent gaming on it left me eager for more and, admittedly, considering saving up for its release.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware

From the get-go, the black matte finish of the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the console’s sleek design leave a lasting impression. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds with the controllers attached, it’s slightly heavier than the predecessor but the expanded 7.9-inch display justifies this minor increase. It remains lighter than some of the more robust PC gaming handhelds, like the Steam Deck OLED, which tips the scales at 1.41 pounds.

The subdued color scheme seems a bit off-brand for Nintendo, a company typically associated with vibrant design choices. While it gives a nod to the classic neon red and orange highlights around the joysticks, it lacks the whimsical color options like Nintendo’s GameCube had with its indigo and orange models. Yet, having owned the black GameCube myself, I can easily look past this, hoping for more color variety in the future.

Removing the Joy-Cons is a straightforward process, thanks to the release buttons on the side. Although my time connecting and disconnecting them was brief—most setups at the event had the system out of reach—I felt the connection was secure, lessening concerns about accidental removal.

These new Joy-Con 2 controllers sit more comfortably in hand, being longer than their predecessors. Although they’re just as thin, this added length offers a noticeable improvement in comfort, even if it might not be immediately apparent to everyone.

Sticking with the familiar, the control sticks still rely on a potentiometer setup as with the original Joy-Cons. During a media round-table, developers mentioned that the Joy-Cons 2 have been redesigned for smoother, more substantial movements, yet the term "hall effect" never came up, which might be disappointing for some. From my short demo experience, the sticks felt quite similar, and I’ll need more time to truly assess any changes.

One significant upgrade is the new kickstand. The original Switch’s kickstand was so diminutive it seemed more like an afterthought. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 boasts a large, robust stand that can tilt to any angle, finally making it practical for use on confined spaces like an airplane tray.

However, when it comes to the most dramatic enhancement, it’s all about the screen. While some may lament that it’s not OLED, this new LCD screen boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate. Additionally, HDR10 support makes games like Mario Kart World pop with vivid detail. During my brief play, I didn’t miss the OLED tech, though I’m eager to see how other games fare on this display since most demos were showcased on larger TVs.

When docked, the Switch 2 doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor’s mold, aside from being a bit bulkier to accommodate a cooling fan. It seamlessly integrates with Nintendo’s new camera accessory in one particular demo, otherwise mirroring the current Switch dock in functionality.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs

The Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor with support for DLSS and hardware-based ray tracing, which suggests significant advancements in graphics performance:

• Display: 7.9-inch, 1920 x 1080p touch screen, with HDR10 support and 120 Hz VRR
• Storage: 256GB (UFS), expandable via microSD Express cards up to 2TB
• Network Capabilities: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, with wired Ethernet available on the dock
• Audio: Stereo speakers and an integrated monaural microphone with noise cancellation

It also maintains flexibility with a variety of ports, including two USB Type-C, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and intuitive game card and microSD slots on the console itself, as well as additional ports on the dock.

Battery life is estimated to range between 2 to 6.5 hours, dependent on usage—a detail Nintendo is clear on within their "rough estimates." Pricing starts at $449.99, with a bundle including Mario Kart World retailing for $499.99, and it’s scheduled for release on June 5, 2025.

Mouse Controls

Nintendo’s consoles are renowned for their straightforward usability and game-centric focus, yet the Switch 2 incorporates a touch of PC gaming with the introduction of mouse capability.

Both Joy-Con 2 controllers can function as mice thanks to integrated sensors combined with their accelerometers and gyroscopes. During Nintendo’s showcase, I was keen to test this capability, which evokes nostalgia for the SNES mouse from 1992. The mouse feature is enhanced with the wrist straps, which include mouse skates for smoother action.

My experience with this feature was mixed. In Metroid Prime 4 Beyond for the Switch 2, the option to switch between joystick and mouse control was fluid. The mouse allowed for greater precision with Samus Aran’s arm cannon than with the joystick. However, the Joy-Cons’ design—still lean despite enlarged ZL and ZR buttons—led to some discomfort over time. Ultimately, I reverted back to traditional controls.

The mouse mode shined more in Civilization VII, which felt akin to using a PC, aided largely by the slower pace facilitating comfort and accuracy. This game only necessitates a single Joy-Con for mouse input, although additional functionality could be unlocked if more customizing could be done via the second Joy-Con.

Drag x Drive stood out as an intriguing use of dual-mouse controls, reminiscent of a hybrid between Rocket League and wheelchair basketball. Even though it’s an exciting innovation that could inspire PC gaming trends, after extended gameplay, a more conventional control option would be beneficial for player comfort.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition’s demo used a Pro controller, but developer CD Projekt Red is already onboard with mouse capabilities, which I’m curious to explore further.

However, the practicality of using Joy-Cons like mice raises questions, notably for users accustomed to more lounge-friendly settings rather than desk-oriented setups. The prospect of balancing console gameplay with new peripheral controls is one worth monitoring as developers decide whether to support this feature long-term.

Resolution Options and Quality Modes

Venturing into more enthusiast-driven territory, the Switch 2 offers an array of resolution settings and quality modes. This feature is reminiscent of trends seen in the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

Connected to a dock, it can deliver output in 4K at up to 60 fps or offer variable refresh rates for resolutions like 1080p and 1440p. On the handheld side, the built-in screen is capable of pumping out 1080p visuals at 120 fps, enhancing games while maintaining the convenience of portable play.

For instance, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond for the Switch 2 provides quality and performance modes. In its showcase, it notably ran at a snappy 1080p 120 fps in performance mode, delivering a responsive experience almost akin to playing on a high-powered PC.

While not all games had specific resolution and frame rate data available, a developer from Civilization VII assured that their aim is for 1080p 60 fps, which is fitting for the game’s style.

Pro Controller and Nintendo Camera

Beyond the console, Nintendo is introducing a $79.99 Pro Controller and a $49.99 camera as new add-ons.

The Pro Controller, like its predecessor, feels familiar but with clickier buttons. Crucially, it includes extra buttons at the rear that can be mapped to face buttons, promising customizable gameplay (though none of the demo units had this feature active). Both the Pro Controller and the new Joy-Con 2 support a C button for activating Switch 2’s Game Chat feature.

The Nintendo Camera, designed for Game Chat integration, also offers a chance to feature your likeness in games like Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. Unfortunately, the green screen effect leaves something to be desired with visible rough edges. Interestingly, Nintendo states you can use any "compatible USB-C camera," indicating flexibility with existing peripherals.

Game Notes

Nintendo didn’t hold back on showcasing games, gathering enthusiasm from long-time fans due to its strong first-party offerings. At launch, Mario Kart World serves as a major driver for sales, echoing the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Mario Kart World stole the spotlight at the showcase. The game ran smoothly and looked spectacular both on TVs and the console’s HDR display. The new Knockout Tour mode spices things up by challenging you against 24 others to hit various milestones, eliminating players along the way—dirty tricks are fair game. The sheer number of racers ups the game’s grandeur, while diverse, amusing environments capture the Switch 2’s capabilities perfectly. Character selections, including unlikely options like a cow, add a playful touch.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition illustrates the console’s horsepower. While some graphical hiccups were apparent in the demo build, optimizations are expected before release. Adjustment between performance and quality modes remains unclear from the demo, yet the upgrade potential was palpable.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a new compilation of mini-games highlighting the console’s capabilities. While enjoyable, it’s surprising it’s not complimentary given its demo nature akin to other bundled experiences like Astro’s Playroom with PS5.

Donkey Kong Bananza showcases the console’s prowess in handling complex environments, offering levels laden with interactive, destructible elements. The abundance of collectibles should keep dedicated fans engaged.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition impressed visually while offering smooth gameplay both in standard and mouse modes. I’m eager to explore more.

Drag x Drive could find a cult following with its unique premise of combining Rocket League dynamics with robot-led gameplay. The double mouse control is taxing, hinting at future demand for simpler inputs, yet delivers engaging strategic depth.

Nintendo Classics: GameCube brought back titles like Soul Calibur II and F-Zero GX, proving seamless with updated controls. However, classics access requires Nintendo Switch Online and a new Expansion Pack.

The showcase also featured promising titles like Civilization VII, Hades 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, and Kirby and the Forgotten World – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like a strong continuation and evolution of the Switch’s legacy, with enough new hardware and feature updates to tempt gamers—especially those interested in its promising game library. Whether the console will fully capture gamers’ attention across the broad spectrum of available features remains to be seen, but it certainly makes a compelling offer.