LurkerWrap: Is Nintendo Switch 2 Worth Buying Based on Media Reviews

For us, yes. But this isn’t a section about Tech Lurker, it’s about summarizing the most important media outlets and what they’re saying about the Nintendo Switch 2.

We’re excited to kick off our LurkerWrap series, which we believe will be both interesting and incredibly useful for all our reader lurkers. From now on, you’ll be able to get the most important industry takes in one easy, curated read, all in one place.

IGN

The Nintendo Switch 2 is described by IGN as a "vital but unexciting upgrade" to a console the reviewer already loves. After eight years, the original Switch's aging hardware made an update necessary. The Switch 2 addresses this, but at a "substantial premium ($449)".

WHAT'S BEST FOR IGN

• Significant Performance Boost: Games now run with higher resolutions (1080p handheld, 4K docked), faster framerates (up to 120fps), and quicker load times. Titles like Tears of the Kingdom look and feel much better, and Cyberpunk 2077 runs remarkably well.
  
• Refined Design & Storage: While visually similar to a slightly scaled-up original, it includes smart tweaks like a more robust kickstand, a second USB port (allowing charging in tabletop mode), and a comfortable 256GB of base internal storage.
  
• Innovative Joy-Con Mouse Control: A stand-out feature is the ability to use a Joy-Con as a "impressively precise" mouse. This "game-changer" opens up PC-style games like Civilization 7 and Cyberpunk 2077 to handheld and tabletop play.
  
• 4K/HDR Docked Output: The redesigned dock features an integrated Ethernet port and allows for 4K display with HDR and higher framerates (up to 120 FPS at 1440p) on compatible games, aided by a built-in fan for better cooling.
  
• GameChat: The inclusion of Nintendo's own integrated voice chat (with a dedicated button) is a "neat" addition, though "hilariously overdue."
  

WHAT'S Worst FOR IGN

• Lack of "Exciting" Innovation: Many of the improvements are seen as Nintendo "playing catch-up" with features like 4K and HDR that have been standard on other consoles for years. It doesn't feel like a brand-new console, but more like a long-delayed "Pro" update.
  
• Poor Joy-Con Ergonomics: Despite the slight size increase, the Joy-Cons still lack ergonomic redesign. They are missing analog triggers, have a cramped button layout, and the console's increased weight (1.18 pounds) can cause strain during extended handheld play.
  
• Uncomfortable Mouse Controls for Long Sessions: While the mouse control is precise and innovative, its ergonomics are very poor for prolonged use, causing hand and arm strain.
  
• Subpar Battery Life: The battery life in handheld mode is "slightly worse", offering only about two and a half hours when playing demanding games.
  
• Outdated System Features: Nintendo still doesn't allow home screen customization, uses an "obnoxious friend code system," and largely lacks media app support beyond YouTube.

Final IGN Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a necessary evolution, improving significantly on the original's technical capabilities with better resolution, framerates, and faster loading times, along with welcome design refinements like a magnetic Joy-Con system and expanded storage. Its innovative Joy-Con mouse control is a standout feature for certain game genres.

However, IGN argues that these advancements mostly represent Nintendo "catching up" to modern console standards rather than offering truly groundbreaking innovation. The console's $449 price point, lack of ergonomic improvements for the Joy-Cons, and poor comfort for the new mouse controls during long sessions prevent it from feeling like a truly "exciting" generational leap. While a "vital" upgrade for those still on the original Switch, it's ultimately seen as feeling more like a "long-overdue phone upgrade" than a revolutionary new console experience.

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GAMESPOT

GameSpot positions the Nintendo Switch 2 as an "iterative step" rather than a revolutionary one, unlike previous Nintendo consoles known for their central "gimmick." However, it excels as "a well-made Switch successor with lots of little thoughtful touches and design improvements" that make it feel more premium.

WHAT'S BEST FOR GAMESPOT

• Significant Power Upgrade: The primary improvement is raw hardware power, bringing the Switch 2 closer to parity with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, especially in handheld mode where it competes with handheld PCs. Games like Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrate this, looking and playing much better than on the original Switch.
  
• Enhanced User Experience: The increased horsepower makes the Switch ecosystem "more pleasant to use," particularly noticeable in a much smoother eShop.
  
• Premium Build Quality: The system feels more "premium" than its predecessor.
  
• Magnetic Joy-Cons: The new, larger Joy-Cons with a matte finish are now magnetic, offering a satisfying "snap" and improved durability over the old rail system, making them a "big upgrade."
  
• Backward Compatibility with Upgrades: The Switch 2 is backward compatible, with many Switch 1 games receiving free updates or paid "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades for better performance and visuals (e.g., The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet).

WHAT'S Worst FOR GAMESPOT

• Limited Ergonomics for Joy-Cons: Despite being larger, the Joy-Cons retain their fundamentally thin shape, which can feel "awkward in long play sessions," especially for adults.
  
• Screen Downgrade from OLED: While larger, the LCD screen has "noticeably worse contrast" compared to the original Switch OLED model. Some users also reported "ghosting issues" in handheld mode.
  
• Suboptimal HDR Implementation: HDR is applied by default to everything, and the paper-white setting is "hidden deep in the menus," leading to a potentially less-than-optimized visual experience for many users. Lack of VRR or 40hz mode in docked mode is also disappointing.
  
• Thin Launch Library: The initial game library is "relatively thin," meaning early adopters are primarily investing in future potential.

Final GAMESPOT Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a "refined, premium" upgrade, not a revolution. It offers a significant power boost, handling demanding third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Nintendo exclusives with ease. Key improvements include magnetic Joy-Cons, a sturdy kickstand, a larger LCD screen, and innovative Joy-Con mouse functionality.

While it successfully "catches up" in performance and improves the user experience (especially the eShop), it still lacks ergonomic Joy-Con improvements and retains some UI quirks. Despite minor screen tradeoffs and a slim launch lineup, its backward compatibility with enhanced performance for older games makes it a compelling purchase, especially for dedicated Switch fans, reinforcing Nintendo's leadership in handheld gaming.

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GamesRadar+

GamesRadar+ views the Nintendo Switch 2 as a "tangible upgrade" and a "refined, premium version" of its predecessor, rather than a revolutionary device. While it maintains a familiar form factor, it boasts significant internal improvements. The review concludes that as long as software continues to leverage its capabilities, "we're in for an excellent generation."

WHAT'S BEST FOR GamesRadar+

• Significant Performance Upgrades: The Switch 2 is capable of running games that even challenged the PS4, such as Cyberpunk 2077, which looks and plays "reasonably well." Mario Kart World is highlighted as a visual showcase for the new hardware..
  
• Premium Design and Feel: The console has a "sleek matte black finish" that feels "more comfortable" and "more sophisticated" than the original, signaling a "grown up" aesthetic.
  
• Magnetic Joy-Cons: The new magnetic attachment system is a "significantly improved" and "super slick experience" compared to the old rails.
  
• Surprisingly Effective Mouse Sensor: The Joy-Con's new mouse functionality works "shockingly well" and has "strong potential" for a new wave of game experiences, maintaining "impressively sharp" tracking even on surfaces like pants.
  
• Improved Screen (Size & Refresh Rate): The larger 7.9-inch LCD display with 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate makes games look "crisp and beautiful" and offers a "tangible improvement" in motion.

WHAT'S Worst FOR GamesRadar+

• Faster Battery Drain: The most demanding games (like Breath of the Wild: NS2 Edition) resulted in only 2 hours and 40 minutes of battery life, a downgrade from the Switch OLED. Charging times are also slow.
  
• Ergonomic Issues Persist: Despite larger Joy-Cons, their "skinny" fundamental shape still leads to awkwardness and strain in longer play sessions, especially for adults, lacking the built-in grips of competitors.
  
• Minor Screen Tradeoffs (vs. OLED): While larger and higher resolution, the LCD screen has "noticeably worse contrast" and less vividness than the Switch OLED. Some users also reported ghosting issues.
  
• HDR Implementation Needs Work: HDR can make some games appear "washed out" with current settings, requiring calibration updates from Nintendo.
  
• Thin Launch Lineup of New Games: At launch, there are only two new first-party titles (Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour) and few third-party exclusives, meaning early adopters invest largely in future potential.

Final GamesRadar+ Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 is praised as a "tangible upgrade" that refines rather than reinvents Nintendo's successful hybrid formula. It delivers a significant performance boost, enabling it to run demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 effectively and visually enhance existing Switch games through backward compatibility.

Key highlights include magnetic Joy-Cons, a more robust kickstand, a larger 1080p/120Hz LCD screen, and innovative, surprisingly effective Joy-Con mouse controls. While it provides a more premium feel and includes welcome features like GameChat, the console falls short on battery life, Joy-Con ergonomics (still uncomfortable for long sessions), and HDR calibration issues.

Despite a limited launch lineup of new games, GamesRadar+ concludes that its enhanced power and portability make it a compelling choice, especially against PC handhelds, setting the stage for an "excellent generation" if software support continues to push its capabilities.

THE WIRED

The Wired frames the Nintendo Switch 2 not as a revolutionary leap like PlayStation or Xbox consoles, but as a "refinement" and "elevation" of its predecessor. It polishes "almost every facet" of the original, delivering "almost its ultimate form.

WHAT'S BEST FOR THE WIRED

• Incredible Screen Quality: Despite abandoning OLED for an LCD panel, the 7.9-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution (279 PPI), HDR10 support, and a variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz delivers "incredibly smooth visuals" and feels significantly better than the Switch OLED's 720p, 210 PPI display.
  
• Near-Universal Backwards Compatibility: Almost every original Switch game (digital and physical) and even older peripherals (like Joy-Cons for Ring Fit Adventure) are supported, making for a "seamless transition" and an "all-encompassing Nintendo experience." Many older games also benefit from performance boosts (e.g., Pokémon Scarlet and Violet now run with stable frame rates and less pop-in) or paid upgrades (e.g., Zelda titles).
  
• Excellent GameChat Features: The new GameChat allows for voice or video calls with up to four online friends, even across different games. The built-in microphone is "astonishingly good" at picking up voice and offers "impressive noise cancellation."
  
• Significant Power Boost: While details are scarce, the custom Nvidia system-on-chip allows for smooth performance in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hitman: World of Assassination, with 4K output at 60fps when docked (or 1080p/1440p at 120Hz).
  
• Enhanced Joy-Con 2s: These are "far more substantial" with improved button depth, longer shoulder buttons, and a "smoother curve." The magnetic attachment to the console feels "far more robust" and secure, with a cleverly positioned release trigger.

WHAT'S Worst FOR THE WIRED

• No Hall Effect on Controller Thumbsticks: Despite a history of drift issues with the original Joy-Cons, Nintendo has not adopted Hall effect components, meaning drift is still a "very real possibility."
  
• Extremely Variable Battery Life: On demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, battery life drains from full to empty in about two hours. Lighter titles like Mario Kart World offer closer to four hours. The claimed 5,220-mAh battery can deliver up to 6.5 hours, but no games tested reached that.
  
• Not a Huge Generational Leap: While a significant refinement, it's not the dramatic generational jump seen in PlayStations or Xboxes.
  
• Paid "Welcome Tour" Demo: The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a walkthrough of new features, is a "glorified, paid-for demo" rather than a free inclusion.
• Mouse Functionality Utility is Unproven: While technically impressive and accurate on various surfaces, the Joy-Con mouse functionality is "not sold" on its long-term utility, with only a few launch titles making meaningful use of it. The Joy-Cons are also "simply aren't comfortable to use in this fashion."

Final THE WIRED Summary

The Wired praises Nintendo Switch 2 as a significant "refinement" of its predecessor, providing a "premium" and highly polished experience. It highlights the "incredible" 1080p/120Hz LCD screen (7.9 inches), substantial power upgrades enabling 4K docked output and smoother performance in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, and near-universal backward compatibility that revitalizes older games.

The magnetic Joy-Cons and the "astonishingly good" GameChat with voice and video calls are also key advantages. However, the review criticizes the variable and often short battery life (around 2-4 hours), the continued lack of Hall effect joysticks (raising drift concerns), and a flimsy kickstand. While the Joy-Con mouse functionality is technically impressive, its practical utility remains questionable.

Ultimately, The Wired concludes that the Switch 2, priced at $450, delivers on its promise of being "the same, but better," offering a highly enjoyable and cohesive Nintendo gaming experience.

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CNET

CNET declares the Nintendo Switch 2 the "best gaming handheld graphics right now, period," calling it a "revamp rather than a reinvention" of the original. While it offers "overdue graphics upgrades and a lot of design improvements," its potential lies ahead, and CNET suggests consumers "can wait on it, too" due to current drawbacks.

WHAT'S BEST FOR THE CNET

• Best Handheld Graphics: The Switch 2, with its new Nvidia custom processor, delivers graphics that look "better than on Valve's Steam Deck" and are notably superior to previous Nintendo hardware. Games like Splatoon 3 are "silky-smooth and sharp," and Zelda titles now run without "frame rate hiccups."
  
• Impressive Display: The 7.9-inch 1080p Full HD display with HDR support and a 120Hz variable refresh rate offers "incredibly smooth visuals" and is a significant upgrade over previous Switch screens, making the Switch OLED feel "muddy in comparison."
  
• Fantastic Hardware Design: CNET praises the "new thin and sturdy kickstand," the larger screen, and the "beefier Joy-Cons" with "notably better haptics" and a "lovely magnetic detach mechanism." The overall design feels "more mature and polished."
  
• Enhanced Dock & TV Output: The revamped dock is 4K-capable (60fps), and can output 120Hz at 1080p/1440p, making the Switch 2 a "better TV-docked gaming console than the Steam Deck."
  
• Slim and Portable: Despite being larger than older Switches, it's "small in comparison to the PC handhelds" and feels "a lot more compact and modern" than the Steam Deck.
  

WHAT'S Worst FOR THE CNET

• Worse Battery Life: Battery life is "worse than Switch's," with demanding games yielding only "about two hours, maybe three" of play. This is a "mismatch for families" and the "main reason to consider waiting".
  
• microSD Express Card Scarcity: The console requires microSD Express cards, which are currently "expensive" and "hard to find," leading to quick storage limitations despite the improved 256GB onboard storage.
  
• Still Needs More Unique Exclusives: While existing games get boosts and there are some promising upcoming titles, the console "still needs more unique exclusives" beyond Mario Kart World to be a "must-have."
  
• Paid "Welcome Tour": The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an interactive tutorial/demo, is a $10 launch title that "should have been included free".
  
• Screen Not OLED: While good, the LCD display "missing that extra bit of high-contrast vividness that OLEDs can have," and its HDR effects "don't really pop." The bezel is also "thicker than I'd prefer."

What the Media Agrees On About the Nintendo Switch 2

Media outlets largely concur on the Nintendo Switch 2's strengths: a significant performance boost for higher resolutions and framerates, an improved 7.9-inch LCD display, premium design with magnetic Joy-Cons, and effective new features like mouse control and GameChat. Backward compatibility with enhanced older games is also a major plus.

However, consistent criticisms emerge. The most common is subpar battery life (2-3 hours for demanding games), a notable downgrade. Reviewers also highlight the continued lack of ergonomic improvements for the Joy-Cons and the LCD screen's reduced contrast compared to the OLED model.

In sum, the Switch 2 is a powerful, refined upgrade that enhances the core experience but struggles with battery life and controller comfort. It's an important evolution for the platform, offering a more premium feel despite not being a revolutionary leap.

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Consoles

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Games

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Controllers

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Tech Lurker Wrap up

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*Sources of the cited articles:

• IGN
• GameSpot
• GamesRadar+
• The Wired
• CNET