Rumors, expectations, and leaks – we all knew more or less what to expect. And when the Nintendo Switch 2 console finally became a reality – there were no surprises. Including the brilliant pre-order sales. The question of whether the new 'Pstryk' is a game changer or a safe evolution of a proven formula seems baseless. But let's ask it anyway.
The first Switch swept the floor. A portable console that can be docked to display the image on a TV – and not have to think about the battery? Gen-ius! In the still somewhat stagnant gaming world, Nintendo showed that there's still room for thinking and acting totally out of the box.
The only weakness of the first Switch turned out to be its internals. The console handled exclusive games brilliantly, but not necessarily titles from external developers. For this reason, many excellent previous-generation games did not appear on the Nintendo console. Switch 2 was supposed to fix all of this. Did it succeed? Everything indicates yes. In the Nintendo Switch v1 vs v2 showdown, the latter wins.
The New Switch Delivers the Power Expected
Nintendo did not revolutionize the design – it is still a familiar portable-stationary hybrid, but serious changes have occurred under the hood. Much better components (for those interested, I refer you to the technical specifications) translate into many times better computing power. The console now supports DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology for upscaling images, and also provides basic ray tracing effects (which ensures a much more realistic graphical experience). RAM memory has grown from 4 GB to 12 GB LPDDR5X. The disk has swelled from 32-64 GB to 256 GB. More space, faster loading – wow.
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen
The new screen catches the eye – the LCD matrix has grown to 7.9 inches, has a 1080p (Full HD) resolution, and refresh rate up to 120 Hz with HDR and VRR support. It's a pity we didn't get an OLED screen at launch – but it's understandable, it's a business decision. Fans will be forced to buy the same hardware twice – you can grumble about it, but you can also somewhat understand it.
In console mode, it displays images even in 4K at 60 frames per second – of course, with the support of intelligent DLSS upscaling and a suitable TV.
Nintendo Switch 2 – Battery
More powerful hardware means greater power demand. The Switch 2's **battery** has a slightly larger capacity (5220 mAh) and, thanks to optimizations, still allows for several hours of play in handheld mode. The manufacturer states that the battery life ranges from 2 to 6.5 hours on a single charge – a good result. We'll play more demanding titles for a shorter time, and simpler games for a really long time. However, a certain salvation is the **second USB-C port on top of the console** – a novelty that allows you to connect power while playing in tabletop mode. Thanks to this, even a longer session on a table with detached Joy-Cons won't drain our console at the least opportune moment.
Modes, Docking Station, Controllers
Speaking of modes. Switch 2 still operates in three scenarios: as a handheld (console held in hands), as a tablet on a table (tabletop mode), and connected to a TV via the new docking station (TV mode).
The **new docking station** enables higher resolutions and comes standard with an HDMI 2.1 connector and an Ethernet port (finally, gigabit) – this is a nod to online gamers, who will, of course, benefit from reliable home internet. The dock itself is more compact and has a new design, although it does not guarantee any increase in power, etc.
New controllers – **Joy-Cons 2** are also an evolution of the original concept. They are still attached to the sides of the console, but the mounting method has changed. Instead of snap-in rails, we now have magnetic connectors – cool and it works. The controllers can be connected to each other, but can also be used separately for two-player games. Oh, and – previous Joy-Cons are compatible with Switch 2 (wirelessly). A fly in the ointment? Everything runs smoothly, but the analog stick drift phenomenon has not been 100% resolved – it can still happen.
Taking all this together, the Nintendo Switch 2 is definitely a **generational leap**. A better screen, much more efficient components, improved – all of this points to an evolution towards a more modern, more experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 – Backward Compatibility
One of the biggest questions before the premiere was the issue of **backward compatibility**. The phrase 'Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility?' quickly gained traction on Google. The fear that the Switch v1 game library would be abandoned was widespread. Nintendo equivocated, issuing a general statement that 'certain games may not be supported,' but ultimately we have: **Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with almost all games from the previous generation console**. And this applies to both **digital versions** (remember: pay-as-you-go internet!), and **physical versions on cartridges**.
It's worth adding that compatibility also extends to **controllers and accessories**. In addition to the aforementioned Joy-Cons v1, the Switch's **Pro Controller** works on the new hardware (and vice-versa, Pro Controller 2 will work with the old one, although a limitation here might be the lack of analog triggers – but since Switch games didn't use them anyway, it's fine).
Games for Nintendo Switch 2 – What Will We Play?
It would be better to ask: what won't we play? In addition to the growing library of first-party games, we even have Cyberpunk 2077 on the new Nintendo console. Intense, right? And what's even more intense is that it runs... intensely. Really. CD Projekt Red's game looks great on 'Pstryk 2' – and works great.
Precisely because of the Switch 2's better internals, major developers and publishers will no longer bypass it (but also because the Japanese console sells incredibly well). Even Take-Two, publisher of the GTA series, looks more favorably upon the 'Pstryk'. Personally, I can't wait for the port of Red Dead Redemption II. Who knows, maybe we'll even play GTA VI on Switch 2? (Okay, I was joking).
Is it Worth Upgrading to Nintendo Switch 2?
Alright, time for the key conclusion: **Nintendo Switch 2 – revolution or evolution?** In my opinion – **more of an evolution**. But not just any evolution. Nintendo didn't risk crazy ideas or introduce a completely new way of playing (as was the case with the transition from Wii U to Switch, where the hybrid was a revolution). Instead, it improved almost every aspect of the original Switch: power, graphics, screen, network, controllers – and added a few new bells and whistles. As a result, Switch 2 is simply a **better Switch**. For fans of the brand, this is huge, as it gives a second life to our favorite series in higher quality. For mainstream gamers – it might not upset the apple cart, but it means that the Nintendo console finally **keeps pace with the competition** (at least the previous generation) in terms of multiplatform games.
And how much does Nintendo Switch 2 cost? The suggested price is 2199 PLN. So it's more expensive than before, but wasn't that what we expected?
Opening photo and others: Press materials.
