Critical Assessments of Switch 2: Appreciated Aspects and Points of Contention
New and Improved Nintendo Switch 2: Early Reviews are in!
Hold onto your gaming controllers, folks! The long-awaited Switch 2 has hit the market, and early reactions are positive for both Nintendo and gamers alike. Let's take a closer look at what critics are saying and why this console might be worth the wait.
Thursday marked the official launch of the Switch 2, and it seems that even within the first 24 hours, we're receiving an idea of how it performs outside of those closely-monitored Nintendo demos. If you're still on the fence about waiting in line at your local gaming store to snag a Switch 2, you might want to keep an eye on restocks - it sounds like it could be worth it.
Joy-Con Upgrade a Game-Changer
The newly-upgraded Joy-Cons are the most praised feature of the Switch 2 in initial reviews. YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) noted that the new Joy-Cons are a significant improvement over the old ones, giving them extra love for their larger size, improved ergonomics, and larger buttons and joysticks. However, Brownlee did raise some concerns about the pins that connect the Joy-Cons to the Switch 2, suggesting they could be fragile if not handled with care. TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff also expressed appreciation for the new Joy-Cons, noting their solid ergonomics and seamless magnetic connection to the Switch 2.
Not every reviewer was entirely impressed with the design, though. YouTube's Austin Evans expressed a valid criticism, stating the Switch 2 is slightly too large for his personal liking. Given that the larger display might make the Switch 2 a bit unwieldy, Evans' sentiment may resonate with those who prefer the compact Switch Lite.
120Hz Refresh Rate Delivers in Quality (if You Can Get It)
One of the Switch 2's biggest selling points is its larger, higher-quality screen, which supports up to 4K resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. However, you might find it challenging to test out those impressive display features due to the limited compatibility with TVs and games that support the higher resolution and refresh rate. Austin Evans explained this in his video, noting that you can only do 120Hz at 1080p or 1440p resolutions for both internal and external displays. As of this writing, only a few games currently support those higher display options, but as more games become available, the Switch 2's impressive display capabilities will come into full play.
User Interface and eShop Smoother than Ever
While games and hardware dominate the conversation for most gamers, it's also worth noting that the Switch 2's user interface and eShop seem to be smoother and more polished than on the Switch 1. Although you might not notice the change at first, the UI is cleaner-looking, and the eShop experience appears to be faster and more organized. This could make for a more pleasant overall experience when navigating the system and downloading games.
So, Should You Buy the Switch 2?
Considering the excitement surrounding the new Joy-Cons, the improved display, and the overall polish of the user interface, the Switch 2 presents an appealing upgrade option for those ready to invest. However, there are reasons to hold off on purchasing at launch and consider waiting for a few months. Demand for this console is high, making securing one challenging, and the majority of exclusive Switch 2 games won't be available until later in the year. Additionally, you might find attractive deals during holiday sales, such as Black Friday, which could enable you to save some cash. Finally, it's worth considering the possibility of a Switch 2 OLED down the line, which could be advantageous if you're willing to wait for the ultimate gaming experience. If you can't wait to get your hands on the next Mario Kart, though, you can check live restock updates to stay in the loop for your chance to own a Nintendo Switch 2.
Stay tuned for more updates and reviews as we delve deeper into the world of the Nintendo Switch 2!
- Marques Brownlee, in his review, applauded the upgraded Joy-Cons of the Switch 2, stating that they boast larger size, improved ergonomics, and larger buttons and joysticks.
- Gadgets and technology enthusiasts may appreciate the improvements to the Switch 2's user interface and eShop, which appear smoother and more polished compared to the Switch 1.
- For gamers who enjoy a larger display, the Switch 2 boasts a larger, higher-quality screen supporting up to 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, although compatibility with TVs and games for these features might be limited.
