Alright, I couldn’t resist—I grabbed the Nintendo Switch 2! A new Nintendo console is always a big deal in the gaming world, and as someone who adored the original Switch, I was hyped. The first Switch felt like the ultimate Nintendo experience, blending portable and home console gaming in a way that changed the game. For me, it was hands-down the best console of its generation, even if it wasn’t the one I used the most. The Switch 2 takes everything I loved about its predecessor and cranks it up a notch, delivering what feels like the definitive Nintendo experience. After spending a week with it, I’m ready to share my first impressions and take you through a full unboxing with plenty of pics!
What’s Inside the Box?
Let’s start with the packaging—it’s surprisingly compact! Despite the Switch 2 being noticeably larger than the original, Nintendo nailed the minimalist vibe. The box is clean, sleek, and screams “Switch 2” with no chance of mistaking it for the older model.
Once you crack it open, you’re greeted by the console and Joy-Cons, neatly tucked into protective plastic. It’s straightforward and stylish. Underneath, a second compartment holds the dock, cables, manuals, and charger—everything you need, no fluff.
The Joy-Cons: Bigger, Better, Magnetic!
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new Joy-Cons. They’re bigger than the originals, with a premium build and a pop of color (blue and orange) along the edges that ties into the Switch’s aesthetic. The larger size makes them way more comfortable, especially when used horizontally for handheld gaming. They feel great in-hand, and the build quality is top-notch—no cheap plastic vibes here.
The real game-changer? The new magnetic attachment system. It’s a massive upgrade from the original’s rail system—snappy, secure, and effortless. I gave the console a good shake while holding it by a Joy-Con, and it didn’t budge. Nintendo nailed this one.
The Console: Bigger, Sturdier, Smarter
The Switch 2 itself is noticeably larger than its predecessor, but it’s impressively well-built. Everything feels more solid—no creaky plastic here. The new kickstand is a huge improvement, sturdy enough to prop the console up on a table without wobbling.
A nice touch: there are two USB-C ports—one on the bottom and one on the top—so you can charge the console even in tabletop mode. The cartridge slot is identical to the original, ensuring full backward compatibility with Switch 1 games. If you’ve got a stack of old cartridges, you’re good to go!
How’s the Screen?
The 8-inch screen is a beast—about the same size as the PlayStation Portal’s. It’s bright, sharp, and supports HDR and 120Hz for super smooth visuals. Is it as contrasty as an OLED? No, but unless you’re comparing them side-by-side, it’s more than good enough. The colors pop, the brightness is solid, and it’s a joy to play on. I’d say 99.9% of players (myself included) will be thrilled with it.
The Mouse Mode: A Cool New Trick
One of the Switch 2’s slickest features is the ability to use the Joy-Cons as a mouse. Just flip one (or both) sideways, and the console instantly switches to mouse mode. It’s seamless and works like a charm, especially for navigating the home menu. Nintendo even includes little attachments to make the Joy-Cons glide smoothly on surfaces. I’m dying to try this with Metroid Prime 4—it’s going to be a game-changer
The Dock and Accessories
The redesigned dock is bigger and smarter. It’s got two easy-to-access USB ports on the side and built-in ventilation to keep the console cool, which is clutch since the Switch 2 can get toasty when docked. The included Joy-Con grip is also a step up, feeling way more comfortable than the original.
I also picked up the official Nintendo carrying case, and it’s awesome. It’s got space for six cartridges, a mesh pocket for cables, and cute little details like themed zippers. Perfect for taking the Switch 2 on the go.
Battery Life: About What You’d Expect
I’ve been playing a ton of Mario Kart World this week, mostly online in Survival mode with Wi-Fi on and brightness at 50%. The battery lasts around 2.5 hours, which is pretty much on par with the original Switch at launch. It varies depending on the game and settings, but for me, it’s fine. I rarely game for long stretches without a charger nearby, so this works.
Is the Switch 2 Heavy?
Despite its larger size, the Switch 2 is surprisingly light. I played for hours holding it at arm’s length and didn’t feel any strain. For a console this big with such a nice screen, that’s a pleasant surprise!
Quick Thoughts on Mario Kart World
Let’s talk about the Switch 2’s launch title, Mario Kart World. I’ve been glued to it—solo, online, and with friends in local multiplayer. It’s a proper launch game and an absolute banger. Nintendo reinvented the Mario Kart formula by adding an open-world element. It’s a bit sparse in places, but exploring it for secrets between races is a blast. The new Survival mode is wildly addictive, and the tracks are designed for chaotic 24-player races, packed with shortcuts. This is the most fun I’ve had with a Mario Kart in years, and I’m betting it’ll outsell Mario Kart 8’s 70 million copies.
Final Thoughts
The Switch 2 is everything I hoped for—an evolution of the original’s brilliant hybrid concept. It’s bigger, more powerful, better built, and packed with smart new features like mouse mode and full backward compatibility. Some might call it an “evolution” rather than a revolution, but let’s be real: most consoles (PlayStation, Xbox) are iterative, and that’s okay. Why fix what isn’t broken? Nintendo took a winning formula and made it better.
Haters might grumble, but the Switch 2 is off to a legendary start. It’s already smashed records for the biggest console launch ever, and with games like Mario Kart World leading the charge, it’s poised to dominate. What do you think of the Switch 2 so far? Let me know!
