It’s that time again. A new piece of tech has just launched! This time, it’s the Nintendo Switch 2. Here’s our Progressive Review!

If you’re new here, a Progressive Review means we review a piece of tech. We do this over the course of an entire year. Want more? Check out our reviews of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Vision Pro!

---

Table of Contents

What is the Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the highly anticipated successor to the original Switch. It keeps the hybrid design. You can play it on the go or on your TV. It adds better graphics, faster load times, and new magnetic Joy-Cons. For Nintendo fans and casual gamers alike, it’s a big step ahead. This isn’t just a refresh, it’s a true next-gen upgrade that will define handheld gaming for the next few years.

Preorders.

Pre-orders were early this morning, and it was absolute chaos!

Target was confirming pre-orders… then canceling them. Best Buy showed up unfashionably 30 minutes late to their own event. And Walmart? Folks were stuck in a never-ending line.

But was I able to get one???

YEP – Expected delivery date is between June 5th and 11th! We’ll see when it actually shows up. Which one did I get? The only one worth getting, the Nintendo Switch 2 Console + Mario Kart World Bundle.

Pre Order Debacle

Ok, where do I start?
I pre-ordered the Switch 2 from Target at 12:03 AM. I got an email saying it was going to be delivered by July 11th. This date is nearly a week after launch day. Not ok. Many people were saying it was just a placeholder, so I tried not to worry.

Then May rolled around, and my money started getting refunded and recharged, eight times in a row, to be exact. Nothing on Target’s website or app had changed. At this point, I started getting nervous.

This week, everyone who ordered from Walmart and Best Buy started receiving tracking numbers. They also received “Ready for Pickup on Thursday” emails. Meanwhile, I heard nothing from Target, no updates at all. That was frustrating and honestly a little scary.

But this morning around 6:30 AM, I saw a tweet from someone. They said they walked into Walmart, went to electronics, asked for a Switch 2, bought it, and walked out. Since Target had given me my money back, I hopped in the car and drove straight to my nearest Walmart.

I asked the electronics associate if they had any Switch 2 consoles left. He said, “Yeah, do you want the regular Switch 2 or the bundle?” I said, “BUNDLE PLEASE!” A few minutes later, I was walking out of Walmart with a Switch 2 on launch day. As I was walking out, I canceled my Target order. No wait, no stress. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

---

Unboxing

---

First Impressions

My first thought when I saw the box was, “Wow, this is a nice box.” The packaging was attractive, with different designs on all six sides. It was clean and simple, nothing overly fancy.

Inside, of course, was the Nintendo Switch 2 in all of its glory. The tablet, Joy-Cons, and dock were all there. The power adapter, USB-C to USB-C cable, and high-speed HDMI cable were included. Joy-Con grips/mouse mode adapters and Joy-Con straps were also present. Additionally, a download code for Mario Kart World was provided. This was expected, based on watching other people’s unboxing videos.

Tablet

It feels significantly more premium than both the original Switch and the OLED model. The screen is a huge improvement, much brighter, higher definition, and noticeably larger, which is a very welcome change. I can’t tell yet if games are running at 120Hz or even what games support it. The colors definitely look better than on the original Switch, though the OLED still pops more. The speakers sound leaps and bounds better than on past models (more on the speakers in the gameplay section). The build quality is solid yet lightweight, and the plastic has a really nice texture. Nintendo clearly used better materials this time around. The kickstand is also much improved, though it still seems slightly flimsy compared to the OLED’s solid piece. Time will tell how it holds up. I also like that there’s a USB port on top for easier handheld charging. The game card slot is easier to access and open, a small thing, but very appreciated.

Joy-Cons

They feel much better, larger, and again, have a more premium feel, matching the texture of the tablet. They are significantly more comfortable in my hands, a major step up from the original ones.

Setup was straightforward and super easy, accompanied by delightful setup music (which strangely stops when you finish, why doesn’t Nintendo have main menu music? 😵‍💫).

The Internet and eShop are noticeably faster. If you’ve used the old Switch, you know how painfully slow it was. This improvement feels substantial, and honestly, it was my first real “wow” moment, especially noticeable when redownloading games and updates.

The only thing that bugged me was not being able to use my old Switch dock power cable. I plugged it in. It showed a message saying it was the wrong cable. It also said that I had to use the new one from the box. That’s a bit annoying if you planned to reuse your previous setup.

---

24-Hour Update

So far, the only games I’ve played are Mario Kart World and Hogwarts Legacy for Switch 2. I gotta say, I’m having a lot of fun.

Mario Kart World is really fun. I started with the Mushroom Cup Grand Prix. The transitions between the open world and the actual race tracks are so smooth. It would be cool if they added a feature. The last lap could just morph into the open world leg of the race.

The number of Blue Shells is wild, though. Either I’m just that good 😎 cause I’m always in first place, or they’ve seriously increased the pick rate.

The game looks outstanding on the Switch 2. Controls feel tight, and the haptics are way better. Less “rattle”, more “umph.” I played as Penguin, and he’s fun. He makes a bunch of silly penguin noises when he does tricks. The game feels smoother and more stable than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The audio is a big standout. The speakers actually give a sense of direction. I can hear when someone or something is coming up behind me. When I pick up an item, it sounds like it’s coming from the top left corner of the screen.

There are a few new mechanics. You can grind on rails, and there are changes to jumping and drifting. Grinding is fun and shows up often. Jumping takes a bit of getting used to since it shares a button with drifting. I keep trying to jump and end up drifting instead. Drifting also doesn’t have the three-level boost anymore, so I often over-drift expecting that third spark. It’s not a dealbreaker, just something I have to unlearn.

Freeroam mode is among the new features. It allows you to roam the open world and just drive. However, it’s kind of hidden behind a small “World” button or the + icon in the main menu. You’d think for a big deal they were making for Freeroam, it’d be more prominent. I’ve only done a couple of P-Switches so far, but they’re challenging enough to keep me interested.

Handheld mode looks really good. I haven’t tried it docked yet. I also haven’t played online since I don’t have Nintendo Online right now.

Favorite moment so far? The Drive between the races is so good.. The transitions are so smooth that most of the time I barely notice them.

Hogwarts Legacy is looking and running great so far. I never had the original Switch version or the Console one, so I’m going in fresh. I’ve barely seen any loading screens. Hogwarts Castle looks super detailed and full of life. I’ve only played in handheld mode. It looks great. However, there were a couple of frame drops during the dragon scene at the game’s start.

Spell combat is running pretty smoothly. I haven’t flown yet, just made it past the tutorial. One thing I really like about this game is that, so far, most of the game is voiced. A lot of games only add voices in cutscenes, which gets annoying. This one feels way more immersive.

Battery life is around 3 to 4 hours in handheld mode. I can’t really tell if it gets hot since I’m holding the Joy-Cons. As for fan noise, I haven’t heard anything over these amazing speakers.

Joy-Cons are still super comfortable after hours of play. No drift or weird button problems. The only issue I’ve noticed is waking up the system. On the original Switch, pressing the Home button would wake it instantly. On the Switch 2, I press it and nothing happens, so I press it again. Then it wakes up, but by then I’m already pressing it a second time. After that, pressing A to get past the lock screen takes way more presses than is needed to register. Not a huge problem, but it stands out.

Docked mode looks great. I have a 4K 120Hz microLED TV with HDR. For some reason, HDR is not supported on my TV. This happens even when using the HDMI cable that came in the box with the Switch 2. I know that’s not true because my PS5 always blinds me with it. It also says it can’t do 120Hz. I’ll need to look into that more.

Downloads and Updates are much faster. Plugging into Ethernet makes it even faster. Even on Wi-Fi, it’s way better than the old Switch.

Storage hasn’t been an issue yet. I never filled up my old Switch, and this one has way more built-in space. I thought about getting a microSD card, but for now, I don’t need it. That might change later, but I’m good for now.

No regrets. No surprises. This is exactly the kind of upgrade people like me have been asking for, and it delivers.

---

1 Week

Battery

The battery life has been solid. I’ve been able to get in a few 45-minute play sessions throughout the day without worrying. I usually charge it once a week on Friday night. My play sessions aren’t long, so it still ends the week at around 20%. That’s good enough for me.

Pre-Order Drama (Yes… Still)

I walked out of Walmart with my Switch 2. I immediately went to the Target app and canceled my pre-order. A few hours later, I get an email from Target. They said, “We were unable to cancel this item.” They explained it’s because “It looks like your item will be shipping soon.” Confused and annoyed, I thought, I’ll deal with it when the card gets declined. There’s no point stressing about it now, I’m already stressed out.

But then UPS emailed me. “Your package is on the way!“….

HUH? 👁️👄👁️

Target shipped the Switch 2 without charging my card. Weird. They tried to run the charge afterward, and it declined, but the box was already in transit. At that point, I thought, “FREE SWITCH 2 FOR ME!” Legally, if something lands on your porch and you didn’t order it, you can keep it. This is according to the FTC. But then I wondered, if I canceled my order, does that still count as “ordered”? I don’t know, I’m not a lawyer.

Anyway, the Target Switch 2 showed up on Monday. I checked my Apple Wallet… and saw my Apple Cash card at negative $530. I said “NOPE.” I got in the car and drove straight to Target. I returned the Switch 2, still sealed in the original shipping box, so they’d know I didn’t mess with it. I got my money back the next day.

But I’ll never preorder from Target again. I’ll shop in-store if I have to, but no more pre-orders. EVER.

Gameplay

I (digitally) popped in Super Mario Odyssey for the first time since 2017. Wow, the resolution bump and frame rate increase with the free update are super noticeable. It looks great, super sharp, and everything just feels smoother to control. I originally planned to just run around for a few seconds to get a feel for it. However, I ended up beating Cascade and Sand Kingdoms. That’s how good it looks and felt. Load times feel faster, too. The sound? It sounded better, but I’m not sure if the improvement is due to the Switch 2’s speakers being better. It could also be because they updated the audio files. Either way, it was good. This honestly feels like a whole new experience with the power behind the new hardware.

Real-Life Use

Since I always carry a Switch with me, of course, I took the Switch 2 on the go. I got in a few rounds of Mario Kart World. Strangely, Hogwarts Legacy needed an internet connection, and I couldn’t get the Switch 2 to connect to my phone’s hotspot. (I didn’t try too hard to troubleshoot it, if we’re being honest.) As for using it outside or in different lighting environments, no issues at all. Looks good everywhere.

Comfort Check

I’ve got this Spigen case on the Switch 2, and it feels amazing in my hands. Great grip, super comfy. I’m looking into getting the Dbrand case when I’ve got the funds. ^{DONATE if you want to support 😂} Joy-Cons still feel great, responsive, and secure, no complaints.

Charging Routine

I usually charge once a week. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s typically on Friday nights. That’s more than enough to get me through. Even with long play sessions that stretch across multiple days, the battery holds up great. I don’t even think about charging most of the time because it just keeps going. Whether I’m playing in short bursts, I haven’t had to worry about running out of juice. Even during full-hour sessions back to back, I haven’t had to worry about running out of juice.

Daily Flow

The OG Switch has nearly always gone with me everywhere I go. I don’t play it at the same time every day. However, I do find myself reaching for the Switch 2 more often than I did with the OG. I keep it in handheld mode pretty much all the time, and I never take the Joy-Cons off. The only setting I changed was turning off auto-brightness and switching to the dark theme. I haven’t used headphones or Bluetooth yet, and honestly, I don’t miss anything about the old Switch.

Build & Quality Check

No signs of wear, tear, scratches, or scuffs, and there better not be. The buttons feel just as good as day one. The kickstand? Still perfect. (To be honest, I don’t use it.) The screen still looks sharp and bright. No eye strain, no issues. And again… it better stay that way.

Week 1 Reflection

This is a big upgrade from the OG Switch. The display, the Joy-Cons, the performance, it’s all been super impressive. No regrets, no letdowns so far. We’ll see how it holds up next week, but right now? It’s living up to the hype.

---

Week 2

Daily Use & Routine

This week didn’t feel as Switch-heavy as Week 1, but it’s still in my rotation. I used it for about 3–4 days, mostly in bed or while out and about. Handheld mode is still my go-to. Now it just feels normal. It’s not new or hyped anymore. It’s just part of how I game. I haven’t changed any new settings this week. I only did what I did last week, which is auto-brightness off and dark theme on. I still haven’t touched Bluetooth or headphones. It’s become a part of my routine, which is kind of the whole point of this progressive review.

Starting next week, I’ll begin tracking and including the total time played for each game.

Performance & Stability

The Switch 2 is still running strong. No crashes, no bugs, no weird performance dips, everything’s been smooth. I haven’t downloaded or updated anything new. However, I’ve noticed a tiny delay when waking it from sleep mode using the Joy-Cons. It’s getting kind of annoying. Otherwise, no complaints.

Comfort & Build Quality

Still feels great. I’m using the same Spigen case, and the grip continues to make a huge difference. I rated handheld comfort a 5 out of 5 again. The Joy-Cons are still secure and responsive. There is no drift, no looseness, and no weird button changes. I haven’t noticed any scratches or wear, and I’m trying to keep it that way for as long as possible.

Screen & Audio

The screen still looks amazing, but now that I’m not in “launch week,” I can say it just stays good. Indoors, outdoors, day or night, it’s bright and easy to see. I used the speakers exclusively again this week, and they still sound great.

Gameplay

I stuck with Mario Kart World, Kirby and the Forgotten Lands, and Hogwarts Legacy this week. I did not engage in online play, and there were no updates. It ran just like it did last week: smooth, fast, and visually solid. Load times felt quick. I’m planning to diversify next week and try out something new. I might even try docked mode if I feel a bit loco. (No Promises…)

Week 2 didn’t bring any big revelations, but it did prove one thing: the Switch 2 isn’t a one-week wonder. It’s still a major upgrade from the OG Switch. It seamlessly fits into my life. I don’t have to think about it. That’s a win. I rated this week a 7 out of 10 in terms of hype. Overall, I gave it a 9 out of 10 for the experience. It’s doing exactly what I wanted it to do, quietly and consistently, and that’s kind of the best-case scenario.

---

Switch 2 – 1 Month Later

Alright, the honeymoon phase is officially over. I’ve had the Switch 2 for a month now. At this point, it’s settled into my life the same way the OG Switch did. It’s just better in almost every way.

Daily Use & Flow

As I stated earlier in the review, the Switch 2 has already slipped into my daily routine with no effort. It completely replaced my OLED Switch for handheld gaming. I play around 3–4 days a week. Each session lasts usually between 30 to 60 minutes. I play typically in bed or when I’m out and about. It’s all handheld, all the time. I don’t take the Joy-Cons off. I haven’t touched the dock beyond making sure it works. It fits into my rhythm the same way the old Switch did, just better.

The UI is barely noticeable because I’m always in a game. I did turn off auto-brightness and switched to the dark theme early on, and those settings have stayed. I haven’t used headphones or Bluetooth yet, and I haven’t felt the need to. This thing just works.

Performance & Speed

This thing is fast. Like, really fast. I still can’t get over the download speeds. What used to take 2–3 hours on the OG Switch now takes around 16 minutes. That’s wild. No crashes, no bugs, and games just run clean.

There’s one small annoyance: Joy-Con reconnection from sleep. It takes about 2–3 seconds for them to sync up, especially after deep sleep. Didn’t happen on the OG Switch, so that’s kinda odd, but not a dealbreaker.

Initial setup was smooth. I transferred all of my info and Nintendo account without any issues. One and done.

Screen & Speakers

The screen looks great. It’s not OLED-level deep black. On dark screens, it’s clearly just really dark gray. However, it still holds up well in all lighting conditions. Sharp, bright, and no issues with glare, even outside.

The speakers? Chef’s kiss. Louder, clearer, better bass. They easily outclass both the OG and OLED models. It’s funny, they’re not iPhone-tier, but they’re way better than I expected. And honestly, for handheld gaming, they’re more than enough. I haven’t even thought about using headphones yet.

Even in longer sessions or more demanding games like Hogwarts Legacy, I haven’t noticed the device heating up. No fan noise either. Granted, I usually have the volume up loud. The unit lives in a case. As a result, any heat doesn’t transfer to my hands.

Comfort & Build Quality

Still solid. No wear, no scratches, no drift. Buttons feel great. The USB-C port feels about the same as before. However, the game card slot is way easier to open now. This change is a nice little bonus.

As for the build itself, it feels premium, well-balanced, and good in the hand. The plastic feels sturdy. The volume and power buttons are responsive. Overall, this thing feels more put together than any previous Switch.

Joy-Cons are still going strong, but that button delay when waking up from sleep seems worse this week. It’s still minor, but noticeable.

Gameplay

This month, I spent time with Mario Kart World, Super Mario Odyssey, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Odyssey got a glow-up with the free update; it’s sharper, smoother, and just more fun to play. Kirby didn’t have a full visual overhaul, but I did notice faster load times and slightly more stable framerate. It could be a placebo, but it felt smoother overall.

Everything has been single-player so far, no multiplayer sessions yet.

Backward Compatibility & eShop

Older games run better in general. Not all have been updated, but even when they haven’t, performance feels snappier. And yeah, the eShop is faster. Way faster. The “For You” section? It’s trying… hasn’t really figured me out yet, but I’m assuming it gets smarter over time.

Controller Compatibility

I used my 8BitDo Pro 2 controller once just to make sure it connected. It didn’t work the first time. I had to look up how to perform a software update for the controller. Once I did that, it connected just fine and showed up as a Pro Controller. I haven’t used it since, though. Most of the time, it’s just the Joy-Cons in handheld mode. Still haven’t had to charge a controller separately, which is a win.

What Stands Out Most

Honestly? The internet speed. It’s underrated how big of a deal that is. Being able to download a full game in under 20 minutes instead of 3 hours is game-changing. No exaggeration.

Also, the screen size and the Joy-Cons, huge upgrades over previous models. Even if everything else was the same, those alone would make it feel next-gen.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to see how developers tap into the hardware more over time. Ray tracing is supposed to be supported down the line. I want to see what that looks like in real games. I am not interested in just tech demos. This device clearly has potential. I think it’s going to shine in Year 2. This will happen once more software starts catching up.

One Month Reflection

At this point, the Switch 2 feels like a true generational leap. Not just a “new Switch”, a next Switch. The power, the screen, the feel of the Joy-Cons, the speed… everything is just better.

If you already own a Switch OLED? I’d say wait unless you’re a techie like me. For people still rocking the OG Switch or no Switch at all, this is a massive upgrade. No regrets here. It’s not mainstream yet, but it’s only been a month. By year two? We’ll be cooking with gas.

Rating: 9/10

Still hype. Still impressed. Let’s see what Month 3 brings.

---

3 Month Update

Three months in, and the Switch 2 has fully replaced my original Switch OLED as my go-to gaming device. The launch excitement has settled, and now it is all about how well this thing fits into my everyday life. This update reflects how it performs after regular, consistent use.

Performance and Speed

The Switch 2 is still very fast. Menus are snappy, games load quickly, and older titles like Super Mario Odyssey run noticeably better. With its update for Switch 2, Odyssey now has sharper visuals and smoother frame rates, making it feel fresh again. The transition between handheld and docked play remains seamless, though I play almost exclusively in handheld mode.

The only ongoing annoyance is the Joy-Cons connecting time. They take about two to three seconds when waking the system from deep sleep. It is a small thing, but worth mentioning since the original Switch did not have this issue.

Screen and Audio

The screen remains one of the best upgrades. The bigger size and improved brightness make every game feel more engaging. While blacks are not as deep as the OLED model, which shows true black, this screen still looks fantastic. Even in bright environments, I have had no trouble seeing the display.

The speakers are outstanding. They are louder, clearer, and have better bass than both the original Switch and the OLED. The speaker quality is not on the same level as Apple’s. However, for a handheld gaming system, it is very impressive.

I have not used headphones much, but when I did, they sounded fine. I still prefer the built-in speakers for everyday play.

Controls and Comfort

The Joy-Cons continue to perform well with no drift or input issues so far. The buttons and sticks feel just as good as they did on day one. Comfort-wise, they are still an improvement over the originals, but extended play sessions can feel a bit uncomfortable.

I tried connecting my 8BitDo Pro 2 controller. It required a quick software update. It failed the first time. Once it worked, it showed up as a Pro Controller and functioned perfectly. I have not used it since, though, as handheld mode with Joy-Cons remains my default way to play.

Games and Gameplay

This month, I did not add any new games. Most of my playtime went to revisiting older favorites. Super Mario Odyssey truly shines on the Switch 2 with its update, and it felt like playing a newer game. Mario Kart World is still fun, though I find myself playing it less these days.

Load times remain quick across all games. Even demanding titles like Hogwarts Legacy run smoothly, and I have not noticed any performance dips or crashes.

Battery and Heat Management

Battery life has been consistent. I cannot give an exact number of hours. It lasts through several days of regular play before needing a charge. I still usually charge once a week, and it never drops below 20 percent by the end.

As for heat, the Switch 2 has stayed cool. Since I keep it in a case and mostly hold the Joy-Cons, I never feel heat buildup. Fan noise is unnoticeable, even during long sessions.

Build Quality and Accessories

The build quality has held up beautifully. There are no scratches, dents, or signs of wear. The USB-C port and game card slot still feel sturdy. The new game card slot design is easier to access than past models, which I really appreciate.

I picked up a new case from Savage Raven. It has been a solid purchase. It offers protection without blocking airflow.

I still have not bought a microSD card because the internal storage is enough for now. In the future, I might add one, but it has not been necessary yet.

Online and eShop

Download speeds continue to be incredibly fast compared to the original Switch. Games that once took hours now download in minutes, which still amazes me. The “For You” section of the eShop feels random. It is not well-tuned to my interests yet. However, I expect it will improve over time.

I have not played online multiplayer yet, though I did test Fortnite matchmaking once, and it worked fine.

Final Thoughts at 3 Months

After three months, the Switch 2 still feels like a true generational leap. The bigger screen, faster hardware, better speakers, and improved Joy-Cons make it exactly what longtime fans have been asking for.

There have been no major frustrations or regrets. If I had to pick a favorite feature, it would be the screen. Its size and brightness completely transform handheld gaming.

---

6 Month Update

Six months in, the Switch 2 no longer feels new. That is not a bad thing. It feels settled. It feels like part of the routine.

The launch excitement is gone, but what is left is more important. The system is dependable. It works the same way every time you pick it up. That consistency matters more now than hype ever did.

Hardware and Build After Six Months

The Switch 2 still feels solid in the hand. There are no creaks, no flex, and no loose parts when gripping it. The kickstand has stayed firm and has not weakened over time. There are no scratches, scuffs, or wear marks that showed up unexpectedly.

Long handheld sessions are still comfortable WHEN in a grip case.

Display Over Time

Early on, the screen felt like a big upgrade. At six months, that feeling has faded into normal use. Not because it got worse, but because it just does its job.

Brightness still holds up well indoors, and outdoor visibility is still usable. There are no uneven lighting issues, no dead spots, and no distractions. Fast games remain clear. The screen stays out of the way, which is exactly what you want once the novelty wears off.

The lack of OLED has not become an issue. It was noticeable early on, but it has not turned into regret.

Performance and System Speed

Performance has stayed the same the entire time. Nothing feels worse than it did at launch. In fact, some games run better now.

Some games like Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario Odyssey, Burnout Paradise Remastered, and Fortnite all seen higher def and snappier. Load times still feel quick, and the system menus remain responsive.

Heat and Noise

Heat has not been a concern due to it being in a case the entire time. Even during long sessions, there have been no moments that caused worry. Fan noise has not changed and has never stood out.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life feels about the same as it did in the first month. Nothing better, nothing worse.

Standby drain is slightly more noticeable compared to the original Switch. The old system sat for about a week and a half before dying. This one feels closer to five days. It is not annoying, just noticeable.

Charging speed has not changed, and play sessions are not planned around battery life. It gets charged when it needs it.

Docked Experience

Docked play has been better than expected. The Switch 2 still looks good on the main TV, with no connection issues and no performance drops. Switching between docked and handheld remains smooth.

Interestingly, i dock the Switch 2 more than the OG Switch ever did.

Joy-Cons and Controls

There is no stick drift and no early warning signs so far. The sticks still feel accurate. Buttons feel firm. Triggers feel the same as day one.

Controllers remain reliable in fast games, which is exactly what you want six months in.

Software and Updates

System updates have not meaningfully improved the experience. The UI feels mostly the same as it did at launch.

One update reportedly caused issues with some third-party docks, but that did not doesn’t me. The eShop is faster than before, and downloads and installs continue to work smoothly.

Games and Library Growth

My game library has not grown in a meaningful way. First-party games are good, but they are not carrying the system.

Donkey Kong Bonanza looks like the standout right now, but i don’t own it. ^{*cough* donate *donate*} Third-party support is better than before, but some big developers are still missing.

Hogwarts Legacy is the game that im currently playing. It has been the main reason the system stayed in use over these six months. A solid Sonic game, or ports of older ones would be nice though.

What’s Still Unknown

Six months answers most of the big questions, but a few things can only be proven with time.

Joy-Con drift has not shown up yet. Which is great. However, it is the kind of issue that usually appears after a year or more. It does not typically show up in the first six months, and Honestly I hope i never experience it.

Battery health is in a similar spot. Right now it feels stable. However, long-term wear will not be clear until this system has a lot more cycles on it. Standby drain is slightly higher than the original Switch. But it’s still unclear whether it will settle or slowly get worse.

The game lineup is another open question. First-party releases have been solid, but not essential. Whether Nintendo ramps back up to a steady flow of must-play games is something only the next year can answer. And like every Nintendo console before it, a hardware revision feels inevitable. An OLED model or a battery-focused update would not be surprising. When that happens, it will decide if us early buyers feel rewarded for jumping in. Or if we had waited a little longer.

These unknowns do not hurt the experience right now. However, they will shape how the Switch 2 is remembered a year or two from now.

Six-Month Verdict

The Switch 2 now feels normal. Not new. Not flashy. Just dependable.

It still gets used, mostly handheld, and there is interest in using it more. Prices do slow down buying new games, but not enough to sour ownership. Knowing what is known now, it would still be bought again.

My rating remains a solid 9 out of 10. Six months in, the Switch 2 has settled into my routine and continues to deliver exactly what I hoped for.

---

Developing…