Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Amazing for Handheld, Disappointing on TV

I’ve spent the last 10 days using the Nintendo Switch 2 non-stop. I traveled with it, stayed up late playing in bed, and even had friends over to play Mario Kart World. After using it in every way possible, one thing became very clear: how good the Switch 2 is really depends on how you plan to use it.

If you plan to use it mainly as a home console by connecting it to your TV, I honestly don’t recommend it right now. But if you want a handheld gaming device, this thing is amazing. Let me explain why.

First Impressions – Not Built for TV

The first thing I did was remove my old Switch from my gaming setup, install the new dock and controller charger, and start playing on my home cinema screen. Right away, I noticed the difference it doesn’t come close to the experience you get on a PlayStation 5.

For example, when I played Cyberpunk 2077 on both consoles, the Switch 2 showed only about 80% of the graphics effects, 60% resolution, and ran at just half the frame rate. Even on a regular TV, you can tell the difference. It feels like this game wasn’t meant to be played this way.

Controller Experience – Not Great for Serious Gaming

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are better than the old ones, but they still don’t feel as good as the PS5 DualSense. They’re okay for casual gaming on the couch but don’t offer features like adaptive triggers. The joysticks still feel small and uncomfortable for aiming in shooting games, and I had to rely on motion controls just to aim properly which I don’t enjoy.

And guess what? The same joystick drift problem from the old Switch is still here. Not cool.

Online and Features – Missing the Basics

Switch 2 also falls behind in terms of online performance. It has slower Wi-Fi, weaker online servers, and the multiplayer experience isn’t as smooth. It feels like it’s trying to be a home console, but it just doesn’t reach the standard.

And the price? It’s actually more expensive than a PS5 Slim. The Switch 2 with Cyberpunk costs around $520, while the PS5 Slim with the same game is $480. Plus, the PS5 also works as a full home entertainment system with apps, Blu-ray support, Dolby Atmos, and 1TB of storage (Switch 2 has only 256GB).

To match that, you’ll need to buy a microSD Express card for around $150. And if you want the amazing new Switch Pro controller, that’s another $85. Even the built-in mouse mode on Joy-Cons is cool but mostly useless because no games use it properly yet.

Game chat works well though, which is surprising. You can be 2 meters away and still be heard clearly. But to use that, you’ll need to buy a $55 camera and pay $20 per year for online access starting from 2026.

The Real Issue – Weak Game Library for TV Mode

Honestly, if you want to play Nintendo exclusives on your TV, the current list of games is not strong enough. Mario Kart World was hyped up but feels pretty empty unless you’re playing in a group setting. The new “open world” part feels like just a playground with a few stickers to collect not a deep adventure.

There’s also a new Mario Party, but again, it’s just for fun with friends not serious solo gaming. The only big games worth playing are the remastered Zelda titles from Switch 1. They look better now, but many people have already played them.

Most of the other games like Cyberpunk, Hogwarts Legacy, and Split Fiction are third-party and just look worse on a TV compared to PS5.

Where Switch 2 Shines – Handheld Gaming!

Now here’s the fun part if you love handheld gaming, the Switch 2 is incredible.

Handheld consoles always struggle to balance power, size, and battery life. But the Switch 2 manages to hit the sweet spot. It plays full AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 on a device that’s about the size of your phone. And it runs cool and quiet with no loud fans.

I can pick it up anytime for a quick gaming session on the treadmill, while my wife watches TV, or even when enjoying a bit of sun. And I don’t have to mess with graphic settings. Everything just works. The resolution is a bit lower in handheld mode, but all the effects stay on, which is rare for a portable device.

Plus, the game cartridges include everything no need to download extra files. And it supports all Switch 1 games with better performance and faster load times.

Sound, Buttons & Battery Life

The speakers are surprisingly good. It sounds like I have two small speakers beside me. The triggers, especially the ones that detach the controllers, are so satisfying that I find myself playing with them even when I shouldn’t.

Battery life, though, is average. You get around 3 hours while playing Cyberpunk. It’s better than some devices like the ROG Ally (which lasts 1.5 hours), but less than the OLED Switch 1 (which gave 4.5 hours). So yes, it’s powerful but you’ll need to keep a charger nearby.

Final Thoughts – Should You Buy It?

Here’s my honest advice: Don’t buy the Switch 2 hoping Nintendo will release your favorite game. Buy it only after they announce the game you want. Because as a gaming device, the Switch 2 is very well made.

And there’s good news Nintendo says the Switch 2 is the fastest selling device they’ve ever made. That means more developers will likely support it, bringing big console games to handheld, something the original Switch struggled with.

So if you love handheld gaming, like playing while traveling, or just want something that fits easily into your daily routine, the Nintendo Switch 2 is probably the best option out there right now.