It's not the new generation of handheld gaming some might have been hoping for, but this is a highly refined version of the original console.
There was a time when the designers of the Switch 2 were considering calling their new machine the Super Nintendo Switch. They decided against it, however, because it would be able to play original Switch games - and 1990's Super NES had no backwards compatibility with 1983's NES. After playing with it for the weekend, I'd say a more accurate name would be the Switch Pro: effectively a modernised and highly refined version of the original console, rather than a whole new generation.
The larger screen and more powerful processor are the most obvious upgrades, but every facet of the console is higher spec. The larger Joy-Cons feel more robust and are easier to use - the way they magnetically clip on to the console is very pleasing. The user interface is a graceful if slightly boring iteration of the Switch's, enhanced with subtle haptic feedback and delightfully subtle bleeps and blips.
The drop back to a standard LCD screen from the gorgeous Switch OLED model will annoy some, but the quality is decent and the increased display real estate makes a huge difference - it's not quite up there with the very best handheld PCs, but then it's significantly cheaper than a top-of-the-range Steam Deck or similar. I tested it with the most cinematic launch games I had - IO Interactive's extremely good value Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition and Yakuza 0 Director's Cut - and both provided a surprisingly epic experience in handheld mode, aided by the console's extremely good virtual surround sound (you also get full 5.1-ch Linear PCM surround if you use compatible headphones or TV). Just don't expect 4K, 60fps visuals as standard.
In handheld mode, titles will run at between 720 and 1080p resolution, with 4K reserved for docked mode - though even here, only a few titles currently support full 4K resolutions. Cyberpunk 2077, for example, caps out at 1080p with the framerate at 30fps in Performance mode. In short, don't expect cutting edge PS5 Pro or PC visuals - we're looking at something between PS4 and PS5.
The set-up is simple enough: switch it on, connect to the internet (via wifi or the ethernet port on the dock) and download an update. If you have a Switch it asks you to place it nearby, then copies across your user details and any games you own. The whole process took me about an hour and was completely painless, though beware - if you skip the transfer process, you won't get another chance later to port your stuff across from your original Switch. GameShare, which allows you to share compatible games with Switch or Switch 2 owners who don't have their own copy, is extremely easy too. I tried the local two-player option with Sega's lovely multiplayer puzzle battler Puyo Puyo Tetris. You simply choose the GameShare option from the game's main menu; while your friend selects GameShare from the Switch home screen; then the two seamlessly connect and you can start playing together.
I'm interested to see how the feature holds up with more complex games, or with more players. For example, Survival Kids allows you to GameShare with two other consoles, which will put greater processing demands on the Switch 2 that's doing the streaming, and could therefore affect performance. For now, I was impressed, and it will work really well with forthcoming party game Super Mario Party Jamboree.
GameChat, meanwhile, Nintendo's rather overdue version of in-game video chat, requires you to connect and confirm your identity via your smartphone, and then you're in. You can buy a Switch 2 Camera (£50) for this, but any old USB webcam will do. I think this may well prove a nice extra for close friends or families keen on playing together while apart; we'll have to wait and see if any forthcoming games make interesting use of it.
There are some extra costs to think about. If you want to play with more than two people you may need another set of Joy-Cons, which will set you back £75, or a Pro Controller at the same price. (I tried out the officially licensed PowerA Advantage pad, which doesn't have rumble and only works in docked mode, but is a really sturdy option for Mario Kart sessions and very good value at £30.) A subscription to Nintendo Switch Online (needed for online play and, when the introductory offer runs out, GameChat) is £17.99 a year for one account, or £31.49 per year for your family. It's £34.99/£59.99 a year for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, which offers access to a large range of retro Nintendo games from all eras and any extra content for modern games. It's a decent price when compared with other gaming subscriptions, but still another expense to manage. Finally, you may need a microSD Express card if you start running out of space for new games on the built-in 256GB. A 256GB card will cost around £50. It all adds up.
As for battery life, Nintendo is promising between two and 6.5 hours. I did a mixed test in which I played Mario Kart World, downloaded and played Hitman, and used GameShare and GameChat, and got about 3.5 hours, which is not bad.
Should you buy one? If you somehow missed out on the original Switch, absolutely yes - it's the zenith of Nintendo's quest to make a hybrid handheld/home console, with a wide range of launch games (though currently only one genuine exclusive must-have in Mario Kart World) and the promise of many glorious exclusives to come. If you already have a Switch, it's worth the upgrade if you can afford it - the larger display, the better controllers, the social applications, all make it worth the outlay. It's reignited lounge multiplayer in our house; my sons readily deserting their rooms to play Mario Kart together; and while this interest will probably ebb and flow; it's been nice to have that back.
The one incontrovertible truth is that Nintendo's games cannot be played elsewhere. No smartphone, no PC, no Xbox or PlayStation will give you access to the full-fat Mario, Animal Crossing, Pokémon or Zelda titles; and it is exciting to imagine how those experiences will be translated to a new, beautifully crafted machine with a modest armoury of fresh features. Perhaps the design team at Nintendo were right not to call it Super Switch; but for the next few years; a Switch Pro equivalent is more than good enough.