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
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here 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.
