I remember first booting up my Nintendo Switch. It was shortly into my first term at university. It was the perfect companion for my sorry excuse for a dorm room. A long, flimsy desk, rock solid bed, and a single solitary shelf. Hardly the environment to erect a top-of-the-line PC build or 4k console rig. The small handheld device was the perfect choice. This was particularly true when paired with 2017 game of the year Breath of the Wild and the later released psychedelic Super Mario Odyssey. Having a portable escape from the dingy cage I found myself in was transformative.

The 2^nd of April 2025 finally arrived. The highly anticipated Nintendo Direct came with all the juicy details for the upcoming Switch 2. Watching through I was content with the offering without being blown out of the water. The handheld device boasts several improvements on its predecessor. An increased 7.9-inch screen displays at 1080p. It can hit up to 120fps refresh rate on selected titles. The updated dock supports up to 4k resolution, provided you have the TV for it. A sturdier and more adjustable kick stand, which will make travelling or sharing a more comfortable and adaptable prospect. An updated joy-con controlled with magnetic connection and a mouse control that work similarly to the Lenovo Legion Go. All said substantial upgrades which seem generous when compared to the minor bumps offered between the PS5 and its Pro variant.

It’s a vast suite of quality-of-life upgrades, that the community as been requesting for some time. Each will be a welcome addition and will no doubt enhance the gaming experience on the device. Nintendo also announced a library of new games. The likes of which included what looks to be a spiritual successor to Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the party favourite Mario Kart World which both look to take full advantage of the impressive new upgrades.

Despite all of this I couldn’t help but feel a hint of disappointment. Reports of sky-high prices for switch 2 release games, and a rumoured tax for owning a physical copy. Alongside a significant cost to enjoy upgrades for games like Breath of the Wild, and, Tears of the Kingdom. Both of which people have been gagging to run on anything other than the original switches archaic hardware. All this left me with a slightly sour aftertaste, and I imagine I’m not alone. Advertising an identical console width as a selling point made me feel like we have done this before. Like this is nothing new.

Yet, when I hark back to that first experience with the switch. Storming Hyrule Castle on the hunt for Calamity Ganon or taking control of the King Kooper Bowser himself during the finale of Mario Odyssey. All I can feel is a sense of anticipation. An excitement at the prospect of what Nintendo do best. Excitement for the unique, vibrant, and bombastic worlds that they have a habit of creating.  And an excitement for more Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 releases on 5th June 2025