Nintendo Switch 2 in the test: Buyers should know that

Wow, that is easy and quick! From the unpacking of the Switch 2 (we got a test device available from Nintendo) to the first family internal races with four participants have not passed 20 minutes. The consolation generation of the Japanese manufacturer Nintendo is easily accessible to beginners. A simple menu, intuitive control and fast loading times make it possible. The owner of the previous model, which came into stores in 2017, can also quickly transmit their profile and start playing immediately.

What likes immediately when unpacking – and what is not

The first time it is unpacked that the Switch 2 is slightly larger than its predecessor. This applies to both the display and the Joy-Cons, the two-part gamepads. These lie well in the hand. Our tip: If you order a second controller unit, you can play directly for three or four. This is possible because the controllers consist of two elements, each of which is a complete operating unit. Depending on the hand size, this is a bit unusual, but enables multiplayer games in front of the same television or the switch 2 with several people. A cool feature!

In the pack you will find a USB-C current cable, an HDMI cable for operating the Switch 2 on the television and a docking station. Up to this point, the impression was very positive, but we find that the docking station looks far less valuable than the rest of the console. However, as soon as it is in the right place in the living room and we have put the Switch 2 inserted a few times, the first impression improves.

Little helpers with a large function

Thanks to the well-thought-out design, it is easy to attach the joy-cons to the console-for example to load or update them. In the Switch-2 box we also find a bracket with which the Joy-Cons can be combined into a gamepad, as well as two small plastic applications with ligaments so that the controls do not fly through the living room when playing too wild.

The small parts bring a very interesting ability: they can be used as a mouse. This even works quite well on the thigh, but also on a table or other documents. This is a real improvement, especially for menu renewal. What we have not been able to test yet, but can well imagine, is: With strategy games such as “Civilization VII” or first-person shooters, the control gaps between consoles and PC could not be closed, but at least reduced. Because in the long term, the ergonomics of the joy cons are a little too cramp for a real mouse.

Switch 2 with special “jerk-free” technology

A look “under the bonnet” shows the technical upgrade that the Switch 2 received with a powerful Nvidia chip. In combination with a “jerk-free” technology VRR, this enables playing 1080p on the handheld with an integrated display. Connected to the TV via the HDMI cable, we even play in 4K – but without VRR. It is clear that the console will not win a graphics price compared to the PlayStation 5 Pro. But it is also clear that Nintendo appeals to a different player segment than Sony, for example.

Now we come to a real minus point: the battery life. The manufacturer specifies them with 2 to 6 hours. When playing “Mario Kart World”, however, we were only able to confirm the lower limit. After two hours we had to look for a socket. And that with a battery that has never been used. We are looking forward to the performance report of the colleagues from the chip test center, which will put the performance of the Switch 2 through its paces.

Where Nintendo takes its customers seriously

Speaking of colleagues: Nintendo is currently offering a together game mode free of charge via the Internet. With the gam chat, users can talk to each other about the console, share games and even see themselves – when buying a corresponding camera. Caution: In about a year, the service should be charged.

Apart from the high entry -level friendliness, advanced consoleros can let off steam. There are many options in the settings to adapt the system to our needs. This shows that Nintendo takes its customers seriously. For example, we can exchange the occupancy of buttons A and B. Why is that relevant? Confirm and canceled in Sony's PlayStation system is exactly the other way around in the standard than with Nintendo. Sony-haired players can avoid confusion in the zeal of the battle.

Should I buy the Switch 2?

Who is the console interesting for? There are different ways to approach this question:

• Exclusive title: Whether Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo – each manufacturer brings their own exclusive game titles onto the market. Anyone who prefers the cute Super Mario games, the new and very worthwhile “Mario Kart World” or the child-friendly Zelda games, you will receive a perhaps non-groundbreaking or super innovative but noticeable update with the Switch 2-after all, many old Switch games can also be played with new hardware.
• performance: If you want to enjoy opulent games with full graphics splendor, but want to stay loyal to the console and your own television, you will rather use PlayStation 5. Although this is around 250 euros more expensive, the total offers more.
• Mobile play: If you want to play more complex titles on the go – for example when commuting or on business trips – you have a real alternative to the Steam Deck with the Switch 2. However, a visit to the next socket should be planned, because after around two hours the air becomes thin. The storage space of 256 gigabytes is large enough to carry a handful of digital games-with an additional microSD card even up to 2 terabytes.
• Couch Coop: Nintendo is and remains the winner in the fight for the crown while playing together in front of a television. With an additional controller, games can now be played even more beautiful and fluid with four people in the living room. If you can and want to finance an update of the hardware here, you really don't go wrong.

At the moment, the console costs around 470 euros without a game and with “Mario Kart World”, the latest part of the superficial arcade racing series, just over 500 euros.