By Vinod Ram 
Record-Breaking Launch
- Nintendo announced that the Switch 2 sold a staggering 3.5 million units worldwide within four days of its June 5 launch—marking it the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever.
- Reports echo it as an “all-time company record”, with retailers in the UK already running out of stock.
Fresh Hardware & Features
Screen & Build
- Larger 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD, supporting 120 Hz VRR handheld and up to 4K @ 60 Hz docked.
- Thinner, sleeker design with a full-width kickstand; slight weight increase (+34%).
Powerhouse Internals
- Custom NVIDIA “Drake” chip: Ampere GPU with ray-tracing & DLSS, 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM, ~10× the graphics performance.
- 256 GB internal storage (vs. original’s 32 GB), expandable via microSD Express.
- Dual USB‑C ports and built-in mic with GameChat support.
- Battery: 5220 mAh, providing ~2–6.5 hours of play — shorter lifespan than previous models.
Controllers & Audio
- Joy‑Con 2: magnetic attachments, larger buttons, optical sticks (drift-resistant).
- New Pro Controller at $84.99, praised for solid build but not revolutionary.
- Speakers upgraded with 3D audio; GameChat gets its own “C” button.
- Plays nearly all original Nintendo Switch titles, with many getting free “Switch 2 Editions” for enhanced graphics and framerate.
- Features Virtual Game Cards: digital “cards” let you load/eject titles between systems for local play.
- GameCube classics, like F‑Zero GX and Super Mario Sunshine, join via the Switch Online emulator exclusively on Switch 2.
Third-Party & Launch Titles
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition dropped on Switch 2 at US $69.99, extrapolated to boost CD Projekt earnings.
- Exclusive launch titles include Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Bananza; others like Final Fantasy VII Remake confirmed.
Game Updates & Early Glitches
- Splatoon 3 on Switch 2 has an unintended “pay-to-win” bug: Squid Rolling can be done on any surface, offering an edge over original Switch players. Nintendo plans to patch it.
- Splatoon Raiders, a spinoff featuring Deep Cut trio, is exclusive to Switch 2. Also launching on Day One alongside a major Splatoon 3 update on June 12 with extra weapons, improved visuals, and cross-play.
Community & Critics React
- The Verge notes delight in the jump to 120 Hz and smoother navigation, but regrets no OLED/HDR, fewer color choices, and slightly awkward ergonomics.
- A Redditor celebrating DLSS:
“This is really good news folks!”
- Another excited about Switch 2’s trailer views:
“Still trending after 2 weeks… TIME IS RUNNING SLOW”
Price & Availability
- Priced at US $449.99, $150 more than the original launch price of $299, with premium positioning.
- Official availability remains limited globally. India launch is unconfirmed, though grey‑market imports are already being planned.
- Physical stock shortages reported in UK, US—even retailers resorting to procedures like taping receipts to boxes, causing collector frustration.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re a dedicated gamer or longtime Nintendo fan, the Switch 2 offers a significant leap forward in nearly every department. With a crisp 7.9-inch full HD display supporting 120 Hz handheld gaming and up to 4K output while docked, it’s a clear visual upgrade. The new NVIDIA-powered chip delivers smoother performance, ray tracing, and DLSS upscaling, making games look and run far better than on the original Switch. Storage has been bumped up to 256 GB, and GameCube titles are now playable through Nintendo Switch Online, adding a nostalgic bonus. However, battery life has taken a hit, with playtime ranging between 2 to 6.5 hours depending on the title—shorter than the 2019 Switch refresh. Pricing is also a factor: at $449.99, it’s $150 more than the original launch price. If affordability, portability, and battery life are your top priorities, or you’re a casual player, the original Switch (or OLED model) still holds excellent value. But for those seeking the latest features, superior graphics, and future-proof performance, the Switch 2 is a worthy upgrade.
Final Take
The Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just an incremental update – it’s a generational leap in hardware capability, multimedia features, and platform evolution. Its breakout launch, strong software lineup, and improved backward compatibility make it a compelling upgrade for enthusiasts. However, higher cost, shorter battery life, and some early quirks mean the original Switch still holds value for many users—especially in regions like India, where official availability is still pending.
