Jun 5, 2025 3 min read

Hands-on: The first few hours with the Nintendo Switch 2

Switch 2 is here, and it might become my main handheld. Big screen, portable body, and already tempting me to re-buy games I own on PC. My wallet weeps.

Hands-on: The first few hours with the Nintendo Switch 2
Still haven't played Balatro so might pick it up this time.

Switch 2 is here, and it might become my main handheld. Big screen, portable body, and already tempting me to re-buy games I own on PC. My wallet weeps.

I was hyped.

Not cautiously optimistic, not “let’s see what Nintendo cooked up this time”. I was genuinely looking forward to the Switch 2.

I even tried to convince the shop where I preordered it to let me pick it up one day early (I called them three times). Now thinking about it, to say I was hyped might be an understatement after all. Also, I apologize to the shop for bothering them so much.

Despite being used to the Steam Deck, to the ROG Ally, and all kinds of big-ass AYANEO devices, the first thing that hit me was the screen. It’s surprisingly big. Maybe it’s because I’ve been using the Odin 2 Mini a lot lately, or because I spent the past few days fiddling with the old Switch to prep for the transfer, but the contrast was striking.

But it’s not just about size (ha!). What also surprised me is how manageable it feels. Compared to something like the Steam Deck, which always felt a bit too bulky, the Switch 2 nails that combo of large display and a thin frame. It’s comfortable to hold, easy to carry, and still feels like a proper console. (It also helps that, compared to its predecessor, the Switch 2 feels more premium.)

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