I've been meaning to review the Nintendo switch 2 from a dedicated fan of the switch 1 oled edition. But wanted to made sure I had a good chance to play with it first before with some first hand experience.
Lets begin, apart from the upgraded specs of the switch 2 which are really impressive, the main noticeable thing to me, is the upgrade in screen size compared to the switch 1 oled edition. Maybe its because, I got used to the switch 1 oled's size. But the switch 2 has just over an inch in screen size. Some people might think this is fantastic, but, at first, I did struggle with the bigger screen as your mind and muscle memory needs to adjust to a slightly bigger screen size. What I mean about this, is the hands need to move more between the joy con thumb sticks and the buttons. The other noticeable thing is the weight of the switch 2. It is a bit more weigher than the switch 1 oled. Which also takes some getting used to. The switch 1 was lighter and was easier to move around in your hands and hold in general. Again this is something you get used to with the switch 2. Does it mean I will be ditching the switch 2 and going back to switch 1 oled, in simple terms hell no.
With the adjustments mentioned above the switch 2 is a fantastic console even better than the switch 1 oled. The UI (user interface) is the same as the switch 1 oled. Which is fantastic, as it means, you can get straight back into it.
Having had a switch 1 oled, I was keen to buy the switch 2 and I got a great deal on release day from amazon. It arrived the very next day, so was super excited. The unboxing, the switch 2 comes with pretty much the same accessories as the switch 1 oled including the dock and all of the cables. Games are backwards compatible. There were a few clunky steps to migrate from the switch 1 oled to the switch 2 in terms of licenses for digital Games. These had to be done 1 by 1 through the migration software and each one has to be approved for migration. So if you have alot of digital Games this could take some time. I don't own that many Games, as I mostly like retro Games.
Talking of Games, there are some switch 2 only Games, but nothing worth parting with a lot of money for them. The console was expensive enough. Some feature titles go from any where between £50 to £70 +. If your looking for the latest battlefield action or call of duty you will not find these on the switch 1 oled or switch 2. They are simply not part of Nintendo's offering. If these are more your type of Games then I suggest sticking to your xbox, PS, PC or the xbox hand held or a steam machine. But does this mean, its not worth buying a switch 2, no, it all depends on what you want to do with it and the sort of Games you want to play. There are loads of switch 1 Games on the store or from the likes of CEX at discounted rates. The nintendo store often has deals on with reductions in price of Games and you can find some right gems. You really can. Some older titles are also available like lego worlds. If you like minecraft, but like me, not a fan of the blocky graphics, then get lego worlds, its similar to mine craft but lego and there is a sandbox mode which allows unlimited building and building objects. As I said in my switch 1 oled edition, get yourself a subscription for the switch 2. This will set you back about £37 in the UK but totally worth it. You can download loads of retro Games across nintendo and sega for no extra cost.
The only other thing I would mention on the switch 2, is certain accessories of the switch 1 oled don't work with the switch 2. Like any carry cases, due to the size of the switch 2 it won't fit in your switch 1 carry case. Some third party switch 1 controllers do however. So that should at least save you a bit.
I really like nintendo and the switch 2 is a fantastic console very versatile like the switch 1 oled edition. Backwards compatibility makes it a fantastic console if you want a smooth more performant game play experience. Its like anything new, it takes time to build up a good range of switch 2 only Games but that will happen in time.
You may be wondering what happened to my switch 1 oled edition. No I didn't give it a viking send off, it went to a friend as an early crimbo present for her two sons who love it.
Would I still buy the switch 2, hell yes, its a fantastic console, once you get over the bits mentioned above. If you can wait till January 2026 then you may get some right good deals for one.
Happy gaming!
