Nintendo levels up: Switch 2 launches with power boost, 4K gaming

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the long-awaited successor to the hybrid console that many have relied on for over eight years. While it sticks closely to the original concept, it brings notable upgrades: a more powerful system, a larger and sharper display, support for 4K and 120Hz gaming, and new Joy-Con 2 controllers that also function as mice. However, it comes with a higher price tag at $449.99, some compromises when connected to a TV, and underwhelming battery life.

Despite these drawbacks, the Switch 2 delivers an outstanding gaming experience, highlighted by Mario Kart World and strong backward compatibility with original Switch titles. By building on the strengths of its predecessor and meaningfully improving key areas, the Nintendo Switch 2 earns our Editors’ Choice award for gaming consoles.

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it?

We asked KIRO Newsradio’s resident gamer about his Switch 2. Paul Holden was one of millions of people who stood in line for hours on the day of its release. We asked him why he thinks the Switch 2 is so popular…?

“Their games speak to generations. They’ve been making quality games and quality consoles for so long, and the Switch was such a big success,” Holden said. “Why it’s so popular is because Nintendo itself has just such a reputation of success and great games.”

We also asked Holden if the price tag would scare some gamers away.

“Yeah, it’s $500 for the console, and then $550 if you want the Mario Kart bundle. I will say the downside right now is the overall selection of new games, like Switch 2 games, is really light right now,” Holden said. “But the console is bigger. I think it fits in my hands better, it’s more comfortable to hold, it’s easier to look at, the lights, the brightness on the screen is great. So, I think it’s a great overall upgrade, but if you’re not as passionate…and if you’re like, ‘there’s not enough games out there’, I think it’ll be okay to wait to buy one, and then you can walk away.”

Nintendo sold 150 million units of the first-generation Switch, while the Switch 2 set a sales record, selling three million units in the first 24 hours of its release.

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