Our verdict
The Switch 2 works as a handheld and as a TV console. Its handheld screen is 7.9 inches and shows up to 1080p, and connected to a TV it can output up to 4K, so text and detail look clear. Most original Switch games work, and TechRadar saw Pokémon Scarlet and Violet reach a solid 60 frames a second. The Joy-Con 2 controllers attach with magnets. For newcomers it is an easy recommendation. The exclusive library is still growing, and battery life is the main weakness: TechRadar measured about 3 hours with demanding games. At £395.99 without a game, it suits people who mainly play on a TV or near a charger.
Buy it if
- You want Nintendo's best current console for home and handheld play
- You want to keep playing your existing Switch games, as most of them work
- You mainly play connected to a TV or charger
Skip it if
- You spend long journeys playing away from a power socket
- You use wireless headphones and are sensitive to sound delay
- You want a large library of must-have exclusive games right away
How it would fit your home
Playing on a TV
The dock outputs up to 4K, and there is no battery worry, so this shows the console at its best.
Your existing Switch games
Most original Switch games work, so you can carry on with your library without buying it again. Check specialist accessories by name first.
Long journeys
With about 3 hours from demanding games in TechRadar's testing, a charger or power bank is an important extra.
The details, in plain English
The screen and the games
TechRadar praised the 7.9-inch screen. Text and small details are easy to see, and it displays up to 1080p handheld and up to 4K when docked, with 120Hz support in both modes. The screen is an LCD (TechRadar calls it Vivid LCD), not the dearer OLED type, but it avoids the risk of lasting marks from fixed game menus.
Battery life
This is the clear weakness. TechRadar's Rhys Wood found Nintendo's estimate of 2 to 5 hours optimistic, and measured about 3 hours with demanding games and up to 5 with lighter ones. Frequent travellers should include a charger or power bank in the real cost.
Controllers and talking with friends
The Joy-Con 2 controllers attach with magnets, and hold securely. A mouse mode works in some games, such as Civilization 7 and Cyberpunk 2077, though reviewers disagreed about how natural it feels. GameChat is built-in party voice chat with screen sharing, but sharing several video feeds can make the game picture crowded.
Your old games and accessories
Most original Switch games work. Nintendo's backwards compatibility is not complete: a few unusual games and accessories need the original controllers or do not fit. Storage is 256GB and expands with microSD Express cards. Check any specialist accessory by name before trading in your old system.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- 7.9-inch screen with up to 1080p handheld: text and small details are easy to see
- Up to 4K output to a TV, with 120Hz support for smoother motion in supported games
- Plays most original Switch games, and TechRadar saw Pokémon Scarlet and Violet run at a solid 60 frames a second
- 256GB of built-in storage, expandable with microSD Express cards
- Magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers attach securely
What to watch out for
- Battery life is short: about 3 hours with demanding games in TechRadar's testing
- Few must-have exclusive games so far
- Wireless headphones can have a noticeable sound delay
- Reviewers disagreed about whether the new mouse-style control is comfortable
New buyers should normally choose the Switch 2. Its 7.9-inch screen, 4K TV output and support for most original Switch games make it Nintendo's best current console, while battery life is the main thing to plan around.
Make the Nintendo Switch 2 easier to live with
Add-ons that answer a drawback we named above. Check compatibility with your exact model before buying.
Solves: battery life is shorter than on the original Switch: about 3 hours with demanding games in TechRadar's testing
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank 20K, BPB020btBK Not yet reviewed by us
Adds a portable charging option for short battery life; Belkin lists Switch 2 compatibility. Actual added play time has not been tested.
Check first: Adds stored power, not a faster phone or a guarantee of full recharges. Check port sharing, cable and actual host charging; it adds weight.
Solves: wireless headphones can have a noticeable sound delay
Sony MDR-ZX110, wired stereo headphones Not yet reviewed by us
A wired headphone connection avoids the Bluetooth link behind the review’s sound-delay concern; exact fit and listening comfort still need checking.
Check first: Requires a compatible stereo mini headphone socket. No microphone/call-quality claim; exact plug fit and volume comfort should be checked.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nintendo Switch 2 (this one) | Nintendo's best current console for anyone who mainly plays on a TV or near a charger. | £419.99RRP · console only, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Nintendo Switch OLED | A good buy if you play mostly in handheld mode and want a 7-inch OLED screen with deeper blacks and richer colour. | £309.99RRP · 64GB hybrid console, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Nintendo Switch | A flexible TV-and-handheld console for people who want Nintendo's approach, provided you will pay for extra storage and accept older hardware. | £259.99RRP · 32GB hybrid console, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB | The best-value handheld computer for players comfortable with occasional tinkering, especially if they already own games on Steam. | £649RRP · the 512GB deep-black screen model, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
Worth reading next
Where our findings come from
We combined TechRadar's launch review with NBC Select's later follow-up, Nintendo Life's review summary and compatibility reporting. The sources agreed about the stronger performance and weaker battery, but reached different conclusions about how urgently existing owners should upgrade. The article keeps that disagreement instead of forcing one answer on every buyer.
- TechRadar: Nintendo Switch 2 review
- NBC Select: One year later: is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth the upgrade?
- Nintendo Life: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For The Nintendo Switch 2
- What Hi-Fi?: I love this console – but I'm not buying one until it gets an OLED screen
- GamesRadar+: Nintendo responds to questions of Switch 2 stick drift