Nintendo Switch 2 is here: Unboxing and first impressions [Hands-on & Video]

After months of buildup, the Nintendo Switch 2 is here. I got early access to everything at a private event hosted by Nintendo at their flagship store in NYC. I was able to pick up the full launch lineup directly from Nintendo, including the console, accessories, and the new Mario Kart World game.

I’ve spent some time unboxing it all, setting things up, and playing with some of the accessories. While I think this is a fantastic upgrade to the Switch 1, its not all good. Let’s dive into the unboxing and first impressions.

What you get in the box

Right off the bat, everything feels a little more polished. Regarding the packaging and materials, Nintendo clearly put more care into this. Here’s what’s inside the box:

• Switch 2 console
• Two redesigned Joy-Cons
• 4K-ready dock with built-in fan
• USB-C charging brick + cable
• HDMI cable
• Joy-Con wrist straps + grip hub

The whole setup feels tighter. The finishes are cleaner, the build feels more solid, and the attention to detail is noticeable across the board. Of course, the first thing I tried was magnetically connecting the Joy-Cons to the Switch 2, and boy, it was satisfying.

First impressions of hardware

I was lucky enough to get some hands-on time with the Switch two months back, but this still felt like a new experience. Here are some of my initial thoughts:

• Bigger buttons and joysticks that are easier to use
• Ergonomically improved for handheld play
• Magnetic attachment feels secure and satisfying
• The matte finish makes the device grippier but satisfying to hold

I wanted to mention two major things: even though the device is larger than the Switch OLED, it doesn’t feel too big or tedious. Nintendo did a great job with weight distribution, so it doesn’t feel bigger. They emphasized that since the thickness remained the same, it feels relatively the same. The second thing I noticed is that the new design feels more “gamery”, if that makes any sense. They decided to go all black with some accent coloring, so it feels and looks more like a pro gamer device. While the old switch felt more friendly and whimsical, which I thought Nintendo was known for. This is entirely subjective, but I liked the more playful nature of the previous design. But this design is still excellent, and the tech nerd in me loves it.

The dock

The dock is larger than the previous, but for good reason. It has a built-in fan to help handle the faster refresh rate and 4 K output when in docked mode. Here are the ports you get:

• USB ports: two USB 2.0 compatible ports on the side
• System connector
• AC adapter port
• HDMI port
• LAN port

I also noticed a bit of wiggle when the Switch 2 is docked. For me, that’s fine since I tuck my console away, but it’s just something I noticed. The Switch OLED has zero wiggle when docked.

Pro controller

This is the only additional accessory I purchased (for now). I figured it would be the best and the one that most people would buy. The Pro Controller feels great—surprisingly weighty, USB-C charging, and built for serious play. If you game for long sessions, this is a must-have.

Compared to old Switch console

I am mostly comparing it to the old Switch console from a hardware standpoint. But you can tell immediately how big of a step up the Switch 2 is. Like I mentioned earlier, it just feels like a much more “pro” level device compared to its predecessor. You get the larger 7.9-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate, much thinner bezels, more storage, unlimited kickstand, and way more polished speakers. I am aware that we are going from OLED to LCD, but the LCD is crisp and bright, so you don’t miss the OLED panel (at least not yet).

Final early thoughts

There’s no doubt that this is the best version of the Switch Nintendo has ever released. It’s faster, sharper, more immersive, and just feels like a premium gaming device.

That said, I do want to let people know a few things that I noticed:

• It’s a little less playful-looking than the original.
• The dock has some give that I didn’t expect.
• The price is a bit steep
• Switch OLED for a specific target customer is still an amazing purchase

So, if you are wondering if the hardware alone is worth the upgrade, I would say for some, yes, but for others, no. But, haven’t even gotten into the internal specs that will make Switch 2 games hum.

Pricing & availability

Nintendo Switch 2 consoles will be available in stores and online on June 5th. All major retailers, like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Gamestop, should have stock. The console alone is $449, and the Mario Kart Bundle is $499. But from all the images and videos online, it seems like 100,000s of people are lined up for the midnight release of this console.

Stay tuned for more content throughout the week!

Be sure to check out our hands-on video and experience at NYC Nintendo below:

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