Consoles & handhelds / Review roundup

Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 — manufacturer product image
Image: Image courtesy of Nintendo

Roundup updated 2026-10-07 · Summary based on 2 review sources

What reviewers found

Review summary

TechRadar: The Joy-Con 2 controllers use a magnetic connection rather than rails, locking instantly into place and releasing via an under-trigger button. TechRadar: Handheld battery runtime is very poor, rarely exceeding three hours with original Switch titles and reaching about five hours at most on low-demand games. Tom’s Guide: The Joy-Con 2 controllers connect easily and securely using strong magnets rather than the previous model's plastic sliding rails.

A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work

At a glance

Good for

Players checking their game library, controls and full ownership cost

The catch

Handheld battery runtime is very poor, rarely exceeding three hours with original Switch titles and reaching about five hours at most on low-demand games.; Tested Bluetooth headsets and earbuds exhibited an audio delay of about half a second across docked and handheld play.

Compare with Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB →

Where to buy

Checking current prices…Check price at Amazon Product search

Affiliate links · We may earn a commission.

Strengths and limitations

Pros

  • The Joy-Con 2 controllers use a magnetic connection rather than rails, locking instantly into place and releasing via an under-trigger button.
  • A redesigned kickstand runs across nearly the entire length of the console and rotates considerably farther for flexible tabletop placement.
  • The Joy-Con 2 controllers connect easily and securely using strong magnets rather than the previous model's plastic sliding rails.

Cons

  • Handheld battery runtime is very poor, rarely exceeding three hours with original Switch titles and reaching about five hours at most on low-demand games.
  • Tested Bluetooth headsets and earbuds exhibited an audio delay of about half a second across docked and handheld play.
  • Battery longevity is limited, delivering under two and a half hours when running demanding games like Breath of the Wild.
  • GameChat provides welcome on-console voice communication, but its live gameplay screen-sharing feature suffers from heavy lag.
BENCHMARK COVERAGE

Benchmarks not available yet

We don’t have published benchmark results for this model yet.

In depth

TechRadar · Short handheld battery life

Handheld battery runtime is very poor, rarely exceeding three hours with original Switch titles and reaching about five hours at most on low-demand games.

TechRadar

TechRadar · Bluetooth audio latency

Tested Bluetooth headsets and earbuds exhibited an audio delay of about half a second across docked and handheld play.

TechRadar

TechRadar · Magnetic Joy-Con attachment

The Joy-Con 2 controllers use a magnetic connection rather than rails, locking instantly into place and releasing via an under-trigger button.

TechRadar

TechRadar · Improved kickstand design

A redesigned kickstand runs across nearly the entire length of the console and rotates considerably farther for flexible tabletop placement.

TechRadar

Tom’s Guide · Magnetic Joy-Con attachment

The Joy-Con 2 controllers connect easily and securely using strong magnets rather than the previous model's plastic sliding rails.

Tom’s Guide

Tom’s Guide · Short battery runtime

Battery longevity is limited, delivering under two and a half hours when running demanding games like Breath of the Wild.

Tom’s Guide

Tom’s Guide · Screen sharing latency

GameChat provides welcome on-console voice communication, but its live gameplay screen-sharing feature suffers from heavy lag.

Tom’s Guide

Specifications

Check storage, included accessories, game compatibility and subscription requirements.

TechRadar · Nintendo Switch 2

Dimensions
10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm
Storage capacity
256GB internal
Storage expansion
microSD Express
Connectivity
WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth
Resolution (docked)
Up to 4K
Resolution (handheld)
Up to 1080p
GPU
Custom Nvidia processor
CPU
Custom Nvidia processor
Battery life
2-5 hours
TechRadar

Tom’s Guide · Nintendo Switch 2

Processor
Custom Nvidia processor
RAM
12 GB LPDDR5X
Storage
256GB (UFS 3.1)
Wireless connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth
Tom’s Guide

Still unknown

  • Some specifications differ between reviews. Check the manufacturer’s details before buying.

Published reviews & comparisons

TechRadar · Review ·

Used in this summary

Nintendo Switch 2 review ↗

Model and test details

Reviewed model: Nintendo Switch 2. See the original review for test settings.

Tom’s Guide · Review ·

Used in this summary

Nintendo Switch 2 review ↗

Model and test details

Reviewed model: Nintendo Switch 2. See the original review for test settings.

Specification references

TechRadar — Reviewed model: Nintendo Switch 2. See the original review for test settings.

Tom’s Guide — Reviewed model: Nintendo Switch 2. See the original review for test settings.

Alternatives to consider

ModelChoose it forThe catchCompare
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB2 reviewsFor the Xbox library, disc collection or subscription games you actually want.Proprietary expansion costs; Original reviews describe an older releaseCompare →
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro2 reviewsAn optional upgrade for someone who cares about the enhanced games and owns a display that shows the difference.Disc drive costs extra; Benefits vary by gameCompare →