I’ve been testing out the Nintendo Switch 2 for a few weeks now – and it’s everything I had hoped for in the console. The original Nintendo Switch was beginning to show its age. Its slow performance and outdated hardware limited what players and developers could achieve with the old console. Since its release, I’ve been using the Nintendo Switch 2 , and it has all the features I desired from the original console. READ MORE: Dunelm’s 拢15 garden bistro table is ‘perfect height’ and ‘ideal for snug spaces’ READ MORE: Amazon lawnmower reduced from over 拢100 is ‘lightweight’ and ‘easy to handle’ The original Nintendo Switch was incredibly popular and a huge commercial success, and rightly so. It offered a casual gaming experience for Brits who enjoyed titles like Mario, Poke虂mon, and Animal Crossing without having to shell out loads on larger gaming consoles like the PS5 Pro – which is on sale at Very currently. Alternatively, Xbox Series X can be bought from Argos. Bridging the gap between casual video game enthusiasts was one of the major triumphs of the Switch-and now the Switch 2 boasts a larger screen, smoother interface, and improved overall aesthetics. Well, Nintendo has demonstrated how small changes can make a big difference with the new design. The Switch 2 features an upgraded 7.9-inch screen compared to the OLED’s 7-inch screen. That’s a 13 per cent increase in size, including the screen and new Joy-Cons, so for those who appreciated the compact size of the Switch, it might feel quite large in the hands. One concern I had with the Switch 2 was its feel in handheld mode. The good news is that Nintendo has successfully retained the original Switch’s feel without significantly increasing its weight. In hand, the Switch 2 weighs around 530 grams, compared to the OLED Switch’s 420 grams. The increase in weight isn’t substantial, but I’ve noticed it makes the Switch 2 a more deliberate handheld experience when I’m on the move. For some, the Switch 2 might be a tad too large and hefty, so it’s certainly worth trying if you can get a demo console at Currys or another shop. The screen is an LCD, which was a letdown. OLED screens are superior in terms of power consumption and richer colours. Nintendo’s choice to reserve this for a later version (which is definitely on the way) is slightly irritating as an early adopter. Despite this, Nintendo has managed to make the screen look stunning with a 1080p resolution, which is a significant improvement. My favourite feature of the console is the new Joy-Con system. And my goodness, Nintendo has absolutely nailed this. The new Joy-Con system uses magnets that clip them to the side with a satisfying ‘click’ when they attach. It’s incredibly gratifying, especially for someone who enjoyed sliding the old Switch Joy-Con controllers into the console. To detach the console, the new Joy-Con controllers use a large side button that pushes away from the magnetic connection鈥攁nother satisfying addition鈥攂ut I did notice how slightly awkward they are to push when holding the console in handheld mode. Moving onto the software and interface, Nintendo hasn’t altered much, except the new, faster internals of the Switch 2 make the console feel smoother, faster and once again, a much more satisfying experience. No more lag when you load up the Nintendo Shop on the console. The best thing about the Switch 2 is how much better games look, feel and play. I’ve been playing the Switch 2 edition of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – and it has been spectacular to play. Smoother framerate and an upgraded resolution mean the game has finally reached its full potential, and it becomes a better game to play because of it. Free updates to the console are also a massively welcome addition, meaning some of your favourite games look and play better, for free. The upgraded hardware on the Switch 2 now means there’s also a much bigger game library, like Cyberpunk: 2077 and others, that were not possible on the original Switch. Let’s move on to the things I don’t like now. The Switch 2 introduced mouse controls for the console in an attempt to broaden its appeal-and honestly, I’ve not been a big fan. Testing them out, they feel fine, but as someone with large hands, they feel awkward compared to a proper mouse, and I feel like I have to grip them tightly to control them. It feels like an afterthought with the device because, let’s be honest, who is actually going to use these as a mouse? Next up is Gamechat. Nintendo has finally entered the 21st Century and allows people to chat to each other whilst playing games. Gamechat is a welcome addition, but it still feels like Nintendo is playing catch-up with social interaction in video games when platforms like Discord have nailed it years ago. Then there’s the battery life. It’s not the best. On some games, it lasted around 2 and a half hours, which is poor, so ensure you have a charger with you. I’m hoping this gets an upgrade later on with future console releases and a potential OLED addition to the screen. So the big question: Is the Switch 2 worth the 拢400 price tag? Personally, yes. As someone who was getting frustrated by the original Switch due to its mediocre hardware and screen, the Switch 2 is the Switch Pro in many areas, with just enough changes to warrant the Switch 2 title. Better games, better hardware, better screen and better experience with the console – a big thumbs up. However, there are rumours of significant upgrades to the console on the horizon, including a potential OLED version.