TLDR Review: Nintendo Switch 2

Nope. The Switch 2 Pro Controller only works with Switch 2. No backward compatibility here.

That Seems Weird

Both consoles use Bluetooth, so you'd think it would work. But Nintendo built the new Pro Controller with features and protocols specific to Switch 2. The original Switch can't understand them.

The C button for GameChat, the programmable back buttons, the new HD Rumble 2. None of that makes sense on the old console.

Good News Though

The reverse works. Your original Pro Controller connects to Switch 2 just fine. Bluetooth pairing or USB cable, your choice.

A few minor limitations when using the old Pro Controller on Switch 2:

• Can't wake the console from sleep
• No GameChat button (obviously)
• No back buttons
• Older rumble

Nothing deal-breaking for actual gaming.

The Two-Console Situation

Own both a Switch and Switch 2? Keep the old Pro Controller for the old console. Use the new Pro Controller on Switch 2. Clean separation.

Need extra controllers for multiplayer? The old Pro Controller works on

The Switch 2 is picky about power. Your old charger might not cut it for TV mode.

The 60W Requirement

Here's the deal: TV mode needs at least 60 watts (20 volts at 3 amps). The original Switch only needed 15V. So if you're trying to use old Switch dock accessories, they might charge the console but won't enable TV output. You'll be stuck in handheld mode.

What Definitely Works

The dock and charger that came with your Switch 2. Those are designed for it.

Beyond that, most quality 60W+ USB-C chargers work fine. MacBook chargers (61W+), Anker, Belkin, Ugreen. Basically any reputable brand with Power Delivery at 60W or more.

Handheld Charging Is Easier

Just charging in portable mode? Requirements are relaxed. A 30W or 45W charger works, just charges slower. The console actually only pulls 15-17W when charging anyway. Nintendo deliberately limits it to keep heat down and protect the battery.

Third-Party Docks: Proceed Carefully

They exist. Some work great. Some h

256GB built-in. That's 8 times more than the original Switch. And it's faster storage too.

The Upgrade Is Real

Original Switch had a measly 32GB. Switch OLED bumped it to 64GB. Switch 2 goes to 256GB. You'll notice the difference immediately in load times because UFS 3.1 is significantly faster than the old eMMC storage.

Expanding Storage

When 256GB isn't enough, you can add microSD Express cards up to 2TB. Important catch: regular microSD cards don't work. You need the Express type with the "EX" logo.

Samsung, SanDisk, and Lexar make compatible cards. Prices are still high because Switch 2 is one of the first devices requiring this standard. They'll come down eventually.

What Goes Where

Games download to internal storage or your microSD Express card. Screenshots and captures can go to either.

Save data? That stays on internal storage

You've got options. Nintendo controllers, old controllers, third-party controllers. Let's break it down.

The Official Stuff

Joy-Con 2: Comes with the console. Magnetic attachment, mouse mode, GameChat button. The new standard.

Switch 2 Pro Controller: Full-size, $80, has everything. HD Rumble 2, motion controls, amiibo, back buttons, headphone jack. Worth it if you play docked a lot.

GameCube Controller: Nintendo makes one specifically for Switch 2. Great for the GameCube classics library.

Your Old Joy-Cons: They still work! Just wirelessly though. They won't snap onto the sides. Keep them around for games that need the IR Motion Camera.

Your Old Pro Controller: Also works. Pairs wirelessly or plugs into the dock. Can't wake the console from sleep, but otherwise fine.

Third-Party Options

Basically any Bluetooth controller works. PC gamepad

Put your Joy-Con 2 flat on a desk and slide it around. A cursor appears on screen. That's mouse mode. It's surprisingly useful.

The Basics

Any flat surface works. Your desk, a book, a table. The Joy-Con tracks its own movement using internal sensors. Slide it left, the cursor goes left. The analog stick handles scrolling.

Pick the controller up off the surface and you're back to normal button controls. It switches instantly.

Where You'd Actually Use This

The Home Menu and eShop support it. More importantly, games can support it. Strategy games, point-and-click adventures, city builders, games that were designed for PC mouse input. Those translate really well.

Not every game has it though. Developers have to specifically add mouse support.

Getting Good Tracking

Smooth surfaces work best. A glossy desk beats a textured tablecloth.

Leave Dead-Zone Dampening at the default setting. It filters out minor drift that could make the cursor jittery.

Cursor jumping or lag? That's usually wireless interference. Scoot the dock away from your router.

Sweaty hands and humid rooms mess with tracking over time.

Yes! GameCube games finally came to Nintendo's online service with the Switch 2. If you've been waiting to replay Wind Waker or F-Zero GX portably, this is your chance.

What You Need

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. It's $80 a year and includes GameCube plus N64, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and more. The regular $20 subscription doesn't cover it.

GameCube is exclusive to Switch 2. The original Switch doesn't get it.

What's Available

The library launched with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, and F-Zero GX. Since then, they've added Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, Wario World, and others.

Nintendo keeps adding games over time. If something you want isn't there yet, patience might pay off.

How Do They Look?

Better than the originals. Higher resolution, cleaner image quality. You can choose between a clean modern display or a CRT filter if you want that nostalgic look.

Many games support online multiplayer too, which is something the GameCube never

Short version: TV mode looks better. Handheld mode saves battery. There's more nuance than that, but that's the gist.

What Docked Mode Gets You

Pop your Switch 2 into the dock and you unlock 4K output at 60fps, or 1440p/1080p at 120fps. The console pulls about 18-19 watts and runs the GPU harder. The dock has its own cooling fan to handle the extra heat.

Many Switch 2 games have visual features that only turn on in docked mode. Ray tracing, better textures, that kind of thing. If a game can look better, it usually does when connected to a TV.

Handheld Is Still Good

The 7.9-inch 1080p 120Hz screen is genuinely nice. But to keep battery life reasonable, handheld mode throttles things back. Power consumption drops to about 10 watts. Games automatically dial down resolution and effects.

You won't get 4K or the fanciest graphics in your hands. That's the trade-off for portability.

A Neat Feature for Old Games

There's a Handheld Mode Boost option for backward-compatible Switch 1 games. Turn it on and those games run with their TV mode graphics, even in handheld. Better visuals, but it eats battery faster.

Nope. This one stings. That expensive microSD card you bought for your Switch? It won't work for games on Switch 2.

Here's the Problem

The Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express cards. Your old card uses a different, slower standard. Even if it physically fits in the slot, the console won't recognize it for game storage.

What You Can Still Do

There's one small consolation. You can insert your old card to pull off screenshots and video captures from your original Switch. That's it though. No games.

Time to Buy New

MicroSD Express cards have an "EX" logo on them. That's how you spot them. The Switch 2 supports up to 2TB.

Your current options are basically Samsung, SanDisk, and Lexar. The Switch 2 is one of the first devices to actually require this standard, so the market is still small. Prices are higher than regular microSD cards, but t

GameChat is basically Discord built into your Switch 2. Voice chat, video chat, screen sharing. All without needing your phone.

Getting Started

Press the C button on your controller. That's it. GameChat opens right up, even mid-game. No app switching, no phone required.

First time using it? You'll need to verify your identity with a phone number text confirmation. After that, you're set.

Here's the deal on cost: it's free until March 31, 2026. After that, you need Nintendo Switch Online. So enjoy the freebie while it lasts.

Voice Chat That Actually Works

The Switch 2 has a built-in mic with decent noise cancellation. It filters out background noise and game audio automatically. Works in handheld, tabletop, or docked mode. The mic adjusts to your situation.

You can chat with up to 12 people at once. Mute yourself, unmute, adjust other people's volumes. Standard stuff.

The Cool Extras

Screen sharing lets you show your game to friends. They don't even need to own the same game. Just stream your screen while you chat.

V

Yep. The Joy-Con drift problem is back. Some people have seen it show up within days of getting their Switch 2.

Why Is This Still Happening?

Nintendo didn't fix the underlying cause. The Joy-Con 2 uses the same potentiometer-based stick technology as the original. These sensors wear out over time and start registering input when you're not touching the stick. That's drift.

Hall Effect sensors, which use magnets and basically don't wear out, would have solved this. But Nintendo apparently couldn't use them because the Joy-Con 2 already relies on magnets to attach to the console. More magnets might have caused interference issues.

The iFixit Verdict

iFixit tore down the Switch 2 and gave it a 3 out of 10 for repairability. Getting to the stick components to fix drift yourself? Good luck. They called the disassembly process "perhaps needlessly complicated."

At Least There's Free Replacement

Nintendo is replacing drifting Joy-Con 2 controllers for free. If yours starts acting up, contact support and they'll send you a replacement.

Some Tips That Might Help

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