Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 is generating significant buzz in the gaming world. As the company unveiled the next evolution of its hybrid console, we had the chance to get hands-on with the device and try out a variety of new features, including the exciting Mario Kart World.
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A Fresh Take on the Switch: Bigger and Better, But Familiar
Nintendo’s grand event in Paris at the Grand Palais gave a select group of journalists and guests a sneak peek at the Switch 2. After months of anticipation and a recent Nintendo Direct presentation revealing its release date—set for June 5, 2025—the excitement reached a fever pitch. We were among the lucky few who got to try the future of gaming firsthand.
Our first game: a competitive match of Mario Kart World. While the demonstrator we faced might have been told to take it easy, we couldn’t help but appreciate the fluidity of the gameplay and the upgraded graphics. The overall experience was incredibly polished, showcasing Nintendo’s trademark attention to detail.
Holding the Future in Your Hands
The first impression with the Switch 2 in dock mode was surprisingly familiar. The device, connected to the TV via its docking station, felt very much like the original Switch. The Joy-Con 2 controllers clicked into place with a satisfying sound, and the overall grip felt just as comfortable, though the sticks seemed to have the same tension as the original, making them a bit tight for those with larger hands.
Nintendo has kept its design choices largely the same in terms of button placement—a well-known setup with the traditional A, B, X, and Y buttons. However, one surprising decision was to retain the cross-shaped directional pad, a feature that may irk fans of 2D platformers or fighting games, where precision is key.
Switching to handheld mode for our second session, the Switch 2 was slightly larger and heavier than the original, but still very portable. The sleek black design, while elegant, might be a bit too plain for some, though it’s likely we’ll see color options soon, just as we did with the original Switch’s Joy-Con controllers.
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Magnetic Joy-Cons and Improved Kickstand
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the magnetic attachment system for the Joy-Cons. Gone are the days of worrying about them sliding off at the wrong moment—now, they securely click into place with a satisfying sound. This small but significant change should make using the Switch 2 much more reliable, especially during intense gaming sessions.
The kickstand also received a major improvement, now running the full length of the console’s back. This makes it far more stable, reducing the risk of it tipping over during tabletop mode—something that was a bit of a problem with the original model.
The Joy-Con “Mouse Mode”: A New Way to Play?
One of the coolest features we tested was the new “mouse mode” for the right Joy-Con. This setup allows you to control the game like a traditional mouse, offering a different kind of experience than the standard joystick controls. The concept felt very natural, and it was surprisingly intuitive once the Joy-Con 2 was placed on its side and a small accessory was clipped on for smoother gliding.
The potential of this feature became more apparent when we tried it out in Mario Party Jamboree, and it felt like the perfect fit for mini-games. However, its real test will come when it’s used for more complex genres, like first-person shooters (FPS). We enlisted the help of Karl, a local FPS enthusiast, to try out this mode with Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. While Karl was impressed by the idea, he did point out that the small size of the Joy-Con made it feel a bit awkward compared to a traditional mouse. But with a little practice, he thought it could be a solid feature for portable FPS gaming.
A Subtle Evolution in the Dock and Pro Controller
The dock for the Switch 2 doesn’t seem to have changed much from its predecessor. It was locked under a glass case during the event, so we weren’t able to get a good look at it, but it didn’t appear any larger than the original. As for the Pro Controller, it shares many similarities with the previous version, except for the addition of two extra triggers located beneath the handles—useful for more complex games like Street Fighter 6, though we didn’t get to test them out much during the event.
Still More to Discover
While we got a solid hands-on experience with the Switch 2, there’s still a lot we didn’t get to try. For example, we didn’t have access to the system’s operating interface, and we weren’t able to test out the new GameChat feature. But based on what we’ve seen so far, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to its predecessor, adding just enough new features to keep things exciting.
The Switch 2 is set to launch in June 2025, with the base model priced at €470. For those eager to jump in, a bundle with Mario Kart World will be available for €510, making it an irresistible offer for fans of Nintendo’s iconic franchise. We’ll keep you updated as we get closer to launch and learn more about what this next-gen console has to offer.