Nintendo Switch 2 review

The Nintendo Switch 2 ranks second and is the clear pick for anyone who wants Nintendo's own games, which run on no other device here. Nintendo lists a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD that supports HDR, VRR and up to 120 fps in compatible games, and the included dock outputs up to 4K on a TV in supported games. Storage is 256GB, eight times the original Switch, and the system reads microSD Express cards. The Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically and can be used like a mouse in compatible games, and the C button opens GameChat for voice chat and screen sharing with friends. The box includes the console, two Joy-Con 2 controllers, the dock, a grip and an HDMI cable, which makes setup simple for families. The store page lists a 5220 mAh battery but no play time range. Nintendo raised the U.S. MSRP from $449.99 to $499.99 on September 1, 2026. We compared documented features and published prices only.

Who it is for

Families and fans of Nintendo games

Price

$499.99 MSRP in the U.S. since September 1, 2026; bundles from $529.99.

Beginning on September 1, 2026, Nintendo of America will revise the MSRP of the Nintendo Switch 2 system in the U.S. from $449.99 to $499.99.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 7.9-inch 1080p LCD with HDR, VRR and up to 120 fps in compatible games
• Included dock for TV play in up to 4K in supported games
• 256GB of internal storage, 8x the original Nintendo Switch
• Magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers that also work like a mouse
• GameChat voice and screen sharing from the C button

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Only handheld here that plays Nintendo games such as Mario Kart World
• Strength: Dock, two Joy-Con 2 controllers, grip and HDMI cable included
• Strength: Plays compatible games from the Nintendo Switch library
• Weakness: U.S. price rose from $449.99 to $499.99 on September 1, 2026
• Weakness: Cannot run Steam, Xbox or other PC game stores
• Weakness: Nintendo does not list a battery life range on the store page

Key facts

• Price: $499.99 MSRP
• Screen: 7.9-inch 1080p LCD, up to 120 fps
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 5220 mAh
• TV output: Up to 4K via the included dock

Where it ranks

Nintendo Switch 2 is No. 2 in our Best Handheld Gaming Consoles verdict.