The last eight years have been pivotal.

Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, we’ve experienced a worldwide pandemic, shifts in politics, and personal development. During this time, the Switch has remained a staple, recognized as one of Nintendo’s finest consoles.

So, what lies ahead? The answer is: an upgraded model. The Nintendo Switch 2 was released on June 5, swiftly becoming my preferred Nintendo console because of its hardware. It shattered sales records, achieving 3.5 million units sold within a week. This revamped hybrid console features improved performance, but that’s only part of its charm.

The Switch 2 stands out with its thoughtful design, often operating without a hitch. In the past, Nintendo hardware at times detracted from the enjoyment of its software, particularly with online gameplay. This has largely improved now.

Despite a few setup oddities, new virtual game cards, and a $450 cost (excluding games and accessories), I anticipate these concerns will diminish. In eight years, we will likely regard the Switch 2 as warmly as its forerunner.

Nintendo Switch 2 overview: The essentials

First off, I won’t be reviewing the Switch 2’s launch titles here. My views on them will soon be out of date. I will mention that Mario Kart World is entertaining, but if that’s not enough, you may want to wait before purchasing a Switch 2.

If you’ve been disconnected from the news, the Switch 2 is akin to the original. It’s a handheld device with detachable controllers that can be docked for TV play. It’s primarily backward compatible with Switch 1 games, and many run better on the Switch 2 due to enhancements or the new hardware itself.

If you’re a long-time Switch enthusiast, you can keep playing your current titles without needing to buy new ones. This aligns with the model established by the PS5 and Xbox Series X, so it’s to be expected.

Before getting into details, the Switch 2 feels fantastic in hand. It’s bigger than the original, which seemed toy-like after handling the Steam Deck. Nintendo sensibly maintained its slim profile, so although it has a larger surface area, it’s not overly bulky like other handheld gaming PCs. Weighing in at 1.18 pounds, it’s heavier than the predecessor but not difficult to manage. It feels solid, which I value.

The display looks nice, but not as stunning as OLED

For some, the Switch was rarely taken out of the dock; for others, it was always used in handheld mode. My interest in handheld gaming waned as a teenager when TVs became bigger and more attractive. The display of the Switch 2 is changing that perspective for me.

• 1080p resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• HDR support

• LCD panel

• 7.9 inches

This display is an inch larger than the original, providing HDR support, 1080p resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate.

However, it isn’t OLED, which might let down users who have a Switch OLED or Steam Deck OLED. The LCD of the Switch 2 falls short in color range and contrast compared to OLED, resulting in less vibrant visuals, particularly when toggling between TV and handheld modes.

Brightness is satisfactory. Despite these limitations, the resolution of the display