The gaming console taking the world by storm The Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially landed, and it’s more than just a sequel. It’s a bold evolution of one of the most popular gaming consoles of the last decade. Designed to blend powerful performance with family-friendly features, this new generation console is aimed squarely at casual players, on-the-go users, and households looking for fun that everyone can enjoy.
With enhanced hardware, a vibrant display, 4K DLSS upscaling, and smarter Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 brings both innovation and familiarity. Whether you’re a long-time Nintendo fan or completely new to gaming, this could easily be the most accessible and versatile console of 2025.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Nintendo Switch 2 a must-have this year.
From the Nintendo Switch to Switch 2: What’s New?
The original Nintendo Switch launched in 2017 and revolutionized how we game, blending handheld and home console experiences. But in 2025, the Switch finally gets its much-needed upgrade, and it’s more than just a facelift.
Release Date: July 2025
Price in South Africa: Starting at R12,499
With smarter internals, a sharper display, DLSS-powered graphics, and new Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 is Nintendo’s most powerful and most premium console to date.
Key Features and Upgrades
Bigger & Better Display
- 7.9-inch LCD screen
- Full HD: 1920×1080 resolution
- HDR10 support
- 120Hz variable refresh rate
Compared to the 6.2-inch 720p display on the original Switch, this is a huge visual leap, perfect for handheld gaming or family use at the dinner table.
Redesigned Joy-Cons
- Magnetic mounting system
- Larger buttons and improved joysticks
- Enhanced SL/SR buttons for vertical gaming
- Quick-release and reconnection
- Mouse-mode scrolling with built-in sensor
Finally less drift, more comfort, and more control.
Power Under the Hood
- Custom Nvidia Tegra Chipset
- 12GB DDR5 RAM
- DLSS upscaling for 4K output while docked
- Games load faster, visuals are sharper, and performance is buttery smooth
Other Major Hardware Improvements
- Wider Kickstand 2.0 for desktop mode
- Stereo speakers with clearer audio
- Type-C port at the top for easier accessory use
- New user interface with personalized profiles
Backward Compatibility & Gaming Experience
Yes, your Switch One games will still work. Most titles run right out of the box, and many look and feel significantly better thanks to the improved hardware.Games like Mario Kart 9, Zelda, and Splatoon 4 feel more responsive, more polished, and more immersive than ever. Third-party ports also benefit from the performance boost, and load times have been slashed across the board.
Perfect for Families
Nintendo continues to dominate the family-friendly console space.
- Set up parental controls via the free app
- Create individual profiles for each family member
- Access games for all age groups, from Animal Crossing to Switch Fit
Local multiplayer still rocks with one Joy-Con per player, and you can use the Pro Controller for a more “serious” setup.
3 Ways to Play
- Handheld Mode – Perfect for travel
- Desktop Mode – Kick out the stand, place on a table, detach Joy-Cons
- Docked Mode – Place in the dock, connect to TV, and enjoy 4K upscaling
Controller Modes
- Freehand Play
- Attached to the console
- Pro Controller support
The Joy-Con even includes a built-in sensor that mimics mouse functionality, though support is still limited, for now.
The Downsides (Let’s Keep It Real)
1. Size
It’s not pocketable. At all. It’s wider and taller than the original, which makes it bulkier to carry around.
2. Battery Life
In demanding games, you could lose 1% every 2 minutes. Definitely an area that could use improvement.
3. Price Increase
- Base console: R12,499
- Mario Kart bundle: R13,499
- Vodacom contract option: from R509/month
Even accessories and game prices are on the rise, which makes it more of an investment than ever before.
Who Should Buy the Nintendo Switch 2?
- New to Nintendo? This is the console you’ve been waiting for.
- Casual gamers? It’s more refined, easier to use, and future-proof.
- Families? Still the most family-friendly console in the market.
- Upgrading from Switch 1? You’ll see major improvements in screen, performance, and Joy-Cons.
Hardcore FPS players (Call of Duty fans), this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re here for Nintendo classics like Mario, Zelda, and family fun, this is where you want to be.
Final Verdict: Nintendo Did It Again
The Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just an upgrade, it’s a thoughtful evolution of a console that already changed the game once. Sold 3.5 million units globally in its first 4 days, even outperforming the PS4 launch numbers. For casual players, families, and even moderate gamers, this console speaks to all and guarentees a good time.