The time has come for Digital Foundry to deliver its verdict on the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and overall they are impressed with the new system. However, there are naturally instances where they have been less impressed. The hardware is capable, but the screen is a contention point due to its blurring characteristics which are “easily worse than the 2017 Switch’s display.” They also take issue with VRR and HDR, though the console build quality is very good. In summary they close by saying that “this is the original Switch revised and refined into a generally more pleasing and more effective unit.”
“In terms of hardware design, we’re happy overall with Nintendo’s choices. Despite being significantly larger than Switch 1, the thinness of the handheld remains much the same, making it feel significantly less bulky than Steam Deck and other PC handhelds. Similarly, the bigger screen can make for a more immersive experience and colour reproduction is significantly improved over the original model. What’s also surprising – and highly appreciated – is the number of games that either run at native 1080p in handheld mode (like Mario Kart World, for example) or use DLSS to upscale to 1080p, delivering pleasing results.”
“However, the screen itself is problematic in a number of ways. Nintendo promised HDR, but an edge-lit LCD that barely tops out at 420 nits will never deliver anything like a decent high dynamic range experience with the signature HDR contrast and highlights almost completely absent in handheld play. Even more disappointing is motion quality: the Switch 2 LCD has blurring characteristics that are easily worse than the 2017 Switch’s display. Side by side with the Switch OLED panel, the key problems with Nintendo’s choice for Switch 2 come into sharp focus – it’s simply nowhere near as good.”
“There are clear problems with Switch 2’s VRR (variable refresh rate) functionality too. Now, in theory, we believe that there’s no reason why it should not work effectively. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour software includes a VRR showcase that demonstrates what we think is a 40-120Hz VRR window, but crucially it also reveals support for LFC – low frame-rate compensation – outside of that window. A fully featured VRR on Switch 2 is possible!”
“In summary, our thoughts on Switch 2 are generally positive. Screen apart, the hardware is well-built: the revised Joy Cons are an improvement, the larger form factor is not too onerous and the tiny quality of life improvements (such as little ‘feet’ on the bottom of the unit) are appreciated. This is the original Switch revised and refined into a generally more pleasing and more effective unit, delivering a proper generational upgrade with highly impressive efficiency. It comes to something when, screen apart, the biggest criticism I personally have concerns that limited length USB-C cables provided for the power supply and especially the camera. Thankfully, the USB-C cables are detachable and replaceable – but they should have been longer.”
