The gaming world has been buzzing ever since Nintendo dropped the announcement for the Nintendo Switch 2 on January 17. But with so many PC handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go offering impressive features, is the Switch 2 worth the hype? Let’s break it down.

What’s New

At first glance, the Switch 2 looks pretty similar to the original Switch, but there are some key updates:

  • Bigger Screen: The display is now 8 inches (up from 7), which means more screen real estate for handheld gaming.
  • Dock Upgrade: The dock now shows the top of the screen, giving you quick access to notifications and the time.
  • Joy-Con Revamp: Nintendo redesigned the Joy-Cons to make them clickable for easier attachment, and here’s the cool part—they can now double as a mouse. It’s giving Lenovo Legion Go vibes, which introduced a similar feature for FPS games.
  • Backward Compatibility: All your old Switch games, both physical and digital, will work on the new console. That’s a win for anyone who’s built up a decent library.

The Mario Kart Comeback

Now, this was the cherry on top of the announcement: a brand-new Mario Kart game. Can you believe it’s been 11 years since we got a fresh one? Sure, Mario Kart 8 had tons of updates and DLCs, but it’s exciting to see something truly new. Check this video below:

The Competition

Here’s where things get tricky. The Switch 2 isn’t launching in a vacuum—it’s up against some seriously powerful PC handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. And let’s face it, those devices have some big advantages:

  • Your Whole Steam Library: On a PC handheld, you can access your existing library without spending more on games. That’s huge.
  • Performance Power: PC handhelds are packing better specs, making them a great option for graphically demanding games.

That said, Nintendo’s exclusives (Zelda, Mario, Pokémon) are still a massive draw. They’re the main reason a lot of us stick with the brand, and the Switch 2 will likely lean heavily on those franchises.

Concerns

Of course, there are a few things to keep an eye on:

  1. Joy-Con Durability: The new clickable design sounds convenient, but will it hold up over time? Nintendo hasn’t had the best track record here (Joy-Con drift, anyone?).
  2. Dock Stability: The new dock stick looks sleek, but what happens if it’s handled the wrong way? Durability could be a concern.
  3. Specs vs. Competition: Can the Switch 2 compete with the power of the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go? That’s a big question mark right now.

The Big Picture

There’s definitely potential here. The Switch 2 is shaping up to be a solid upgrade, especially for Nintendo fans who want access to their favorite franchises with some extra polish. But is it enough to sway gamers who might be tempted by PC handhelds? Hard to say.

The lack of details from Nintendo doesn’t help either. Aside from the design and a single game announcement, we don’t know much about the specs or what else the console will offer. This lack of info might explain why Nintendo’s stock dipped after the announcement.

Final Verdict

I’m cautiously optimistic. The Switch 2 will be a must-buy for fans of Nintendo’s exclusive games, but for anyone who already owns the original Switch, it might feel like a small step forward rather than a game-changing leap.

Hype Level: 3/5
There’s potential here, but I’m not completely sold yet. If Nintendo can deliver more exciting games or competitive hardware specs, that might change.

What do you think? Are you hyped for the Nintendo Switch 2, or are you sticking with what you’ve got? Let me know in the comments!

Rating: 3 out of 5.