Switch 2 Finally Unboxed: Launch Day Chaos & First Impressions

Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and we're diving deep into everything this new console offers based on initial unboxings and first impressions. Join us as we recount the excitement and chaos of launch day lines and walk you through the unboxing experience, from that distinct new console smell to revealing what's inside the surprisingly compact box.

We explore the console itself, noting its bigger 7.9-inch screen with thin bezels, its surprising heft and weight, and the much-improved kickstand that offers various angles. One source even noted a subtle glittery finish on the body and JoyCons. Learn about the new magnetic JoyCons that attach and detach with a satisfying mechanism, feel bigger and more ergonomic, boast smoother sticks and better haptics, and can even function as a mouse with special bumper attachments. Plus, the console comes with a pre-installed screen protector.

We'll also break down the beefier dock, now featuring a built-in fan, 4K output, and an Ethernet port similar to the Switch OLED model. Get the lowdown on the accessories, including the $85 Pro Controller with back buttons, headphone jack, and microphone, the tiny $55 camera designed for Game Chat video feeds, the $25 Joy-Con wheels, and more. We touch upon the costs of the console and accessories.

Hear about the initial setup process, including the necessary day one update and system transfer. Plus, we share first impressions on gameplay: how games like Breath of the Wild and Fantasy Life appear dramatically improved on the crisper, smoother screen, and early thoughts on Mario Kart World's new modes. And yes, for those wondering, we cover the infamous taste test of the new red game cartridges.

It's an "obvious upgrade" that feels like a continuation of the Switch legacy, marking the beginning of a new era in Nintendo handheld gaming.