Our Take
Nintendo's long-awaited successor to the original Switch, bundled with the new open-world Mario Kart entry. It targets existing Switch owners ready to upgrade and newcomers wanting a headline game included from the off. It sits at the premium end of handheld-hybrid gaming, competing broadly against cloud gaming and the Steam Deck rather than any direct console rival.
Key Features
Larger 1080p LCD screen compared to the original Switch's 720p panel
Magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers that attach without the original's sliding rail mechanism
New "C Button" on Joy-Con 2 enables mouse-like cursor control on flat surfaces
Backwards compatible with the vast majority of original Switch game cards and digital library
Mario Kart World included in this bundle features an open-world mode between races, not just traditional cups
Dock outputs up to 4K (upscaled) to a television
Our Verdict
A worthwhile upgrade for Switch owners frustrated by the original's performance ceiling, and a solid entry point for newcomers with the bundle softening the cost. Those satisfied with their current Switch library and unwilling to pay the premium, or who rarely use handhelds, should wait for a price drop.