The SNES, N64, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Wii — they’re all legendary Nintendo gaming consoles. And you can add the Nintendo Switch to that list, thanks to its game-changing hybrid design. In fact, with over 150 million units sold, it’s Nintendo’s biggest home console hit ever!
That means the new Switch 2 has some pretty big boots to fill, and we wanted to see if it delivers. We ended up testing the Nintendo Switch 2 & Mario Kart World bundle, not only because we love Mario Kart, but it saved us a few quid compared to buying the system and game separately.
So, here’s how we’re finding the Nintendo Switch 2 after playing it for a few weeks. From unboxing and testing out its bumped-up Joy-Cons, to seeing how even old Switch games perform on the new hardware.
Unboxing the Switch 2
The Switch 2’s packaging is pretty sturdy, with the main box reinforced by an additional outer sleeve. And straight after taking the console out, it felt like a step up in quality from the OG Switch. That’s not to say the old console is like a toy, but the new system’s chassis is definitely more robust.
Its larger screen was immediately noticeable too, being 1.6 times bigger. But that extra real estate hardly makes it feel any heavier, so it’s perfectly comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions.
What’s in the box?
Here’s everything that you get in the Switch 2 & Mario Kart World bundle:
Nintendo Switch 2 dock
Joy-Con 2 grip
USB-C charging cable
Ultra High Speed HDMI cable
Mario Kart World (download code)
Information leaflet
Setting it up (and switchin’ data) was easy
We’ve covered initial set up steps with first things to do with the Switch 2 so were ready to get it set up. First, the obvious stuff - plug the dock into a TV and stick it on charge. Then after completing some initial steps came the big and scary part — system transfer. This is where you move all your Switch 1 data over to the new console, including your users, purchased digital games, save data, and system settings.
We were confident it’d go without a hitch, but it’s always a little nerve-wracking moving data between devices. Luckily, everything transferred fine in about 10-15 minutes. And then we were up and running.
The Switch 2 menu is super familiar
Coming from the original Switch, firing up the Switch 2 for the first time felt totally the same. The menu is almost like-for-like, and as we’d transferred all the data from our old system, the Switch games we’d recently played showed up on screen straight away. It literally lets you pick up from where you left off, so you don’t have to faff around with anything else. The smooth transfer means old retro Nintendo Switch Online games are still playable. All the cloud data was there, so old game saves of Goldeneye and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time fired up without any hiccups.
Joy-Con 2 controllers
With the Switch 2 docked in TV mode, we removed the Joy-Con 2 controllers and gave them a go playing Goldeneye. They’re slightly bigger size compared to the Switch’s Joy-Cons makes aiming a bit more precise, with the bulkier thumbsticks making movements feel a lot smoother.
In handheld, their magnet attachments feels way faster and more satisfying than those Switch 1 rail connections. Removing them takes no time at all either. Just press a small button at the back of each Joy-Con, and it’ll push them away from the grip enough for you to pull each one out.
Fortunately, the new Switch 2 will still work with older Switch Pro Controllers. While tempted to try the new Switch 2 version, you might not be able to part with your limited-edition Zelda gamepad. It might take a little longer to get everything paired, but it’s worth the wait for a favourite old controller.
It’s a big “wahoo” for Mario Kart World
Nintendo really has supercharged the franchise with this game. You get to go wheel-to-wheel against 24 racers rather than 12, there are brand-new circuits to learn that are interconnected on a huge map, plus all kinds of vehicles to unlock and get to grips with. But one of the coolest new gameplay features is grinding rails. With so many drivers on track, there are loads of shells and bananas to dodge — and this is a great way to stay out of danger and gain the edge.
Our favourite part of the game though is the Knockout Tour in online multiplayer mode. It’s a mad dash that has you tearing across several tracks with various checkpoints. At each one, the last few drivers in the running order will be eliminated until you’re left with just the podium contenders.
In both TV mode and handheld modes, the graphics in Mario Kart World look amazing. It’s extra spectacular on the sea circuits that have you riding waves, with water effects looking really impressive. The Switch 2’s built-in display is definitely brighter and more detailed than the Switch’s too (it’s got twice as many pixels plus HDR support), so you don’t lose any of the magic when gaming on the go.
Nintendo Classics bring back amazing memories
The Switch 2 is a great platform for cherished Nintentdo titles. Nintendo Switch Online membership gives you access to loads of retro Nintendo games. That includes SNES, Game Boy Advance, and N64 classics. And exclusive to Switch 2, you can now play various GameCube titles from a library that’ll keep on growing.
With the way the cloud save system works, you don’t have to worry about these games taking up internal storage space on the Switch 2 either. It’s got 256 GB built in already, so it’s good knowing that you’ll have loads of room for upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games.
Here's every GameCube Classic you can currently play, plus what’s in the pipeline:
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Soulcalibur II
F-ZERO GX
Mario Smash Football
Chibi-Robo!
Luigi’s Mansion — 30 October 2025
Super Mario Sunshine — TBC
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance — TBC
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness — TBC
Pokémon Colosseum — TBC
Games load faster
The Nintendo Switch 2’s RAM (memory) has been upgraded from 4 GB to 12 GB. And for a huge game like Mario Kart World, it’s clear to see why it was needed. Tracks load in a flash, keeping the global road trip rolling with fewer pit stops and more high-speed action.
We even tried Red Dead Redemption for Switch to see if it would run faster on the Switch 2. Visually it’s more or less the same, but load times do feel snappier.
Conclusion
So, is the Switch 2 worth it? Absolutely. From Mario Kart World to reliving GameCube glory days, it’s a blast. The bulked-up Joy-Cons feel great, the screen’s a stunner and everything just runs smoother — even old faves.
The setup was a breeze too, with the system data transfer not causing any drama (thankfully). The Switch 2’s got that magic mix of nostalgia and next-gen sparkle.
We’ve got more Nintendo advice!
If you’ve just added Nintendo’s new console to your basket, make sure to read our first things to do with the Switch 2 guide when it arrives. From moving data from your old Switch to setting up cool online features, it has all the advice you’ll need for making a perfect start on Switch 2. And see which titles are coming soon in our upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2025 and 2026 article.
