Nintendo Switch 2 Unboxing & GameStop Launch Highlights

I've loved Nintendo consoles for as long as I can remember. From the original Nintendo Entertainment System, there's always been something special about their blend of hardware and software. While I had to wait for systems as a kid, I'm now fortunate enough to get new hardware when I want. So, when Nintendo finally confirmed the Switch 2, I knew I had to have one. Tonight, I headed to our local GameStop to pick up my pre-order and chat with fellow gamers. Let's unbox it and dive into my first reactions!

First Impressions: What's in the Box?
Straight out of the box, you get the Switch 2 console, the new left and right Joy-Con 2s, a Joy-Con 2 grip, a USB cable, a power supply, and an HDMI cable. You also get wrist straps for the Joy-Cons, which double as sliders for "mouse mode."

Feel and Form Factor
Thanks to a manufacturer of Switch 2 accessories, I was lucky enough to get a dummy unit weeks ago, so I already had an idea of the fit and feel. The real deal, however, is considerably heavier than that mock-up. This is definitely a hefty device! It feels every bit of 25% larger and probably 25% heavier too.

Joy-Con 2: An Improvement?
I've never been a fan of the original Joy-Cons, but the Joy-Con 2 grips are more comfortable. The analog sticks are incredibly smooth, even without being Hall effect sensors. I also appreciate that the face buttons (A, B, X, Y) are physically larger, along with the directional buttons on the left Joy-Con. Still, I wish Nintendo had gone with a D-pad on the left Joy-Con instead of the button configuration.

The Dock: Familiar Yet Flexible
The Nintendo Switch 2 dock is identical to the Switch OLED's in terms of ports and configuration: two USB ports, a LAN port, an HDMI port, and, of course, a USB-C for power. One detail I didn't expect is the dock has a considerable amount of flex. I'm hoping this means users won't experience issues with the dock scratching the display.

The Power Supply Predicament
Upon initial inspection, the power supply seemed to feature the same specs as for the original Switch, OLED, and Lite, at least regarding output voltage and current. However, I was disappointed to learn that you must use the Switch 2's dedicated power supply with the system. I believe Nintendo should have ensured backward compatibility with existing power supplies. Now, users will not only have to move the dock between TVs but also plug and unplug the power supply—a real pain.

Setup and Initial Hiccups
From unboxing to initial setup took just a few minutes. I was a bit surprised there wasn't a quick start guide in the box; instead, it's integrated into the initial setup. I had some trouble connecting the Switch 2 to my TV, but quickly discovered the issue: as I pointed out above, trying to use my original Switch OLED's power supply was a no go. You absolutely, 100% need the Switch 2's dedicated power supply. I'm hoping this means they've also resolved the power switching issues that bricked early Nintendo Switch systems when used with third-party docks.

Overall Thoughts
My initial thoughts are that this is a very well-put-together device. While I'm still in the setup phase, it's been a breeze. I'm not a fan of the completely different power supply, as it makes upgrading less convenient. The system also feels huge in hand, but I suppose that was part of the design, wasn't it?

A huge thank you to everyone outside our local GameStop who participated in interviews and chatted with us. I hope each and every one of you has an amazing time with your new system!

Did you get a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch? If so, which version did you pick up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!